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.
