Johannesburg

Travel Guide

Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Lion Park which includes dangerous animals and zoo animals
Johannesburg surpriseseven the most experienced travellers. The city has many interesting culturalsites, beautiful attractions and a diverse population. And although there arestill some no-go areas in the city, most of the city is considered safe and ajoy to explore.

For beautiful views over the city, go to the Topof Africa viewpoint at the Carlton Centre.For a closer look, take a tour with a guide through Sowetoto see how some of the locals live. Soweto is a series of townships consistingof cheap and makeshift housing and infrastructure. While this area can beshocking for some, most visitors are pleasantly surprised by the livelyatmosphere and fascinating culture. The district also has some wild places, sowe recommend you don’t go there on your own going – take a professional tour.Experience the unique atmosphere of Vilakazi Street or visit the house whereNelson Mandela once lived. Visit other important places such as the HectorPetersen Memorial and the Regina Mundi Church.

Explore some historic parts of the city with avisit to Parktownor Newtown. There you will find historicalbuildings, as well as streets are lined with cafés, restaurants and shops. Walkaround the northern suburbs and see where the wealthier section of societylive, where you will find chic boutiques, bars and restaurants.

If you are interested in history, you certainly wantto visit some of Johannesburg’s top museums. Immerseyourself in the turbulent history of SouthAfrica at the Apartheid Museum. Take a walk on Constitution Hill andvisit the prison museums for more traces of the troubled history of the city. Ifart is your thing then a visit to the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) isdefinitely worthwhile here you will find a fantastic selection of local andinternational art.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city,you can take a stroll through the tranquil Walter Sisulu National BotanicalGarden. Or if you really want to get close to nature, head to the SuikerbosrandNature Reserve where you can organize a trip to the Lion Park and seethe famous wild animals of Africa.

Where to stay in Johannesburg

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Sandton

Travellers to Sandton praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Montecasino and Nelson Mandela Square.

Sandton
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Rosebank

Rosebank is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Rosebank Mall and The Zone @ Rosebank Shopping Center while you're in town.

Rosebank
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O.R. Tambo

4/5(35 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in O.R. Tambo, International Terminal Duty Free Mall and Emperors Palace Casino are top sights worth seeing.

O.R. Tambo
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Midrand

You'll enjoy the gardens and spas in Midrand. You might want to make time for a stop at Mall of Africa or Kyalami Racetrack.

Midrand
Johannesburg Botanical Garden showing a garden

Randburg

Unique features of Randburg include the golf courses and gardens. Make a stop by Emmarentia Dam or Johannesburg Botanical Garden while you're exploring the area.

Randburg
Gold Reef City featuring a pond, a garden and rides

Johannesburg South

You'll enjoy the mountain views and museums in Johannesburg South. You might want to make time for a stop at Gold Reef City Casino or Apartheid Museum.

Johannesburg South
City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport
City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport
3 out of 5
Above Multi-Storey Parkade 2, Level 5, OR Tambo International Airport, Kempton Park, Gauteng
The price is €118 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
€118
includes taxes & fees
22 Mar - 23 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Kempton Park. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,566 reviews)
"Very convenient"

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2025

City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport
Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport
Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport
4 out of 5
Jones Road, Kempton Park, Gauteng
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kempton Park. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,569 reviews)
"Very accommodating. So convenient to the airport. Breakfast was excellent!"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport
Premier Hotel OR Tambo
Premier Hotel OR Tambo
4 out of 5
73 Gladiator Street, Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, Gauteng
The price is €81 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
€81
includes taxes & fees
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Kempton Park. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"Arrived at night but loved our short stay. Delicious dinner buffet. Stellar view of JHB."

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2025

Premier Hotel OR Tambo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Capital on Bath
The Capital on Bath
3 out of 5
72 Bath Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Melrose Arch ...
9/10 Wonderful! (141 reviews)
Great option near to the Wanderers
"A fantastic hotel, located a 5min walk from the Gautrain station. The hotel had a security guard at the main gate, a bar and offered a good breakfast."

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2025

The Capital on Bath
The Leonardo
The Leonardo
5 out of 5
75 Maude Street, Sandton, Gauteng
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (45 reviews)
"The leonardo just is on another level.if only they can get the breakfast up to the same level to match the hotel..."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

The Leonardo
Sandton Times Square Serviced Apartments
Sandton Times Square Serviced Apartments
4 out of 5
125 GRAYSTON DRIVE, Sandton, Gauteng
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Johannesburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Nelson Mandela ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (92 reviews)
"okay"

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2025

Sandton Times Square Serviced Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Johannesburg

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 14%
4 - Good
13
4 - Good 62%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 24%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I like Jo’burg. It is a bit gritty and you do have to be safety conscious but I felt safe there. I visited a great street food market called Neighbourgoods Market; 44 Stanley is also worth a visit. Melville has fun restaurants, bars and shops too

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Keep it up

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

I came to visit a church which I watched regularly on the YouTube to see for myself what their services are all about. I saw it and I really enjoyed what I saw. Johannesburg is a very lovely place. I will surely come back.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Stayed around Melville

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Joburg is a bit rundown and whilst we had a great stay it’s a bit intimidating if you aren’t used to it.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

An interesting place that deserves some time to properly experience the city. Could be a bit overwhelming.