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

Default Image

Sandton

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

Sandton
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
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 Southgate Mall or Gold Reef City Casino.

Johannesburg South
Default Image

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
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 €136 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
€136
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,666 reviews)
"Great place to stay when getting off a 14 hour flight! Staff was friendly and we had no problems!"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport
@Sandton Hotel
@Sandton Hotel
3 out of 5
5 Benmore Rd, Sandton, Gauteng
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (209 reviews)
"I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone @Sandton Hotel for making my stay so wonderful. From the warm welcome at the door to the little extra touches throughout my visit, you all made me feel right at home. Your kindness, friendliness, and genuine care didn’t go unnoticed — it truly made ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

@Sandton Hotel
Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre OR Tambo Airport
Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre OR Tambo Airport
4.5 out of 5
Estate 154, Corner 3rd & 6th Avenue, Bredell, Kempton Park, Gauteng
The price is €66 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
€66
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kempton Park. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (312 reviews)
"The Best Experience Ever!!!!"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre OR Tambo Airport
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.
 BlackBrick Bedfordview ApartHotel
BlackBrick Bedfordview ApartHotel
3 out of 5
24 Johnson Rd, Germiston, Gauteng
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Germiston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Melrose Arch Shopping Centre and Nelson ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"KEEP IT UP"

Reviewed on 10 Apr 2025

BlackBrick Bedfordview ApartHotel
BlackBrick Sandton Two
BlackBrick Sandton Two
3.5 out of 5
22 Fredman Dr, Sandton, Gauteng
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton ...
8/10 Very Good! (46 reviews)
"The property is nice and clean. As a traveling guest with luggage, the only way to get to the front desk is by stairs. Due to the hotel being an apartment/hotel there’s no one to assist you with your luggage"

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2025

BlackBrick Sandton Two
Ellipse Executive Apartments
Ellipse Executive Apartments
5 out of 5
Karkloof Cres, Midrand, Gauteng
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Montecasino and Mall of Africa ...
Excellent apartment next to shopping mall
"Excellent choice for a short stay in Johannesburg. Walking distance to mall, literally next door. Very safe and lovely staff. Nice, clean apartment."

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2025

Ellipse Executive 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.