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Many of Joburg's residents spend the majority of their day at work and travelling to and from work, driven by the city's competitive spirit and delayed by its seemingly endless traffic. To balance out the stresses of the job, many of Johannesburg's residents enjoy spending their hard-earned money in the city's shopping centres.
Expats in Johannesburg will have a lifestyle that is largely similar to South Africans and they'll most likely befriend both locals and their fellow expats. Everybody in the city is influenced by its wealth and natural beauty.
Shopping in Johannesburg
There is no shortage of options when it comes to shopping in Johannesburg. From designer boutiques to bargain buys at local markets, mega malls and department stores, the city has it all. Sandton City, at the heart of the area it takes its name from, is a good place to start. Almost anything can be found at one of its hundreds of stores and, as if that isn't enough, shoppers can catch their breath at the adjacent Nelson Mandela Square which offers fine dining and luxury shopping options of its own.
Those wanting a more personal shopping experience can head to one of the city's markets, a popular pastime on Sundays and public holidays. The most well-known of these are arguably the B&B Markets at Norwood Mall which sells gourmet food, arts and crafts, as well as at Hillfox Value Centre which is more geared towards bargain hunters. Additionally, the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein is definitely worth a visit too.
Nightlife in Johannesburg
Joburgers have mastered the balance between hard-working days and glamorous nights of excess. As one might expect of one of the richest cities in Africa, there is a fairly wide selection of clubs, bars, theatres and cocktail lounges. Expats can go for a night out on the town in trendy Melville or artsy Newtown. Those with more refined tastes can also head to Hyde Park, Sandton or Melrose Arch to rub shoulders with local celebrities and the city's wealthy and well-heeled.
Outdoor activities and sports in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is known for being a premier shopping destination but it is also a city that celebrates sport. The city is home to the calabash-shaped FNB Stadium which hosted the FIFA World Cup Final in 2010; Ellis Park, where the Springboks famously won the Rugby World Cup in 1995; and the Wanderers Stadium, venue for the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup Final.
Many of the locals and expats in Johannesburg choose to escape the hustle and bustle of the city on weekends. Some prefer destinations within the city such as the Johannesburg Zoo, Zoo Lake or the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.
Others prefer weekend getaways to places such as Hartbeespoort, a resort town just an hour's drive away. Close to Hartbeespoort, expats will be able to visit an elephant sanctuary, monkey sanctuary and snake park.
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►For a list of the city's best attractions, read See and Do in Johannesburg
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