Johannesburg Travel Guide

Get a detailed Johannesburg travel guide with top places to visit, best things to do, where to stay, food and drink scene, safety and health tips, and more.


Introduction to Johannesburg

Johannesburg, the vibrant cultural capital of South Africa, is a bustling metropolis that boasts an array of attractions and activities. This city is situated in the Gauteng province of South Africa and is teeming with history, culture, and natural beauty. From the glittering skyscrapers to the hum of the bustling streets, Johannesburg is a city that is alive with energy and excitement.

List of Places to Visit in Johannesburg

Johannesburg has a treasure trove of culturally significant and natural attractions that are worth visiting. Here are some of the top attractions to explore in Johannesburg.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Apartheid Museum: This museum provides an immersive and detailed insight into South Africa’s apartheid era and its impact on the country’s history and culture.
  • Constitution Hill: It is a living Museum where South Africa’s Constitution was drawn up and adopted. The Museum tells the story of the country’s path to democracy.
  • Hector Pieterson Museum: This museum is dedicated to the events that took place during the Soweto Uprising in 1976 and tells the tale of the youth that stood up against apartheid in South Africa.
  • Nelson Mandela House: This historical site is the former residence of South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela, and has been turned into a museum that offers a glimpse into his life.

Natural Attractions of Johannesburg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens: These gardens offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg and are home to a wide array of plant and bird species.
  • Johannesburg Zoo: This 55-hectare zoo is home to more than 320 species of animals, including lions, tigers, gorillas, and hippos.
  • Kruger National Park: It is one of the greatest wildlife reserves in the world and is home to the Big Five African game animals.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Johannesburg

Johannesburg offers a range of hiking and biking trails that allow visitors to explore the city’s natural beauty. Here are some of the top hiking and biking routes in Johannesburg.

  • Hennops Hiking Trail: It is a 10 km hike that offers scenic vistas of the Hennops River.
  • Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve: This reserve offers a range of hiking trails that take you through the stunning landscapes of the Witwatersrand mountains.
  • Melville Koppies Nature Reserve: This hiking trail traverses through the rocky outcrops of Melville Koppies, located in close proximity to the bustling Jozi City Centre.

Best Things to Do in Johannesburg: Activities and Tours

Johannesburg offers a wide variety of activities and tours that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are some of the top things to do in Johannesburg.

  • Soweto Bicycle Tour: Explore Johannesburg’s largest township on a guided bicycle tour and experience the township’s local culture and traditions.
  • Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Johannesburg’s picturesque landscapes from a hot air balloon.
  • Gold Reef City: This theme park is a great place to explore Johannesburg’s mining history and culture, and it offers a range of entertaining rides and attractions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Johannesburg

For an immersive experience of Johannesburg’s culture, history, and natural beauty, here’s a sample week-long itinerary that covers everything that the city has to offer:

Day 1: Visit the Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela House.

Day 2: Explore the Kruger National Park and get up close and personal with the Big Five African game animals.

Day 3: Take a guided bicycle tour of Soweto township and visit the Hector Pieterson Museum.

Day 4: Explore Johannesburg’s vibrant food and drink scene and sample local cuisine and drinks.

Day 5: Take a hot air balloon safari and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Johannesburg’s natural landscapes.

Day 6: Visit the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens and take a leisurely hike along one of the many trails.

Day 7: Spend a day at the Gold Reef City theme park and enjoy the rides and attractions.

Food and Drink Scene of Johannesburg

Johannesburg offers a vibrant food and drink scene that showcases local cuisine and beverages. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Johannesburg.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bunny Chow: This dish features a hollowed-out bread loaf filled with a curry of your choice.
  • Boerewors: This traditional South African sausage that is perfect for a Braai (BBQ).
  • Pap and Wors: This dish involves a maize-based porridge that is cooked and served with a side of spicy boerewors sausage.

Local Beverages

  • Amarula: This creamy liqueur is made from the Marula fruit and is a favourite amongst locals.
  • Rooibos tea: This tea is native to South Africa and is a popular and healthy beverage choice.
  • Ubuhlebezwe: This locally brewed beer is made from maize and sorghum and is a popular alcoholic beverage in Johannesburg.

Where to Stay in Johannesburg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Johannesburg offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the best options for hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Johannesburg.

  • The Westcliff Four Seasons: This luxurious hotel boasts stunning panoramic views of Johannesburg’s skyline and offers top-notch service and amenities.
  • Once in Joburg: This trendy hostel offers affordable accommodation that is perfect for backpackers and solo travellers.
  • 10 2nd Avenue Houghton Estate: This chic boutique hotel is situated in one of Johannesburg’s most upscale neighbourhoods and offers a serene and tranquil retreat.

What to Buy in Johannesburg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Johannesburg is known for its unique and distinctive local products and souvenirs. Here are some of the must-buy items in Johannesburg.

  • African Arts and Crafts: Johannesburg is home to many craft markets where you can find unique and beautiful pieces of African art and crafts.
  • Gold and Diamonds: South Africa is renowned for its precious metals and gems, and Johannesburg is the perfect place to purchase a piece of jewellery.
  • African Traditional Clothing: Johannesburg is home to many local designers that create stunning pieces of African traditional clothing that make great souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a culturally diverse city that is rich in traditions and customs. Here are some of the unique cultural aspects of Johannesburg.

  • Braai (BBQ): This is a popular South African tradition that involves cooking meat on an open fire and socializing with friends and family.
  • Ubuntu: This is a philosophy that emphasizes human kindness and interconnectedness and is reflected in many aspects of South African culture.
  • Shisa Nyama: This is a slang term for a barbecue-style restaurant that is popular amongst locals and tourists alike.

Best Time to Visit Johannesburg

Johannesburg experiences a temperate climate throughout the year, with mild temperatures during winter and warm temperatures during the summer months. The best time to visit Johannesburg is during the autumn and spring months (March-April and September-October), when the weather is mild and pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of Johannesburg

Here are some of the essential Do’s and Don’ts of Johannesburg to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Keep your belongings safe in crowded areas.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Visit the local craft markets and support the local artisans.

Don’t:

  • Flash your valuables in public places.
  • Drink tap water without boiling it.
  • Walk alone in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is generally safe for travellers, but it is always important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while visiting Johannesburg:

  • Keep your belongings safe and watch your surroundings in crowded areas.
  • Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas.
  • Hire a reputable taxi or private car service to get around the city.

Health in Johannesburg

Johannesburg has a good standard of healthcare and medical facilities, but it is always essential to take precautions to stay healthy. Here are some health tips to keep in mind while visiting Johannesburg:

  • Drink bottled water or boiled tap water.
  • Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion.
  • Protect yourself against mosquito bites to prevent malaria.

Getting to Johannesburg: Transportation Options and Logistics

Johannesburg is well-connected by air and road and has a range of transportation options to get around the city.

Airports Near Johannesburg

Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport is the primary airport that serves the city and is located about 22km away from the city centre.

Bus Stations Near Johannesburg

Johannesburg’s Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) is a reliable and affordable way to get around the city.

Other Options

Johannesburg’s Gautrain is an efficient and fast means of transportation that connects the city with Pretoria and the OR Tambo International Airport.

How to Get Around in Johannesburg

Johannesburg has a range of transportation options that cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the best ways to get around in Johannesburg:

  • Reputable Taxi Services: Services like Uber and Bolt offer a reliable and safe way to get around the city.
  • Buses and Trains: Johannesburg’s bus and train services are affordable and convenient for getting around the city.
  • Driving: Renting a car and driving in Johannesburg can be an affordable and convenient option for getting around the city.
  • Biking and Walking: Johannesburg’s strong cycling and walking culture make these modes of transportation popular for exploring the city’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks.

Where to Go Next from Johannesburg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Johannesburg is a great base to explore other nearby destinations and excursions that offer beautiful landscapes and unique cultural experiences. Here are some of the top destinations to visit near Johannesburg:

  • Pretoria: This beautiful city is known for its beautiful Jacaranda trees and unique architecture and is only an hour’s drive from Johannesburg.
  • Sun City: This resort in the north of South Africa features a range of activities and attractions, including a water park, golf courses, and a wildlife park.
  • The Cradle of Humankind: This world heritage site is a 90-minute drive from Johannesburg and is home to some of the world’s most significant archaeological discoveries.

Conclusion

Johannesburg is a unique and culturally rich city that offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to explore. From its vibrant food and drink scene to its stunning natural landscapes, Johannesburg has something to offer for everyone. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your visit to Johannesburg and experience everything that the city has to offer.

Johannesburg towers Johannesburg towers Outdoor area at the Military History Museum Outdoor area at the Military History Museum Apartheid Museum Apartheid Museum Have a seat and relax at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens Have a seat and relax at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens Play with a cub at the Lion Park Play with a cub at the Lion Park Parrots at the Montecasino bird gardens Parrots at the Montecasino bird gardens An autoshow held in the Coca-Cola Dome An autoshow held in the Coca-Cola Dome Oriental Plaza Oriental Plaza


    Sandton
    South Johannesburg
    Soweto