Local Intel: Chanley Wong

It’s the perfect spot for brunch and breakfast with beautifully prepared food and an irresistible cake selection that makes you stay a little longer. It’s welcoming and ideal for slow mornings and long catch-ups.

When I want to treat myself, I go to Mangwanani: The View. It is located in Fourways, and it is a luxury day spa where you can completely unwind and walk out feeling rejuvenated. P.S.: Ask for Refiloe and Sarah; they’re incredible! 

My favourite spot for bubbles, cocktails or sundowners is The 11th Floor. It's moody, classy, and effortlessly beautiful, with fairy lights and an outdoor terrace. It makes for the perfect date night or time spent with friends over some sundowners. 

City Skate Tours is a local tour company that offers guided skateboarding tours through the inner city, including areas such as Braamfontein, Maboneng, Newtown, and Marshalltown. You get to explore street art, culture, and town history while skating. Afterwards, you can stay for coffee or a bite to eat: Braamfontein has lots of cafés and hang-outs. I had no skating experience, and they are so accommodating, it’s definitely a core memory now.

Shun De Chinese Restaurant is a well-known spot in Cyrildene’s Chinatown for authentic Chinese cuisine. My family and I go there often for yum cha (a brunch tradition) - think dim sum served with tea. You still have a wide range of menu options, including authentic Chinese dishes for lunch and dinner, such as rice dishes, soups, noodles, and more. Let’s not forget that you often end your meal with oranges or watermelon - it’s a Cantonese tradition!

Parkhurst is my favourite neighbourhood to spend time in! It’s walkable and has a friendly vibe. The main strip, 4th Avenue, is full of life. You can stroll between cafés, boutiques, and bars without worrying about driving. It hits the sweet spot between fun, chill, and walkable. You can brunch, shop, sip bubbles, and take a golden-hour stroll.

Modderfontein Nature Reserve is my favourite spot for a nature fix. It offers a nice mix of walking trails, greenery, and waterfalls. Oh! You can pop into the Fourways Farmers Market (only on weekends) straight after your walk. Think fresh food, local craft stalls, live music, and lots of space to relax in nature.

Eastgate Shopping Centre is the ultimate one-stop destination for anyone looking to shop for fashion, homeware, or gifts, and it's one of my favourite shopping spots in Johannesburg. You can easily put together outfits, find essentials to stylish décor pieces, while gift shops make picking up the perfect present effortless. There are coffee shops, a food court, and even a cinema to round off your day. Did I mention the kids are sorted, too? There's go-karting, rollerblading, and a brand-new arcade, too!

Artistry in Sandton is one of my favourite spots for a night out. It is a creative and dining destination that goes beyond just food. It brings together food, music, and vibe under one roof. It’s a rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views of Sandton with live music, and it's designed to make your night out feel wholesome and fun. P.S.: You need to try their chicken wings!