Where to stay in Johannesburg - The Scribs and Nibs

Deciding where to rest your head on vacation is a serious task! If you’re looking up where to stay in Johannesburg, either for yourself or for visiting friends and family, here is my list of great Airbnbs and hotels around town.

You likely will be ubering around Joburg to get between your destinations. Uber is cheap and easy to use here. Check out my top 10 things to do in Joburg if you need inspiration for your trip and the best Joburg itinerary with a 4-day plan to explore the city, as well as safari and day trip activities.

Do you want to stay in a family-sized Airbnb?

Traveling with friends, family, kids, or just want more space for yourself? An Airbnb may be the best option for where to stay in Johannesburg, especially if you plan to spend more than 4 days in Joburg. You’ll also have the option to buy groceries, do laundry, and make your own food if you feel like it.

Parkhurst

There are great shops and restaurants in Parkhurst and it’s one of the trendiest areas of Joburg. It will be safe to walk from your Airbnb to the shops/restaurants on 4th Ave.

Check out Airbnbs like:

Parkhurst street vibes

Linden

Wilhelm and I live in Linden and it has a very village-like feel to the neighborhood. There are a few guest houses in the area and some Airbnbs. Parkhurst is just a 5 min drive/uber away. Linden is more of a local spot than a tourist destination and would also be great for someone who is spending a month or more in Joburg.

4^th Ave (different than in Parkhurst…) has a lot of cute cafes and restaurants. The only Caribbean eatery in the city is here, Brian Lara. On our intersection, there is a wonderful cheese shop/cafe, Oregano bakery, a Joburg favorite Chinese place, and South African fusion cafe Karibu.

Check out Airbnbs like:

Karibu in Linden

Central to everything: Rosebank

When Wilhelm and I were considering where to stay in Johannesburg when we moved here, we decided on Rosebank. This area has a little bit of a corporate vibe to it but it’s also close to everything. The Rosebank Mall (home to the Sunday Market) was so convenient for us as there are several grocery stores, local designer shops, home goods, and so much more at the mall that we needed to help get settled. (Okay so, I didn’t need to visit the local designers at The Space, one of the best collections of South African fashion designers, but I wanted to).

There are lots of apartment-hotels that’ll have service and amenities while also giving you the feeling that you live in Joburg. You’ll probably only uber 15 minutes max to most destinations around Joburg if you stay in Rosebank. There are also lovely homes in the surrounding neighborhoods of Parktown, Melrose Estate, and Birdhaven.

Check out Airbnbs like:

Beautiful Executive Apartment Rosebank
“Under Syringa”- a spacious home for longer stays
The Best of Tyrwhitt Rosebank (We stayed in this building)
Beautiful apartment close to Rosebank Corporates
Oak Tree Cottage (Birdhaven)

A popular hotel in the area is the Radisson RED, which has great food and a cool rooftop. It’s also got the benefit of being located by tiled, Joburg skyline steps and its own angel wings (a popular insta photo location). If you visit during jacaranda season, many jacaranda walking, biking, and scooter tours start here.

The entrance to the Radisson RED is so cool.

Looking for a unique downtown Joburg experience?

Think about the Hallmark House Hotel (which has our favorite rooftop in the city and our favorite restaurant, the Marabi Club). At Hallmark House, you will have to uber to all your destinations in the town (as most will do anyway) but it’s truly a downtown Joburg experience.

Or, stay at Curiocity in one of the coolest areas of the city called Maboneng. Here, walking on the main street that Curiocity is on is safe. Just don’t go further unless you’re on a tour.

If you’re intrigued by the history of Ponte City, stay in this Airbnb apartment and get some of the city’s best views. You’ll have to uber everywhere but that’s not uncommon. Tours operate frequently in the building so residents are used to foreigners.

Apartment 1513 is one of the most sought-after CBD apartments in Joburg with incredible city views and an exclusive downtown experience.

Rooftop at Hallmark Hotel Johannesburg entrance

Hallmark Hour entrance (left) and the streets of Maboneng (right)

Popular (boutique) hotels around Joburg

Take a look at these boutique hotels for where to stay in Johannesburg.

Pablo House is a small boutique hotel with great views over the city. They are also home to a cozy restaurant, Dos Manos.
Northcliff Boutique Hotel and the Four Seasons both have excellent jacaranda views of the city from late October to early November.
A house with history, Satyagraha House is where Mohandas Gandhi stayed in Joburg when he lived in South Africa between 1893 to 1914.
The Houghton Hotel is a classic hotel that has received numerous awards for its restaurant, spa, and the hotel itself.
Wilhelm’s parents stayed at the Peech Hotel in Birdhaven when they visited in December 2020. The hotel is modern and is next to a corner with excellent cafes, like Bird Coffee, Arbour Cafe, and the Gourmet Grocer. This neighborhood is lined with gorgeous jacaranda trees and has some of the oldest in the city. Check out where the best spots are in this post.
Zoo Lakes BNB is near the cute neighborhood of Parkview. You can walk to the main street with cafes, a fantastic Italian restaurant, Franco’s. It’s also near a great grocery store, Tyrone Fruiters.
The neighborhood of Sandton is Africa’s “richest square mile.” There are plenty of high-end hotels that’ll be sure to catch your eye. Africa’s highest rooftop bar is located inside The Leonardo. It’s one of the most exclusive hotels in town. Or, check out the Hyatt House.
The Saxon Hotel is a luxury hotel with a beautiful garden, close to Sandton.

The Leonardo Hotel

A Vibey Hotel in Sandton

Take a break from the corporate vibe in Sandton by staying at Hotel Sky. The funky jungle theme with glittering chandeliers will have you transported.

Hotel Sky Sandton: A Staycation Review

Joburg Guide

Got any suggestions on where to stay in Johannesburg? Let me know in the comments!