Johannesburg Beyond the Stopover: A Local’s Guide to What to See and Experience

For many international travellers, Johannesburg is simply a gateway city where they land before heading off to Kruger National Park, Cape Town or Victoria Falls. At most, they may spend a night at a hotel near the airport, but they usually leave the following day without ever exploring South Africa’s largest city. Fair enough—Johannesburg doesn’t have beaches, wildlife, or a postcard skyline. It does, however, have a compelling history, vibrant neighbourhoods, a thriving food scene and rich cultural experiences.

Often called Jozi or Joburg by locals, Johannesburg was founded as a gold-mining settlement following the discovery of gold in the late 19th century. It is one of very few large metropolitan areas in the world not built near a sea or a major river, and it boasts one of the largest man-made forests in the world.

As someone who has lived in Johannesburg for most of my life, I am often asked for advice on the best things to do in the city. This is what I would recommend to those visiting the city for the first time.

1. The City Sightseeing Bus

Start your visit with the City Sightseeing Johannesburg Bus. It’s my favourite way to get an overview of a new city when I am exploring it for the first time, especially when I am short of time. The hop-on hop-off bus will take you to the highlights of the city, and you can then decide which attractions you would like to spend more time at. I have listed several of them below.

2. The Apartheid Museum

If you’ve ever wondered what life under apartheid must have been like for South Africans, then this museum is a must-visit. It tells the story of South Africa’s journey from racial segregation to democracy through fascinating exhibitions, photographs, videos, personal testimonies, and artefacts. Even as a local, I get goosebumps when I go there.

3. Gold Reef City

Next to the Apartheid Museum is Gold Reef City, South Africa’s only full-scale theme park. What makes it unique is that it is built on the site of an old gold mine. Along with thrilling rides, you can also go on a tour of an authentic underground mine, witness a gold pouring demonstration, pan for gold like the old miners, and visit old miners’ cottages which haven’t changed in over 100 years. The park is popular with both kids and adults.

4. Constitution Hill

Constitution Hill is a historic site in Johannesburg which once housed a notorious prison. Famous political activists including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were incarcerated here. Today, Constitution Hill is home to the country’s Constitutional Court as well as a museum with thought-provoking exhibitions, artefacts and art installations.

5. Soweto

Soweto is South Africa’s largest township. It was established during the apartheid era for black residents and many important events in South Africa’s history took place there. Today, it is home to more than 2 million people. Vilakazi Street in Soweto is famous for being the only street in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize laureates lived—Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. You can also visit Nelson Mandela’s old house. I would advise doing a guided tour here.

6. Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

Johannesburg has many green spaces for those who enjoy walking or hiking in nature. My favourite is the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, one of South Africa’s 11 national botanical gardens. A walk through the gardens leads to a beautiful waterfall at the end, which is home to a breeding pair of Verreaux’s Eagles. This is where the hiking trails start too. The park also has a dam with a bird hide, and themed gardens like a cycad garden, a medicinal garden, and a waterwise garden.

7. Maropeng and the Cradle of Humankind

If you have time to go on a day trip, then this one is highly recommended. The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the richest fossil sites in Africa. Some of the world’s oldest hominid fossils, dating back more than two million years, have been found here, including “Little Foot”, one of the most complete early hominid skeletons ever discovered. Maropeng is the official visitor centre and its Tumulus Building is one of the most unique structures in South Africa.

8. Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve

This is another day trip worth doing, especially if you want to see wildlife, and it is also situated in the Cradle of Humankind. Bothongo Rhino and Lion Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary which is also home to a fascinating 2.2-billion-year-old cave. Visitors can explore the huge cave, then go on a game drive to see rhinos, wild dogs, lions and cheetahs as well as other animals. It also has a restaurant where you can feed giraffes.

Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors to Johannesburg

• Hire a car or use ride-hailing services: Johannesburg is a large city with limited public transport, so driving or using ride-hailing services such as Uber is the easiest way to get around. If you’re hiring a car, ensure that you use secure parking whenever possible.
• Be mindful of safety: Like any large city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid displaying valuables, keep your belongings safe, and avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
• Choose your accommodation carefully: Stay in well-known areas such as Sandton, Rosebank, and Melrose Arch, which have a good selection of hotels, restaurants and shopping centres, and are generally safer.
• Ensure that you have travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is advised. While South Africa has good private healthcare facilities, public hospitals are generally not suitable for international visitors.
• Plan your routes in advance: Attractions are spread across the city, so group nearby sights together to minimise travel time and avoid spending hours in traffic.
• Allow extra time during rush hour: Traffic can be heavy in the morning and late afternoon, so plan your sightseeing accordingly.