Formerly known as Sandton Square, this hub of city life in Johannesburg was renamed Nelson Mandela Square in 2004 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the birth of South Africa's democracy. Also the home of the Nelson Mandela statue, which was unveiled when the square was renamed, the square serves not only as a tribute to the famed president's historic efforts to bring peace to the nation but also a focal point where visitors and locals alike can contemplate the country's turbulent past. An Italian-style piazza full of shops, restaurants, and galleries, located near world-class hotels and the city's financial district, this is a must-see for any visitor to Johannesburg.
The Rooftop Market at the Rosebank Mall has been a Sunday tradition in Johannesburg for years. A cultural hub as well as a shopaholic's paradise, the market sells a range of art, trinkets, CDs, clothes, jewelry and antiques of both African and Western origin. African dance performances and other cultural programs are also hosted here from time to time.
Traders from all over Africa sell hand-made curios and collectibles from rural areas, to locals and visitors. The food area is a connoisseur's delight - buy freshly made pesto, pasta, fragrant Italian breads and cheeses. There are also performances of live music by locals, adding to the vibrant feel of the market.
A unique shopping center, where every shopkeeper owns their store, Oriental Plaza is a true bargain hunters destination. Over 360 shops are housed here, each offering its own unique array of bargains, and best of all, bartering is expected, so the best deals are always within reach. Everything from exotic jewlery, to bright and beautiful fabrics, to spices and toys are available, making this a one-stop center for just about anything you might need. A variety of restaurants are also located at the center, with such delicious options as samoosas, candy, and curry. Contact each shop owner for information about their store. A full directory can be found on the center's website.
Beautiful clay pots and other wares lined on the street indicate the entrance into this treasure trove of artisan crafts. Amatuli is a shop which offers handcrafted pieces of art and photography from Africa, China, Indonesia and India. Handwoven cloth, photo prints, furniture, pottery and canvases are only a few of the items found in this shop. Art exhibitions are also organized here wherein each piece is up for sale.
Housed in a 15-story building, the Neighbourgoods Market's structure impresses you with the mural artwork by Eduard Villa. Open every Saturday through the morning and afternoon, the Neighbourgoods Market is a nice place to spend a warm morning, whether you want to enjoy browsing through local artisan products, sample the various delicacies cooked up by local chefs or get fresh food fresh from the farmers' produce. Besides the fresh produce, the market comes alive during the various festivities like the We Love Real Craft Beer Festival, the Barrel and Vine Festival Festival and so on that happen throughout the year.
Located in the trendy suburb of Melville, Antique Bathrooms are specialists in creating genuine and unique Victorian bathrooms. Upon entering this exciting shop, prepare to be dazzled by the selection of original ball and claw baths. However, this shop believes in a holistic approach to bathrooms. Also available are an interesting range of tiles, mixer taps, towel railings, high level systems, showers, sinks, light fittings and accessories. The bathroom should be a luxurious and relaxing space in the home. Antique Bathrooms believe this and take great pleasure in re-designing your bathroom and living space.
You can find this quirky place on the corner of Diagonal 14 and President Street. As the name suggests it is not a museum but a medicine shop. You will find some weird and most bizarre medicines sold here. It is one of the leading stores selling Muti which is a traditional herbal homeopathic medicines. There are wide array of dried herbs as well a some different kind of remedies including monkey skulls, dried crocodile feet and so on. You can even meet a sangoma who practises traditional medicine. Do come for your daily dose of weirdness.
The large Woolworths store, at the intersection of Eloff and Market Streets is a popular shopping venue in Marshalltown. The Woolworths stores are presently spread all over Johannesburg, in most neighborhoods of the city. Woolies, as they are nicknamed, are often claimed to be Marks and Spencers of South Africa. These department stores boast of a expansive inventory that includes apparel for men and women, clothes for children of all ages, footwear and other accessories, gifting items, groceries, fresh produce, food products, packaged food items and lots more.
Brass tea kettles, wooden accessory boxes, period lights and some dainty time-honored chandeliers make up an exuberant antique collection at Mahlah's Antiques. Owners Jane and Tome have crafted a rare list of collectibles and vintage items in the heart of Johannesburg. At Mahlah's, one can shop for old lights dating back to Edwardian, Victorian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras. Additionally, it sells ancient time keeping devices, weighing scales and other knickknacks in working condition.
Art Africa, consisting of two separate sections, specializes in handcrafted African objects d'art and curios. The front section of the store contains mostly contemporary southern African crafts like beautiful hand-painted ceramics, jewelery, picture-frames, lampshades, carved and painted figures, and pewter. The rear section is a delight to collectors of authentic African artifacts, containing, among a myriad of items, Ghanaian Kente cloths, Yoruba figurines, Luba headrests and Xhosa pipes.
Located in a charming converted old house, Barter and Buy Antiques is a browser's paradise and is filled to the rafters with a cornucopia of lovingly restored antique and art deco objects. Those in the market for something out-of-the-ordinary are guaranteed not to leave empty handed. Barter and Buy Antiques stocks all manner of objects including chairs, tables, wall cabinets, light fittings, clocks and paintings.