A possible quarter-final venue for England on 3 July, and the venue for the final on 11 July
Pre-match pint
In the heart of the city, Mapungubwe (Marshall Street, +27 11 429 2600) is an elegant basement bar in what was once a bank, now transformed with plush velvet seating in the original safety deposit vaults. It's also a stylish hotel. Sports fans flock to one of Joburg's institutions, The Jolly Roger (10 4th Ave, +27 11 442 3954), in the funky Parkhurst area and probably the city's busiest pub, with big-screen TV, beer on tap and pizzas. The bohemian Melville area is worth a look too – it's a popular hangout for students and actors, offering a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars.
Quick bite
The Troyeville Hotel (25 Bezuidenhout Street, +27 11 402 7709) close to Ellis Park Stadium, does fantastic Portuguese and Mozambican fare in its Flamingo restaurant. This is where Portuguese locals head for authentic food and to shoot some pool. The decor is so unpretentiously kitsch, it is actually cool. Try the LM (Lourenço Marques) peri-peri prawns. An average meal will set you back about £8.50.
Join a diverse crowd at the Salvation Cafe (44 Stanley Avenue, +27 11 492 7795), which is close to several film production companies, universities and art galleries. It focuses on organic and veggie food – the fishcakes come highly recommended. Or get there early and try whisky porridge for breakfast.
Extra time
Take a 40-minute drive out to the world heritage site of the Cradle of Humankind, where you'll be out in the country's Highveld region and close to various sites of historical interest. Fossils of one of the oldest examples of Australopithecus (an early hominid species related to humans) was found at the Sterkfontein Caves (+27 14 577 9000, maropeng.co.za), where it's worth taking a guided tour. Then check out nearby Maropeng Museum, an interactive, innovative space that looks at our hairy ancestors, our DNA and the earth in a refreshingly witty manner. Don't miss the fun tugboat ride.
Book a lunch table down the road at Roots restaurant (+27 11 668 7000) at the Forum Homini hotel. The French, African and Asian fusion food has won numerous awards.
Away game
Bobbejaansberg Nature Reserve, north of Pretoria, is home to baboons, hyenas, leopards, warthogs, antelopes and rare bird species. Mziki Safari Lodge (+27 82 777 8851), further west, is another option and reasonably priced: World Cup Specials start at around £418 for three nights, including meals, accommodation and two safaris per day.
Nikki Temkin is a journalist and author of Chic Jozi – The Savvy Style Companion (nikkitemkin.com)
