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Everything You Need to Know about Melville in Johannesburg
Melville is a hip neighbourhood in Johannesburg, well-known for its bustling eateries and bars that attract university students.
One of the city’s oldest suburbs, it’s also a well-loved tourist spot. It was established in 1896 and named after land surveyor Edward Harker Vincent Melvill.
The suburb is also known for the Melville Koppies, an archaeological site with rolling grassland hills and city views.
Where is Melville?
The suburb is situated west of the Johannesburg CBD. It falls within Region B of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality.
What is the main street in Melville?
7th Street is Melville’s main street, known for its unique businesses and vibrant nightlife. Offering a variety of bars and entertainment venues, it’s a popular spot among students and young professionals.
How to Get to Melville
By bus: Several bus lines serve the Melville area. You can take bus numbers T2, C4, and C5, then alight at SABC Media Park.
By train: You can take the train and alight at Gautrain Park Station. From there, you can transfer to a bus or taxi to reach Melville.
By taxi: The base fare is approximately R70 with an additional charge of around R9.50 per kilometre.
What to Do and See in Melville
Hike at the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve
Website: https://www.mk.org.za/
Address: 4 Judith Rd, Emmarentia
Phone: +27 79 532 0083
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – 8 AM to 11:30 AM
Melville Koppies is a beautiful natural area that covers 150 hectares. It has rocky terrain, indigenous plants and animals, and great views of the city.
In spring, delicate wildflowers bloom here, and in winter, highveld grasses dominate the landscape. It also has an ancient Iron Age furnace, which is often a highlight during educational trips.
On Sundays, African church groups perform here, singing and drumming, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Picnic at the Johannesburg Botanical Garden
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Address: Olifants Rd, Emmarentia
Phone: +27 11 712 6600
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 6 AM to 6 PM
I found Johannesburg Botanical Garden to be an ideal picnic spot with its large, grassy areas with trees. The 81-hectare garden offers plenty of open space for spreading out a blanket and enjoying the fresh air.
My favourite spot was near the Rose Garden, where the vibrant blooms provided a beautiful backdrop. The Herb Garden added a delightful fragrance to the air, enhancing the picnic experience.
Despite being a popular spot for runners and dog walkers, the garden felt peaceful and relaxing. Security at all entrances ensures a safe environment.
Jog around Emmarentia Dam
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Address: Johannesburg Botanical Garden
Emmarentia Dam is a favourite running spot for locals. It offers well-marked, paved tracks that wind through beautiful scenery.
When I jog there, I feel safe thanks to the car guards on duty and the presence of many other runners.
Parking is conveniently available inside the park, making access straightforward for those driving in.
Let your kids play at Bambanani
Website: https://www.bambanani.biz/
Address: 85 4th Avenue
Phone: +27 11 482 2900
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 8 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Bambanani is a popular choice for families seeking a comfortable and engaging space for their kids. The facility provides indoor and outdoor play areas, supervised by attentive childminders.
Meanwhile, we adults can kick back inside, enjoying some tasty Mediterranean food and maybe a nice bottle of wine. And if the kids still have energy to burn, just across the street at 27 Boxes, there’s an awesome playground waiting for them.
Just a tip though: it gets pretty busy, so it’s smart to book ahead to make sure you get a spot in all the fun!
Where to Eat and Drink in Melville
Café De La Crème
Website: https://www.delacreme.co.za/
Address: 12 7th Street
Phone: +27 11 726 7716
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 7 AM to 5 PM
Café De La Crème is a charming blend of café, bakery, and deli. Locals gather here for delightful breakfasts and casual meetings.
The array of cakes and pastries is appealing with inviting scents and an attractive presentation. The Primavera pasta and falafel salad are notable menu items, providing satisfying options for a midday meal or snack.
Service Station
Website: https://www.servicestationcafe.co.za/
Address: 24 9th Street
Phone: +27 11 726 1701
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 1 PM
Service Station mixes modern style with a cosy feel. They’re known for their lunch buffet, which features tasty salads and hearty roasts.
During my visit, I tried their famous quiches, and they didn’t disappoint, especially with a good cup of coffee on the side. If you’re planning a picnic or a chill night at home, you can grab their quiches to go.
They also have vegetarian options, so everyone is accounted for.
Harissa Grill and Shisha Bar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarissaGrillandShisha/
Address: 7th Street and 2nd Avenue
Phone: +27 79 030 8003
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 10 AM to 2 AM
When you step into Harissa Grill and Shisha Bar, you’re greeted with the inviting aroma of Lebanese spices and a relaxed ambience.
Their menu offers a delightful range of Lebanese dishes, appealing to both meat lovers and vegetarians. I particularly enjoyed their baba ghanoush, which had a smoky richness that paired with their freshly baked flatbreads.
Chopstix
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chen.norland/
Address: 75 4th Avenue
Phone: +27 83 289 1952
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 9 PM
Chopstix offers a unique and charming Chinese dining experience.
Here, I enjoyed a variety of small plates, including dim sum and dumplings. For the main course, we had pork and chives, which were tasty and tender, and pan-fried Chinese vegetables which were well-seasoned and had a nice crunch.
Reserved Cafe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReservedCafe/
Address: 75 4th Avenue
Phone: +27 73 789 2632
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
The Reserved Cafe, managed by the Portuguese-South African chef Daniel Ribiero, provides a cosy dining environment. It’s an ideal place for those looking to enjoy a leisurely meal or a casual coffee break.
I enjoyed the chorizo egg mayo sandwich, their standout daily special. Additionally, the salads displayed on the counter were fresh and inviting.
The highlight was the traditional homemade pasteis de nata. These Portuguese custard tarts were simply divine.
Six Cocktail Bar
Address: 90 3rd Ave
Phone: +27 83 623 7950
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 11 AM to 2 AM
Six Cocktail Bar is a popular establishment among students and has been a staple on Melville’s renowned 7th Street for many years.
One of the best things about them is their daily 2-4-1 cocktail happy hour from 12 PM to 7 PM. They offer a wide range of cocktails, but their best sellers include the Excitabull, June Bug, and Snoop Dogg.
The crowd here usually enjoys the old-school hip-hop and R&B playing at just the right volume.
Ratz Bar + Diner
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ratzbar.melville/
Address: 9, 7th Street
Phone: +27 11 482 2414
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 4 PM to 2 AM
Ratz Bar + Diner is a cool karaoke spot that’s been around for ages because of its awesome community vibe, great drinks, and delicious food. They even have guest DJs on certain nights and, of course, karaoke.
They serve some top-notch bar food like tacos and buffalo chicken wings, and their signature cocktails like the passion fruit hazelnut mixer are a hit.
Where to Shop in Melville
The Green Market Melville
Media from blaze.s.a
Address: 27 Boxes, 76a 4th Avenue
Phone: +27 860 109 237
The Green Market is a monthly event hosted at 27 Boxes on the last Sunday of every month. It celebrates cannabis culture with a variety of offerings.
I found it fascinating to explore the stalls, featuring a diverse array of cannabis-infused oils, health and beauty products, and an assortment of items made from hemp.
Additionally, there were plenty of Rastafarian-inspired gifts on display, ranging from colourful bongs to quirky T-shirts and jackets. The market also offered tasty snacks for when you start getting the munchies.
Melville Food and Farmers Market
Media from life_plus_lemons_lemonade
Address: Carlow Rd &, Rustenburg Rd
Phone: +27 82 399 8126
Operating Hours:
- Saturday – 9 AM to 2 PM
The Melville Food and Farmers Market is a vibrant spot for anyone who loves organic produce, fresh milk, bread, and baked goods.
Every time I visit, I make sure to pick up a variety of fruits and vegetables, which taste incredibly fresh. I also grab a loaf of freshly baked bread, still warm from the oven, and a bottle of creamy, fresh milk.
Supporting local farmers feels great, especially when you can taste the quality in every bite.
Ruth’s Antiques
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Address: Kinderspiel, Bamboo Centre, Rustenburg Road
Phone: +27 11 053 6533
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Ruth’s Antiques is a dive into Melville’s past filled with fascinating finds and unique pieces. This place is a treasure trove for anyone interested in vintage items, from furniture to jewellery.
I was struck by the sheer variety of items, each telling its own story. I found an old gramophone that still worked, and the owner eagerly shared its history with me.
Reminiscene
Address: Shop 4, 24 9th Street
Phone: +27 83 256 0813
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 10 AM to 3:30 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 4 PM
Another Melville spot for vintage enthusiasts is Reminiscene, which is owned by the charming Rosemary.
Open for nearly three decades, the store offers a wide range of items from 1920s silk nightwear to vibrant 1970s kaftans. The costume jewellery collection is particularly stunning. My personal favourite was a marcasite brooch.
Krag Drag The Strong One
Address: 27Boxes, 75 3rd Avenue
Phone: +27 11 482 1743
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Krag Drag is a vibrant clothing and gift boutique, known for putting a playful spin on iconic South African and international brands.
I couldn’t resist picking up an Amazulu T-shirt, a clever play on the global giant Amazon. I also found a Smartie Pants babygrow, which is an adorable find for a baby shower.
Additionally, their range of colourful, retro-themed home accessories and wearables makes Krag Drag a go-to destination for unique gifts.
Bookdealers of Melville
Media from chasingbooks_andsunsets
Website: https://www.bookdealers.co.za/
Address: 12 7th Street
Phone: +27 11 726 4054
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Bookdealers of Melville is a haven for book lovers. The shop features an impressive collection of both new and used books, with new titles arriving weekly. Whether you’re into popular fiction, cookbooks, history, or detective novels, there’s something for everyone here.
Lifestyle Hub
Website: https://web.facebook.com/lifestylehubjhb/
Address: Shop No 24, 27 Boxes, 76a 4th Avenue
Phone: +27 76 074 4813
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 5 PM
Lifestyle Hub is a platform for local entrepreneurs, showcasing a range of unique creations such as herbal bath crystals, body scrubs, scented candles, and custom fragrances. These are perfect for gifting or for personal treats.
Where to Stay in Melville
Ginnegaap Guesthouse
Address: 54 4th Avenue
Phone: +27 11 482 3507
Pricing: $$
The Ginnegaap Guest House is a delightful cottage-style haven suitable for both business and leisure travellers. The rooms are well-appointed and maintained with great care.
One of the best aspects is its location—just a short walk from Melville’s vibrant coffee shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Motel Mi Pi Chi
Address: 35 4th Avenue
Phone: +27 82 450 6790
Pricing: $$
Motel Mi Pi CHi is a charming B&B, offering both bed and breakfast rooms and self-catering units. The rooms are comfortable and modern, with quirky touches like bowls of Nik Naks and Sugus.
I opted for a sun-facing room, which provided a beautiful view of the surroundings and included all the essentials like free Wi-Fi, a bar fridge, and satellite TV.
For those who prefer cooking their own meals, the self-catering units are fully equipped. Convenient on-site facilities such as parking, laundry service, and a safe are also available.
Melville Turret Guesthouse
Media from davedepper
Address: 118 2nd Avenue
Phone: +27 11 482 7197
Pricing: $$
Melville Turret Guesthouse is set in a charming historic building with lovely gardens and a furnished terrace. The rooms are modern and stylish. Some even have air-conditioning and under-floor heating!
I enjoyed starting my morning in the lovely breakfast room, where I could pick from a continental or traditional English breakfast. Freshly brewed coffee was available all day.
My room had a comfy seating area with satellite TV, and some rooms even had a kitchenette. Additionally, the guesthouse offered free Wi-Fi, private parking, and an airport shuttle service for guests.
Agterplaas B&B
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Address: 66 6th Avenue
Phone: +27 11 726 6969
Pricing: $$
Agterplaas B&B is a charming bed and breakfast nestled at the foot of the Melville Koppies. The cosy patio and inviting guest lounge make for a relaxing stay, with the added convenience of being close to Melville’s attractions, shops, and restaurants.
There’s a variety of room options, from the spacious Prima Room with a balcony to the snug Economy Single Room. Each room is carefully appointed with a bar fridge, a TV featuring satellite channels, and access to secure parking facilities.
Melville Gap Guest House
Address: 33 1st Avenue
Phone: +27 66 305 2484
Pricing: $$
Melville Gap Guest House is a modern and inviting place to stay, beautifully renovated to reflect Melville’s rich heritage of arts and culture.
You’ll love the four stylishly renovated bedrooms in the main house and the two newly renovated self-catering units.
Its spacious lounge and dining area are ideal for intimate gatherings or business events. Plus, you can take advantage of the awesome amenities like the outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and the lovely garden!
