Nelson Mandela Square

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 theatre, 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-metres) 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 jewellery 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 jewellery, 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 theatre’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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Top Nelson Mandela Square Hotel Deals

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 is a vibrant hub offering an array of activities, including shopping at the nearby Mall of Africa and exploring local flea markets. Visitors can indulge in various entertainment options while enjoying the lively atmosphere. Whether you're interested in football or simply soaking in the surroundings, this iconic square promises a memorable experience in Johannesburg.

Shopping

Nestled in the heart of Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela Square offers a delightful shopping experience. Close by, you can visit Melrose Arch Shopping Centre, merely 3.2km away, and Rosebank Mall, 4.8km away, both featuring vibrant atmospheres. For a bit more adventure, Cresta Shopping Centre is 8.0km away.

Recreation

Wanderers Stadium, located 3.2km from Nelson Mandela Square, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. The Wanderers Golf Club, also 3.2km away, invites you to enjoy outdoor activities amidst beautiful greenery. For a broader sports experience, Johannesburg Stadium is 9.7km away, embracing a vibrant sporting culture.

Adventure

Kyalami Racetrack, located 12.9km from Nelson Mandela Square, offers thrilling motor racing experiences amidst a vibrant atmosphere. For an adrenaline rush, head to Lazer Quest, situated 4.8km away, where you can engage in exciting laser tag battles. Wild Waters - Boksburg, a waterpark 14.8km away, promises fun-filled adventures for the whole family.

Nightlife

At Nelson Mandela Square, enjoy a romantic evening at Ster-Kinekor Sandton City, just a short stroll away, or delve into culture at the Victory Theater, offering family-friendly entertainment. For more cinematic experiences, visit Ster-Kinekor Rosebank, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and engaging films.

*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, perfect for those seeking culture and outdoor experiences. Explore the legacy of Nelson Mandela at nearby sites such as the Sanctuary Mandela and immerse yourself in the rich history and urban charm of the area, making it an ideal destination for tourists.

  • Sandton Convention Centre: Located a mere 161m from Nelson Mandela Square, this modern venue is a hub for business events and conferences, exuding a professional atmosphere that is perfect for networking and corporate gatherings.
  • 4th Avenue Parkhurst: Situated 4.8km away, this vibrant street is lined with trendy cafes, boutiques, and eateries, offering a lively city vibe that invites you to explore local culture and indulge in culinary delights.
  • University of Witwatersrand: Approximately 9.7km from the square, this historic university is steeped in culture, featuring beautiful architecture and a rich academic heritage that provides a glimpse into South Africa's educational landscape.

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 travelling in April or December to January when accommodation prices are lower. Saturdays are the most economical days to stay, while Mondays tend to be pricier. Utilise Expedia’s search tools to filter options based on your budget and preferences, including eco-friendly hotels. Combine hotel bookings with flights and activities for potential savings. Additionally, take advantage of public transport to explore the area affordably, and look for special deals on accommodations to further stretch 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: Utilise Expedia’s search wizard to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Nelson Mandela Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.