Best Places to Visit in Johannesburg

The Apartheid Museum is established in the southern part of Johannesburg and is one of the must-visit attractions. It displays paper clippings, films, documents, photos and other historical artefacts exhibiting the history of Apartheid.

Located almost twenty kilometres southwest of Johannesburg, Soweto opens the historical chapters of freedom fights. Also the birthplace of the struggle for democracy, it was home to black labourers, who were kept away from most of the urban and suburban Johannesburg. Soweto also has the Mandela House museum, where Mandela used to live before he was imprisoned.

The Gold Reef City offers a spectacular sight with countless theme park rides, historical antiquities and marvellous golden exhibits. The unique spot hosts numerous edifices and businesses, including shops, stores, hotels, the Royal Theatre and Johannesburg's first stock exchange.

The Maboneng Precinct lies in the city's heart and is a fantastic example of a successful mixed-use renewal project. You can find numerous restaurants, bars, cafes, art galleries and shops. The area is a bright combination of both commercial and residential buildings and imparts the cheerful vibe of the city.

Located in northern Johannesburg, Constitution hill aptly describes South Africa's transformation to democracy and signifies the great freedom struggles for the country's independence. The sight is an abode to Constitution court, Women's prison, Old Fort and Number Four prison.

Located about 40 minutes from Johannesburg in Gauteng, the Lion and Safari Park is part of the Cradle of Humankind and is known for its numerous indigenous species. The best way to explore the park is through one of its informative safaris and tours. River rafting through the Crocodile River, horse riding, quad biking and mountain biking are also popular activities here.

The massive museum contains every minute detail of the South African military history. Tourists come and get informed about the military conflicts and complications which existed a few decades back.

The Market Theatre is housed in a converted Market Building and has a great significance in Joburg's culture, attracting several tourists. The theatre has four live theatre venues where the finest productions are held. The building includes a book store, art and gallery, and restaurants.

Hector Pieterson Museum & Memorial is a museum in Orlando West, Soweto, Johannesburg. It is dedicated to Hector Pieterson, a 12-year-old boy who was shot and killed during the anti-Apartheid Soweto Uprising and other young children. There is also an engraved granite memorial stone inside.

Vilakazi Street is one of the most famous and iconic streets in Soweto and Johannesburg, housing many markets and restaurants. Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu used to live here. The café where both of them used to meet is now a favourite among locals.

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens is a nature reserve in Roodepoort near Johannesburg. It is popular for a pair of Verreaux's eagles that reside in the Roodekrans Ridge and the beautiful Witpoortjie waterfall. It is also popular for birdwatching, with over 240 species of birds here. Guided tours are available.

A paleoanthropological zone in Gauteng, about 50km northwest of Johannesburg, Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dolomitic limestone caves. These caves feature fossilised remains of the old forms of plants, rocks, animals and hominids.

Pilanesberg National Park is famous for its unique terrain as it lies in the crater of an extinct volcano which erupted over 1000 billion years ago. It is located north of Rustenberg. It is home to all the Big Five game animals in Africa, including lions, leopards, black rhinoceros, African bush elephants, and African buffalo. Hot Air Balloon Ride over the park is popular.

​​The Playground is a weekly market that takes place every Saturday on Juta Street, Johannesburg. The market features live musical performances, gourmet street food and a display of local fashion items.

A beautiful lush green area and a Johannesburg City Heritage Site, the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve is situated next to the Johannesburg Botanical Garden. The reserve is divided into Melville Koppies East, Central and West. It is an excellent place for walking, hiking and walking dogs.