Johannesburg, often referred to as Jo’burg or Jozi, is the pulsating heart of South Africa, known for its urban renaissance, rich history, and vibrant arts scene. For those considering things to do in Johannesburg, delving into the country’s past at the Apartheid Museum, which offers a profound insight into South Africa’s era of segregation and oppression, and exploring the bustling streets and markets of Maboneng, a revitalized district showcasing the city’s contemporary culture, are top activities.
The city’s Constitution Hill, once a prison that held both Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, is now home to the Constitutional Court and offers a deep dive into the nation’s journey to democracy. Nearby, the Gold Reef City theme park and museum provides a glimpse into the city’s gold rush history, complete with underground mine tours.
Beyond its historical and cultural landmarks, Johannesburg is a green city, boasting numerous parks and gardens, such as the Johannesburg Botanical Garden. For those seeking the best places to visit in South Africa, Johannesburg’s blend of history, modernity, and natural beauty makes it a dynamic and enriching destination.
Attractions & Things to Do in Johannesburg, South Africa
1. Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum offers an in-depth and moving exploration of South Africa’s history of apartheid. Through a series of interactive exhibits, films, and documents, visitors can understand the country’s past struggles and steps towards democracy. The experience is designed to be immersive and emotional, offering a sense of the grim realities of apartheid.
Location: Situated in Ormonde, Johannesburg, about 8 km from the city center. Accessible by car, taxi, or guided tour. Public transport options are limited.
Scenic Spot: The museum’s entrance, with its separate race-based entry points, offers a striking introduction to the history of apartheid. The exhibits provide a deeply immersive and emotional experience.
Best Time to Visit: Morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds. Allow at least 3 hours to explore the museum fully.
Suitable for All Ages: Best for teenagers and adults due to the serious and emotional nature of the exhibits. Not ideal for very young children.
Price: Approximately R150 (€7.50) per adult; discounts available for students and pensioners.
Travel Tip: Plan to spend at least three hours to fully appreciate the depth of content. Photography is not allowed in certain sections, so be mindful of the signs.
2. Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City is a popular amusement park located on an old gold mine. The park features a variety of attractions including roller coasters, water rides, and even an opportunity to go underground into a decommissioned mine shaft. It offers a fun day out for both kids and adults and also has a casino for the grown-ups.
Location: Located about 8 km from central Johannesburg, near the Apartheid Museum. Easily accessible by car, taxi, or organized shuttle services.
Scenic Spot: Offers a unique blend of thrilling amusement park rides and historical attractions, including an underground mine tour.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are less crowded. Avoid weekends and public holidays for a better experience.
Suitable for All Ages: Perfect for families, with attractions for both kids and adults. However, some rides have height restrictions.
Price: R250–R500 (€12–€25) per person, depending on the ticket package.
Travel Tip: Try to visit during weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds. Some attractions may have height restrictions, so check in advance if you’re visiting with young children.
3. Constitution Hill
This former prison complex turned museum provides an eye-opening look into South Africa’s turbulent past. The exhibits here focus on the country’s long journey towards democracy, featuring the stories of famous prisoners like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi who were once incarcerated here.
Location: Located in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Accessible via car, taxi, or the Gautrain bus service from Park Station.
Scenic Spot: The former prison complex provides stunning views of downtown Johannesburg. Key highlights include the Old Fort and the Constitutional Court.
Best Time to Visit: Mornings are ideal, as guided tours provide deeper insights into the site’s history.
Suitable for All Ages: Best for older children and adults interested in history. Some exhibits may be too intense for young kids.
Price: R100 (€5) per adult; guided tours may cost extra.
Travel Tip: Consider taking a guided tour to get a deeper understanding of the historical context. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the complex is large and requires a fair amount of walking.
4. Johannesburg Zoo
The Johannesburg Zoo is one of the most popular family attractions in the city. Home to a wide range of animals from lions to penguins, the zoo offers an engaging and educational experience. Special behind-the-scenes tours are available for those who are interested in learning more about animal care and conservation.
Location: Situated in the Saxonwold area, about 5 km from central Johannesburg. Accessible by car, taxi, or public transport.
Scenic Spot: Home to over 320 species, including lions, elephants, and penguins, set in a lush, green environment.
Best Time to Visit: Mornings are best, as animals are more active and temperatures are cooler.
Suitable for All Ages: Great for families, children, and animal lovers of all ages.
Price: R110 (€5.50) per adult, R65 (€3.50) per child.
Travel Tip: The zoo can get quite hot in the afternoon, so aim for a morning visit and bring sunscreen and hats.
5. Lion & Safari Park
Located just outside Johannesburg, the Lion & Safari Park provides an opportunity to see lions, cheetahs, and various antelope species in a more natural setting. Guided safaris are available, and there’s also an opportunity for lion cub interactions.
Location: Situated about 40 km north of Johannesburg, near Hartbeespoort. Best reached by car or guided safari tour.
Scenic Spot: Offers opportunities to see lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and other wildlife in a semi-wild environment.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife sightings.
Suitable for All Ages: Great for families, but young children should be supervised around the animals.
Price: R180–R400 (€9–€20) per person, depending on the type of tour.
Travel Tip: Animal interactions may have age restrictions, and remember to follow all safety guidelines when close to the wildlife.
6. Neighbourgoods Market
This bustling weekend market is located in the trendy Braamfontein district. It offers an array of food stalls, crafts, and local products, making it a great spot for brunch or just to soak up the local atmosphere.
Location: Located in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport.
Scenic Spot: A vibrant weekend market offering local food, crafts, and live music, making it a great place for brunch.
Best Time to Visit: Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM. Arrive early to get the best selection of food and crafts.
Suitable for All Ages: Ideal for all ages, though it can get crowded.
Price: Free entry, but expect to spend around R50–R150 (€2.50–€7.50) per meal.
Travel Tip: The market is usually open only on Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm. Get there early to avoid the crowds and have the best selection of goods.
7. Wits Art Museum
Home to an impressive collection of African art, the Wits Art Museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The collection spans various mediums and provides valuable insights into African culture and history.
Location: Located at Wits University in Braamfontein. Accessible by car, taxi, or public transport.
Scenic Spot: Features an impressive collection of African art, including traditional and contemporary pieces.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays and Saturday mornings for a quieter experience.
Suitable for All Ages: Suitable for art lovers of all ages.
Price: Entry is free, but donations are encouraged.
Travel Tip: Entrance is often free, but donations are encouraged to support the museum. Check their website for current exhibitions and events.
8. Maboneng Precinct
The Maboneng Precinct is a revitalized area of Johannesburg that has become a hub for arts and culture. With its street art, galleries, shops, and restaurants, it’s a great place to spend a day exploring.
Location: Located in downtown Johannesburg, near Jeppestown. Accessible by car, taxi, or public transport.
Scenic Spot: Known for its street art, galleries, trendy cafes, and urban renewal projects.
Best Time to Visit: Daytime for safety reasons; Sundays are particularly lively with markets and performances.
Suitable for All Ages: Best for young adults and art enthusiasts. Families with children should be cautious in certain areas.
Price: Free to explore, but food, drinks, and shopping will vary in cost.
Travel Tip: While generally safe, it’s a good idea to remain vigilant. Stick to the busy areas and be cautious with your belongings.
9. Cradle of Humankind
Although slightly outside of Johannesburg, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a crucial paleoanthropological location. The site is home to around 40% of the world’s human ancestor fossils, making it a fascinating visit for anyone interested in human history.
Location: About 50 km northwest of Johannesburg. Best accessed by car or guided tour.
Scenic Spot: A UNESCO World Heritage Site home to some of the world’s oldest human fossils.
Best Time to Visit: Morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds and heat.
Suitable for All Ages: Suitable for families, students, and history enthusiasts. Some areas may be difficult for visitors with mobility issues.
Price: R100–R190 (€5–€10) per person, depending on the site.
Travel Tip: The Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves usually require separate tickets, so plan accordingly if you wish to visit both.
10. Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. Covering 81 hectares, the gardens feature several themed areas, including a Shakespeare garden, a rose garden, and a succulent garden.
Location: Located in Emmarentia, about 8 km from downtown Johannesburg. Accessible by car, taxi, or public transport.
Scenic Spot: Features themed gardens, including a Shakespeare Garden, a rose garden, and a succulent garden.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (September–November) for the best floral displays.
Suitable for All Ages: Perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers. The gardens are dog-friendly.
Price: Free entry.
Travel Tip: Bring a picnic basket and enjoy an al fresco meal. The gardens are also dog-friendly if you’re traveling with a four-legged friend.
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Johannesburg, South Africa: Ratings
Kid-Friendly Activities in Johannesburg: 8/10 – Johannesburg offers numerous family-friendly activities, such as visiting the Johannesburg Zoo, exploring the interactive exhibits at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, and enjoying the rides at Gold Reef City amusement park. The city’s parks, including the Johannesburg Botanical Garden, also provide great outdoor spaces for children.
Nightlife in Johannesburg: 8/10 – Nightlife in Johannesburg is vibrant and varied, with a wide range of options including bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. Popular areas like Melville, Maboneng, and Sandton offer diverse entertainment options, from trendy clubs to relaxed lounges and jazz bars.
Sport in Johannesburg: 8/10 – Johannesburg offers a variety of sports activities, including football, rugby, and cricket, with iconic venues such as FNB Stadium and Ellis Park. The city has numerous gyms, golf courses, and parks for running and cycling, and it also hosts major sports events throughout the year.
Culture and Attractions in Johannesburg: 9/10 – Johannesburg is rich in cultural and historical attractions, including the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and the Hector Pieterson Museum. The city’s vibrant arts scene features galleries, theaters, and cultural festivals. The nearby Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adds to its cultural significance.
Gastronomy in Johannesburg: 8/10 – The gastronomic scene in Johannesburg is diverse, offering traditional South African cuisine, fresh seafood, and international dishes. The city boasts numerous high-quality restaurants, food markets like Neighbourgoods Market, and a variety of street food options, catering to different tastes and budgets.
Shopping in Johannesburg: 8/10 – Shopping in Johannesburg includes modern malls like Sandton City and Mall of Africa, as well as local markets and artisan shops. Visitors can find everything from luxury goods and fashion to unique local crafts and souvenirs, providing a comprehensive shopping experience.
Prices in Johannesburg: 7/10 – Johannesburg offers good value for money, with reasonable prices for accommodation, dining, and activities. It is generally more affordable than Cape Town, making it accessible for various budgets while still offering a rich experience.
Average price for a hotel night: $100
Cost of a lunch at a local restaurant: $12
Price of a beer: $2.50
Price of a coffee: $1.50
Beyond the City: Exploring Surroundings and Stays in Johannesburg, South Africa
For those looking to explore beyond Johannesburg’s urban landscape, top day trips near Johannesburg open up a world of discovery. The historical significance of the Cradle of Humankind and the natural beauty of the Pilanesberg National Park offer insights and escapades not far from the city’s hustle and bustle.
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, Johannesburg accommodations span the spectrum from luxury hotels in vibrant Sandton to boutique guesthouses in bohemian Melville, catering to every taste and ensuring a comfortable base for urban explorations and beyond.
FAQ About Things to Do in Johannesburg, South Africa
What are the top attractions in Johannesburg?
Some of the top attractions in Johannesburg include the Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City, Mandela House in Soweto, and the Johannesburg Botanical Garden.
Is it worth visiting the Johannesburg Zoo?
Absolutely! The Johannesburg Zoo is one of the largest zoos in South Africa, housing various animal species both local and exotic. It offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Can I take a guided tour of Soweto?
Yes, Soweto, a township in Johannesburg, has a rich history and cultural significance. Guided tours are available, which provide insights into the area’s history, including the anti-apartheid struggle.
Are there any art museums or galleries worth exploring?
Certainly! The Johannesburg Art Gallery is a major art museum showcasing both African and international works. There’s also the Maboneng Precinct, known for its contemporary art scene and galleries.
What shopping options does Johannesburg offer?
Johannesburg boasts numerous shopping destinations, from the upscale Sandton City Mall to the vibrant local markets like Rosebank Sunday Market.
Where can I learn more about South Africa’s history?
The Apartheid Museum provides a deep dive into South Africa’s history during the apartheid era. Constitution Hill, a former prison, now a museum, offers insights into the country’s journey to democracy.
Where can I experience Johannesburg’s nightlife?
Braamfontein and Melville are popular spots for nightlife, offering a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants. The city’s nightlife reflects its diverse cultures, offering everything from traditional African music to modern dance beats.
Are there any local festivals or events I should look out for in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Joy of Jazz Festival and the Arts Alive Festival, which celebrates the city’s vibrant arts scene.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannesburg
https://www.getyourguide.com/johannesburg-l104
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