Parkhurst 4th Avenue and surrounds – a neighbourhood guide

A popular Joburg high street, Parkhurst's 4th Avenue – and surrounds – have everything you need for a day out on the town. From early morning breakfast spots to what's low-key some of the best pizza in the city, there are cafes, restaurants, and bars aplenty. 4th Avenue is also a great shopping destination, with clothing, books, and homeware. And, if it's a new tattoo, piercing, or beauty treatment you're after, you'll find a spot for that, too. We also share some underrated treasures – from a secret cinema to the friendly streetside sellers – in our visitors' guide to this charming neighbourhood. Not driving? Gautrain’s bus service runs directly from Rosebank station to Parkhurst, seven days a week.

Note: This guide was updated in December 2025. Like much of Joburg, Parkhurst is ever-changing as restaurants and shops close, relocate, and new ones take their place. This suburb is best explored on foot. If there is something in our guide you specifically want to see or experience, it's best to call the establishment ahead.

1. History and location of Parkhurst, Johannesburg

Parkhurst's 4th Avenue is a popular Joburg attraction. Photo: Nice on 4th via Facebook.

Founded in 1904 by the African Realty Trust and the 67th suburb in the city, Parkhurst is a Joburg stalwart. This small, densely populated residential area is one of the city's most walkable districts. It gets its name from the Middle English park (park, enclosure) and hirste (hillock, copse).

Parkhurst, bordered by Craighall Park and Greenside , sits just a few minutes' drive from the ever-buzzing Rosebank – home to Rosebank Mall , The Firs , The Zone @ Rosebank , Keyes Art Mile , a slew of other galleries, restaurants, markets, and shops, and the Gautrain station (check out our Rosebank neighbourhood guide for more ideas). And getting between the two has never been easier. New Gautrain midi-bus routes launched in September 2025 now link Rosebank directly to Parkhurst, making quick hops for coffee, shopping, or gallery visits an absolute breeze (read our Gautrain bus guide for how to ride them). It is also close to several green spaces such as Delta Park , Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam , and Zoo Lake .

2. Getting there with Gautrain

The Gautrain Midi-bus takes you from Rosebank station to Parkhurst. Photo: Supplied.

If you prefer not to drive, Gauteng’s modern rail system is an easy way to reach Parkhurst. Board the Gautrain at your nearest station and hop off at Rosebank, where Gaubuses and midi-buses connect directly to Parkhurst. The route has 12 stops and operates daily, including weekends, with buses departing every 20 – 40 minutes. Make sure to plan your return trip to Rosebank before the final train, as stations are open from 05:30 – 21:00. Find out more about the Gautrain and the hop-on, hop-off bus service here.

3. A neighbourhood guide to Parkhurst and 4th Avenue

While life in Parkhurst revolves predominantly around 4th Avenue – with loads of offerings stretching from 6th Street to 14th Street – the main thoroughfare of 6th Street, which connects Rosebank and then Parktown North to Parkhurst, also has a number of attractions. While less easily walkable because of its busy traffic and no stop streets, this is where you can find a number of art galleries and decor stores worth exploring.

Known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, Parkhurst has a village-like feel to it, with shops, cafes, and restaurants spilling onto the pavement. Jokingly referred to as 'Barkhurst', it is also popular with pet owners, and is for the most part, pet-friendly. It's a hit with the coffee crowd, shoppers, foodies, and families, and is buzzing from morning to late at night. But don't let 4th Avenue distract you entirely, because there are also other places to explore within walking distance of the main street.

3. Breakfast, brunch, and coffee spots

4TH AVENUE COFFEE ROASTERS

Set in and around a small yet enchanting courtyard just off the street, 4th Avenue Coffee Roasters is popular with families. It offers an extensive breakfast menu, excellent coffee, ice cream (your kids will love their wacky bubblegum and marshmallow 'unicorn' flavours), and kombucha, among other treats. Best of all, your fur baby can also join in the fun.

NICE ON 4TH

Treat yourself to a flapjack stack at Nice on 4th in Parkhurst. Photo: Nice on 4th via Facebook.

For a relaxed breakfast, a scrumptious brunch, or a low-key lunch meeting, Nice on 4th is popular with lovers of baked goods, coffee, and a new twist on traditional breakfast dishes. From quiche to cake, this spot is famous for its egg basket and decadent flapjack stacks. There are also a few vegan and vegetarian offerings on the menu, and your furry friend is welcome to join you.

For other places that welcome your fur baby around Joburg, visit our guide to dog-friendly cafes and coffee shops in Joburg .

OBA CAFE
Oba Cafe on 4th Avenue is known for several things, the most prominent of which is its Turkish coffee. Also on offer are ice cream, baklava in a variety of flavours, other delicious Turkish treats, and a range of interesting trinkets and gifts. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it is also Halaal-certified.

4. Snack on something sweet

FAB & CO

Fab & Co is exactly as its name promises: fabulous. It is a quaint boutique eatery that specialises in breakfasts, light lunches, wood-fired pizza, and a mouthwatering selection of gelato and sorbet. Known for creating funky flavours such as gorgonzola and caramelised fig, it also has a deli on the premises. Kid-friendly and pet-friendly, this is one spot everyone can enjoy.

WEDGEWOOD GIFTING & HAMPER EMPORIUM

Wedgewood Gifting & Hamper Emporium in Parkhurst is a delight for the senses. Photo: Wedgewood via webpage.

For an emporium of sensory delights, visit Wedgewood Gifting & Hamper Emporium . Here, you can sample the new nougat flavours, buy a gift hamper for a special someone, treat yourself to something sweet, or delight in some sublime handmade honey nougat ice cream. All playing out under a floral ceiling, you'll feel as if you've entered an entirely new world.

5. Joburg's ice cream high street

Gelato Mania's strawberry vegan sorbet is as good as it gets. Photo: Gelato Mania via Facebook.

If ice-cream paradise had an address, it might just be 4th Avenue, Parkhurst. We're calling it Joburg's very own "ice cream high street". Start your crawl at