Johannesburg is commonly known as South Africa's financial capital – 'Africa's Financial Powerhouse', but this is a lazy definition, for Jozi is much more than that. South Africa's biggest city is currently in the midst of an urban and creative renaissance that has to be seen to be believed.
Stay three days or three weeks, there’s plenty to keep you busy. The more time you spend here, the better you will understand the emerging social dynamics that are driving the African continent forward in the 21st century.
The nickname tells you everything you need to know. This African metropolis evolved at light speed from a huddle of gold prospecting tents in the middle of the bush.
So it won't surprise you to find that the Jo'burg DNA is all about making something out of nothing.
Engage with the Jozi locals and you cannot help but be infected by their fearlessly positive attitude. It's a way of thinking and doing that is all about 'Getting Things Done'. It is this attitude that is dragging Jo'burg out of the dark times of the mid to late '90s.
This is a place powered by a vast army of irrepressibly positive and pragmatic people. Get a feel for the Jozi vibe in the Pharrell Williams cover below.
Johannesburg’s inner city had a pretty bad rap for a while – to put it mildly – but in the past few years, there’s been a huge investment into regenerating what was once a vast inner-city slum. This area is now one of the most exciting slices of urban renewal ever to emerge on the African continent.
The red bus that’ll drive you around the city with stops at many of the tourist highlights. You can get off and get back on as you like, and there are two routes – city only or city and Soweto. If you have limited time and no transport (or just don’t feel like negotiating Jo'burg traffic), this is a great way to get an overview of Jozi. Stops include Constitution Hill, Gold Reef City and the Origins Centre.
There’s no better way to see the real Jozi than on a walking tour through the CBD. Only a few years ago this would have been a big safety no-no, but today you can take in the city centre with a qualified guide or even venture into certain areas without one if you so choose.
One Day Africa is an experienced black-owned tour company with a 5-star rating! All of their people are registered tour guides and specialise in the most happening parts of the city from Mabonaneg District to Soweto. Get in touch with this great company and discover the Jo'burg vibe first-hand.
Have a look at their website for more info.
In the east of the CBD, lies the Maboneng Precinct, a trendy development which incorporates office, retail and living space.
It's a vibrant, hipster-filled spot with restaurants, galleries, a brewery and plenty of happenings. This is modern Jozi at its finest. Go, spend a day browsing galleries, shopping, eating and just sitting watching the trendy Jozi set do their thing.
Visit the Maboneng Precinct website to find out more about what's on at this trendy spot.
Based in Jeppes Town, not far from Maboneng, is the Victoria Yards.
This urban regeneration project is a fantastic community of diverse tenants. From artists in multiple mediums to urban gardens, coffee shops and restaurants, Victoria Yards is a vibrant eco-system that is all about connection and growth.
Up on a hill overlooking the CBD is Constitution Hill, a place whose passages echo with whispers of South Africa's turbulent past. The original building, built in 1892 and referred to as the Fort, functioned mainly as a prison for awaiting trial prisoners. It was notorious for the harsh treatment of prisoners incarcerated for disobeying first colonial, and then apartheid laws. In 1987, it stopped functioning as a prison and fell into a state of neglect until the mid-'90s, when it was chosen as the site for the Constitutional Court. It has three museums and hosts various exhibitions which give a moving overview of South Africa's troubled history, pre-democracy.
South Africa, and the City of Gold, have a chequered past, there's no denying it. Johannesburg boasts several museums and historical sites that allow a glimpse into the heartbreaking and awe-inspiring stories that weave together to create South Africa's story.
To get a full understanding of South Africa's history, which was largely shaped by apartheid, a visit to this museum is essential. Beautifully designed and carefully curated, several exhibitions lead the visitor through the harrowing story of apartheid and those who fought so bravely for its demise. It's a hectic story, this one.
This was once a normal suburban street in Soweto. It is now a vibrant pedestrian precinct with benches and artworks, besides the reason for its fame itself. This is the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Mandela's home has been turned into a museum which is well worth a visit.
Close by is the Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial. Here the tragic story of the 1976 uprising of children against Afrikaans in schools (and the whole apartheid system) – when Hector Pieterson was shot dead by police, and many children were brutally attacked – is commemorated.
For a different, more 'in touch' and ecologically friendly view, go on a Soweto tour on a bicycle. Soweto Backpackers' Bicycle Tours offer a range of tours, from 2 hours to a full day, depending on your time- and budget constraints, and level of fitness, which include many of Soweto's best attractions. There's nothing like a cold quart with the locals in a shebeen, after a good, long, ride!
Johannesburg is vibrant and busy when it comes to all things art. From galleries to theatres, there are always many exhibitions, plays and performances to take in.
Situated in Joubert Park, central Johannesburg, this incredible gallery, JAG, is well worth a visit. It houses over 9,000 works in 15 exhibition halls and sculpture gardens – from Dutch paintings from the 1600s to 18th- and 19th-century European works, to 19th-century and contemporary South African art.
It'll keep you transfixed for hours. Go with someone who knows how to get there, or hire a driver – the one-ways and hooting taxis can be a little daunting, but is well worth it!
Roger Ballan is one of South Africa's most famous exports. His style is surreal and distinctive, and many people would say disturbing.
Founded in 2023, the Inside Out Centre for the Arts is Ballen's way to give back to the South African, and Johannesburg art community, the centre showcases Ballen's work and frequently hosts events and visiting exhibitions.
Visit the Inside Out website to see what's on and book a visit.
Opened in 2012, the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani is a state-of-the-art theatre complex containing three theatres. There are regular happenings in the theatre precinct too, from art and craft fairs to food fairs, and everything in between. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates on events. For performance schedules at the theatre, see the Soweto Theatre website.
Another Johannesburg architectural spectacular is the CIRCA on Jellicoe Gallery in Rosebank. Within its gorgeous walls, it also hosts numerous contemporary art exhibitions.
This is not a place only of paintings, it is a visual art exhibition space and the curators pride themselves on their installations. Expect art, intermingled with archaeology, technology, music and more. For their current exhibitions, see their website.
Located in the hip and happening Melville suburb, is De Baba Eatery.
De Baba makes quality food from scratch, using seasonal ingredients, and, according to their Instagram page, then they watch you eat it!
For an authentic South African eating experience, visit Sakhumzi family restaurant. Located at Zoo Lake, Phefeni Street and Vilakazi Street in Soweto, Sakhumzi is a must. The original restaurant at Vilikazi Street close to the house of Nelson Mandela, is a converted house, which spills out into the garden.
They serve meals which include many of South Africa's favourite traditional dishes. It's a vibey, loud place with good food and a great atmosphere.
South Africa is known for its diverse cultures. There has been a thriving Portuguese community in Johannesburg, well, forever. The Troyeville Hotel is the legacy of this, established in 1939 in the CBD. Go for lunch and enjoy unpretentiously delicious Portuguese fare, with a view over the city from the balcony.
Another old favourite haunt of Jozi locals is The Jolly Roger, in Parkhurst. It's loud, and vibey, and has great pizzas, beer and a jukebox that belts out some great tunes. Wednesday nights are half-price pizza nights, so every student within a 12 km radius descends on the place.
Set in the fabulous Parktown Quarter, The Foundry Cafe prides itself on its coffee. With coffee beans sourced from around the world, and a state-of-the-art German roaster, this is the coffee of dreams. Add to that a great range of local craft beer and an open-plan kitchen that produces a delectable, seasonally-changing menu, this is a place to visit, hang out and, well, drink beer.
Another great stop in Melville is De Le Creme. This family-owned and run deli, bakery, and coffee shop, prides itself on being the best of the best. They make amazing pastries, sweets, fresh croissants, breads, beautiful breakfasts, and lunches on a daily basis.
With names like Bree Street Belle and Braamfontein Brawler this craft brewery is firmly on the hip CBD map, 'smack bang in the middle of the city'. Smack! Republic is situated in the Arts on Main building in the trendy Maboneng Precinct, they are open on market days and host all sorts of events. Check for events on their Facebook page.
Feel like a cup of world-class coffee and a slice of Whippet cake? Don't know what that is? Think of the perfect balance of creamy layers of full cream milk tart and crunchy cookie, with a thin middle layer of lemon condensed milk. There you have it. Whippet cake, at The Whippet, in Linden. Apparently, they do the most sought-after eggs Benedict in Jo'burg, too.
When one thinks of Jo'burg, one doesn't necessarily think of nature and the great outdoors. This is wrong! Not only is Johannesburg known as one of the biggest man-made 'forests', due to the huge number of trees in the suburbs, but it boasts some beautiful parks and places to get closer to nature. Here are just three of many.
The Wilds is an incredible story. Artist James Delany single-handedly restored this city park to a contemporary oasis of art and relaxation. Take some time to explore the park, look out for the mosaics, and colourful sculptures that are dotted around for your enjoyment. Best of all, it's free, or you can book a guided tour.
In Roodepoort, north-west of the CBD, lie these beautiful gardens which have both manicured gardens and natural bush. There is a beautiful waterfall and the gardens are renowned for a breeding pair of Verreaux's eagles who nest in the cliffs next to the waterfall. It's worth a visit, not only for the eagles, but other small mammals that call the gardens home, too. Take a picnic, or eat in the restaurant there.
One of eight World Heritage Sites, this is where Mrs Ples, the famous prehuman skull was discovered. The area has now been beautifully developed and tells the fascinating history of this – still-active – archaeological site. There are several fascinating exhibitions.
While at Maropeng, go on a tour of the Sterkfontein Caves and wonder at the stalactites and stalagmites, while learning about our prehistoric descendants. If you're claustrophobic though, definitely avoid the caves as there are some tight spots to negotiate.
There are numerous restaurants and places to stay within the Cradle. Make a day of it and enjoy a light meal at the Market Place Restaurant or marvel at the incredible view across the valley at the wonderful Tumulus Restaurant.
A short distance from the Cradle of Human Kind is the NIROX Sculpture Park.
NIROX Sculpture Park consists of 30 hectares of lawns, arbours, fields, wetlands, and waterways, punctuated by over 50 permanent and long-term installations. NIROX exhibits work from both local and international artists and hosts at least one large-scale exhibition annually.
Closer to the CBD are the beautiful Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. Boasting over 30,000 trees, rose gardens and herb gardens (with many medicinal plants), this is a peaceful haven just 6 km from the CBD. The gardens also contain three dams, including the Emmarentia Dam, on which a number of watersports are offered.
Looking for a thrill? Want to get your adrenaline pumping through your veins? Look no further, Jo'burg'll provide it.
The Soweto Towers, aka. Orlando Towers are an iconic sight.
Visible from miles away, the Orlando cooling towers in Soweto are now known not only for their great murals but also for their 'vertical adventures'. Using a lift up one side of the towers, you can walk into the middle of the suspension bridge which joins the two, and jump. Attached to a bungee rope, of course. Other options are a power swing, internal swing or try out the world's highest SCAD freefall.
The local soccer scene is alive and kicking and still filled with the sound of vuvuzelas. If you're lucky, you can catch a match at Soccer City, which is famous for being the place of both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This iconic structure has become a must-see Jo'burg building.
Even if there's no match here, there are numerous other stadiums in and around Jo'burg where you can catch a match. The Premier Soccer League fixtures are on their website.
Johannesburg offers the shopper a diverse range of options – from markets to designer stores, and everything in between. Be it in any of the numerous shopping malls or from one of the hawkers on a street corner, you'll have no problem spending your hard-earned cash.
Established in Fordsburg in the 1970s after Indian traders were removed from their well-established stores by the Apartheid regime, this is a hive of shopping activity. With over 350 stores in the complex, the tantalising aromas of spices, curry and incense will have you seated at one of the restaurants in a jiffy. Known mainly for its textile shops and clothing stores, you can buy pretty much anything at the Plaza. Bargaining is expected and welcomed.
Each Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm, the hip Maboneng District comes alive with stallholders and market-goers. There's food (the aim is to encourage sustainable, organic food, so expect fresh deliciousness) and all sorts of originally designed goodies on sale. The restaurants spill out onto the pavements and the inner city buzzes. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for special events and goings-on.
For a more glitzy shopping experience, head into the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, to Sandton City. Here you'll find all the designer stores on multiple levels of shopping heaven. Once you've maxed your credit card and have enough bags to fill your boot, step out into the sunshine and enjoy coffee or a meal on Mandela Square. Be sure to get a photo next to the beautiful Mandela Statue in the square.
Neighbourgoods Market
Each Saturday, from 9 am to 3 pm, in downtown Braamfontein, the Neighbourgoods Market happens. Based in an old building that boasts a magnificent 5-story Eduardo Villa mural, the market offers food, drink and plenty of delights to buy. There is a focus on organic, sustainable goods. This is a place to come for the day - browse around the gorgeous clothes, design and jewellery stalls, then kick back and have a glass of wine and some delicious food at one of the communal tables. This is where it's all happening.
Johannesburg buzzes at night. There is something for every taste – from live music to dancing spots to bars and shebeens, there's a happening place to suit everybody's taste.
Stanley Beer Yard
Situated in the hip 44 Stanley – a collection of speciality shops, design studios and foodie spots – the Stanley Beer Yard is a fabulous spot to meet friends. Whether it's in the courtyard on a summer's afternoon, or indoors next to the fireplace on a cold winter's night, they offer great beer and wine. They regularly have live music or retro DJs, so be sure to have your dancing shoes in your bag.
Jazz lovers, ahoy! The Orbit, in De Korte Street, Braamfontein, is a happening live jazz venue. It prides itself on not only hosting well-established local and international jazz musicians but also new talents and poets. Collaborations between established and new stars and good old jazz jamming are the order of the day. Add to that a slick atmosphere, great acoustics and good food and The Orbit is a great find.
Get your dancing shoes on. Another Braamfontein favourite, Kitcheners, which is one of Jo'burg's oldest night spots, will have you shaking your bootie into the wee hours. Kitcheners offers 'progressive' music – from indie pop to Afro-rock. The DJs are cool, the vibe is fun, all in an old city setting, complete with wood panelling and kitsch wallpaper. See their Facebook page to find out what's happening there tonight.
Start planning your trip by browsing upcoming tours departing from Johannesburg or chat with one of our experienced African travel experts.
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