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Johannesburg, South Africa - Things to Do in Johannesburg

Johannesburg

Johannesburg - Complete Travel Guide

Johannesburg, affectionately known as 'Joburg' or 'Jozi,' is South Africa's largest city and the economic powerhouse of the continent. This busy metropolis rose from humble mining beginnings during the 1886 gold rush to become a cosmopolitan hub that easyly blends rich history, cultural diversity, and modern urban sophistication. The city serves as a gateway to understanding South Africa's complex past while showcasing its promising future through world-class museums, thriving arts districts, and dynamic neighborhoods. Today's Johannesburg is a city of contrasts, where gleaming skyscrapers in Sandton stand alongside historic mining headframes, and where visitors can explore everything from the poignant Apartheid Museum to the bustling markets of Maboneng. The city's energy is infectious, driven by its incredibly diverse population and status as a major business center. With excellent restaurants, busy nightlife, impressive shopping, and easy access to nearby attractions like the Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg offers travelers an authentic taste of modern South Africa.

Top Johannesburg

Apartheid Museum and Constitutional Hill

examine South Africa's complex history at these two essential cultural sites that tell the story of apartheid and the country's journey to democracy. The Apartheid Museum provides a complete and moving account of institutionalized racism, while Constitutional Hill, a former prison complex, now houses the Constitutional Court and offers guided tours of this symbol of justice and human rights.

Booking Tip: Entry to the Apartheid Museum costs around R35 for adults, and Constitutional Hill tours are approximately R50. Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds, and allow 3-4 hours total for both sites. Book combo tickets online for slight discounts and consider guided tours for deeper historical context.

Soweto Township

Take a guided tour of Soweto (South Western Townships), Africa's largest township and the birthplace of many anti-apartheid leaders including Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Visit Mandela's former home on Vilakazi Street, the Hector Pieterson Museum, and experience the busy local culture, street art, and community spirit that defines this historic area.

Booking Tip: Half-day Soweto tours range from R400-800 per person, while full-day experiences cost R800-1200. Choose operators with local guides for authentic perspectives, and tours typically include hotel pickup. Book through reputable companies that contribute to the local community and avoid overly touristy experiences.

Gold Reef City and Mining Heritage

Step back in time at Gold Reef City, built around an actual gold mine that tells the story of Johannesburg's origins during the 1886 gold rush. Take an underground mine tour to see how gold was extracted, watch gold pouring demonstrations, and learn about the miners' lives. The adjacent theme park offers family-friendly entertainment with rides and shows.

Booking Tip: Mine tours cost around R180 for adults, while theme park combo tickets are R220-280. Tours run every 30 minutes from 10am-4pm, but arrive early as groups are limited to 20 people. Wear closed shoes and bring a light jacket as underground temperatures are cool year-round.

Stroll Through Maboneng Precinct

Explore Johannesburg's hippest neighborhood, where industrial buildings have been transformed into a creative hub filled with art galleries, boutique shops, trendy restaurants, and rooftop bars. The area comes alive on weekends with the Market on Main featuring local designers, artisans, and food vendors, while street art tours showcase incredible murals and urban creativity.

Booking Tip: The precinct is free to explore, but budget R200-400 for meals and drinks. Visit on Sundays for the bustling Market on Main (R20 entry), and consider staying for evening entertainment. Stick to main streets and travel in groups after dark, and use official parking areas during the day.

Lion & Safari Park or Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Experience African wildlife on a day trip to nearby game reserves, where you can see the Big Five and other iconic animals in their natural habitat. The Lion & Safari Park offers closer encounters and is perfect for families, while Pilanesberg Game Reserve provides a more authentic safari experience in a malaria-free environment just two hours from the city.

Booking Tip: Lion & Safari Park entry is R200-300 per adult, while Pilanesberg day trips cost R800-1500 including transport and game drives. Book early morning departures for better animal sightings, and choose operators that include park fees and professional guides. Self-drive options are available for experienced visitors.

Getting There

OR Tambo International Airport, located 21km east of Johannesburg, is Africa's busiest airport and serves as the main gateway with direct flights from major international destinations including London, New York, Dubai, and European capitals. The Gautrain rapid rail system provides efficient airport transfers to Sandton and Johannesburg CBD in 15-30 minutes for around R170, while the Airport Shuttle services cost R150-200 per person. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are readily available but more expensive at R300-500 depending on destination. For those traveling overland, Johannesburg is well-connected by bus services from other South African cities and neighboring countries, with Park Station serving as the main transport hub.

Getting Around

Getting around Johannesburg requires careful planning as the city is sprawling and public transport options are limited. The Gautrain connects key areas like OR Tambo Airport, Sandton, Rosebank, and Johannesburg CBD, making it the safest and most efficient option for tourists. Uber and Bolt ride-hailing services are widely available, affordable, and recommended for most journeys, especially after dark. Car rental is popular for exploring surrounding areas, but be prepared for heavy traffic and ensure you have GPS navigation. The BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) Rea Vaya system serves some routes but is primarily used by locals. Walking is generally safe in specific areas like Sandton, Rosebank, and Maboneng during daylight hours, but avoid walking alone or after dark in most parts of the city.

Where to Stay

Sandton
Rosebank
Melville
Maboneng
Johannesburg CBD
Fourways

Food & Dining

Johannesburg's dining scene reflects its multicultural population with everything from traditional South African braai (barbecue) to innovative fine dining and authentic ethnic cuisines. The city is famous for its excellent steakhouses and game meat restaurants, while areas like Melville, Rosebank, and Maboneng offer trendy cafes, craft beer breweries, and international fusion restaurants. Don't miss trying local favorites like boerewors, biltong, and bunny chow, or visiting the bustling food markets at Market on Main and Neighbourgoods Market. For upscale dining, Sandton offers numerous award-winning restaurants, while townships like Soweto provide authentic local dining experiences. The city's Indian community has created fantastic curry restaurants, particularly in areas like Fordsburg, and the growing craft beer scene offers excellent brewery tours and tastings.

Top-Rated Restaurants in South Africa

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Marble Restaurant

4.5 /5
(5122 reviews) 4
bar

GOLD Restaurant

4.5 /5
(3856 reviews) 3

SMOKE Pretoria

4.6 /5
(1215 reviews)
bar

Belly of the beast

4.8 /5
(1127 reviews)

Ethiopian Madam Taitou

4.7 /5
(986 reviews) 2

Cuisine Afrique Fire Grill

4.7 /5
(707 reviews) 2
bar

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

Johannesburg enjoys a subtropical highland climate with the best time to visit being during the dry winter months from May to September, when days are sunny and warm (15-20°C) with cool, crisp nights. This period offers clear skies, minimal rainfall, and excellent conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer (October to April) brings afternoon thunderstorms and higher temperatures (20-26°C), but also lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October provide the perfect balance of good weather and reasonable prices. Keep in mind that Johannesburg sits at 1,753 meters above sea level, so temperatures can drop significantly at night year-round, and the high altitude means strong UV rays requiring sun protection even in winter.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at banks or official bureaux de change rather than hotels for better rates, and always carry some cash as many smaller establishments don't accept cards
Book restaurant reservations in advance, especially for weekend dining in popular areas like Sandton and Melville, as Johannesburg's dining scene is competitive and tables fill up quickly
Take advantage of Johannesburg's high altitude location by visiting nearby attractions like the Cradle of Humankind (UNESCO World Heritage Site) or Magaliesberg Mountains for day trips offering completely different landscapes and experiences

Complete Johannesburg Travel Guide

Explore our dedicated guide to Johannesburg with detailed neighborhood guides, activities, and local tips

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Activities in Johannesburg