Initially existing as a small village and transforming into a full-blown city and municipality in 1897, Johannesburg is widely known as the financial and economic powerhouse of South Africa. The city has become incredibly prosperous and modern and is oftentimes referred to as ‘the city of gold’, renowned for its reputation as an industrial and financial metropolis, built on a rich history of gold mining.
Due to this, Johannesburg is very often considered a city you would visit for work rather than leisure. But this could not be further from the truth! There is so much to see and do, so much to learn and discover! Complete with fascinating museums, intriguing suburbs, and quaint gardens boasting much natural beauty, there are so many reasons to visit the diverse city of Johannesburg. With all this being said, check out below this author’s top ten things to do in Johannesburg, South Africa!
The Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa is an incredibly important attraction. Established in 2001, the museum recounts the apartheid and the history of twentieth-century South Africa. The Apartheid Museum sensitively delves into the dark stories of South Africa’s struggle against a corrupt system and fight for democracy.
Touring through the museum is a fascinating and enlightening experience, making the Apartheid Museum one of the most sought attractions amongst international tourists. Of the multitude of exhibits are ‘The Pillars of Constitution’ and ‘Race Classification’. In this author’s opinion, The Apartheid Museum is one of the most eye-opening specialized museums in the world and is a mandatory stop during your trip to Johannesburg!
Location: Northern Park Way and Gold Reef Rd, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
Constitution Hill
Existing as a former prison and military fort for one hundred years, Constitution Hill exists nowadays as a living museum telling the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. Constitution Hill is widely known for imprisoning a large number of world-renowned individuals within the walls of its three sites: the Old Fort, the Women’s Jail, and Number Four. Of these individuals are Nelson Mandela, Albertina Sisulu, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Fatima Meer, Mahatma Gandhi, and Joe Slovo, who all served time at Constitution Hill.
In addition to these individuals, the site further imprisoned thousands of ordinary people of all races, political agendas, ages, and genders. Consitution Hill offers daily walking tours wherein visitors can learn all about the history of this former prison and military fort, the individuals it imprisoned, and the meaning of the constitution in the country of South Africa. This attraction is one of the most authentic in Johannesburg and very deserving of a closer look!
Location: 11 Kotze St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
Soweto and The Mandela House
Just seventeen miles from Johannesburg lies the township of Soweto. Soweto has a fantastic cultural, music, and social scene, but it is the historical sites that attract visitors from all over. Of these historical sites, the Nelson Mandela National Museum is the most sought and notable.
The Nelson Mandela National Museum or as it is oftentimes referred to, the Mandela House, exists as the home in which former President Nelson Mandela and his family lived from 1946 to 1962. The property is incredibly well-kept and boasts an incredible sense of authenticity. So much so, the Mandela House has become a world-class visitor center and a leading center for preservation and presentation. Why not take part in the Mandela House tour and learn about the life of an incredible man in an environment of mutual respect and dignity?
Location: 8115 Vilakazi St, Orlando West, Soweto, 1804, South
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens are truly beautiful! Boasting much natural beauty and bright greenery, the gardens are filled with wholesome things to do. From birdwatching to lunching in the picnic areas, exploring the hiking trails, or simply admiring the blooms, blossoms, and wildlife surrounding you. In fact, the gardens are known for their incredible wildlife, being home to over two hundred and forty species of bird including a breeding pair of Verreaux Eagles who nest on the cliffs near the garden waterfall.
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens are also known for their victories in terms of preservation housing a number of mammal species and ‘rather secretive’ animals, despite the surrounding urban developments. This shows that the ecosystem is still very much viable! To top it off, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens were voted the best place to get back to nature in Gauteng, Johannesburg for several years in a row! Get back to nature today with a trip to some of the most beautiful gardens in South Africa!
Location: Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort, 1724, South Africa
The Maboneng Precinct
Maboneng Precinct is the cultural heart of Johannesburg and is known for being a ‘feast for the stomach, heart, and soul’. Tour through a unique mix of fantastic developments including quaint coffee shops, boutique stores, art galleries and museums, restaurants, and studios.
The area is a creative hub, hosting regular street markets complete with regional food and local art and music. There is so much to see and do! Of particular interest to visitors is the housing and lifestyle development ‘Main Street Life’ on Fox Street, wherein if you climb to the top you are gifted stunning, panoramic views of the city of Johannesburg. If you’re unsure of what you are wanting to do, a visit to the Maboneneg Precinct will certainly inspire you, boasting many fabulous opportunities for fun and flavor.
Location: Fox St &, Kruger St, City and Suburban, Johannesburg, 2094, South Africa
The Market Theatre
Based in the downtown, bohemian suburb of Newton in Johannesburg lies the Market Theatre. The Market Theatre is renowned for acting as the very first anti-racist theatre during the initial apartheid and was actually named after a fruit and vegetable market that was previously located on a lot of lands on which it stands. Nowadays, the theatre functions as an independent venue, showcasing many incredible performances.
From local performers to international stars, there is something here for everyone. Make sure to check what’s on during your trip to Johannesburg, so you don’t miss a great show! Also, the venue offers many opportunities to expand your creativity. For instance, screenwriting courses, costume and prop hire, and even behind-the-scenes tours, give you an insight into life in the theatre. With so much to discover and explore, make sure a trip to the Market Theatre is on your Johannesburg to-do list!
Location: 56 Margaret Mcingana St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
Gold Reef City
Something a bit different! Calling all thrillseekers – Gold Reef City is waiting for you! Existing as Johannesburg’s theme and amusement park, Gold Reef City boasts so much fun for all of the family. The theme park gains its name from the old gold mine that previously resided there, closing in 1971.
Due to this, Gold Reef City is themed around the gold rush and doubles as a learning experience, with the on-site buildings mimicking those existing during that era! Get ready for some incredible, thrilling, entertaining experiences including exciting rides, underground mine tours, an on-site casino, and much much more! A trip to Gold Reef City is an incredibly exciting one, with something for all of the family to explore, discover, and enjoy!
Location: Northern Pkwy & Data Cres, Johannesburg, 2159, South Africa
The Wits Art Museum
Located on the grounds of The University of Witwatersrand, The Wits Art Museum exists as a wonderful museum, showcasing thousands of historic and contemporary pieces of African artwork. There is so much wonderful art to marvel at, you could spend hours touring through the exhibits! The exhibits are in constant flux, so no trip to the Wits Art museum is the same.
Make sure to check the website prior to your trip to check what is on, there may be something fantastic that will spark your interest! The Wits Art Museum is truly a treasure trove of wonderful artwork, and will surely spark your creativity and leave you with a newfound appreciation for African art. Plus, entry is free – though donations are accepted and definitely encouraged!
Location: Wits Art Museum Cnr Jorissen and, Bertha St, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
The Johannesburg Lion and Safari Park
Embrace your wild side with a trip to Johannesburg’s Lion and Safari Park! Taking part in the three-hour lion and safari tour will see you getting as close as possible to some of Africa’s most incredible wildlife. It is an incredibly exciting and unique experience! Enjoy the sunshine, bask in the fresh air and grassy planes, and look on at the wonderful birds, cheetahs, lions, and many more.
Tours can take place from the comfort of your own vehicle or one of the safari’s many guided game drive routes. So, you don’t need to worry if you are an international tourist and do not possess a vehicle in South Africa! Why not grab some animal food from the many safari stalls before your tour, so you can feed some of the animals as you tour through? Tip: the giraffes are this author’s favorite! And on your way out, stop by the gift shop to remember your wild adventure with a lovely keepsake.
Location: 12 Pelindaba Rd, Hartbeespoort, Broederstroom, 0240, South Africa
The Cradle of Humankind
Located just fifty kilometers outside of Johannesburg, The Cradle of Humankind is an incredibly unique experience that is worth traveling a little outside of the city for. This paleoanthropological site has been deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is very popular amongst South Africans and international tourists alike.
Africa is oftentimes described as the birthplace of humankind, and this site is where you can discover all that this entailed. Complete with a multitude of fascinating fossils, stone tools, and limestone caves, The Cradle of Humankind takes you back in time in an authentic and interesting way.
Open your mind to the lives of your ancestors and see how far we have come as a race! There are so many exhibits to tour through with so much to discover. I can promise one thing – this site will broaden your horizons, open your mind, and help you to embrace your philosophical side!
Location: Cradle of Humankind, 8th Floor, 124 Main Street Cnr Main/Kruis/Marshall Streets, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
