Melville

Melville is a trendy bohemian suburb in Johannesburg, were you can wander streets lined with popular cafes, shops, restaurants and bars rather than walking in an enclosed shopping centre. It is also known as one of the city's vibey gay villages.

The well-known 7th Street is a popular hang-out for a very cosmopolitan crowd. Sip glamorous cocktails on the sidewalk at Buzz 9 restaurant, while watching the local celebrities walk by. Spend an evening at Cool Runnings, a Jamaican paradise, complete with beach sand and reed beach huts. With reggae music, live drumming in the basement, and an exquisite beach bar, you are guaranteed an awesome night out.

Another favourite spot is Catz Pyjamas, near the top end of the Main Road. Enjoy the fantastic vibe through the night, and into the early hours of the morning. It is the perfect place to grab breakfast or a cup of coffee after having had a night out on the town. There is also a new shopping mall called Campus Square, which has more mainstream outlets, food shops and restaurants.

Melville is also home to the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Heritage Site, an archeological site with stunning views, near the historic suburb of Sophiatown. Here the remains of both Stone and Iron Age settlements can still be seen today. During guided walks and bird tours, visitors can get an idea of what the area looked like before the discovery of gold in 1886.