Nelson Mandela Square Tours

Photo by Darryn Letley
Photo by Rich  Rose


Indulge in some retail therapy, dine in an open-air piazza and browse the stalls of an antique fair at this commercial and entertainment center.

Shop, dine and relax at Nelson Mandela Square, a large public square and commercial hub. Find cafés, restaurants, exclusive retailers and a theater, all set around an attractive European-styled piazza.

Take a look at the imposing bronze statue of anti-apartheid activist and former South African president Nelson Mandela. Standing 20-feet (6-meters) tall, it is the focal point of the square and commemorates the first decade of South African democracy.

Step inside the square’s mall and browse more than 80 stores and boutiques for exclusive jewelry pieces, artworks, leather goods and tailored clothing. Keep your eye open for a bargain and collectors’ items at the square’s Antique Fair, which attracts up to 70 dealers. Find costume jewelry, ceramic figurines, glassware and embroidered items, among other items. The fair runs on the first Sunday of every month.

Enjoy alfresco dining in the cafés and restaurants that line the square. Choose from a variety of cuisines including traditional African dishes and European fare.Nelson Mandela Square is also a good place to come for some culture. Watch musicals, concerts, plays and stand-up comedy at the Old Mutual Theatre, known locally as the Theatre on the Square. The schedule includes matinees and evening performances as well as special events for kids. Details are available on the theater’s official website.

Nelson Mandela Square sits in the heart of the commercial suburb of Sandton. It is about a 20-minute drive north from downtown Johannesburg. For those arriving by car, there is a large metered car park. If you are coming by public transport, the metro bus and trains stop a short walk from the square.

Nelson Mandela Square’s shops and restaurants are open daily, including public holidays. Hours vary for each business and attraction, so check the square’s official website for details. For even more shopping experiences, visit the nearby Sandton City, a shopping mall that is home to around 300 retailers, restaurants and an 11-screen cinema.

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Best Lodging Options Near Nelson Mandela Square

Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square

Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square

5 out of 5
2 Maude Street, Corner of 5th Street, Sandton, Gauteng
Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel

Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel

4 out of 5
Corner Rivonia Rd. And West St., Benmore, Sandton, Gauteng
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel
@Sandton Hotel

@Sandton Hotel

3 out of 5
5 Benmore Rd, Sandton, Gauteng
@Sandton Hotel
ONOMO Hotel Johannesburg Sandton

ONOMO Hotel Johannesburg Sandton

3.5 out of 5
135 West Street, Sandton, Gauteng
ONOMO Hotel Johannesburg Sandton
The Michelangelo Towers

The Michelangelo Towers

5 out of 5
8 Maud Street Sandown, Sandton, Gauteng
The Michelangelo Towers
Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton

Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton

4 out of 5
20 Maude Street, Sandton, Gauteng
Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton
Raphael Penthouse Suites

Raphael Penthouse Suites

5 out of 5
South Wing Nelson Mandela Squ Fifth St, Sandton, Gauteng
Raphael Penthouse Suites
NH Johannesburg Sandton Hotel

NH Johannesburg Sandton Hotel

5 out of 5
138 Rivonia Road, Johannesburg, Gauteng
NH Johannesburg Sandton Hotel
BlackBrick Sandton Two

BlackBrick Sandton Two

3.5 out of 5
22 Fredman Dr, Sandton, Gauteng
BlackBrick Sandton Two
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Nelson Mandela Square

Nelson Mandela Square offers a vibrant shopping experience with a variety of boutiques, luxury retailers, and local crafts. Visitors can explore the lively atmosphere while enjoying nearby dining options and entertainment. Additionally, soccer enthusiasts can catch a game or participate in related activities, making it a perfect spot for both shopping and sports lovers alike.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Sandton City Mall, only 0.2 miles from Nelson Mandela Square, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and shopping. Melrose Arch Shopping Centre, 2 miles away, features family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, visit Fourways Farmers Market, located 6 miles away, for a unique local flair.

Recreation

At Wanderers Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events, just a short distance from Nelson Mandela Square. For a relaxing day on the greens, head to the Wanderers Golf Club, where you can enjoy a scenic round of golf amidst beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Kyalami Racetrack, located 8 miles from Nelson Mandela Square. For a fun family outing, navigate the twists and turns of Honeydew Mazes, situated 10 miles away. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, try bungee jumping at Orlando Towers, 11 miles away.

Nightlife

Nelson Mandela Square boasts a vibrant nightlife, with venues like Victory Theater, Joburg Theatre, and Kinder Theatre offering captivating performances just a few miles away. Enjoy a mix of culture and entertainment, perfect for a romantic evening or a fun family outing in a lively atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Nelson Mandela Square

Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including event venues, urban parks, and history museums. This area is perfect for travelers seeking cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and a taste of the city's rich history. Nearby points of interest and attractions enhance your visit, making it easy to explore everything Nelson Mandela Square has to offer, from local dining to unique shopping experiences.

  • Sandton Convention Centre: Located a short walk from Nelson Mandela Square, this modern venue is perfect for business travelers. With state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant atmosphere, it often hosts international conferences and events, making it a hub for networking and innovation.
  • University of Witwatersrand: About 6 miles away, this historic university is steeped in culture and academic excellence. Its beautiful architecture and engaging art exhibitions provide a glimpse into South Africa's rich educational heritage.
  • Johannesburg Botanical Garden: Situated 5 miles from the square, this serene garden offers a perfect escape into nature. Ideal for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts, it features lush landscapes, walking trails, and picnic spots.

Best time to go to Nelson Mandela Square

The best time to visit Nelson Mandela Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Nelson Mandela Square falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Nelson Mandela Square falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
May59.0°F (15.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
June53.2°F (11.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
July53.1°F (11.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
August58.8°F (14.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
September66.4°F (19.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
November69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
December70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Nelson Mandela Square

To save money during your visit to Nelson Mandela Square, consider traveling in April or December to January for lower accommodation rates. Book your stay on a Saturday for the best prices and avoid Mondays when costs peak. Use Expedia to compare hotel options, and explore package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and help you earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Don’t forget to look for flexible booking options and minute deals to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Nelson Mandela Square are April and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, May and July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Nelson Mandela Square is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Nelson Mandela Square is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Nelson Mandela Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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