The suburb of Melrose is situated in the North of Johannesburg between Rosebank, Birdhaven and Hyde Park. The suburb is central to a number of destinations and places of interest that the visitor to Johannesburg might wish to include in their itinerary. Just a few blocks away to the northeast is the Wanderers Cricket Ground, home to many a test match, and Wanderers Golf Club. The Melrose Bird Sanctuary, where more than 120 wild bird species nest in the indigenous trees and reedbeds around a lake is nearby. Melrose is also handy for both the Killarney and Houghton Golf Clubs.

Situated almost next door to Melrose is the Rosebank Mews and Mall, both important up-market shopping centers. The Rosebank Mews also holds a very popular Flea Market every Sunday morning, and there are frequent "collectibles" markets. Other local attractions just a few blocks from Melrose are the Johannesburg Zoological Gardens and the Museum of Military History. The suburb is close to three on-ramps to the M1 highway.