Nelson Mandela Square Tours and Activities

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 centre.

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.

Plan a trip to see Nelson Mandela Square

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Ten Bompas
The Peech Hotel
The Residence Boutique Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Nelson Mandela Square

@Sandton Hotel

@Sandton Hotel

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

ONOMO Hotel Johannesburg Sandton

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

The Michelangelo Towers

5 out of 5
8 Maud Street Sandown, Sandton, Gauteng
The Michelangelo Towers
Raphael Penthouse Suites

Raphael Penthouse Suites

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

Hotel Sky Sandton

3.5 out of 5
150 West St, Sandton, Gauteng
Hotel Sky Sandton
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 mix of activities, including shopping at nearby malls, enjoying the nightlife in Sandton, and indulging in local attractions. Sports enthusiasts can catch soccer and football matches, while golf lovers can tee off at Glendower Golf Club. With its lively atmosphere, the square is an ideal spot for a shopping trip and experiencing the dynamic culture of Johannesburg.

Shopping

The nearest shopping centre is Sandton City Mall, just 322m away, offering a variety of family-friendly shops and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, visit Rosebank Mall, 4.8km away, or the Fourways Farmers Market, 9.7km away, for unique gifts and local crafts.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant sports atmosphere at Ellis Park Stadium, only 9.7km from Nelson Mandela Square. For outdoor enthusiasts, The Wanderers Golf Club, located 3.2km away, offers a perfect golfing retreat. Enjoy family fun with Adventure Golf, a mini-golf venue just 6.4km from the square.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motorsport at Kyalami Racetrack, located 12.9km from Nelson Mandela Square, where the adrenaline of racing fills the air. For a unique adventure, Lazer Quest, situated 4.8km away, offers an exciting laser tag experience. Don't miss bungee jumping at Orlando Towers, 17.7km away, for an unforgettable rush.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Nelson Mandela Square with a visit to the Victory Theatre, just 6.4km away, offering a mix of culture and entertainment. Alternatively, check out the Joburg Theatre or the Linda Auditorium, both within 6 and 8.0km respectively, for captivating performances and family-friendly vibes.

Find the best attractions near Nelson Mandela Square

Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton is a vibrant hub for tourists, featuring a mix of cultural and outdoor experiences. You can explore local attractions such as event venues, history museums, and urban parks. Whether you’re interested in the rich history or simply enjoying the urban landscape, there’s plenty to discover near Mandela Square, making it an ideal spot for a memorable visit in Johannesburg.

  • University of Witwatersrand: This historic university, located 9.7km from Nelson Mandela Square, offers rich cultural vibes, showcasing South Africa's academic heritage and stunning architecture, making it a great spot for history enthusiasts.
  • 4th Avenue Parkhurst: A vibrant street just 4.8km away, 4th Avenue Parkhurst is known for its trendy cafes, boutique shops, and lively atmosphere, perfect for experiencing the local city vibes and enjoying a leisurely stroll.
  • Nelson Mandela Bridge: Situated 9.7km from the square, this modern bridge connects the city with its impressive design. It's a picturesque spot to appreciate urban landscapes and take memorable photos against the city skyline.

Best time to go to Nelson Mandela Square

Visitor numbers around Nelson Mandela Square is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 LowAverage
May59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
June53.2°F (11.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
July53.1°F (11.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
August58.8°F (14.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
September66.4°F (19.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October69.1°F (20.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
November69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
December70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Nelson Mandela Square

When visiting Nelson Mandela Square, take advantage of the free entry and explore nearby attractions like Sandton City Mall and Montecasino. For budget-friendly accommodation, consider visiting between November and January, as prices drop during these months. Saturday is the best day for cheaper stays, while Tuesday tends to be the priciest. Utilize Expedia's search tool to compare prices, find discount hotels, and book eco-certified options. Combining your hotel with flights and activities through a package deal can also save you money on your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Nelson Mandela Square are November 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 Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel stay at Nelson Mandela Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.