Things To Do and See In Sandton

Known as Africa’s “wealthiest square mile”, Sandton is a cosmopolitan melting pot of global trades, cultures, and trends. Offering everything from finance to fashion, Sandton is the commercial, business, and entertainment hub of South Africa. And situated in the heart of all that’s happening in Sandton, The Maslow hotel is the perfect location from which to launch an exploration into Gauteng’s hottest district.

You could be forgiven for wanting to spend the day in Zen-like relaxation in the Maslow's beautiful gardens after an Africology Spa session, or enjoy an after-gym poolside drink on the terrace – but when there are so many Sandton attractions within easy reach - access to superb shopping destinations, a buzzing art scene, as well as must-see landmarks – we do recommend you get out and see some of Sandton, when you can.

Here are a few things to do and see in Sandton:

Shopping attractions

Within walking distance of The Maslow Hotel, Sandton City Shopping Centre is Gauteng’s ultimate retail therapy and leisure destination. Combining the world’s most desirable brands with Afropolitan glamour, this is an international shopping experience flavoured with South African flair.

Throw a slice of local milktart or a French croissant into the mix, add a cup of exotic coffee, and position yourself at a sidewalk cafe in Sandton City's very own piazza – the adjoining Nelson Mandela Square – and you'll begin to understand the cosmopolitan appeal of Sandton.

With close to 300 leading local and prestigious international retailers, including high street couture, designer labels, state-of-the-art electronics, and some of the finest restaurants on the continent, Sandton City is a shopping experience par excellence.

Insider tip: The Maslow Hotel offers complimentary shuttles to Sandton City, every 15 minutes. So if you don’t feel like walking, you don’t have to!

Landmarks and places of interest

Presiding over the Nelson Mandela Square (one of the largest open public spaces in South Africa), a six-meter tall statue of Tata Madiba serves as an imposing reminder of the country's favourite grandfather. The 2.5-ton statue of Nelson Mandela was crafted by local artists Kobus Hattingh and Jacob Maponyane, and was officially unveiled in 2004 as the world’s first public statue of the iconic statesman. Apart from its staggering height, it's 2.3m wide and has a shoulder width of 1.7m. A great conversation piece, be sure to have yourself photographed beneath the bronze Madiba.

Directly across the square from the Nelson Mandela statue, the beautiful Sandton Library offers a peaceful, bookish escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Designed by GAPP Architects, the building has won several awards for its ramp and roof design. Inside, you’re surrounded by three floors of books – some 92,000 in total – and can relax on the couches, disappear into a novel, and make use of the computer and Internet facilities. There are also audio books, videos, music CDs, language tapes, the local daily and weekly newspapers, periodicals and the Provincial and Government Gazettes to peruse.

A five-minute walk from the Nelson Mandela Square, the Sandton Convention Centre is definitely worth a visit. One of the largest convention venues on the continent, the SCC regularly plays host to world-class conventions, exhibitions, meetings and events. Architecturally, the design manipulates space and light to create an area that combines large and small spaces tastefully and efficiently. The magnificent art collection displayed throughout the venue comprises over 100 works, and showcases some of the finest, most progressive artists from all over Southern Africa.

Art galleries and museums

Sandton’s art scene is renowned for its blend of traditional African art as well as international work. Once you've perused the works at the SCC, take a leisurely 15-minute stroll to the Village Walk African Cultural Market for some Afro-inspiration. Enjoy talking to the local craftsmen and admire the high level of skill that goes into each carefully made work of art.

Spend some time wandering down South Africa’s political memory lane and visit the Liliesleaf Museum in Rivonia. As the headquarters of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the military wing of the ANC, Liliesleaf farm was the nerve centre from which the MK leadership planned the struggle for liberation. The permanent exhibition uses the power of audio-visual technology and information design to bring to life the importance of this farm in the struggle for political freedom. Visitors to Liliesleaf will experience a first-hand account of the events and circumstances leading up to the infamous 1963 raid of the Rivonia farm, as well as insights into some of the revolutionary personalities who helped to shape South Africa’s democracy. The buildings of the museum have been preserved as they were, so you can experience the actual conditions at the time.

Did you know? Before he was arrested for treason, Nelson Mandela’s gun was buried somewhere on the Liliesleaf farm. To this day it has not been found.

For those with a penchant for vintage trinkets or antique treasures, the Antique Fair takes place the first Sunday of every month at the Nelson Mandela Square. Be sure to check out the showroom of fine art auctioneers Stephan Welz & Co for their latest collections. From classic paintings to priceless stamp collections, there’ll be something here to pique your aesthetic interests.

The concierge desk at The Maslow hotel is available to guests 24/7 and the concierges will gladly assist you with further information about local activities, restaurants and bars in and around Sandton. If you’ve got some time to spare to explore more, ask the concierge about unusual, get-out-of-Sandton highlights.