What to do and see in Johannesburg, Gauteng: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

August 29, 2021 Brandee Mangan

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. Lindfield Victorian House Museum

72 Richmond Avenue, Auckland Park Entrance Greenlands Road, Johannesburg 2092 South Africa +27 11 726 2932 [email protected] http://lindfield.wix.com/museum
Excellent
84%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 166 reviews

Lindfield Victorian House Museum

(Open by appointment only.) The stories that lived (and still live) within the walls of the Lindfield Victorian House Museum tell a tale of Johannesburg during an era that, more than any other, shaped urban Johannesburg as we know it today. A tale of the day-to-day family life and fashion trends, masters and servants, elegance, high culture, high teas, social etiquette and intellectual achievements. The spirit of this amazing era lives on in the museum and visitors not only learn its cultural history, but also experience the ambiance of a bygone world.

Reviewed By SWelz - Johannesburg, South Africa

A fascinating experience going back in time - so many interesting things are housed here, and the tour with Miss Love, who lives in and collects the things for this house is a must for anyone interested in history and Johannesburg. Well worth a tour!

2. The Wilds

Houghton Dr, Johannesburg 2198 South Africa +27 11 643 2313 http://m.facebook.com/groups/1582183308538762/
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
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5.0 based on 47 reviews

The Wilds

Reviewed By giwilreker - Johannesburg, South Africa

Beautiful wild gardens restored to former glory. Sit on the lawns with a picnic basket or explore the hills and look for James Delaney's lazer cut animals hidden between the plants. Stunning views over Jozi from the Sundial.

3. South African National Museum of Military History

20 Erlswold Way Saxonwold, Johannesburg 2132 South Africa +27 11 646 5513 [email protected] http://www.militarymuseum.co.za/
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 390 reviews

South African National Museum of Military History

This large museum contains mostly military-related records, journals, weapons and photographs that depict the nation’s participation in large-scale conflicts.

Reviewed By janephere - Benjamin, United States

Fantastic. Everything you visit there is a new exhibit. Some of the rarest and best preserved militeria are on display here. The Museum, is well laid out, exhibits are well described, the facilities are neat and clean. It spans from the 1800 to current. Its an experience seeing the weaponry you used on display in a museum.

4. Apartheid Museum

Northern Park Way and Gold Reef Rd, Johannesburg 2001 South Africa +27 11 309 4700 [email protected] http://www.apartheidmuseum.org/
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,284 reviews

Apartheid Museum

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 !

5. Hector Pieterson Memorial

Hector Pieterson Square, Soweto, Johannesburg South Africa +27 11 536 0611
Excellent
45%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 335 reviews

Hector Pieterson Memorial

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.

6. Hector Pieterson Museum

8287 Khumalo St, Soweto, Johannesburg South Africa +27 11 536 2253 http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/hector_pieterson_memorial_and_museum
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 538 reviews

Hector Pieterson Museum

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

7. South Western Townships

Johannesburg South Africa
Excellent
54%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 977 reviews

South Western Townships

Reviewed By Steve-CdnTravelLover - Toronto, Canada

Our Canadian friends thought we were reckless to visit Johannesburg. Most land there on their way to safaris, stay at an airport hotel, pop in to Jo’burg and Soweto for a 2-3 hour driving tour - and leave the next morning. And when we told them that we were planning to visit Soweto they were convinced that we were really crazy. Johannesburg turned out to be quite manageable if you take sensible precautions, avoid rough areas like the Central Business District. We made our way around by Uber, saw some really interesting sites and museums. The people were warm and friendly. We spent a delightful 4 hours on a walking tour in Soweto with Lebo’s Soweto Bicycle Tours. It was fascinating to learn about Soweto. Those of us of a certain age in the West grew up watching the news with Soweto as the epi-centre of the resistance to Apartheid. I didn’t want to miss it on our once-in-a-lifetime visit to Southern Africa. We had no idea that it was so big - over 2 million people. It’s divided into 41 districts with large differences between them. The area around Nelson Mandela’s old house is known as “Beverly Hills” because of the nice houses there. We felt safe and welcome everywhere we went.

8. SAB World of Beer

Entrance on Becker St. 15 President Street Newton Cultural Precinct, Johannesburg 2001 South Africa +27 11 836 4900 [email protected] http://www.worldofbeer.co.za
Excellent
51%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 563 reviews

SAB World of Beer

A fun filled guided tour through an interactive multi-media museum, exploring the rich history of beer and its South African story. End off with a cold pint in the Tap Room overlooking the city. The immersive tour explores the rich history of Africa's beer culture, transporting you from the tombs of Egypt to the mining townships of Johannesburg's pioneer days. You'll also get to taste traditional African beer, hold hop flowers in your hands, smell the different types of barley and peer into the great big wort kettle! Beer memorabilia and merchandise are also available at the adjoining shop, Tankards and Togs. Since being opened by former President Nelson Mandela nearly 20 years ago, the World of Beer has become one of the country's top attractions for foreigners and locals alike, winning SA Tourism's "Tourist Attraction Category Winner" for three consecutive years. It also houses a five-star conference and event venue. Visit experience it for yourself! Access SAB World of Beer is situated in the heart of the Johannesburg Newtown Cultural Precinct. It is within walking distance of the three major railway stations (Westgate, Braamfontein and Park Station) and conveniently located on one of the city's main taxi routes. Shuttle services from the Gautrain station can be arranged at a minimal cost.

Reviewed By Bigdawguk - Kidderminster, United Kingdom

Amazing visit and tour of SAB the gentleman in the photo who did our tour was exceptional and provided an amazing tour of SAB and how beer has developed over the centuries. We also had the beer tasting session and he showed us how to taste beer properly which was an amazing experience as you get a completely different taste depending on how you drink beer which we did not realize. Definitely a tour worth doing if you are into beer and in Johannesburg.

9. Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct

11 Kotze Street, Johannesburg 2001 South Africa +27 11 381 3100 [email protected] http://www.constitutionhill.org.za/
Excellent
60%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,566 reviews

Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct

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.

10. Acrobranch Melrose

Melrose street Parking: what3words ///friends.passion.stay, Johannesburg 2043 South Africa +27 86 999 0369 [email protected] http://www.acrobranch.co.za
Excellent
52%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 130 reviews

Acrobranch Melrose

Come have fun in trees with us. 4 courses, from 3 years old up to 70 years old or more, + a giant Zip line, 250m long.Zip lines, monkey bridge, Tarzan Jump, Wire Walk, etc... in a safe environment with our harnesses, and well trained staff. You will spend 2 hours in a natural environment, in one of the most beautiful Park of Johannesburg.

Reviewed By tracyleer_12 - Johannesburg, South Africa

We really enjoyed our visit to Acrobranch. My sons enjoyed climbing around on the different obstacle courses they have in the trees. The big zip line was an absolute hit with dad & the kids despite them being a little nervous. The boys enjoyed the other 4 zip lines but the big zip was the winner hands down. Its a wonderful outdoor adventure that keeps everyone entertained for hours and well worth the price. The staff were fantastic and have loads of patience with the kids, big and small. Remember the park is a cash free zone so pay online when booking or take your bank card. We will certainly be returning soon.

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