When you hear the word Sandton, what comes to mind?

Big business? Expensive cars? Luxury hotels? Shopping? Sure, Sandton has all of that.But there is much more to this part of Johannesburg than boardrooms and high-rise buildings.

Whether you are visiting Joburg for the first time, spending a weekend in Sandton or you are a local looking for something different to do, there are plenty of places worth checking out.

From great restaurants and shopping to markets, entertainment, history and surprisingly peaceful green spaces, here are some of the best things to do in Sandton. Lots of Holiday Makers and Out of Towners Love Sandton and always stay in Sandton

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Take a Photo at Nelson Mandela Square

You can’t really visit Sandton without stopping at Nelson Mandela Square.

It is one of the most recognisable spots in Johannesburg, thanks largely to the huge bronze statue of Nelson Mandela standing in the middle of the square.And when I say huge, I mean it.

The statue stands around six metres tall and has become one of Sandton’s most popular photo spots.But don’t just take the photo and leave. You also have to take a picture with the Tall and Massive Nelson Mandela Statue

Grab a coffee, sit down for lunch or dinner and spend some time watching Sandton go by.There are plenty of restaurants around the square, while Sandton City is right next door.If somebody is visiting Sandton for the first time, this is probably where I would start.

Go Shopping at Sandton City

Love shopping?

Then you are going to love Sandton.Sandton City remains one of Johannesburg’s best-known shopping destinations, with everything from everyday retailers to some seriously expensive international luxury brands.You could easily spend a few hours here without noticing the time.

Fashion, jewellery, electronics, restaurants, coffee shops – you name it.

Even if shopping isn’t really your thing, Sandton City and the surrounding precinct are worth experiencing simply because they form such a big part of modern Sandton.

Just don’t blame me when your bank balance looks a little different afterwards! And If its The Luxury Brands you seek then visit the Diamond Walk in Sandton City Mall

Spend an Evening at Montecasino

If you want entertainment, head towards Fourways and spend an evening at Montecasino.And no, you don’t have to gamble.That is probably the biggest misconception about the place.

There are restaurants, theatres and other entertainment options, making it an easy choice for a date night, family outing or evening with friends.The indoor Tuscan-inspired streets also give Montecasino a completely different atmosphere from most entertainment centres around Johannesburg.

Have dinner. Catch a show.Walk around.Make an evening of it.

Discover the History of Liliesleaf

Sandton isn’t only about money and luxury. It also has an important place in South African history.

Liliesleaf in Rivonia became a secret meeting place for anti-apartheid activists during the 1960s and was raided by police in 1963, an event closely connected with the Rivonia Trial.

It is one of those places that reminds you just how much history sits quietly between Johannesburg’s modern suburbs.If you enjoy South African history, put Liliesleaf on your list.It gives you a very different side of Sandton.

Enjoy Fourways Farmers Market

Sometimes you just want good food, a drink and a relaxed afternoon outside. That is where Fourways Farmers Market comes in. It has become a popular weekend hangout with food, drinks and a social atmosphere that feels completely different from Sandton’s office towers.

Go hungry.Seriously.Half the fun is walking around deciding what you are going to eat.It is particularly enjoyable when the Joburg weather plays along and you can settle in for a lazy afternoon with friends.

Escape the Buildings at Mushroom Farm Park

Need a break from concrete, traffic and shopping centres? Try Mushroom Farm Park.

This little green escape near the heart of Sandton is perfect when you don’t necessarily want a big day out.Take a walk, enjoy some fresh air or simply find a quiet spot and relax for a while.Sometimes the best thing to do in Sandton is actually nothing. Just slow down.

Explore Sandton’s Food Scene

Now we’re talking!One thing Sandton definitely does not struggle with is places to eat.

Steakhouses, sushi, Italian, African cuisine, fine dining, burgers, coffee shops and rooftop venues – there is something for almost every taste and budget.And if you enjoy dressing up for dinner, Sandton gives you plenty of opportunities.My suggestion?

Don’t automatically choose the first restaurant you see inside a shopping centre.Explore a little.

Sandton, Bryanston, Rivonia and the surrounding neighbourhoods have some fantastic restaurants tucked away from the obvious tourist spots.Food should absolutely be part of your Sandton experience.

Catch a Live Show

How often do we complain that there is nothing to do and then never check what is actually happening?

Sandton and Fourways regularly host theatre productions, comedy and live entertainment. The Theatre on the Square at Nelson Mandela Square gives you an intimate theatre experience right in central Sandton, while The Teatro at Montecasino hosts larger productions.

Instead of another Saturday night sitting in front of Netflix, go and watch something live. You might be surprised how much you enjoy it.

Discover Local Art

There is also an artistic side to greater Sandton that doesn’t always get enough attention.Galleries and creative spaces around Sandton, Kramerville and nearby areas showcase work from South African and African artists.It is something different to do, especially if you have already done the malls and restaurants.

And you don’t need to know anything about art.Walk in.Look around.See what catches your eye.

That’s the fun of it.

Experience a Sandton Rooftop

There is something special about Johannesburg from above.The skyline.The sunsets.

Those massive Highveld thunderstorms rolling in during summer.Sandton has a number of elevated restaurants, bars and hotel venues where you can enjoy the view with a meal or sundowner.

Try to time it around sunset. Watching the Sandton skyline light up as the sun disappears is one of those simple Joburg experiences that doesn’t get enough credit.

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Take the Gautrain Somewhere

Here’s an idea that visitors sometimes overlook. Use Sandton as your base and explore more of Johannesburg.The Gautrain station sits right in central Sandton, giving you an easy connection to places including Rosebank and OR Tambo International Airport.

Rosebank is only one stop away and gives you another collection of restaurants, shopping, markets and galleries to explore. So don’t think you have to stay inside the Sandton bubble.

Johannesburg is a massive city. Go and see some of it.

12. Spend a Lazy Sunday in Bryanston

If central Sandton feels a little too busy, head towards Bryanston.

The pace immediately changes.Coffee shops, restaurants, markets and leafy residential streets give this part of Sandton a more relaxed weekend atmosphere.

It is perfect for breakfast or brunch followed by absolutely no plans whatsoever. And sometimes those are the best Sundays.

Sandton Is More Than Africa’s Richest Square Mile

Sandton has a reputation.Money.Business.Luxury.  And yes, all three are definitely part of its identity.

But Sandton is also restaurants and markets. History and theatre.

Parks and galleries. Coffee dates and rooftop sunsets.

It can be polished and expensive one minute and surprisingly relaxed the next.

The trick is to get beyond the office buildings and actually explore.

So whether you’re visiting Johannesburg, staying in Sandton for business or you’ve lived here for years, give yourself a day to look around.You might discover a side of Sandton you didn’t know existed.

What is your favourite thing to do in Sandton?

Let me know – because there is always another Joburg hidden gem waiting to be discovered.