Bedfordview

Because of its proximity to the airport, Bedfordview is much favoured by businesspeople and travellers looking for pleasant, short stays. There is plenty of accommodation, ranging from attractive B&Bs and guest houses to self-catering apartments and hotels, including the Fair Trade Tourism-certificated Mercure Hotel Bedfordview.

Shopping opportunities abound. The super-regional Eastgate Shopping Centre is the retail and lifestyle hub of the suburb, with over 260 stores, cinemas, restaurants and entertainment venues. Bedford Centre is an elegant, smaller mall with a European-style open-air courtyard surrounded by smart cafés and lots of good restaurants.

Apart from its 160 chic boutiques and shops, a fitness centre, banking court, cinemas, an entertainment area, a children’s play area and plenty of safe parking, the centre also houses modern apartments and sophisticated penthouses with superb views over Johannesburg. If you need a breather from urban living, then visit nearby Gillooly’s Farm, a 44ha park with a lake full of waterbirds where you can walk, picnic or just sit and watch the world go by.

It’s a welcome relief from the fast pace of city living.