Parktown (original) (raw)
Parktown, Johannesburg
Parktown lies between Westcliff and Saxonwold, one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Johannesburg filled with rather imposing homes that vie with those in London in terms of grandiosity.
Developed by some of the most successful entrepreneurs of their time these showy mansions, some with fancy turrets and towers, became known as �Parktown baronial� and the architects displayed a definite leaning to the eclectic, the original owners of their homes intent on parties, croquet on the lawns and lavish parties. That was, until Herbert Baker added his unique craftsmanship to the suburb, including his own home, The Stonehouse, up on the ridge.
Today, Parktown remains one of Johannesburg�s elite suburbs, its Victorian homes, and a number of designs by Sir Herbert Baker, an enormous draw card to the area. What�s more, residents and visitors need no longer drive past and merely gawp; they can instead visit some of these beautiful homes. The Parktown and Westcliff Heritage Trust have weekly tours of old Johannesburg, one of them in Victorian Parktown, which includes the oldest house in Johannesburg, built in 1896 called The View, in Ridge Road.
You�re ideally situated when staying in Parktown to reach the city centre and the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, including Sandton. The Johannesburg Zoo, and Zoo Lake, are close by, as are the charming villages of Parkview and Melville, both of which have restaurants, art galleries and little boutique-style shops that claim immediate and lengthy scrutiny.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Hotel
Self Catering
Elephant Outpost
Located in Parktown, Johannesburg, Elephant Outpost is a beautifully restored historic home offering a relaxing self-catering accommodation exper...
Self Catering
Bamboo Cottage
Bamboo Cottage is a Japanese/ African Inspired apartment that is centrally located in a serene setting. There are two bedrooms, one is downstairs...
Things to do in the area
Arts & Crafts
Artyli Gallery
Artyli Gallery, is a contemporary African Art Gallery based in Sandton which showcases various collections of artwork created by artists at vario...
Family Entertainment
National Children�s Theatre
The National Children�s Theatre presents stage adaptations of classics, contemporary plays and educational theatre to the acclaim of critics and ...
Museums
Visit the Adler Museum of Medicine
Learn about early medicine at the Adler Museum of Medicine. Established in 1962 by Dr Cyril and Mrs Esther Adler who together collected a truly ...
Art Galleries
Gallery Momo
Johannesburg is one of South Africa�s most significant urban hubs in terms of commerce, entertainment, tourism and government. But it also boasts...
Caf�s & Eateries
Foundry
Parktown North is one of Johannesburg�s northern suburbs and is a historical residential area. It is also home to The Foundry, which pairs fine c...
Family Entertainment
Killarney Mall
Johannesburg is the retail and commercial hub of South Africa and the Killarney Mall is one of its most established shopping centres. This mall, ...
Farm Stalls & Markets
Victoria Yards Market
The Victoria Yards Market is held on the first Sunday of every month and makes for a really great day of quirky innovation for anyone that is enj...
Noteworthy attractions
Golf Courses
Crown Mines Golf Club
South Africa is famous for its gold, and Crown Mines Golf Club is built in genuine mining country, just a few kilometres southeast of central Joh...
Golf Courses
Observatory Golf Club
Observatory Golf Course is one of the less well known Johannesburg courses, but just as good as many of its more famous neighbors. A sophisticate...
Golf Courses
Randpark Golf Club
With two very distinct but different golf courses, Randpark offers golfers of varying ability an unforgettable experience on two of the finest an...
Golf Courses
Royal Johannesburg Golf Club
The World Atlas of Golf, which lists the great courses and how they are played, features just two South African clubs on its hallowed pages. One ...
Airports
OR Tambo International Airport
Formerly officially known as Johannesburg International Airport, the OR Tambo International Airport is a large airport near the city of Johannesb...
Landmarks
East Rand Flea Market
Just outside Johannesburg in Boksburg, the East Rand Flea Market lies right next to the East Rand Mall, and as a result, is open just about all w...
Shopping
East Rand Mall
The popular East Rand Mall takes full advantage of the prime position of this area and offers a variety of restaurants, boutiques, chain stores a...
Museums
Absa Money Museum
Home to the largest collection of money used in South Africa�s past in the world, Absa Money Museum lies in downtown Johannesburg on Troye Street...
Landmarks
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum is the story of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Beginning in 1948, the white elected National Party governme...
Find accommodation in Parktown
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Gauteng Accommodation / Johannesburg Accommodation / Parktown Accommodation