Owais Crawford
Johannesburg Airport, also known as O.R. Tambo International Airport, is the busiest airport in Africa, serving as a gateway to the continent from the rest of the world. While the airport itself has limited options for entertainment, there are several activities and attractions nearby. If you're looking for a place to stay, there are various accommodation options, including guest houses, lodges, and hotels. The airport is also well-connected to other areas, with the Gautrain providing easy access to Sandton, Johannesburg's central business district, and Pretoria, the administrative capital.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eateries | Restaurants, cafes, pubs, international cuisine |
| Airport Lounges | Food, drinks, WiFi, and shower facilities |
| Shops | Bookstores, pharmacies, technology shops, duty-free areas, jewellers, gift shops, sports shops |
| Accommodation | Hotels, guest houses, lodges, holiday homes |
| Transport | Gautrain, taxis, Uber |
| Tours | Hop-on Hop-off bus tour, private tours |
| Attractions | Cradle of Humankind, Constitution Hill, Apartheid Museum, Maboneng, Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Delta Park, Neighbourgoods Market, Mall at Rosebank |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Eat at one of the many eateries, including restaurants, cafes and pubs
- Shop at the more than three dozen shops, including bookstores, pharmacies and technology shops
- Relax in a pay-to-enter airport lounge, which offers food, drinks, WiFi and showers
- Explore Johannesburg, including the Maboneng neighbourhood and Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
- Take a tour, such as a half-day tour of Soweto or the Apartheid Museum
Eat at one of the many eateries, including restaurants, cafes and pubs
Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport offers a wide range of eateries, including restaurants, cafes, and pubs, ensuring that you can find something to suit your taste and preferences. The airport is the largest in South Africa, so you will have plenty of options to choose from.
If you're looking for a sit-down meal, you can find traditional pubs, seafood restaurants, and places offering burgers and steaks. For those who enjoy international cuisine, there are options for Indian and Italian food as well. Eateries close relatively early, around 11:00 PM, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
For coffee lovers, there are several coffee shops located within the airport terminals. Whether you need a quick caffeine fix before boarding your flight or want to relax and kill time between layovers, these coffee shops have you covered.
If you're feeling peckish but don't want a full meal, there are fast-food options available as well. Grab a quick bite before your flight or satisfy your hunger with a snack on the go.
For those who enjoy a good pub atmosphere, there are bars located within the airport as well. You can unwind with a drink, socialise, and even grab a bite to eat. Some pubs offer outdoor seating, allowing you to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the airport while you dine.
Whether you're looking for a casual coffee, a quick bite, or a more substantial meal, the restaurants, cafes, and pubs around Johannesburg Airport provide a variety of dining options to meet your needs and preferences.
Birmingham Airport: Train Station Options and Accessibility
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$3.78 $12.01
Shop at the more than three dozen shops, including bookstores, pharmacies and technology shops
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport is the busiest airport in Africa, with over 600 flights a day. While the airport itself may not be the most exciting place to spend a long layover, there are more than three dozen shops to browse, including bookstores, pharmacies, and technology shops.
If you're looking for souvenirs, the airport has plenty of African jewellers and shops offering unique mementos of your trip. You can also find duty-free deals on alcohol, makeup, candy, and more. The airport also has all the essential travel items you might need, from books to last-minute technology purchases.
If you're looking for a bite to eat, the airport offers various eateries and cafes. You'll find traditional pubs, restaurants serving seafood, burgers, and steak, as well as international cuisine like Indian and Italian. Eateries close by 11:00 PM, so plan accordingly. You can also find comfort and convenience in one of the airport lounges, which offer food, drinks, steady WiFi, and even shower facilities, all in a calmer environment than the main terminals.
However, if you have a longer layover or prefer to explore, downtown Johannesburg is just a 50-minute train or taxi ride away. The city offers a wealth of attractions, including the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and the Maboneng neighbourhood. For nature lovers, the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Delta Park provide a peaceful escape from the city.
The Story Behind the Code: GND Airport's Name
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.98
Relax in a pay-to-enter airport lounge, which offers food, drinks, WiFi and showers
If you're looking for a place to relax and unwind before your flight from Johannesburg Airport, consider visiting one of the airport's pay-to-enter lounges. These lounges offer a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal and provide a range of amenities to make your travel experience more comfortable and convenient.
One popular option is the Aspire Lounge, located in the International Departure area. For a fee of approximately 496 ZAR (about $33), you can enjoy a variety of complimentary food and drinks, including freshly prepared seasonal fruit, South African delicacies, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The lounge also provides comfortable seating, complimentary newspapers and magazines, and free WiFi, so you can stay connected and entertained during your time there. If you're travelling with children, the Aspire Lounge also offers a dedicated children's play area.
Another option is the Bidvest Premier Lounge, located after security in Terminal A. This lounge is open from 5 am to 9 pm daily and offers a range of amenities, including showers, beverages, food, telephones, televisions, copiers, and printers. The entrance fee is approximately 285 ZAR (about $19). If you're looking for a longer stay, the Shongololo Lounge offers access to showers, food, drinks, newspapers, printing and copying machines, and televisions for approximately 435 ZAR (about $29) for four hours.
These lounges provide a calm and comfortable environment to relax, refresh, and recharge before or after your flight. With amenities like food, drinks, WiFi, and showers, you can take care of all your needs in one convenient place without having to venture too far from your gate. So, whether you're looking to unwind, catch up on work, or simply freshen up, consider treating yourself to a pay-to-enter lounge during your next layover at Johannesburg Airport.
Airport Advance Wars: A Strategic Guide to Airport Dominance
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Explore Johannesburg, including the Maboneng neighbourhood and Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
Johannesburg has a lot to offer, and it is worth exploring the city if you have a long enough layover. The Maboneng neighbourhood, located on the eastern edge of Johannesburg's central business district, is a great example of urban renewal and a melting pot of cultures. It is a vibrant, creative hub with a mix of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, and street art. The neighbourhood is also known for its unique shopping experience, with a collection of old manufacturing buildings retrofitted with steel, glass, and concrete, creating a dense urban space.
For nature lovers, the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful escape from the city. The 81-hectare park features large grassy open spaces, scattered trees, walking and biking trails, and special gardens like the Shakespeare Garden, the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Hedge Demonstration Garden. It's a great place for a family picnic, and you can also enjoy water sports on the Emmarentia Dam.
If you're interested in learning about South Africa's history, a visit to Constitution Hill and the Apartheid Museum is a must. The Gautrain train network connects the airport to central Johannesburg and other locations such as Pretoria and Sandton. Sandton is known for its shopping, including one of Africa's biggest malls, while Rosebank offers a tree-lined shopping experience.
Johannesburg also has a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional pubs to international cuisine. The airport itself also has plenty of eateries, cafes, and shops to keep you occupied during your layover.
Airport Searches: Probable Cause or Unreasonable Intrusion?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Magical Mystery Tour[DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71VWPsS+61L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Take a tour, such as a half-day tour of Soweto or the Apartheid Museum
Johannesburg Airport, also known as O.R. Tambo Airport, is located in close proximity to several attractions. One such attraction is the township of Soweto, located southwest of Johannesburg. A half-day tour of Soweto will allow you to explore the rich history and culture of this township, which was once a resettlement area for Black people during the apartheid era. You can book a cycling tour or a tuk-tuk tour to discover the real Soweto, including its eclectic mix of street markets, shopping malls, hotels, and entertainment centres. Notable sights include the FNB Stadium, Mandela House, the Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial, and Freedom Square.
Another option for a tour is the Apartheid Museum, located in Johannesburg. This museum details the injustice, cruelty, and absurdities of white minority rule in South Africa, with apartheid meaning "separateness" in Afrikaans. The museum offers guided tours for groups of 15 or more people, which must be pre-booked. The content of the museum is graphic and not suitable for children under the age of 11. The Apartheid Museum is a must-see attraction that provides valuable context to the history of Johannesburg and Soweto.
You can also combine these two options and take a full-day tour of Johannesburg and Soweto, which includes a visit to the Apartheid Museum, as well as a walking tour of Soweto. This will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of South Africa's history and the impact of the apartheid system. These tours are often led by experienced guides who can provide valuable insights and personal encounters with the country's history.
The Gateway to Amalfi Coast: Airports and Access
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Johannesburg Airport is well-equipped to keep you entertained during a layover. You can find various restaurants, cafes, and pubs, as well as shops, bookstores, and pharmacies. There are also airport lounges that offer food, drinks, WiFi, and shower facilities. If you're looking to explore outside the airport, you can take a tour of Johannesburg or visit nearby attractions such as the Cradle of Humankind, Constitution Hill, and the Apartheid Museum.
Yes, there are several accommodation options near Johannesburg Airport. Some hotels located within walking distance of the airport include Dove's Nest Guest House, Sunrock Guesthouse, and Ah Ha luxury accommodation. There is also a transit hotel located inside the International Terminal for overnight or day stays.
Johannesburg has a variety of attractions and tours to keep you entertained during your layover. You can take a tour of the city, including a visit to Soweto and Nelson Mandela's old house. Other recommended attractions include the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and the Cradle of Humankind, which is a must-see for those interested in ancient history.
Johannesburg Airport itself offers more than three dozen shops, including bookstores, technology shops, and duty-free areas for deals on alcohol, makeup, and candy. If you're looking for a wider range of shopping options, you can take the Gautrain to Sandton, known as "Africa's Richest Square Mile." Alternatively, you can visit nearby malls such as Bonaero Park Shopping Centre or explore the shopping districts of Sandton City and Rosebank.
Yes, Johannesburg offers several natural attractions. The Walter Sisulu National Botanic Garden is approximately an hour away by car, and you can also take a guided day trip to Pilanesberg National Park, which is about 3.5 hours away. Additionally, the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Delta Park are great options for those seeking a respite from the city.
