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Johannesburg has a feeling of Urgency. A day feels like 2 hours, They call it the New York of Africa.
Johannesburg has a feeling of Urgency. A day feels like 2 hours, They call it the New York of Africa. - Photo by Anaya Katlego

Discover the Excitement of Johannesburg, South Africa on Your Next

About Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg is a vibrant city in South Africa famous for its rich history and culture. With numerous museums, art galleries, and restaurants, there is something for everyone. The city is also a gateway to nearby game reserves and natural wonders. Plan your trip to Johannesburg today and experience the magic of South Africa.

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, and it is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. The city has a lot to offer visitors, from its many museums and art galleries to its lively nightlife and outdoor activities.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Johannesburg is the Apartheid Museum, which tells the story of South Africa's struggle against apartheid. The museum features a range of exhibits and interactive displays, as well as a moving tribute to Nelson Mandela.

Another must-visit attraction in Johannesburg is the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to some of the world's oldest fossils. Visitors can explore the caves and learn about the history of human evolution.

For those who love the outdoors, Johannesburg has plenty to offer. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural parks and reserves, including the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden and the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. These parks offer a range of activities, from hiking and birdwatching to picnicking and fishing.

Johannesburg is also home to a thriving arts scene, with a number of galleries and museums showcasing the work of local and international artists. The Johannesburg Art Gallery is one of the oldest and largest galleries in the country, and it features works by some of South Africa's most celebrated artists.

Finally, Johannesburg is known for its excellent food and wine. The city is home to a wide range of restaurants, from traditional African cuisine to international fusion. Visitors can also take a tour of the local wineries and vineyards, which produce some of the best wines in the world.

In summary, Johannesburg is a fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or food and wine, this vibrant city is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Popular Stays in Johannesburg, South Africa

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Johannesburg, South Africa

ANEW Hotel Centurion Pretoria is centrally located on the Centurion Lake between Johannesburg and Pretoria, only 1640 ft from the newly built Gautrain Station. This deluxe hotel is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens, and is complimented by an outdoor pool and deck overlooking the Centurion Lake. It has direct access to the Centurion Mall shopping complex, with its variety of restaurants, bars, boutiques and cinemas, and offers a fully equipped day-conference center. Right on the water's edge is the ANEW Hotel Centurion Pretoria restaurant, with its contemporary African atmosphere. The trendy bar and lounge area is the ideal place to enjoy a drink after a hard day’s work and the smoking lounge can be booked for private functions.
This luxurious hotel is located in the quiet area of Fourways, Johannesburg. The Sandton business district is just 15 minutes away, and the O.R. Tambo International Airport is a 40-minute drive from the hotel. The hotel's spacious rooms are decorated in warm colours and elegant furnishings, and all come with modern comforts such as coffee and tea stations, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen televisions. In the morning breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant, which also serves Mediterranean and South African cuisines for lunch and dinner. There is also a business centre and fitness centre for guest use, and visitors can enjoy world-class entertainment at the adjacent Montecasino Entertainment Complex.
Welcome to the Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport Hotel! With 151 modern &comfortable rooms, our hotel is equipped with all the amenities that you need, whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure. If business is on the table, our speedy Wi-Fi &24-hour business centre will help you to stay on top of things and perhaps even leave you some time to enjoy some of our other amenities. If you’re travelling for leisure, our sparkling outdoor pool will leave you soaking up the sun in style. With an in-house fitness centre that overlooks the pool, you can ensure that you keep up with your fitness regime. While you’re at it, why not explore the area? We have a host of friendly staff who are more than willing to arrange the perfect day tour for you, based on your needs. Our complimentary airport shuttle service to take you to your comfortable accommodation in Johannesburg. It runs every 30 minutes from 06:00 to 10:00 and 17:00 to 20:00 and hourly thereafter until 23:00.
Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a steam room, and a 24-hour fitness center. This Art Deco hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge). Enjoy African cuisine at Quills Restaurant, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Full breakfasts are available daily for a fee. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and express check-in. Event facilities at this hotel consist of a conference center and meeting rooms. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite. Make yourself at home in one of the 138 guestrooms featuring minibars (stocked with some free items) and LED televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with Egyptian cotton sheets.
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Business hotelsHotels with spa

Southern Sun O.R Tambo

With a stay at Southern Sun O. R. Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park (O. R. Tambo), you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Emperors Palace Casino and Arwyp Medical Centre. This upscale hotel is 12. 4 mi (19. 9 km) from Melrose Arch Shopping Centre and 13. 7 mi (22. 1 km) from Nelson Mandela Square. Don't miss out on recreational opportunities including an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and shopping on site. Make yourself at home in one of the 366 guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as laptop-compatible safes and desks. Satisfy your appetite for lunch or dinner at Bernoulli's Restaurant, a restaurant which specializes in international cuisine, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary full breakfast is served daily from 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Event facilities at this hotel consist of a conference center and 9 meeting rooms. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours). Distances are displayed to the nearest 0. 1 mile and kilometer.
The hotel is in the heart of Africa's most exclusive shopping centre, Nelson Mandela Square, offering guests access to a variety of nearby restaurants. Johannesburg international airport is approximately 26 km away. The hotel's facilities include a restaurant, conference facilities and a bar. Car parking is available for those arriving by car. Each of the rooms and suites has been tastefully decorated and all of them come with an en suite bathroom. The hotel offers a heated indoor pool, a sauna and a steam room. Furthermore a range of massage offerings and spa treatments is available. Sports enthusiasts may try their hand at windsurfing, riding, and the gym. The nearest golf course is roughly 10 km from the hotel. Guests may select their breakfast, lunch and dinner from a buffet. Lunch and dinner may additionally be taken as a à la carte.
You can't miss the National Monument and heritage site of Holiday Inn Johannesburg Sunnyside Park Hotel. The famous façade amongst the Victorian style architecture is instantly recognizable. With direct access to the Central Business Districts of Johannesburg and Sandton, our hotel provides easy access to the city's corporate area, making business a breeze. When you arrive, take some time to relax alongside our outdoor pool or sample some of the best South African wines on our beautiful outdoor deck overlooking our lush gardens. Feeling peckish? Dine on some fresh cuisine prepared at our Milner's Restaurant. Our hotel is ideally located close to all major highways. The University of Witwatersrand’s Medical School is in close proximity and the Gautrain Station, Parkstation, is a mere 2 km away allowing for favourable travel in and around Johannesburg and Pretoria.
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Business hotels

Southern Sun Sandton Sun & Towers

With a stay at Sandton Sun and Towers in Johannesburg (Sandton), you'll be steps from Sandton City Mall and 9 minutes by foot from Nelson Mandela Square. This luxury hotel is 7. 2 mi (11. 6 km) from Montecasino and 11. 3 mi (18. 2 km) from Gold Reef City Casino. Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 2 outdoor swimming pools and a fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a hair salon. Make yourself at home in one of the 326 guestrooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as laptop-compatible safes and desks. Enjoy international cuisine at San Restaurant, one of the hotel's 2 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Johannesburg? This hotel has 3886 square feet (361 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and 7 meeting rooms. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite. Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.

Things to do in Johannesburg, South Africa

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Johannesburg, South Africa

Embark on a transformative journey through Johannesburg's soul with our immersive self-guided audio tour. Unlike typical tourist experiences, this carefully curated selection of landmarks offers a profound exploration of South Africa's struggle, triumph, and natural beauty – all at your own pace. From the sobering halls of Constitution Hill to the lush landscapes of the Zoo and Botanical Garden, you'll witness the city's remarkable contrasts. Dive deep into the heart-wrenching history at the Apartheid Museum, then feel the indomitable spirit of Soweto at the Hector Pieterson Memorial. Our expert narration weaves together historical facts, cultural insights, and local perspectives, providing a nuanced understanding that goes beyond surface-level sightseeing. With the freedom to linger or move swiftly, absorb the city's essence through stories, architecture, and hidden gems often overlooked. Experience Johannesburg not just as a visitor, but as a time traveler and cultural explorer.
Our tour begins at the Hector Peterson Memorial, where you will learn about the significance of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, a significant turning point in the Apartheid system. We will then walk down Moema Street, retracing the steps of the historic march. As we continue down Vilakazi Street, we will visit Nelson Mandela's house, where you will have 20 minutes to explore inside where he lived until he's 27 years imprisonment (entrance fee not included). Next, we will stop at Desmond Tutu's house, another landmark in Soweto's history. Following this visit, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local shop. After lunch, we will take a minibus taxi to Orlando East, giving you a taste of the local mode of transport to the famous Soweto Towers. Our final stop will be at an informal settlement called Nomzamo Park, where you will gain insight into the daily lives of many Soweto residents.
Get the experience of being a local Soweto resident by spending your day in one of the largest townships in South Africa; as we drive and walk through the vibrant Soweto Township. Come enjoy the by going through the Rich history that Soweto boasts, as we also top it up by having lunch at a local restaurant for a Sowetan lunch. We can always customize the tour to meet your expectations.
This tuk-tuk township tour of Soweto is a great way to travel in style. Accessing more ground, meeting the locals and visiting many of Soweto's highlights with a local guide! Start your exciting tour in the heart of Soweto, Orlando West a vibrant tourist destination and discover the establishment of the township from 1886 and share the history of South Africa and Johannesburg at Large. Visiting the iconic Mandela House, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu House on Vilakazi Street whilst exploring the contribution to apartheid's downfall in South Africa. We also discover different neighbourhood of Soweto with the likes of Orlando East the first formal houses of Soweto, and its challenges by visiting an informal settlement. A visit to a former Women's hostel, and Mama Lilian Ngoyi's family home, an anti-apartheid activist. Hector Pietersen Museum where the Soweto uprising transpired, one of the turning points of apartheid. and finally getting a taste of our famous local sandwich (KOTA)
All our guides for this tour are not only qualified and raised in Soweto but are extremely knowledgeable. We invest in our guides and every year they renew there guide qualification by attending the 5-day renewal course. We take our role as a Tour Operator very seriously and our main goal is to ensure you learn and most have fun whilst doing so. We hope you book and enjoy this amazing experience.
Located just a half-hour drive from Johannesburg, Soweto is one of the most famous townships in the city. On this tour, discover the township’s troubled history and rich cultural heritage as you stroll down Vilikazi Street, learn about the Youth Uprising in 1976 at the Hector Pieterson Museum, and visit the Nelson Mandela House Museum.
Get to know the history and landmarks of Johannesburg, also known as the City of Gold, in a full-day tour. Visit Soweto, the hometown of Nelson Mandela, as well as a full city tour and a visit to the Apartheid
Get an essential introduction to recent South African history on this guided tour to the township of Soweto. Learn about how the township's experiences during the Apartheid era. Visit Mandela House, Hector Pieterson Museum, and Lesedi Cultural Village to watch a traditional dance. Includes lunch at a local restaurant.

Why People Love Johannesburg, South Africa

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Johannesburg, South Africa

TA
Tanis A
4
Aug 2016

The guide, Mr. Ranjit, was very helpful and provided an easy experience. He was very friendly and knowledgeable.

R
ramreist
5
Jun 2023
This was a wonderful experience. A resident of Soweto guided me. He could tell me about life growing up there, the struggles, and the progress. Getting that personal experience was wonderful. I was picked up at the cafe and the tour started immediately. I was brought to the museum and shown the s...
S
salom_t2020
5
Jul 2023
We had a great time in Soweto, learning a lot about its history and people thanks to our friendly and local guide Tebogo! We had the chance to visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial, the Mandela house (50ZAR), the Soweto Brewing Company (45ZAR) and the Soweto towers where you can bungee jump. The to...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Johannesburg

What are the top attractions in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg is home to several must-see attractions, including the Apartheid Museum, the Lion Park, and the Constitution Hill. The Apartheid Museum tells the story of South Africa's apartheid era, while the Lion Park offers visitors the opportunity to see lions, cheetahs, and other animals up close. Constitution Hill is a former prison and current museum that provides insights into the country's history and struggle for democracy.

What are some of the best activities to do in Johannesburg?

There are plenty of exciting activities to do in Johannesburg. Take a bike tour of Soweto, the township where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu lived during apartheid. Go on a hot air balloon ride over the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the world's oldest hominid fossils. Visit the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, where you can hike, have a picnic, and spot wildlife.

What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Johannesburg?

There are several great neighborhoods to stay in Johannesburg, depending on your interests. Sandton is a popular business district with plenty of luxury hotels and shopping opportunities. Rosebank is another great option, with a variety of restaurants and nightlife options. For a more authentic experience, consider staying in Maboneng, a revitalized neighborhood that is now a hub for artists and creatives.

What's the best time of year to visit Johannesburg?

Johannesburg has a moderate climate, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. This is also the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals tend to congregate around water sources during the dry season. Keep in mind that June and July can be chilly, especially at night.

What are the best day trips from Johannesburg?

There are several great day trips you can take from Johannesburg. Visit the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the world's oldest hominid fossils. See the Big Five at Pilanesberg National Park, which is just a two-hour drive from Johannesburg. Take a tour of the Sterkfontein Caves, where several important hominid fossils have been discovered.

What's the best way to get around Johannesburg?

Johannesburg has a fairly extensive public transportation system, including a bus rapid transit system and a commuter rail network. However, many visitors find it more convenient to hire a car or take a taxi. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are widely available in Johannesburg and are a safe and affordable way to get around.

What are the best restaurants in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg has a thriving food scene, with plenty of great restaurants to choose from. For traditional South African cuisine, head to Moyo or the Sakhumzi Restaurant in Soweto. For fine dining, try Marble Restaurant, which specializes in wood-fired meats and seafood. If you're in the mood for a burger, check out the Royale Eatery or RocoMamas.

What are some of the best museums in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg is home to several great museums, including the Apartheid Museum, the Johannesburg Art Gallery, and the Museum of African Design. The Apartheid Museum tells the story of South Africa's apartheid era, while the Johannesburg Art Gallery showcases works by local and international artists. The Museum of African Design features exhibitions on contemporary African design and architecture.

What are the best shopping destinations in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg has plenty of great shopping opportunities, from luxury malls to craft markets. For high-end shopping, head to Sandton City or the Mall of Africa. For a more authentic experience, check out the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein, where you can find everything from artisanal cheeses to vintage clothing. The Rosebank Sunday Market is also a great place to shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs.

What are some of the best hotels in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg has a wide range of accommodations to choose from, including luxury hotels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts. For a luxurious stay, try the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa or the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. If you're looking for something more affordable, check out the Curiocity Backpackers or the Once in Joburg hostel.