How to Spend 4 Hours Shopping in Joburg

If you’ve just got a couple of hours to go shopping in Joburg, then head to Rosebank Mall and the Zone for the best collection of local brands and market vibes.

I’ve taken several friends and visitors on this route and it’s a sure way for everyone to get a little bit of everything whether you’re looking for African print dresses and beads to new-age fashion from the country’s top designers.

Rosebank and the Zone are technically two different shopping malls but are connected. Rosebank Mall is the literal indoor mall portion, and the Zone is an indoor-outdoor mall area with an excellent restaurant and cafe selection as well.

Use this shopping in Joburg guide for the perfect self-guided tour of my favorite collection of shops in town. I usually do this little tour in about 4 hours, including lunch. However, you can easily breeze through the shops at a faster pace or stop at more and make it longer.

If you’re spending time in Joburg, check out my Johannesburg Itinerary or if you’re searching for a gift, check out my favorite places to gift shop.

Shopping in Joburg Route

Rosebank

Start off the Shopping in Joburg route by heading up the escalator towards Exclusive Books. Check out the South African Fiction section or buy a coffee table book on safari animals.

Then, go across to Soko District. This is a collection of local brands, each with its own stall in a market-like setup. Browse the shoes, leather goods, food, and clothing. I love visiting Exodus; I’ve bought two dresses for weddings from here. They have really unique and classy clothing at a great price. The Shweshwe Bikini collection is also a unique find here with swimwear featuring the traditional Shweshwe patterns.

Because Soko District is a collection, there is occasionally turnover so if you don’t see one of these brands here, they’ve moved on but I’m sure there will be something else interesting there for you.

If you’ve got to buy something for a sports fan in your life, then go across to Sportsman Wearhouse. Here you can get hats, shirts, and other sports paraphernalia for South Africa’s teams. I’ve bought several hats and beanies for my cousins and uncle from here.  

Then, visit Haute Afrika on the ground floor. Haute Afrika has African print dresses in gorgeous designs. Sometimes I skip this shop, sometimes not.

For contemporary wear, my favorite shop is Forever New. Although it’s an Australian brand, not South African, I’m obsessed with all their work wear and dresses. My sister bought a linen dress here when I took my family on this tour. I always make people stop here because I want to look for myself to be honest…

If you need to get some basic sorta gifts, head to Woolworths (aka Woolies) and pick up rooibos tea, braai spices, and biltong.

Next, head back outside. If you want to send a postcard internationally, do so at the Postnet. It literally takes about 3 months to send a postcard to the US or Europe.

Then, visit the African Craft Market in the basement of the mall. This is basically the only “African” style market in town that people may typically associate with. South Africa is better known for more classy markets like literally all of these, but if you want masks, artwork, beads, and to negotiate, this is the place to do it. The Rosebank Sunday Market has many of these vendors and more on the upper floor of the parking lot. If you can plan ahead, then do this shopping trip on a Sunday morning to visit that too.

You can pay by card in the market after doing your negotiating—though be warned that some sellers won’t negotiate.

I love the beaded purses and necklaces whenever I visit.

The Zone

After exploring Rosebank Mall, exit and head on over to the zone. There are two lanes that will take you to the outdoor courtyard with all the restaurants, before you get there you’ll stop at some of my favorite shops along the way.

On the left-hand lane, stop at Freedom of Movement for shoes and leather goods.

Across, you’ll find Dr. Pachanaga. This shop has the most unique handbags in the country! They also show up at markets like the Linden Market and the Playground. The owner, originally from Congo, sources unique prints and then makes just 10 of each type of handbag. You can get a cute satchel or even a laptop bag. I’m obsessed. When I took my mom and aunt shopping, they bought 9 bags between the two of them!

Then, stop into The Space. Here, you can get gorgeous clothes, shoes, and accessories for both men and women. The men’s section is past the dressing room. When we first moved to Joburg, my first big shopping day was at the Space because they had (and continue to have) an amazing sale.

Next, go into Big Blue. From homeware and clothing to funky gifts, you can get a little bit of everything at Big Blue. One of the most unique things to get here is the funny South African Shirts that’ll have a funny braai saying or a picture of the famous Lion matches.

Finally, cross the outdoor courtyard and head up the escalators towards the EGG. Like Soko District, the EGG is a collection of (mostly) local designers, with some international brands thrown in. I love it! I suggest going by every single stall. Occasionally, the brands will change around but the entire concept of the EGG is excellent. There is also a make-up and jewelry section.

The end! There are a ton of international brands around the mall and in the Zone so explore further yourself too.

Where to Eat After Shopping

After all the shopping, you must be hungry! Check out some of my favorites in the courtyard section of the Zone.

Stop at Mama Samba for cool drinks in a jungle-themed restaurant. The food is a fusion of everything from curry to sushi. I mostly suggest this spot for a fun drink upstairs rather than a full meal.

Visit Fugazzio for pasta and pizza that takes inspiration from New York Italians.

I like Lexi’s Health Eatery for its great veg and vegan selection as well as coffee, smoothies, and more.

Afternoon shopping date with my sister and friend, Joyce!

Proud Mary is a classic, Joburg favorite with international fare for everything from breakfast to dinner.

For a cup of coffee, stop at Father Coffee. It has some of the best coffee in town. These guys are legit.

Momo XO is part of a chain of restaurants around Joburg. Each focuses on a different aspect of Asian food. Momo XO specializes in sushi and it’s delish.

For a quick snack, visit Yalla for excellent shawarmas. I took my parents here and we could barely finish ours.

Wohoo! Thanks to my parents for the schwarma and fashion advice when shopping

All the restaurants are basically next to each other so you can go without a plan and just see what catches your eye.

How to get to Rosebank and the Zone

There is secure underground and garage parking for the mall. There is also an outdoor parking area. If you Uber, the Rosebank Mall drop-off location here is best to start this tour. To end, use the Zone pick-up location at the end of the pedestrian walk at News Cafe. There is always a security guard there but I usually wait inside a shop to check my phone for the Uber license and then go outside when the car is close by so I don’t have my phone out.

As with anywhere in Joburg, look out for your phone and keep your purse closed.