Top 10 Shopping Malls in Johannesburg (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant economic hub, is a paradise for shoppers, boasting a dynamic mix of world-class malls that cater to every taste and budget. From luxury boutiques in Sandton to family-friendly hubs in Randburg, the city’s shopping centers offer fashion, dining, and entertainment under one roof. This evergreen guide highlights the top 10 shopping malls in Johannesburg for 2025, selected based on size, brand variety, amenities, and visitor reviews. Whether you’re a local seeking the latest trends, a tourist exploring the City of Gold, or a family planning a fun day out, these malls deliver unforgettable experiences. With insights on stores, dining, safety, and nearby attractions, this article is your ultimate resource for navigating Johannesburg’s premier retail destinations.

List of 10 Shopping Malls in Johannesburg

1. Sandton City

  • Location: 83 Rivonia Rd, Sandhurst, Sandton, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 4.5/5 (Google Reviews, Tripadvisor)

  • Gross Leasable Area (GLA): 128,000 sq m

  • Key Features: One of Africa’s most prestigious malls, featuring over 300 stores, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Zara. The Diamond Walk showcases luxury brands like Cartier. Offers a 11-screen cinema, diverse food court, and Nelson Mandela Square with upscale dining (e.g., Nonna’s, The Butcher Shop). Connected to the Gautrain Sandton Station.

  • Why Visit?: Ideal for luxury shopping and fine dining in Johannesburg’s financial hub. Perfect for business travelers and fashion enthusiasts.

  • Amenities: Ample parking (8,000 bays), free Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, and family restrooms.

2. Mall of Africa

  • Location: Lone Creek Crescent, Waterfall City, Midrand, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 4.6/5 (Google Reviews)

  • GLA: 135,000 sq m

  • Key Features: South Africa’s largest single-phase mall, with over 300 stores like Ted Baker, Versace, and Woolworths. Features a food court, Crystal Court, and an IMAX theater. Family-friendly with BOUNCE Inc. trampoline park and Fun Company arcade. Opened in 2016 with recent expansions in 2024.

  • Why Visit?: A shopper’s paradise with easy navigation and extensive entertainment, perfect for families and avid shoppers.

  • Amenities: 6,500 parking bays, outdoor chill zone, and regular family events.

3. Eastgate Shopping Centre

  • Location: 43 Bradford Rd, Bedfordview, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 4.5/5 (Google Reviews)

  • GLA: 114,000 sq m

  • Key Features: A vibrant mall with over 250 stores, including Edgars, Checkers, and H&M. Offers a large Nu Metro cinema, kids’ play areas, and a revamped Piazza with eateries like News Café and LaParada. Recent 2024 renovations added 2,000 sq m of retail space.

  • Why Visit?: Great for fashion, food, and family fun, conveniently located near OR Tambo Airport.

  • Amenities: 2,000 parking bays, solar-powered rooftop parking, and clear signage.

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4. Rosebank Mall

  • Location: 15A Cradock Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 4.4/5 (Tripadvisor)

  • GLA: 80,000 sq m

  • Key Features: A trendy mall with four floors of fashion (Zara, Cotton On), a Cinema Nouveau, and a rooftop market. Adjacent to The Zone @ Rosebank, offering a food court, gym, and bowling at The Fun Company. Close to Gautrain Rosebank Station.

  • Why Visit?: Perfect for hip shoppers and tourists exploring Rosebank’s vibrant scene.

  • Amenities: Underground parking, family-friendly play areas, and vibrant weekly markets.

5. Cresta Shopping Centre

  • Location: Beyers Naudé Dr & Weltevreden Rd, Cresta, Randburg

  • Rating: 4.3/5 (Google Reviews)

  • GLA: 118,000 sq m

  • Key Features: One of Johannesburg’s oldest malls, with over 200 stores like Game, Woolworths, and Dis-Chem. Features a large play area, cinema, and dining options from fast food to Nonna’s Italian. Recent R1.2 billion renovation enhanced its appeal.

  • Why Visit?: A family-friendly hub with diverse retail and entertainment in Randburg.

  • Amenities: Ample parking, kids’ events, and accessible layout.

6. Hyde Park Corner

  • Location: Jan Smuts Ave & William Nicol Dr, Hyde Park, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 4.3/5 (Google Reviews)

  • GLA: 40,000 sq m

  • Key Features: An upscale mall with 130 high-end stores, including Hugo Boss and Rolex. Offers gourmet dining (e.g., PAUL bakery) and a European-style piazza. Known for its refined ambiance since opening in 1969.

  • Why Visit?: Ideal for luxury shoppers and those seeking a sophisticated experience.

  • Amenities: Secure parking, concierge services, and banking facilities.

7. Fourways Mall

  • Location: William Nicol Dr, Fourways, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 4.4/5 (Google Reviews)

  • GLA: 178,000 sq m

  • Key Features: Johannesburg’s largest mall by GLA, with over 400 stores, including Checkers, Pick n Pay, and international brands like H&M. Offers a food court, cinema, and outdoor dining. Known for family-friendly entertainment like Bounce and Ster-Kinekor.

  • Why Visit?: A one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and fun in the northern suburbs.

  • Amenities: Extensive parking, kids’ play areas, and regular activations.

8. Clearwater Mall

  • Location: Hendrik Potgieter Rd & Christiaan De Wet Rd, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort

  • Rating: 4.3/5 (Google Reviews)

  • GLA: 86,000 sq m

  • Key Features: A family-oriented mall with over 200 stores, including Woolworths and Edgars. Features a Nu Metro 3D cinema, indoor go-karting, and two jungle gyms. Offers dining from Nando’s to The Daily Coffee Café.

  • Why Visit?: Perfect for families and west Johannesburg residents seeking convenience and entertainment.

  • Amenities: 4,000 parking bays, holiday kids’ activities, and outdoor spaces.

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9. The Glen Shopping Centre

  • Location: Orpen Rd, Oakdene, Johannesburg South

  • Rating: 4.2/5 (Google Reviews)

  • GLA: 65,000 sq m

  • Key Features: A vibrant southern mall with over 150 stores, including Game and Pick n Pay. Offers family entertainment like a cinema and kids’ play areas, plus dining at Wimpy and KFC.

  • Why Visit?: Great for Johannesburg South residents seeking a diverse shopping experience.

  • Amenities: Secure parking, family-friendly facilities, and a diverse food court.

10. Melrose Arch

  • Location: 30 Melrose Blvd, Melrose, Johannesburg

  • Rating: 4.4/5 (Tripadvisor)

  • GLA: 50,000 sq m

  • Key Features: A chic, open-air lifestyle precinct with over 100 stores, including H&M and local boutiques. Known for dining at PAUL and The Curated Lounge, plus two cinemas. Offers a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment with nighttime security.

  • Why Visit?: Ideal for a trendy, upscale shopping and dining experience near Rosebank.

  • Amenities: Secure underground parking, outdoor piazzas, and live events.

Why These Malls Stand Out

These malls were chosen based on:

  • Size and Variety: Fourways Mall (178,000 sq m) and Mall of Africa (135,000 sq m) lead in scale, while Hyde Park Corner offers boutique exclusivity.

  • Amenities: Family-friendly features (Cresta, Clearwater), luxury brands (Sandton City, Hyde Park), and entertainment (Eastgate, Fourways).

  • Accessibility: Proximity to Gautrain stations (Sandton, Rosebank) and highways (N1, M1) ensures easy access.

  • Visitor Feedback: High ratings on Tripadvisor and Google Reviews reflect quality and popularity.

How to Choose the Right Mall

  • Shopping Needs: For luxury, visit Sandton City or Hyde Park Corner; for everyday needs, Cresta or The Glen.

  • Location: Sandton City and Rosebank suit central/northern visitors; Clearwater and The Glen are ideal for west/south residents.

  • Family-Friendly: Fourways, Clearwater, and Cresta offer kids’ entertainment; Melrose Arch is better for adults.

  • Budget: Sandton City and Hyde Park cater to high-end shoppers; Eastgate and The Glen offer affordable options.

Tips for Visiting Johannesburg’s Malls

  • Plan Your Visit: Check mall websites (e.g., mallofafrica.co.za, sandtoncity.com) for store directories and events.

  • Arrive Early: Peak hours (11 AM–3 PM weekends) can be busy at Sandton City and Mall of Africa. Early visits ensure parking and quieter shopping.

  • Use Gautrain: Sandton City, Rosebank, and Midrand malls are near Gautrain stations, avoiding traffic and parking fees.

  • Stay Safe: Malls like Melrose Arch and Sandton City have visible security; keep valuables secure in crowded areas.

  • Explore Dining: Try Nonna’s (Sandton City) for Italian, PAUL (Melrose Arch) for pastries, or Nando’s (Mall of Africa) for local flavors.

  • Check Events: Malls like Fourways and Rosebank host markets, product launches, and kids’ activities, especially during holidays.

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Safety and Practical Tips

  • Safe Areas: Sandton, Rosebank, and Bedfordview are secure with CCTV and guards; avoid carrying large cash amounts.

  • Parking: Most malls charge hourly for undercover parking (R10–R20/hour); Fourways and Mall of Africa offer ample bays.

  • Transport: Use Uber or Gautrain for safe travel; Sandton City is 1.3 km from The Capital On The Park with shuttle services.

  • Best Time to Visit: November to February for pleasant weather (20–25°C); avoid peak holiday crowds in December.

  • Accessibility: All malls offer wheelchair access, family restrooms, and lifts for easy navigation.

Things to Do Near These Malls

  • Cultural Sites: Visit the Apartheid Museum (near The Glen) or Constitution Hill (near Rosebank).

  • Nature: Explore Johannesburg Botanical Garden (near Cresta) or Lion & Safari Park (near Fourways).

  • Dining: Enjoy Nelson Mandela Square (Sandton City) or 7th Street in Melville (near Rosebank).

  • Entertainment: Catch live shows at Montecasino (near Fourways) or visit the Rosebank Art & Craft Market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest shopping mall in Johannesburg?

Fourways Mall is the largest by GLA (178,000 sq m), followed by Mall of Africa (135,000 sq m).

Which mall is best for luxury shopping in Johannesburg?

Sandton City, with its Diamond Walk (Gucci, Louis Vuitton), and Hyde Park Corner (Rolex, Hugo Boss) are top choices.

Are Johannesburg’s malls family-friendly?

Yes, Fourways, Clearwater, and Cresta offer kids’ play areas, cinemas, and family events.

Which malls are near the Gautrain in Johannesburg?

Sandton City, Rosebank Mall, and Mall of Africa (Midrand) are accessible via Gautrain stations.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s top 10 shopping malls, from the luxurious Sandton City to the family-friendly Fourways Mall, offer diverse experiences for every shopper. With world-class brands, vibrant dining, and entertainment like IMAX theaters and trampoline parks, these malls are more than retail hubs—they’re lifestyle destinations. Plan your visit using mall websites, opt for Gautrain access to avoid traffic, and explore nearby attractions like the Apartheid Museum or Montecasino for a full day out. For the latest store offerings and events, check sandtoncity.com, mallofafrica.co.za, or tripadvisor.com to make the most of your shopping spree in the City of Gold.