Melville 7th Street, Johannesburg - a busy street with cars and buses
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Melville 7th Street Johannesburg

4.6
·491k reviews·Johannesburg, South Africa

Melville's 7th Street: A vibrant Johannesburg street known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and unique shops, offering a lively atmosphere w...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime for lunch

Vibrant atmosphere, safe exploration

CrowdMedium
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Melville 7th Street, Johannesburg - a busy street with cars and buses

Melville 7th Street Johannesburg

Best Time

Daytime for lunch

Vibrant atmosphere, safe exploration

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Melville's 7th Street: A vibrant Johannesburg street known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and unique shops, offering a lively atmosphere with a touch of caution.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"7th Street, Melville, is a street full of cool bars, restaurants, and unique shops – a personal favorite spot."

Vertical photo
TIP

📱 Phone Safety First

Be very cautious with your phone; avoid using it openly on the street to prevent snatching.

🚗 Uber Over Rental

Uber is often recommended over a rental car due to parking scarcity and petty crime.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

7th Street Buzz

7th Street Buzz

Melville

A street alive with cool bars, restaurants, and unique shops. A personal favorite spot for many.

Reddit
Karaoke Kong

Karaoke Kong

End of 7th Street

Known for its fun karaoke nights, it's a great spot to end your evening.

Reddit
27 Boxes

27 Boxes

Near 7th Street

A unique space with small, family-run shops offering off-the-beaten-track finds.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Melville's Vibe

Melville's 7th Street offers a unique blend of shops and eateries, but its atmosphere can shift. While some find it a lively hub, others note a decline in business. Be aware of your surroundings, especially regarding your phone, and consider visiting during peak hours for a more vibrant experience. Reddit

Safety and Smart Choices

While Melville is still considered a fun area by many, security is a recurring concern. Travelers advise against using phones openly on the street and suggest avoiding parking near car guards. Reddit+1 Opting for Uber over a rental car can also mitigate some parking and petty crime risks. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime for lunch
Why
Vibrant atmosphere, safe exploration
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings (select nights)
Why
Bars and karaoke come alive
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pov: youre going to Small street. #smallstreetfashion#smallstreetmall#joburg#joburgsmall#shoppinghaul#smallstreetrunner
@siposetunkonzo
73.5K likes • 704.3K views

📱 Phone Safety First

Be very cautious with your phone; avoid using it openly on the street to prevent snatching. Reddit+1

🚗 Uber Over Rental

Uber is often recommended over a rental car due to parking scarcity and petty crime. Reddit

Replying to @Thandeka 😍🇿🇦 AMX store Johannesburg location #SAMA28 #0632151973 #shopping #styletips #Love #amx #tiktokviral #amxlocation #creatorsearchinsights #order #delivery #jozi #creator
@amxphiladelphia
63.3K likes • 1.3M views
spend the day w us .. 😍🫧 #ᴇxᴘʟᴏʀᴇᴘᴀɢᴇ #exploremore #blancoon7th #fyp
refiloe.mnikiii
1.1K likes • 34.5K views

🎶 End with Karaoke

Karaoke Kong is a popular spot to wrap up your night in Melville. Reddit

🛍️ Explore Unique Shops

Don't miss 27 Boxes for quirky, independent boutiques and local crafts. Reddit

Taking the Joburg Red Bus is one of the safest, cheapest, and easiest ways to see inner city Johannesburg’s CBD as a tourist 🇿🇦🌧️🚍 #johannesburg #joburg #southafrica #joburgcbd #visitsouthafrica #sightseeing
@alexrawlangs
49.8K likes • 1.1M views

Tips

from all over the internet

📱 Phone Safety First

Be very cautious with your phone; avoid using it openly on the street to prevent snatching. Reddit+1

🚗 Uber Over Rental

Uber is often recommended over a rental car due to parking scarcity and petty crime. Reddit

🎶 End with Karaoke

Karaoke Kong is a popular spot to wrap up your night in Melville. Reddit

🛍️ Explore Unique Shops

Don't miss 27 Boxes for quirky, independent boutiques and local crafts. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Be Aware of Surroundings

General caution is advised, similar to other busy city areas. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Melville's 7th Street offers a mix of vibrant nightlife and unique shops, though some visitors note a decline in its former bustling atmosphere. While still a popular spot for its bars and karaoke, concerns about safety and phone snatching are frequently raised. Despite these issues, many find it a worthwhile place to visit, especially for its distinct character and nearby attractions like 27 Boxes.

What People Like

Lively bars and karaoke
Unique shops at 27 Boxes
Good brunch spots

What People Dislike

Safety concerns
Phone snatching risk
Decline in businesses

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach 7th Street Melville by Uber, which is often recommended for its convenience and safety compared to rental cars. Reddit Public transport options like the Joburg Red Bus Tour might pass through or near the area, offering a sightseeing perspective of the CBD. TikTok+1

Parking in Melville can be scarce, which is one reason many travelers opt for ride-sharing services like Uber. Reddit

Walking along 7th Street is the best way to experience the restaurants and shops. Reddit For broader city exploration, consider the Joburg Red Bus Tour which covers various city sights. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, 7th Street Melville is a public street with shops and restaurants, so no tickets are required for general access. Reddit

Shops and restaurants on 7th Street have varying hours. Many are open during the day for lunch and some stay open into the evening. Reddit+1 It's best to check individual establishment hours. Reddit

There are no entry fees to wander around 27 Boxes; you pay for any purchases you make from the small shops. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

While Melville is considered fun, safety is a concern. Travelers advise being aware of your surroundings, not using your phone openly, and avoiding dark alleys. Reddit+2 Many locals are accustomed to taking precautions. Reddit

7th Street features a variety of cool bars, restaurants, a bakery, and unique shops. Reddit 27 Boxes, nearby, offers more off-the-beaten-track small, family-run shops. Reddit

The vibe can be lively, especially during the day for brunch and lunch, and some parts come alive at night with bars and karaoke. Reddit+1 However, some visitors have noted a decline in businesses. Reddit

Karaoke Kong is highly recommended for a fun night out. Reddit Exploring the unique stalls at 27 Boxes is also a popular suggestion. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

7th Street Melville is known for its restaurants and bars, offering a good vibe for brunch and lunch. Reddit+1 Specific recommendations include Joanne Meltbar and Rats, which are still considered a vibe by some. Reddit

Yes, several brunch and lunch places are available on 7th Street, Melville, offering a pleasant dining experience. Reddit

You can expect a range of dining options, from casual bars and eateries to places offering specific experiences like meltbars. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The eclectic mix of shops, street art, and the unique architecture of 27 Boxes offer great photo opportunities. Reddit The general streetscape of 7th Street can also be visually interesting. TikTok

While taking photos, it's crucial to remain aware of your surroundings, especially concerning your phone. Reddit+1 Avoid displaying valuables openly. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While 7th Street Melville offers dining options, it's primarily known for its nightlife and bars, which might not be ideal for families with young children. Reddit However, the 27 Boxes area could be more family-friendly, offering unique shops and a more relaxed browsing experience. Reddit It's advisable to visit during the daytime for a more family-oriented atmosphere. Always prioritize safety and keep a close eye on children, especially regarding personal belongings. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Melville can be explored on a budget, especially if you focus on affordable eateries and unique finds at places like 27 Boxes. Reddit Utilizing ride-sharing services like Uber can be more cost-effective than renting a car, especially when factoring in parking. Reddit While some establishments might be pricier, the street offers a range of options. Be mindful of potential petty crime, as this can lead to unexpected costs if precautions aren't taken. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Female Travelers

Solo female travelers should exercise heightened awareness in Melville. While the area has a student population and can be lively, safety concerns are frequently mentioned. Reddit+1 It's recommended to stick to well-lit, populated areas, avoid walking alone at night if possible, and be extremely cautious with your phone. Reddit+1 Using Uber for transportation and informing someone of your whereabouts are good practices. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Evolving Landscape of 7th Street

7th Street in Melville was once a thriving hub, but recent observations suggest a shift. Some visitors note that 'half the businesses have shut down,' leading to a 'ghost town' feel in parts. Reddit Despite this, the street still retains some of its charm, with certain establishments like Joanne Meltbar and Rats still considered 'a vibe.' Reddit The area is also known for its karaoke bar, Karaoke Kong, which remains a popular draw. Reddit

For those looking for a more curated shopping experience, the nearby 27 Boxes offers a collection of small, family-run shops housed in shipping containers. Reddit This area provides a different, often more vibrant, atmosphere with unique finds. Reddit The overall experience on 7th Street can depend on the day and time of visit, with some parts coming alive more at night. Reddit

Safety and Security in Melville

Safety is a recurring theme in discussions about Melville. Travelers frequently advise being highly aware of your surroundings, particularly concerning phone snatching. Reddit+1 It's recommended to avoid using your phone openly on the street and to be cautious of your belongings. Reddit Some Reddit users suggest that while the area isn't inherently dangerous, the risk of petty crime is higher than in some other parts of Johannesburg. Reddit

To mitigate risks, many recommend using Uber for transportation instead of renting a car, as parking can be difficult and potentially insecure. Reddit Avoid parking near car guards, as this doesn't necessarily guarantee your car's safety. Reddit Despite these concerns, many residents and visitors still find Melville to be a fun and enjoyable place to spend time, provided they exercise common sense and caution. Reddit+1

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