AfricanPenthouses is one of those city surprises that are utterly delightful. Not at all what you would expect in the City Centre, this collection of boutique properties gives a taste of the high life in city living. Situated at 87 Commissioner Street, across the road from the Rand Club, AfricanPenthouses epitomise urban luxury. Owned and managed by Ade Ashaye and his partner Priscilla Tandu, these four rooftop apartments, named after politicians, redefine chic living with character-rich interiors and mind-boggling panoramic views. 

It's a great location to launch explorations, positioned next to the Johannesburg Culinary & Pastry School and a short Uber ride from the vibrant neighbourhoods of Maboneng and Braamfontein. Read our guide to exploring the best of Braamfontein here, or take a look at our Maboneng guide here. 

Experience the Abdul Abubakar Penthouse, a newly crafted retreat that offers a private jacuzzi, a rooftop chess set and access to a shared penthouse pool, or step into luxury in the Winston Churchill Penthouse, a tri-level haven that seamlessly blends opulent grandeur with intimate comfort. The Willie Brandt Penthouse offers a unique blend of history and modern comfort, while you can have a taste of New York-style living in the Barack Obama Penthouse, a spacious apartment that once graced the pages of a Sunday Times home design feature. Inspired by the open-planned living experience in London, the meticulously crafted layout evokes the feel of a studio apartment. North-facing, it's bathed in natural light while remaining shielded from the hustle and bustle below (thanks to double-glazed windows, a rarity in this city). 

Each of the four penthouses, all listed on Airbnb, offers a unique charm, complete with a private rooftop jacuzzi or access to a communal rooftop pool. They accommodate four to six guests and provide an ideal retreat in the heart of Joburg's City Centre. Each apartment (except the Willie Brandt Penthouse) has back-up power for the main interior lights and Wi-Fi; the building itself doesn't have a generator.