10 Top Co-Working Spaces in Johannesburg

The Whippet in Linden is a favorite among locals, mainly due to their impressive bistro-style breakfast and lunch menus. The atmosphere is always lively and perfect for getting together with co-workers and exchanging ideas. The long communal tables are great for large groups while the benches against the wall often host individuals glued to their laptop screens. Bonus? Free WiFi.

Motherland Coffee Co. has three venues in Johannesburg: Dunkeld, Parktown North, and Rosebank. They serve delicious salads, sandwiches, and other treats—the ideal out-of-office workspace. It can fill up fast, especially around breakfast and lunch time, so make sure to get there early to get the best seat.

What’s more inspiring than being surrounded by thousands of books stacked floor to ceiling? Exclusive Books in Hyde Park is a step above the other branches, as it’s beautifully decorated, boasts a coffee and tea bar, and loads of work desks (all placed in front of the bestsellers bookcase). Their on-site eatery, Social Kitchen and Bar, has a panoramic view over the city, and a fireplace keeps it toasty in colder months. Here you can grab a bite to eat and sip on tasty drinks all while getting your best work done.

Doubleshot Coffee & Tea in Braamfontein is a small batch coffee roastery that also specializes in freshly brewed craft iced tea, tea lattes, and delicious pastries. As far as coffee shops go, the city has plenty to choose from, but when in Braamfontein, this is definitely one of the favorites. Pull up a chair near the window and soak in all that this vibey neighborhood has to offer for the ultimate creative inspiration.

JoziHub is situated in the 44 Stanley center and is a co-creative space ideal for sharing ideas and collaborating with like-minded entrepreneurs. It is, however, so much more than just a co-working space. Members gain access to a whole network of trendsetters, as well as the option to attend inspiring events and workshops. Ad hoc workspace costs R50 (£3) a day and are payable on arrival, so head over, check it out and get to work.

OPEN is a creative environment right in the heart of Johannesburg’s bustling Maboneng precinct. The beautifully designed co-working space comes complete with a café, 120 desks, meeting areas, and team workspaces, and for those who like a bit of privacy, there are fully-furnished office spaces available. OPEN is available for day users or dedicated spaces can be booked. Their branch in Sandton is just as great and well-worth a visit.

Perch is all about helping you to successfully grow. They provide a comfortable workspace on a flexible or short-term basis and are perfect for startups, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and independent professionals. Situated in Rosebank, only a five-minute walk from the Gautrain station, this is as convenient as it gets. Pop out during your lunch break to one of the many restaurants or coffee shops in the area.

This modern space in Johannesburg’s business hub has an edgy interior complete with a bistro serving gourmet meals. Whether you’re in need of an informal or formal meeting space, this is the place to go. It’s conveniently close to some of the largest companies in the city as well as the Sandton Gautrain station and the Gautrain Radisson Blu hotel.

The J&B Hive, a flourishing community of entrepreneurs and creatives, equips individuals and teams with all they need to get to work. Consisting of a Creative Hub, where you can work, socialize, and host events, as well as an Accelerator Programme, where you’ll get to learn all about the best ways to support your business, this is the place to go to get those creative juices flowing. The venue is also open for external events and the J&B Hive Bar and Café is a great meeting place.

Another great “coffice,” perfect for when you’re starting to feel a bit isolated, the quaint café in Johannesburg’s leafy suburb of Melville has been going strong since 1999 and it’s no wonder why: the food is fresh, the coffee strong, and the service friendly. Grab a seat near the window, connect to the free WiFi, and you’ll soon feel newly inspired.