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Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and receives the second most visitors each year (second only to Cape Town). In the past two decades, this vibrant metropolis has risen to be one of the coolest and most exciting destinations in sub-Saharan Africa.
If you’re looking for a lively urban destination with easy access to some of the world’s most diverse flora and fauna, ‘Joburg’ is a top pick. Here are 17 of the best things to do in Johannesburg!
1. Take a Rollercoaster Ride Through an Old Gold Mine
Joburg’s Zulu name is eGoli, which means “city of gold.” This moniker is because the city was founded after gold was discovered on the site in 1886. Head to Gold Reef City Theme Park for an unforgettable experience in an old gold mine.
As well as offering dozens of thrilling and family-friendly rides suitable for visitors of all ages, visitors can also take a tour of the disused mine itself via Jozi’s Story of Gold. Don’t miss the Victorian train station-themed cinema complex — it is truly unique.
2. Explore Soweto’s Orlando Township
The Orlando Township in Soweto was the location of some of South Africa’s most violent anti-apartheid clashes. Take a stroll and soak up the history and culture of this important part of Johannesburg. Be sure to swing by Vilakazi Street, where Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his family once lived, as well as the Mandela House, where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to 1962.
Don’t miss the Orlando Towers — two disused cooling towers that have been painted with murals to reflect the cultural renaissance of this fascinating township. They are symbolic of Joburg’s resilience and make a great photo op. You can even bungee jump from them if you’re in search of an adrenaline rush!
3. Take a Guided Tour of the Constitutional Court
South Africa’s Constitutional Court is the highest court in the land and stands as an icon of the country’s historic struggles. The doors were first opened by Nelson Mandela in 1995, and today, guided tours of Constitution Hill take visitors around the court to give a glimpse into its complex past. Tours also include a visit to the Old Fort prison complex, which was Joburg’s first jail and holds a dark yet important history of its own.
4. Enjoy Drinks with a View
Climb the steep stairs to Sir James van der Merwe for a fantastic cocktail with an even better view. This spot is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its vantage point over Sandton, and with a quirky decor, the internal views are equally as enjoyable.
5. Market Shopping
Joburg residents love to spend their weekends browsing the city’s many vibrant markets. Here are a few not to be missed during your stay.
Neighbourgoods Market
This Braamfontein market is one of the busiest spots in Johannesburg on a Saturday morning. Pick up prepared food, local produce, and hand-crafted souvenirs, then head to the rooftop to soak up some sun.
Rosebank Sunday Market
Located in the renovated Rosebank Mall, this world-class market features craft stalls, live music, and gourmet food, among many other treats. The market is within easy walking distance of the Rosebank Gautrain Station, making it a convenient spot to explore.
Linden Market
Head to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia for this charming pop-up market that sells a huge variety of local products and gifts. This seasonal market is only held a few times throughout the year, so check the website for schedules.
27 Boxes
This market is a permanent fixture in Melville and is open seven days a week. Visit this trendy shipping container setup for clothing, food, and much more. This space regularly holds events, too, so keep an eye on listings.
6. Unleash Your Inner Scientist
The Science Bono Discovery Center in Newtown is a great way to entertain the kids on a rainy afternoon, but adults will love it too. There are almost 400 permanent exhibitions on display, and visitors are encouraged to touch and interact with all of them. Through these exhibits, inquisitive minds can explore a wide range of science subjects, including space, anatomy, chemistry, and engineering. The center is open seven days a week.
7. Relax in Nature at Melville Koppies Reserve
For an escape from the city, check out this lush nature reserve. Guided walks and hikes are offered every Sunday and provide visitors with a convenient and interesting way to explore the diverse flora and fauna found here. You’ll also be rewarded with incredible views of the Johannesburg skyline from the reserve’s rocky outcropping, so don’t forget your camera!
8. Learn About Hector Pieterson
On 16th June 1976, 20 children died while protesting the introduction of Afrikaans in township schools. Images of 12-year-old Hector Pieterson, who was shot during the uprising, were printed around the world, and today, the museum and memorial in his name is an important reminder of the struggles endured by millions of South African people. The museum features testimonies to read and listen to, plus photographs and documents that provide important insight into what happened that day.
9. Discover our Human Ancestors
Just an hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria is where you’ll find The Cradle of Humankind, which is internationally recognized as the place where humankind began. The first hominid fossil is now on display here at the Maropeng Visitor Center and is incredible to witness.
Visitors can explore the 13 excavation sites at this Unesco World Heritage site in Gauteng, and the Sterkfontein Caves — home to the longest palaeoanthropological dig in the world — is also nearby.
10. Go on Safari
No trip to South Africa is complete without a safari, and thankfully, you don’t have to travel far from Johannesburg to see some big game. Here are some of the top safari parks nearby, plus an iconic option a little further afield.
Lion & Safari Park
This 600-hectare site is home to several indigenous species including lion, cheetah, leopard, and kudu. Choose from a guided tour or self-drive options.
Dinokeng Private Reserve
This ecological reserve has a strong focus on conservation, and the Big Five can be spotted here, including both white and black rhinos. Self-drive permits are available, but it’s recommended to go out with a professional ranger to get the most from your time in the reserve.
Pilanesberg National Park
As South Africa’s fourth-largest national park, Pilanesberg is extremely popular with visitors. It was formed in the caldera of an extinct volcano that erupted around 1.2 billion years ago and has been a thriving conservation area since the 1970s. Take your pick from walking tours, driving safaris, and hot air balloon rides.
Kruger
Although it’s a six-hour drive from Joburg, we couldn’t miss mentioning Kruger National Park. This park is the most popular in the country and is a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure. it’s recommended to spend 2-3 full days in the park, and there are plenty of accommodation options available for a range of budgets.
11. Visit the Nelson Mandela Bridge
This iconic structure is named after Nelson Mandela, the man who became the South African president after decades of anti-apartheid activism. This $2 million project was opened two days after Mandela’s 85th birthday in 2003 and is a symbol of hope and progress for the city and country as a whole. It’s possible to walk across the bridge — or hop in an Uber to experience it as commuters between Newtown and Braamfontein do each day.
12. Spend a Day at Sun City
Just two hours northwest of Johannesburg is where you’ll find Sun City — a safari-themed castle with a fascinating origin story. Built in 1979 by businessman Sol Kerzner to resemble a “mythical royal residence built by a lost tribe,” this wacky place is a unique mix between a safari park and Disneyland.
There are countless statues of the Big Five dotted around the site, plus a self-drive safari where you can spot them in real life. There’s also a sandy poolside beach, the largest maze in the Southern Hemisphere, and the fastest zipline in the world.
13. Take a Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
If you’re short on time and want to see as much of Jo’Burg as possible, a city bus tour is a great option. Choose from two routes that traverse the city center: red or green. The green option starts in Rosebank and passes by Johannesburg Zoo, the Museum of Military History, and Constitution Hill.
The red option has stops at many of the main tourist sites in the city, including The Apartheid Museum, New Town, Gold Reef City Casino, and the Mining District.
14. Take a Day Trip to the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre
The Cheetah Center is 50 miles outside of Johannesburg and makes a fantastic day trip for animal lovers. Established in 1971 by Ann van Dyk, this center is dedicated to her life’s work protecting rare and endangered species.
There’s lots to see here, including the cheetah run, which gives visitors a chance to see a thrilling high-speed cheetah chase. Guided tours are led by passionate guides who enthusiastically impart their knowledge about the center’s incredible breeding and conservation efforts.
15. Go on a Bike Tour
Johannesburg and the surrounding regions are perfect for exploring on two wheels, and heading out on a cycling tour is a popular way to explore the city. Various providers offer full or half-day tours. Two of the most popular itineraries are as follows:
- Soweto: Cycling around Soweto provides an alternative vantage point to this important part of the city and gives you the chance to do more sightseeing in a shorter time. you’ll see the most important parts of the township including the Mandela House.
- Inner City: Get to know the city and its most important suburbs, including Brammfontein, Maboneng Precinct, Jeppes Town, Jewel City, and Newtown.
16. Discover Joburgs’s Art Scene
Johannesburg is home to some of the country’s best art galleries, and The Melrose Gallery is an interesting way to pass an hour or two. This leading Pan-African contemporary art gallery shows works by established and emerging artists whose work represents issues relating to the continent of Africa. Pieces on display include art by icons including Professor Pitika Ntuli, Mam Noria Mabasa, and Dr Willie Bester.
17. Sample the Local Cafe Culture
South Africa grows some of the best coffee in the world, so spending time soaking up Joburg’s cafe culture is a no-brainer. Check out The Grind Coffee Company in Melrose for specialty coffee and a healthy all-day food menu, or Salvation Cafe in Milpark for delicious brunches and freshly ground coffee.
Get to Know the Jewel of Southern Africa
Johannesburg is a melting pot of nature, culture, and history, and has something to offer to every visitor. Whatever you choose to do during your time in Joberg, there’s no doubt that you’ll fall in love with this vibrant city.
