One Night in Johannesburg

You have one evening to spend in the City of Gold. Three people in the know tell you how to do it right.

1. NKHENSANI MANGANYI NKOSI, actress and founder of hip fashion label Stoned Cherrie I’d start with a picnic at the Cradle of Humankindcaves where some of the earliest human remains have been found. There’s a game reserve and it’s quite beautiful at that time of day. A trip to Wandie’s bar, pictured, in Soweto may be a bit of a clich, but it’s still a must to sample township life. And then I’d end my night at the Horror Caf in downtown Johannesburg, where some of the best undiscovered musicians play local hip-hop, ragga and soul. It’s a young, mixed crowdvery cool.

Style Watch: Rattan Revolution

Diversions: All Talk

Food: Season to Taste

Outdoors: Comfy Camping

2. PALESA MADUMO, advertising executive First hit the Design Quarter, pictured, Jo’burg’s newest and hippest shopping mall at Fourways in the north. You can eat or have a drink at the Kitchen Bar, which is divided into a restaurant at the bottom and a club area at the top. It’s new so it’s still fun. If you want good African food, head to Nambitha in Soweto. It has a vibe you can’t quite get anywhere else, very friendly.

3. SIMON ROBINSON, Africa bureau chief, TIME The two blocks of shops in Old Melville include a couple of fantastic used-book stores. After browsing for forgotten classics, eat Thai (Soi is a favorite), Indian, Greek or Ethiopian (the newly opened Abyssinica), or have a drink at the Mozambican-flavored Xai Xai Lounge, pictured. If you don’t linger you can catch a show at the Market Theatre in artsy Newtown.