Sophie Baker is a Gauteng-based travel and food writer, covering everything from luxury Kruger safaris to Mauritius' food scene. When she's not writing about wildlife encounters or the perfect plate of pasta, she's probably on horseback, sipping wine or cooking (not all at once). She's always on the lookout for her next great adventure - preferably with a fantastic meal at the end!

Sophie Baker

Sophie Baker

City Expert, Time Out Johannesburg & Pretoria

Articles (13)

The 6 best big group getaways near Johannesburg

The 6 best big group getaways near Johannesburg

Rounding up a large group for a weekend can be a recipe for chaos, especially if multiple generations are involved. Someone’s kid needs their own room, someone wants to braai while your Uncle wants to make a three-course dinner, and there never seems to be enough showers! Then you need enough places to sit and chill, socialise, eat dinner together, and still have space to retreat from the madness for half an hour.  The trick isn’t just finding a place that’s big enough, but also one that is actually set up for groups. Within a few hours of Johannesburg, you’ll find lodges, farmhouses and hideaways built for exactly this. We’re talking proper kitchens, long tables, outdoor fire pits, and views that keep everyone happy. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. RECOMMENDED 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram! 
The 15 best rooftop bars in Johannesburg

The 15 best rooftop bars in Johannesburg

Johannesburg, Joburg or Jozi - whatever you decide to call it, one thing is for sure is that the City of Gold knows how to impress with its panoramic plateaus, high altitude urban greenery and unforgettable sunsets. From glitzy hotels to casual weekend hangouts with friends or the perfect after-work sundowners with colleagues, there’s a rooftop beat for every vibe. Dress up, chill out and soak up those stunning views with your fave cocktail or mocktail in hand.    The question is, are you ready to explore? With our list of the best rooftop bars, all you have to do is pick your perfect one and let Jozi show you the way to toast to the city below. The rooftops are calling. RECOMMENDED 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg  
The 15 best hotels in Johannesburg

The 15 best hotels in Johannesburg

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay and relax in Johannesburg, visitors are spoiled for choice. However, it can be a tricky decision. To make your life a little easier, we've highlighted the best hotels in Johannesburg in this convenient list. From high-end luxury stays to spending a night surrounded by nature, here are Johannesburg's best places to rest your head and set up base to explore the wonders of the City of Gold. RECOMMENDED 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram! This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
The 16 best restaurants in Johannesburg

The 16 best restaurants in Johannesburg

Whether you are a local or a visitor, immersing yourself in the food culture which Johannesburg so brilliantly brings to the fore is a must. The diversity the City of Gold's offering provides is a food adventure that you simply have to go on, with inspiration from all corners of globe a feast for the eyes, nose and tastebuds. Here we bring you a guide to the best restaurants in Johannesburg. Go on then, book a table and tuck in. RECOMMENDED 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram!
The 32 best things to do in Johannesburg

The 32 best things to do in Johannesburg

Here’s hoping you like excitement because the best things to do in Johannesburg will have you on the edge of your seat. That isn’t true if you take the Red Bus tour, as you can sit back comfortably and enjoy everything this famous South African city offers.Johannesburg is one of the biggest cities in Africa and the biggest in the world not built on a water source. Joburg was actually built on a goldmine, so keep that in the back pocket of your pub quiz team for future reference. So come along with us as we take a look at the best things to do in Johannesburg, from catching a live sports match and taking in the cultural vibes to walking in the footsteps of historical figures of great importance. RECOMMENDED🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram!
The 10 best hotels in Pretoria

The 10 best hotels in Pretoria

If you're in search of a romantic spot that feels more like a quiet European retreat than a typical stay in South Africa, Pretoria has a few hidden gems worth exploring. We've rounded up some of the best hotels in the area – ideal for when you need a break from the pace of city life and want a peaceful place to unwind with a cocktail or mocktail in hand. RECOMMENDED: 🥐 The best cafés and coffee shops in Pretoria🛍️ The best shops in Pretoria🍴 The best restaurants in Pretoria
The best affordable restaurants in Johannesburg

The best affordable restaurants in Johannesburg

Let’s face it, Joburg’s dining scene can get pricey, especially in the glitzier corners of Sandton. But eating out doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet. In fact, with a bit of savvy, you can score seriously delicious meals that are big on flavour and light on the budget. This National Savings Month, we’re spotlighting spots where great food meets great value. We’re talking sit-down gems (no drive-thrus here) where you can tuck into everything from cult-fave shawarma to hidden Italian treasures, all for under R150, and sometimes even under R100. Here’s where to eat well without breaking the bank or your appetite.   RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🍸 The best bars and pubs in Johannesburg🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Johannesburg☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Johannesburg
The best safari escapes close to Johannesburg

The best safari escapes close to Johannesburg

Johannesburg may be a city of skyscrapers, but within a few hours (or a short flight), you can be swapping traffic for elephant tracks. And if there’s one thing Joburgers won’t stop telling everyone, it’s that here, safari isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Or even a once-yearly thing. It’s something you can do over the weekend. From luxe fly-in escapes to self-catering bush stays, these lodges are some of the best ways to get away from the city’s constant buzz and get your dose of lie-ins. Oh, wait, make that lions. RECOMMENDED🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram!  
The 8 best restaurants in Pretoria

The 8 best restaurants in Pretoria

Who can resist a great meal – especially when it's served with a view as stunning as Pretoria's?  Whether you're craving juicy burgers, fresh seafood, spicy curries, or comforting pastas, the city's vibrant food scene has something to satisfy every palate. It's not just about eating; it's about indulging in an experience you won't want to miss.  But enough talk – let our top picks do the convincing.
The 9 Best Shops in Pretoria

The 9 Best Shops in Pretoria

Pretoria's shopping scene offers a diverse and delightful experience that caters to every taste and budget. Whether you're the type to lose yourself in the pages of a good book, constantly on the hunt for unique treasures and hidden gems, or simply love the thrill of a good shopping spree, Pretoria has something special in store for you.  RECOMMENDED: 🍳 The best cafés and coffee shops in Pretoria 🥾 The best things to do in Pretoria
The 9 Best CafĂŠs and Coffee Shops in Pretoria

The 9 Best CafĂŠs and Coffee Shops in Pretoria

Whether you're on a health kick or giving in to sweet cravings, Pretoria is brimming with options to satisfy every palate. If you're in the mood to explore, here's a list of the best things to do in Pretoria.  
The 11 best burger restaurants in Johannesburg

The 11 best burger restaurants in Johannesburg

Fancy a delicious burger? Well, we've got the inside scoop into where you should head next for your burger fix in Johannesburg. From juicy, cheesy deliciousness to gourmet delight, below you will find the spots you need to visit right now for a burger adventure to remember. RECOMMENDED 📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg Â