15 Best Things to Do in Johannesburg (Ultimate 2025 Guide)

Johannesburg rarely makes the top of a traveler’s bucket list, yet it should. Too often overshadowed by Cape Town or Kruger, South Africa’s largest city is far more than a stopover. Johannesburg is a complex mix of history and reinvention. It is where apartheid’s darkest chapters are told through world-class museums, where neighborhoods like Soweto pulse with culture and resilience, and where the creative energy of Maboneng and Rosebank reshapes perceptions of the city every day.

This guide explores the best things to do in Johannesburg, complete with practical tips, suggested itineraries, safety advice, and insights from locals. Whether you have a single day or a full week, you’ll find ways to uncover the spirit of Joburg.

Why Visit Johannesburg?

Johannesburg, or Joburg as locals affectionately call it, is South Africa’s beating heart. It is the country’s largest city, its economic engine, and a crossroads of cultures. While its skyline suggests a modern metropolis, its foundations are deeply tied to history—the discovery of gold in the late 19th century and the long struggle for freedom from apartheid.

Unlike Cape Town’s postcard-perfect scenery, Johannesburg’s appeal lies in its stories, people, and contrasts. You can stand inside the Constitutional Court, built on the ruins of a notorious prison, then minutes later explore colorful street art in Maboneng or enjoy a braai (barbecue) with locals in Soweto. The city also sits within easy reach of safari parks, UNESCO heritage sites, and nature reserves, making it one of the best bases for exploring Gauteng province.

Quick Snapshot: Top 10 Things to Do in Johannesburg

Before diving into details, here’s a snapshot of Johannesburg’s highlights. This table shows approximate costs, time needed, and accessibility so you can plan your days more effectively.

Attraction	Time Needed	Cost (ZAR)	Family-Friendly	Accessibility	Nearest Transport
Apartheid Museum	2–3 hrs	150–200	Yes	Wheelchair accessible	Taxi/Uber
Soweto & Mandela House	3–4 hrs	100–200	Yes	Moderate	Guided tour/Taxi
Constitution Hill	1.5–2 hrs	100	Yes	Accessible	Gautrain (Park Station)
Maboneng Precinct	2–3 hrs	Free (except galleries)	Yes	Streets accessible	Taxi/Uber
Gold Reef City	Half-day	250–400	Yes	Accessible	Taxi/Uber
Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens	2–3 hrs	70	Yes	Accessible paths	Car/Uber
Johannesburg Zoo & Zoo Lake	2–3 hrs	110	Yes	Accessible	Taxi/Uber
Cradle of Humankind	Half-day	190+	Yes	Limited	Car/Day Tour
Pilanesberg Safari (day trip)	Full-day	1,000+	Yes	Safari vehicles	Guided tour
Rooftop Bars & Markets	2–3 hrs	50–300	Adults	Moderate	Taxi/Uber

Top Attractions in Johannesburg

Apartheid Museum

Few museums in the world are as powerful. The Apartheid Museum tells South Africa’s story of segregation and struggle with honesty and depth. Visitors enter through racially divided gates, immediately confronting the absurdity of apartheid laws. Inside, films, photographs, and artifacts trace decades of resistance and resilience.

Practical tips: Allow at least 2–3 hours, though history buffs may spend longer. Entry is around R150. It’s a sobering but essential stop, best paired with Soweto for a full picture of South Africa’s journey.

Soweto & Mandela House

Soweto, short for South Western Townships, is the heart of South Africa’s freedom movement. Walking down Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners (Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu), is humbling. Mandela House Museum offers a glimpse into his family life, while the Hector Pieterson Museum tells the story of the 1976 student uprisings.

Guided or self-tour? While you can explore on your own, a guided tour adds context, connects you with locals, and ensures safety. Expect to spend half a day here, ideally ending with lunch at a local spot like Sakhumzi Restaurant.

Constitution Hill

Part museum, part active court, Constitution Hill is both historic and alive. Once a prison where political activists were held, it now houses South Africa’s Constitutional Court. Tours explain how the court was built with bricks from the demolished prison—turning a place of oppression into one of justice.

Tip: Attend a court session if one is in progress. It’s a unique way to witness democracy in action.

Maboneng Precinct

Maboneng, meaning “Place of Light,” is Joburg’s creative revival at its best. What was once a neglected downtown block is now buzzing with art galleries, street murals, boutique shops, and rooftop bars. Sundays are especially lively thanks to the Market on Main.

Why visit: It’s the perfect place to feel Johannesburg’s modern pulse, enjoy street food, and take Instagram-worthy photos against massive murals.

Gold Reef City

Gold Reef City offers a very different slice of Johannesburg. Built on a former gold mine, it’s both an amusement park and a peek into the city’s gold rush past. Families can enjoy rollercoasters, while history lovers can descend into an old mine shaft.

Practical note: It’s best as a half-day trip, especially if traveling with kids.

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

For a quieter experience, head west to the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. The main attraction here is the nesting site of the Verreaux’s eagles, which you can often spot circling above the cliffs. With picnic lawns and trails, it’s a peaceful counterbalance to the city buzz.

Johannesburg Zoo & Zoo Lake

Though modest compared to global zoos, the Johannesburg Zoo is a family favorite. Next door, Zoo Lake offers boating, picnicking, and weekend braais. For travelers with children, this duo makes for a fun and relaxed outing.

Cradle of Humankind

Just 45 minutes from Joburg lies a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Cradle of Humankind. The Sterkfontein Caves are where some of the oldest human fossils were discovered, making it one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world.

Practical tip: Guided tours are recommended; the caves can be slippery and confined. Combine with Maropeng Visitor Centre for a full-day experience.

Safari Day Trips from Johannesburg

You don’t need to fly to Kruger to see the Big Five. Pilanesberg National Park, about 2.5 hours away, is a popular day trip offering excellent safari drives without the crowds of Kruger. Closer still are reserves like the Lion & Safari Park, though they provide a more controlled experience.

Why it matters: This accessibility makes Johannesburg one of the best safari gateways in Africa.

Rooftop Bars & Nightlife

Johannesburg at night is energetic. From the rooftop bars of Maboneng to stylish spots in Sandton, you can sip cocktails with city views. Neighbourgoods Market also offers food and live music on weekends, making nightlife more than just bars—it’s a cultural event.

Ready-Made Itineraries

24 Hours in Johannesburg

• Morning: Apartheid Museum
  
• Afternoon: Soweto tour (Mandela House, Hector Pieterson Museum)
  
• Evening: Dinner in Maboneng + rooftop bar sunset
  

48 Hours in Johannesburg

• Day 1: Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Maboneng
  
• Day 2: Soweto + Gold Reef City or Zoo Lake evening
  

3 Days in Johannesburg

• Day 1: Soweto + Apartheid Museum
  
• Day 2: Cradle of Humankind
  
• Day 3: Maboneng, Walter Sisulu Gardens, Rooftop nightlife
  

Family-Friendly 2-Day Plan

• Day 1: Zoo + Zoo Lake picnic
  
• Day 2: Gold Reef City amusement rides + botanical gardens
  

Getting Around Johannesburg

Gautrain

Fast, clean, and safe, Gautrain connects the airport with Sandton, Rosebank, and Pretoria. Fares average R30–R200 depending on distance.

Ride-Hailing & Taxis

Uber and Bolt are widely used. Traditional minibus taxis, while iconic, are confusing for visitors and best avoided unless with locals.

Car Rental

For day trips, renting a car is often the most efficient choice. Driving in Joburg is manageable, but avoid night travel in unfamiliar areas.

Safety, Travel Tips & Etiquette

• Stick to well-known neighborhoods after dark.
  
• In Soweto, visit with local guides and spend money at community-owned businesses.
  
• Tipping is customary: 10% in restaurants, small tips for parking guards and guides.
  
• Keep valuables out of sight, especially when walking in the city center.
  

When to Visit Johannesburg

Best Seasons

• Summer (Nov–Feb): Hot and rainy, but lively.
  
• Winter (Jun–Aug): Mild, dry, excellent for safaris.
  

Annual Events

• Joburg Carnival (New Year’s)
  
• Comic-Con Africa (September)
  
• Soweto Wine Festival (late year)
  

Budget Breakdown: Free vs Paid

• Free: Street art walks, Zoo Lake, markets.
  
• Budget (under R100): Constitution Hill, local galleries.
  
• Mid-range (R200–R500): Apartheid Museum + Soweto tours.
  
• Splurge: Day safaris, rooftop dining, boutique shopping.
  

Hidden Gems & Local Experiences

• Dinner in the Sky: A novelty dining experience high above the city.
  
• Neighbourgoods Market: Gourmet food and artisan stalls.
  
• Local music tours: Explore Johannesburg’s jazz or underground hip-hop scene with a guide.
  

Family & Accessibility Guide

Johannesburg is family-friendly when you choose the right spots—Gold Reef City, Zoo Lake, and botanical gardens are excellent. Many major attractions like the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill are wheelchair accessible.

FAQs