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Carlton Centre
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Landmark
The Carlton Centre, located in downtown Johannesburg, is an iconic landmark of South African urban history. Rising 223 meters, it held the record as the tallest building in Africa for over four decades following its completion in 1973. The complex features a massive office tower and an extensive underground shopping mall that connects several city blocks. Its most famous attraction is the 'Top of Africa' observation deck on the 50th floor, which provides visitors with an unparalleled 360-degree view of the 'City of Gold' and the distant Magaliesberg mountains. Originally designed as a luxury hotel and business hub, the building now stands as a witness to the evolving identity of Johannesburg's central business district. Although it has since been surpassed as Africa's tallest skyscraper, the Carlton Centre remains a vital part of the city's skyline and a symbol of 20th-century economic ambition.
- Location: South Africa
- Top sights: POPART Performing Arts Centre · Top of Africa · Kwa Mai Mai Traditional Market
- Nearby: Magaliesburg (55 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 21 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 123 | 82 | 73 | 43 | 16 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 16 | 57 | 89 | 127 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Carlton Centre is a skyscraper with a shopping center, featuring a publicly accessible observation deck. The shopping center is open during regular business hours.
Typical hours
The shopping center typically opens from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the observation deck having similar hours. Sundays and holidays may have different times.
Photography
From the observation deck, photos of the city are allowed. In the shopping center, photography is usually permitted, but not in stores without permission.
Time needed
A visit to the observation deck takes about 20 to 30 minutes. For browsing the shopping center, allow an additional hour.
Combine with
The Carlton Centre is located in downtown Johannesburg, near Museum Africa and Constitution Hill. Gold Reef City Park is also not far away.
Getting there
The building is accessible by car or public transport such as the Gautrain (Park Station). From the station it is about a ten-minute walk.
Insider tip
Go to the observation deck early morning for the best views. Combine the visit with shopping on the lower floors.
Geography
Facts
- The Carlton Centre is 223 meters tall and consists of 50 floors above ground.
- It remained the tallest building in Africa for 46 years, from 1973 until 2019.
- The underground shopping centre contains over 180 retail outlets.
- The 50th floor houses the 'Top of Africa' observation deck with 360-degree views.
- The skyscraper was designed by the American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
- About 46% of the total floor area of the complex is located below ground level.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Carlton Centre (9)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Carlton Centre?
Once the tallest building in Africa, a shopping center in Johannesburg.
Can you go to the observation deck?
Access is often restricted; check locally.
Is the area safe?
Be extra cautious in downtown Johannesburg.
Are there shops there?
Yes, there is a large shopping mall on the lower levels.
How is the accessibility?
Easily accessible by public transport.
Carlton Centre: where is it located?
Carlton Centre is located in South Africa.
Carlton Centre: what is there to see?
Highlights include POPART Performing Arts Centre, Top of Africa, Kwa Mai Mai Traditional Market.
Carlton Centre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
Carlton Centre: why is it worth visiting?
The Carlton Centre, located in downtown Johannesburg, is an iconic landmark of South African urban history.
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