I think it is lacking a focal beauty point such as a river or the ocean.There isn't a relaxing nature spot that makes everybody in the city proud.
So what can you expect on a visit to Joburg..
TRAFFIC- You will encounter traffic jams at any time of the day. Some roads are better then others but if you need to access a freeway chances are you will be stuck in traffic. You need to allow plenty of time to reach your destination. I learnt this the hard way when I nearly missed a flight to the US thanks to a two hour traffic jam on the way to the airport.
Noise- my new sister in law recently remarked on how noisy our cities are. When I stopped to think about it she is right. NYC doesn't even compare to downtown Joburg. Smile and understand that this is part of the chaos of Africa.
Great restaurants- it ain't Cape Town by any means but there are some fantastic spots to eat in Joburg. A few of my favourite are:
Kong Roast
Moyo at Melrose Arch
Saigon
Nice hotels:
City Lodge Fourways
Garden Court Sandton
The Square Montecasino
Joburg is not generally kid friendly. It is a fast paced city and to be honest most peoples visits here will be for work not play.
However Ewan has enjoyed Joburg the few times we have taken him there.
We try to hit an adventure golf course which he loves and then catch a movie. Montecasino is also a hit with a few kid friendly attractions such as the bird park.
If any of my Joburg friends have a few ideas of great kid friendly spots then please tell me about them and I will check them out on our next trip.
I've never been there, but something about your post makes me think that's not a bad thing. I won't be adding it to my to-visit list any time soon.
ReplyDeleteHappy A to Z blogging!
pensuasion.blogspot.com
It is crazy busy, but there are some really nice spots too. :-)
ReplyDeleteWalter Sisulu botanical gardens (it has a beautiful waterfall)
The Zoo
Kid friendly eating spots: (our favourites anyway)
Any of the papachino's (especially the midrand and ruimsig ones)
Tres Jolie
Bambanani
My city! :-)
ReplyDeleteYou just need to find the beautiful spots!
Love Louisa's suggestions!
We have the People's Theatre who always has a show on for the kiddies.
Honeydew Mazes are a great family activity to consider!
Rusty Hook for a serene spot with ducks and horse riding for the kids (not far from Tres Jolies)
The Planetarium
There are much much more...
Thanks to the Joburgers for replying. So yes there are lots of places to hit. Any ideas for cheap spots in Joburg? We always seem to end up spending a fortune to keep kids entertained.
ReplyDeleteKaren I have stayed at the cottages at Honeydew a few times but I always found the area a bit dodgy. Has it improved?
Otherwise I will check out a few of your suggestions on our next trip.
My City too! and there are plenty cool things to see and do here and some really pretty places.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gillian. I think a large portion of SA thinks of Joburg as a dirty, busy city. Please feel free to list some of the great places we should visit as I would love to try them out and report back here. I often have to go to Joburg for work and it would be great to have some places to see while I am up there.
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