Best 11 things to do in Johannesburg
Most people jet into OR Tambo on cheap flights to Johannesburg for business or as a hub to the safari parks of the Limpopo and North West Provinces on one of the many SA Airlines flights to smaller airports. Next time you’re in the area, linger for a while, there’s so much to see and do in this bustling metropolis.
Johannesburg is the economic powerhouse of South Africa and as such it boasts a commanding assortment of entertainment, cultural sights and natural attractions, many of which you may never have heard of before!
Here’s how you can cram as much as possible into your visit to this burgeoning city. Check out these great attractions on offer for under R200. If you are an international traveller visiting South Africa, you can work out the currency conversion here.
The prices shown were correct at time of publication but are subject to change.Check online to get the latest price.
1. Constitution Hill
Experience the agony and injustice of Apartheid at this iconic museum which showcases aspects of South Africa’s South Africa’s tempestuous past.
Today Constitution Hill houses the Constitutional court of South Africa but in the past it was home to tens of thousands of prisoners, political and otherwise. Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Joe Slovo and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela all spent time here.
In the museum alongside the court rooms, you can witness the extreme conditions and find out more about the daily routines of these hapless folk. Originally, this maximum-security prison was set up in 1893 to house white male criminals. It was soon expanded to include a Women’s Jail, an Awaiting Trial Block and the infamous Number Four. Find out more about the atrocities that were committed here on guided tours which transport you back to these troubled, yet fascinating times.
Various tours are offered, including trips to the Constitutional Court with its incredible art museum.
Cost:
Adults from R80, Children from R40, Pensioners from R55 and Students from R45. See the latest prices here.
Special Offers:
A 5% discount is granted for online bookings.
Opening Times:
Open daily from 9am – 5pm
Address:
11 Kotze Road, Johannesburg
2. Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
As one of Johannesburg’s last wild spaces, Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens is a popular venue for Gauteng locals to escape from city life without having to travel great distances.Here, the natural vegetation of the area has been kept undisturbed apart from a few picnic spots and paths for roaming around this undisturbed rocky Highveld grassland habitat.
The property is awash with over 600 naturally-occurring plants and more than 220 species of birds. At the waterfall, which is Johannesburg’s only naturally cascading water feature, you may be lucky enough to catch sight of the resident pair of Verreaux’s Eagles.
Other lucky sightings include reptiles, rodents and even jackal, which have remained here despite the close proximity to South Africa’s busiest city.
Aside from wide open spaces to relax and soak up the wilderness, the gardens offer a self-guided Geological Trail which provides a fascinating insight into the history of the area. Guided tours of the gardens are a great way to discover less obvious natural attributes of these spaces.
Cost:
Adults from R80, Children from R15, Students R30, Children under 6 years old are free. A surcharge may apply for concert performances.See the latest prices here.
Special Offers:
Pensioners get free entry on Tuesdays
Opening Times:
Open daily from 8am – 6pm
Address
Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort, Gauteng
3. Ascend the Iron Throne at Harties
A journey to Iron Throne Brewing Company in Hartbeesfontein will whisk you off to the imaginary world created by George R. R. Martin in Game of Thrones, and it will only take you 45 minutes’ drive from the inner city.
This castle-themed venue serves gourmet sandwiches and burgers, ribs and chicken wings, as well as a range of fine artisan ales. If you prefer, there’s an excellent range of traditional milkshakes as well as some with a little extra such as the pina colada and hellfire versions.
Children are well catered for with horse and tractor rides on weekends, a petting zoo and playground area.
It’s the perfect stop for a late lunch after a trip on the Harties Cableway or a visit to Hartbeespoort Dam with its water sports and hikes. Few can resist the urge to pose on the replica iron throne placed strategically among the tables.
Cost:
Most meals under R100
Keep tabs on their Facebook page for updates.
Special characteristics:
The restaurant has regular combo specials priced around R100 per meal
The venue is a popular spot for functions and live music events
Opening Times:
Wednesday – Friday: 1 am – 10pm
Saturday – 7am- 10pm
Sunday – 7am- 6pm
Address:
Plot 3, Melodie | Next to Harties Cableway, Hartbeespoort
4. MabonengPrecinct
Maboneng has risen from the ashes of urban decay to become one of the most popular places for Johannesburg’s up-and-coming creative elite to work and play. As a result, a trip to this vibrant suburb is filled with trendy restaurants, galleries, workshops, studios and boutiques.
The industrial-themed Arts on Main complex is the hub of this happening space, showcasing locally produced food and art as well as educational and creative spaces for the artistically inclined. Other interesting places include MOAD Africa’s first design museum, a movie theatre and a poolside café.
On Sundays, the precinct hosts an excellent market selling produce, street food and crafts.
Opening Times::
Peak times are from 10am to 4pm, with restaurants and pubs staying open much later.
Address:
276 Fox St & Kruger Street, Jeppestown, Johannesburg
5. Take a Cable Car Across the HennopsRiver
Located 40 km from Johannesburg on the way to Pretoria, the Hennops Trails are popular among outdoor enthusiasts from both cities.
There are two trails to choose from as well as a kiddies’ hike. The routes traverse hill and dale, meandering alongside the Hennops River for part of the way. There are two river crossings to negotiate, one is adorned with a suspension bridge and the other has a quirky cableway.
You can look forward to seeing birds, zebra, gnu, impala, blesbok, kudu and zonkies(donkey x zebra) as you walk along as well as a few interesting historical sights. Along the way there’s a field hospital from the Anglo Boer war, Pruimpie’s Cave where an orphaned child lived after his tribe were driven away by the Zulus, old dolomite mines and traces of early human settlements.
The swimming pool and picnic area complete the picture of outdoor enjoyment.
Cost:
Adults R70, children R40. See the latest prices and regulations here.
Opening Times:
From 7am on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
Weekdays from 8am
Register before 2pm for the hike
Closes at 5 pm daily
Address:
Road R511Hennopsriver, Schurveberg, Pretoria
6. Have a Trot Around the Johannesburg Zoo
With over 55 hectares to explore, the Johannesburg Zoo is an adventure for all ages. The parade of animals is ever changing and the zoo is home to several endangered species such as scimitar oryx, wattled crane, black and white ruffed lemur and white rhino.
The Big Five is in attendance along with rare Siberian tigers, animals of the Amazon, snakes and other reptiles, as well as hundreds of different birds. The zoo has been internationally recognised for its excellent standards of animal welfare and nutrition as well as its ethical conduct towards all living things.
There are expansive lawns for children to play as well as a playground for their amusement.
In addition, the zoo offers a host of activities, including guided day and night tours, and boat cruises around Zoo Lake. Regular events are held in the form of concerts, night runs on the grounds and the popular Zoo Trot – a morning jog among the exhibits.
Cost:
R80 for adults and R50 for students, pensioners and children under 12
Zoo Trot R55, see the latest fees here.
Entrance fees may vary for special events and concerts
Opening Times:
The zoo is open every day of the year including public holidays from 8h30 am to 5h30 pm
See the animal feeding times here
Address:
Jan Smuts Ave & Upper Park Dr, Parkview, Johannesburg
7. First Thursdays
Following on a trend started by Cape Town, Johannesburg has embarked on a First Thursdays campaign to showcase the vibrant artistic heart of the city. Join the festivities on the first Thursday of every month when participating galleries in Rosebank, Braamfontein and Maboneng fling their doors open to the public between 5 and 9 pm.
Restaurants in the area take part with special offers, exhibitions and extra late hours to accommodate the crowds. First Thursdays is a great opportunity for both locals and visiting guests to enjoy the best of Johannesburg’s cultural, art and foodie scene after office hours.
You can plan the attack on your senses by visiting the event website.
Cost:
Free to browse
Opening Times:
5pm – 9pm on the first Thursday of every month
Address:
In and around Johannesburg
8. Hook Up with the Vaal Meander
Just an hour south of Johannesburg you will come across the Vaal Meander. It’s a great opportunity to experience a more rural side to Johannesburg.
Some of the attractions on this route include:
- Antiques and collectibles, furniture and woodwork
- Beadwork, jewellery, candles, crafts, stained glass, handmade toys
- Art galleries, picture framing, pottery and ceramics, sculpting
- Animal farms, nature reserves and game drives
- Craft breweries, restaurants and wine tasting
- Horse riding, boating, bird watching, fishing, golf
- Spas
After your explorations, end the day with a picnic at the Vaal Dam, about an90 minutes from the city, where you can watch water sport enthusiasts at play or see the fishermen haul in their catches.
It’s the perfect foil to the hubbub of the city attractions and a great way to experience Johannesburg’s gentler side. Plan your route here.
Cost:
Free to visit
Vaal Dam Entry Fee: R100 per car and R50 per person
Opening Times:
8am – 5pm daily
Address:
The Meander starts around Three Rivers
9. Blubird Wholefood Market
Head for the Blubird Wholefood Market on Sundays from 9am to 2pm for an international taste extravaganza. Here you will find the healthiest versions of food from all over the planet as well as an assortment of other not-so-healthy but equally delicious options.
Curries, pastas, sauces, cupcakes and chocolates are well represented and there’s even a gardening section where you can stock up on little helpers in the form of earthworms.
The spice man will blend a signature concoction for you, you can plant a tree, enjoy a master chef demonstration and nibble on a little bit of everything from numerous stalls.
Cost:
Free to browse
Opening Times:
9am – 2 pm Sundays
Address:
Corner Atholl-Oaklands Road and Fort Street, Birnam, Johannesburg
10. Mall of Africa
If you really don’t like crowds, you can probably skip this one. For everyone else, a visit to the largest mall in South Africa ever built in one sitting is really a must if you are in the area.
Put on some comfortable shoes and set aside a considerable hunk of time for this one. Admiring the incredible architecture and design of this place is an outing in itself. After that you can set to work investigating the 300 shops which are located here.
There’s an Imax movie theatre if you’d like to catch a show, and plenty of eateries to choose from too. Designer boutiques, children’s arcades, art galleries, and multiple events mean you can easily spend the entire day here. There’s even an iStore in-house which isn’t something you see every day.
Cost:
Free
Paid parking after 2 hours
Opening Times:
Shops 9am – 5pm
Restaurants stay open till late
Extended shopping hours during peak holiday seasons
Address:
Magwa Cres, Halfway House, Midrand.
11. Play Golf at Huddle Park
Huddle Park offers the unique opportunity to enjoy a round of golf on immaculately manicured greens and fairways just minutes from the city skyscrapers.
With the option to play either 9 or 18-holes plus a range of activities and a restaurant to keep the rest of the family busy while you indulge, Huddle Park is a little slice of heaven for the keen golfing enthusiast.
As a visitor, you can enjoy 9 holes for just R120 on weekdays or R150 on the weekend. The price for 18 holes starts at R180.
An assortment of mountain bike trails and walking routes, Acrobranch obstacle courses and a zipline complete the picture of outdoor adventure for visitors to Huddle Park.
Cost:
Golf from R120
Acrobranch from R140
ZiplineR90
See the latest prices here
Opening Times:
Golf – weekdays from 12pm- 6pm, weekends from 6am to 6pm
Restaurant – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 7am- 6pm; Wednesday and Friday 6h30am- 6pm
Weekends 6am-7pm
Acrobranch and Zipline – Wednesdays to Sundays 9am-5pm and every day during school holidays.
Address:
Shelley Avenue, Linksfield, Johannesburg
One Last Thing When Planning Your Trip to Johannesburg
The first step towards a cost-effective visit to the City of Gold is searching for cheap flightsto Johannesburg.Be sure to check out our air fare comparisons from all the leading SA airlines before you do another thing.