Location: Johannesburg
Top Things to do in Johannesburg
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The 10 Best Things to do in Johannesburg, Gauteng
Johannesburg is the place to go to mix big-city culture, shopping, dining and nightlife with outdoor adventures, up-close wildlife encounters and visits to historical sites. Explore caves and nature reserves, or visit a traditional village by day, then enjoy dinner at a hip cafe or five-star restaurant. And if you're a shopper, bring an extra, empty suitcase. With malls, open-air markets and places that blend the two, you'll find plenty of unique souvenirs.
Restaurants in Johannesburg
1. Apartheid Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,284 reviews
This museum is architecturally interesting and packed with thoughtful, often brutal, reminders of South Africa’s history.
Reviewed By 208anjav - Sydney, Australia
What an interesting experience.. So much information about the history and issues in South Africa and so well put together. Visiting the apartheid museum, really makes you realise how difficult life would have been for some groups in society and a nice touch is the entrance; one side for whites (blankes) and one side for non-whites !
2. Hector Pieterson Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
The 1976 photograph of slain thirteen-year old Hector Pieterson, carried by a friend while his grieving sister runs alongside, is a chilling reminder that South African was changed thereafter.
Reviewed By 951lucindat
The memorial and what it represents tugs at the heart. You need a local to truly explain the significance of this memorial and Soweto uprising. Hector's sister also works at the memorial. If you visit Robben Island you will also meet one of the guides that was also arrested as part of the uprising and served time as a prisoner at Robben Island.
3. Hector Pieterson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
This tragic museum, opened in 2002, honors the Sowetan schoolchildren slain in a police massacre in 1976.
Reviewed By janephere - Benjamin, United States
A well preserved historical account of extreme brutality against black youth, especially primary and secondary school children who seek to preserve their rights and voices in peaceful manner. Such large scale brutality and crime against humanity where thousands of these children were murdered in cold blood. This is a story of the Soweto uprising, this is the story of infant tears and blood. May the souls represented by those walls rest in peace and bless the land of Africa and its people. I do hope that humanity will never witness this again
4. Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,566 reviews
Nowhere can the story of South Africa's turbulent past and its extraordinary transition to democracy be told as it is at Constitution Hill. Constitution Hill is a national heritage site situated in the Johannesburg CBD and is home to the Constitutional Court of South Africa- the highest court in the country on constitutional matters. Once a place of injustice and brutality, where South Africa's leading political activists, including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, were detained, the site has been transformed into a place of solidarity and democracy, home to the Women's Gaol museum, Number Four Museum, and Old Fort Museum. Apart from its engaging and gripping exhibitions, Constitution Hill is also open to the public for guided tours and has become an important platform for Heritage, Education, and Tourism related programmes. The vast variety of programmes hosted at Constitution Hill enable us to embrace current issues, celebrate days of national significance, address matters of public interest and create a forum for public debate. With its rich history and character Constitution Hill boasts of ideal platforms to educate and learn about South Africa's story. ConHill, as it is famously known, also offers a variety of multi-purpose venues, suitable for conferencing, performances, a large array of events and for public activities and programmes.
Reviewed By Daydream62408959336
A visit to Constitutional Hill is a visit that every person should take more than once if possible, (whether a tourist or a South African). It’s a harrowing and extremely emotional tour for any visitor and not a tour that should be hurried. The tour guides are extremely informative and are to be commended on their extensive knowledge. A visit to the Concourt itself is a must and it’s wonderful to see the highest Court in the land being open to all (you can actually see the goings on through the glass panels if you don’t want to enter the Court itself). There are also many activities, concerts, art exhibitions etc which take place at the Constitutional Hill as well through the year so it comes alive again with music, laughter and joy. Every time you visit Constitutional Hill should not only be a time of quiet reflection on the past which will be tinged with sadness, but also one of hope and positiveness for the future of our wonderful country.
5. Gautrain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,459 reviews
Gautrain is Africa’s first world-class, modern rapid rail and bus service for Gauteng, a province regarded as the economic heartland of South Africa.
Reviewed By Pathfinder742885
Whenever I use the gautrain it is always on time and it is also very efficient, very neat inside as well and you cannot miss where you get off because it always reminds you. The ride to the airport is a bit too pricey though
6. Neighbourgoods Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
Reviewed By E9861KFchristophec
Really nice indeed. Any type of food you may want, plus quality artwork. Artisanal beer and organic wine, chill out music. Clearly a symbol of gentrificarion, but also one of the rare place where mixity is obvious and natural A pity it opens only once a week.
7. Maboneng Precinct
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 576 reviews
The Maboneng Precinct is a connected Urban neighbourhood in downtown Johannesburg. Maboneng is fast becoming Jo'burg's most unique and innovative area, offering live / work and entertainment opportunities within a fully integrated urban environment. Completed developments include Arts on Main and Main Street Life, Revolution House and more. Maboneng is also home to flagship fashion stores and diverse eateries and entertainment spaces.
Reviewed By Miller1036
I read so many mixed comments on this area, but from my experience I would advise this to be on any visitor's "must do" list. It is one of the livelier areas where you can see a lot in a very confined, pedestrian friendly area. We went there twice, and my only regret is that in both instances many of the galleries I wanted to visit in the Arts on Main section were not open. I would have liked to have seen more art galleries, but we had more than enough to do with the shops, street vendors and the many great food and drink venues. If you eat here, definitely sit where you can watch the continuous spectacle of the street life including the ongoing hustle of street photographers and the self-appointed street parking attendants. This is also a great area to buy gifts for people back home. I highly recommend the street vendors for original t-shirts, jewelry and art, and the "I was Shot in JoBurg" shop for creative works made by young people with mostly found materials or locally inspired imagery.
8. Gold Reef City
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,858 reviews
Gold Reef City is a premier entertainment destination in the south of Johannesburg, reminiscent of an authentic turn-of-the-century mining town which is conveniently situated close to the centre of Johannesburg or just 20 minutes from OR Tambo Airport. The resort offers a variety of entertainment for both the young and young at heart which includes a state of the art casino, two 4-star hotels, conferencing and teambuilding facilities, a thrilling theme park,a spectacular theatre featuring live productions and a variety of restaurants and fast foods for every taste. Also located on the premises is the world renowned Apartheid Museum and the Red Bus City Sightseeing Tours.
Reviewed By Road679943
Wow it is nice to be at the theme Park the games are so amazing and the stuff was very friendly and helped us with our traveling bag.. Supper was amazing at Billy G it was my husbands birthday they did a mini platter for him it was very special
9. Vilakazi Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By onesaic - Mutare, Zimbabwe
Wow great street like a clip from a movie. Loved the African dancers it's very vibrant energetic its a great place to visit wished I could have stayed longer
10. Mandela House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 680 reviews
Reviewed By Antas17 - Johannesburg, South Africa
Well preserved, helpful tour guides and right in the heart of Vilakazi Street, around the corner from the Hector Pietersen Memorial. Grab some lunch down the street after your visit.
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