One public holiday can come and go in a flash. But with a little calendar magic, Heritage Day transforms into a five-day city escape. Here’s how: the public holiday lands on Wednesday, 24 September this year. Take leave on the Monday and Tuesday and you instantly unlock a full five days off, from Friday evening through Wednesday night.
And in Sandton Central, you don’t need to go far to find yourself in holiday mode. Between its rooftop terraces, lush green corners, luxury hotels, and flavour-packed restaurants, it’s a destination that feels both cosmopolitan and proudly local.
Spring is the season of fresh starts, the air a little softer, the trees blooming, the sun stretching its arms a little longer in the sky. It’s the perfect time to slow down, take a load off, and rediscover the city you thought you knew. Here’s how to spend a Heritage Day long weekend in Sandton Central that feels like a true staycation.
Day 1: Saturday 20 September – Arrive and Unwind
Check in to your home base and let the weekend’s rhythm begin. Sandton Sun & Towers is a favourite for good reason. Its rooftop pool, spa, and direct access to Sandton City make it the perfect urban retreat. Once you’ve dropped your bags, shake off the work week with a coffee at Artistry JHB, where the city’s creative pulse comes alive.
Ease into the evening with dinner at Truffles on the Park. Their leafy terrace is especially magical at this time of year, framed by fresh Spring greenery. It’s the kind of space that makes you forget you’re in the middle of Sandton. Pair a glass of crisp white wine with something seasonal from the menu and let the pace of city life melt away.
Day 2: Sunday 21 September – Sunshine and Self-Care
Spring mornings in Sandton Central beg to be taken slowly. Start your day with breakfast at your hotel, then take a stroll through Mushroom Farm Park. The park’s walking paths and wide-open lawns feel worlds away from office towers, and the skyline views are a gentle reminder of where you are.
By afternoon, it’s time to lean into some indulgence. The Sandton Sun Spa is where you can trade tension for tranquillity, whether it’s a deep tissue massage, a rejuvenating facial, or simply some downtime in a robe with herbal tea in hand.
As evening arrives, step back into the buzz of the city. Head to The Grillhouse Sandton, a Johannesburg institution where heritage flavours are given pride of place. Think biltong platters, legendary steaks, and South African wines that deserve slow sipping.
Day 3: Monday 22 September – Culture, Shopping, and Cocktails
Start at Nelson Mandela Square, where the iconic statue anchors the heart of the city. Sit outdoors at a café, order a cappuccino, and watch the square come alive with locals and visitors alike.
Spend the late morning wandering through Sandton City. With Spring in full swing, this is the time to pick up something fresh, whether it’s a flowing dress, light blazer, or new season fragrance. The mall’s blend of global brands and local finds makes browsing a treat in itself.
For lunch, keep things breezy at Pappas on the Square, where the sunlit terrace and Mediterranean menu are designed for long, lazy afternoons. If you’re in the mood for something cultural, book tickets at The Theatre on the Square. Its intimate productions always carry a proudly South African voice.
As the evening draws near, there’s only one place to be: Alto234, Africa’s highest urban bar atop The Leonardo. Toast the day with a cocktail in hand as the sun sets over the skyline, the city lights flickering on one by one.
Day 4: Tuesday 23 September – Family Day
Start with brunch in Nelson Mandela Square, where restaurants spill onto the piazza and kids can run between tables while adults linger over coffee. If we’re talking brunch, Tashas is a must.
The afternoon is perfect for a family movie at Ster-Kinekor Prestige, complete with recliner chairs and gourmet snacks. Afterwards, slip into the Sandton Library, a serene, book-filled escape tucked right into the bustle of the city. For little ones, Hamleys Toy Store is always a treat, their iconic red train and colourful displays sparking instant joy.
Wrap up the day at Hard Rock Café. With its music memorabilia, kid-friendly menu, and lively vibe, it’s the kind of dinner spot where the whole family feels at home.
Day 5: Wednesday 24 September – Heritage Day Send-Off
The finale deserves something proudly South African. Brunch at San Deck is the perfect way to close the weekend, with local ingredients, flame-grilled favourites, and a terrace that practically glows in the Spring sunshine.
Spend your last few hours strolling Nelson Mandela Square, browsing for treats in Sandton City, or sneaking in one more spa treatment before reality sets back in.
As the sun sets, raise a final glass, whether back at Alto234 or in the comfort of your hotel lounge, to local pride, Spring sunshine, and the joy of stretching one holiday into five days of memories.
A City Staycation, Done Right
Heritage Day is about celebrating who we are, and in Sandton Central that means embracing flavour, flair, and the richness of local culture. With Spring in the air, a staycation here feels like more than just a break. It’s a reminder that the best escapes don’t always require a boarding pass.
