Nothing makes the clock tick slower than waiting for your flight, let us help you get the hours to go faster. If you have a layover, delayed flights or happen to be strolling around the airport, consider adding some spice to your airport itinerary instead of lounging around on those steel benches. Here are the top 5 things to do on a layover in Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo Airport:
1. Visit Bottega Whisky and Wine Bar — Layover Luxury
If you appreciate a well-aged bottle of whisky or wine then you might want to visit the Bottega Whisky and Wine Bar located at gate 6 of the international terminal.
Fun Fact: Bottega boasts the largest whisky and wine collection of any airport worldwide.
While you’re there—Discover the Glenlivet Flight:
- The Glenlivet 12-Year-Old: Smooth with vanilla notes, aged in European and American oak barrels. Enjoy neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail.
- The Glenlivet 15-Year-Old: Rich and exotic, aged in a French Limousin Cask. Notes of sweet almond and spice.
- The Glenlivet 18-Year-Old: Elegant and complex, a blend of tropical fruit and spicy depth, aged for 18 years.
Added perks: In partnership with Bottega and Glenlivet, Travelstart+ members who booked international flights from O.R. Tambo International on Black Friday got a free whisky-tasting experience from the Glenlivet collection. Talk about premium perks!
Unwind in style at the Bottega Whisky and Wine Bar, where you can explore a curated selection of whiskeys and wines—perfect for discovering new flavors before takeoff.
2. Go Shopping: Your layover can give you a makeover
O.R. Tambo International Airport isn’t just an airport; it doubles as a duty-free mall, offering a wide variety of shopping options to keep you entertained during your layover. Explore a wide selection of clothing stores, from high-end fashion to comfortable travel wear and find the perfect outfit for your next destination. Discover beautiful jewellery pieces and accessories to add a touch of elegance to your look. Don’t forget to browse the souvenir shops for unique mementos to remember your journey by.
You might want to check out: Things to do in Johannesburg
3. Grab a bite: Layovers are worse when you are hungry.
O.R. Tambo International has a wide variety of food options for you to try. Go from the quick and easy fast food joints to fine dining experiences all without having to step foot outside the airport. You can try local South African cuisine but if your palette is not that adventurous you have the safety of the world’s most popular food joints. One exception is that even though it’s an international brand franchise, the South African version is always better (okay, maybe we are a bit biased here).
Need a crash course on South African cuisine? See Understanding South African Food
4. Hang out in the lounge
Why juggle eating, drinking, relaxing, and getting online in different spots during your layover? Airport lounges let you do it all in one convenient, comfy space. Many lounges welcome travellers of any airline or ticket class. For a single fee, you get access to food, drinks, reliable Wi-Fi, and often showers. Skip the chaos of the terminal and recharge in peace. Book online in advance or use your lounge membership to walk right in.
5. Get online: Free Wi-Fi to go with your layover.
Want to catch up on your emails, respond to chats and maybe watch an episode or two of your favourite series? Stay connected with the airport’s complimentary Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal. You can enjoy up to 1 GB/4 hours of free Wi-Fi at no charge. Simply connect to the network, register with your email, and you’re good to go! If you need more time, you can easily top up for a small fee.
A layover can be fun (If you let it)
There you have it folks, layovers are not the end of the world, especially if you are in a world-class airport like O.R. Tambo International Airport. There is plenty to see and do. Another added advantage is the opportunity to network, meet new people and possibly make business partnerships–many great relationships and business stories start with “we met at the airport”. Want to see this great airport we’ve been raving about, book flights to Johannesburg.
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