Midrand is a commercial district, now part of Greater Johannesburg. It’s not particularly pretty, being a suburb of an inland city, but it is gaining in importance as a commercial centre, making it popular with business people flying into Johannesburg.
Hire a car from Midrand to get you to your meetings there if you haven’t already booked one at the airport. Sights around the district are mainly based on industrial architecture including the city’s landmark, the Johannesburg Water Authority’s giant water tower that dominates the skyline.
Midrand Mini Guide
Where is Midrand?
Midrand is a commercial district in Johannesburg in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is nicknamed the halfway house as it is halfway between the centre of Johannesburg and the city of Pretoria.
How do I get There?
From international destinations, you would fly into Johannesburg’s Tambo International Airport. From there you can take your hire car and drive to Midrand using the N1 highway, it should only take about 30 minutes. If you don’t want to drive, some hotels have a shuttle bus service you can use. The new Gautrain service offers buses and trains from the airport to Midrand and surrounding areas, they run every 12-20 minutes on weekdays.
What is There for me to See?
It is mostly an industrial area, so there are no huge attractions. You can head into the city of Johannesburg for sightseeing and shopping. If you are a nature lover, there is the Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary and the Glen Austin Bird Sanctuary in the Midrand area. Look out for any motor racing events that may be on during your stay, as the Kyalami Racing Circuit often has Formula 1 and Grand Prix held there.
Can I Hit the Shops?
You can at Eastgate Shopping Centre in Bedfordview, it is only a 15 minute drive away and will keep you busy the whole day! There are almost 300 shops and plenty of cafes and restaurants for when you get hungry. You can also see a film there or enjoy the special events and entertainment they provide.
What Food Must I Try?
You must have a steak at The Bull Run Restaurant in Sandton, just a 15 minute drive away – they have some of the best steaks in the world from their own butchery. The menu is fresh and creative, if you don’t want a steak you could try peri-peri chicken livers or gorgonzola snails. They also have vegetarian dishes and inventive salads and a wide selection of local wines for you to try.
Where Can I Stay?
The 4 star Protea Hotel Midrand is a good base for exploring the area. After sight seeing and shopping you can relax by the pool and enjoy a cocktail in the lush gardens. The hotel’s Palm Terrace Restaurant offers an a la carte menu with international cuisine if you don’t want to head into town.
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