Travel to Johannesburg, South Africa

Discover Johannesburg's Wonders

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and economic engine. Known as “Joburg” or “Jozi,” it developed from gold mining origins into a global financial center. The city offers vibrant cultural districts, world-class shopping, museums like the Apartheid Museum, and lively nightlife. It is also near Soweto, a township rich in political history. Johannesburg serves as the main transport hub of southern Africa and provides access to safari destinations and neighboring provinces. Dynamic and fast-paced, it reflects modern South Africa’s diversity and resilience.

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Description

Cosmopolitan Johannesburg (also known as Jo’burg or Jozi) sprawls for miles, sprouting upper-income suburbs like satellite towns — one of them, sophisticated Sandton, is the business and economic capital of South Africa. Soweto, home to most of Johannesburg’s black population, lies to the southwest, a 20 square km conglomeration of townships with homes that range from millionaire mansions and neat middle-income housing to the tin shacks of squatter camps. The city built on gold has seen its landmark yellow mine dumps recycled and replaced by highrise buildings and glitzy shopping malls, and its recent apartheid history remembered in superb new museums. Soaring chrome and glass buildings, housing opulent international hotels and corporate giants, pepper the leafy streets of a string of exclusive northern suburbs — among them, the rich Rosebank, elite Sandhurst, bohemian Melrose Village and foody Greenside. Across a canopy of green, the horizon is spiked by the outline of downtown Johannesburg, slowly stirring from its no-go dilapidation. Six-lane highways and swirling freeways indicate the importance of the car.

Useful information

Population:

5.6 million

Currency:

1 Rand (ZAR) = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Jo’burg Connect
+27 11 375 5911 (Accidents, Fire, Medical, Crime)
10111 Police
10177 Ambulance

Opening Hours:

Mall shopping hours are generally from 9 am until 5 pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 9 am 2 pm on Sundays. Most museums and galleries are closed on Mondays.

Do & See

Apartheid Museum

The Johannesburg Apartheid Museum details the events of the 20th century, a notoriously dark time in South African history when a system of racial segregation and oppression was in place in the country. A visit to the museum helps shed light on the past, as well as the state of the nation's society today.

Botanical Gardens & Emmarentia Dam

Get away from the bustling city and take a relaxing walk in the lush, tranquil environment of the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. Enjoy different areas in the gardens or feed the ducks by the Emmarentia Dam nearby. Located north of the city centre.

Bothongo Wondercave

The Wonder Cave is the third biggest cave in South Africa. After taking the 90 steps below ground level, you transfer onto an elevator to be lowered another 60 meters underground. See many fossils, rhinestone pools, cave pearls and much more. This is an amazing sight.

Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary

Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary is a lovely multi-species primate rehabilitation centre which provides shelter for animals that have been abandoned or abused. Come here and watch them going about their daily lives in a natural environment. Another on-site attraction is an elephant sanctuary.

FNB Stadium

This football and Rugby union stadium plays host to both sporting and cultural events, such as different concerts. Whichever one brings you here, you will not get disappointed in this incredible venue. Have a look at their webpage for more information on what is on while you are visiting.

Gold Reef City

The Gold Reef City is a theme park with a casino, rides and a giant roller coaster, all on a former gold mine. Museums and craft shops are housed in replica buildings of the 1890 gold rush days, tours go deep into the tunnels around the Number 14 shaft. See traditional miners’ gumboot dancing in the theatre.

Johannesburg Zoo

This is one of the most popular attractions in Johannesburg for both locals and tourists. The zoo has over 320 species of animals; amongst these you will find the endangered White Rhino and the Wattled Crane. Enjoy a cooling drink while watching the chimpanzees from the cafe.

Joziburg Lane

Joziburg Lane, the hip space in the ground floor of One Eloff building, is a modern development and cool hangout space frequented by Joburg residents. Filled with art galleries, eateries, coffee shops and bars, it's a great place to be any time of day. JoburgPlaces walking tours start from here Tuesday through Saturday at 9 am.

Dining

Carnivore

Ravenous meat eaters sit around a big open fire and tuck into wild game — eland, zebra, springbok, kudu and crocodile — carved off Masai spears. The Carnivore in Johannesburg is a franchise of the equally famous counterpart in Nairobi, and it has received awards such as Best Restaurant to Take Tourists To and Best Traditional Restaurant. Even if you’re not a carnivore, you can still come here and dine on fish and veggie dishes, and have your dinner accompanied by fine wine.

Hell's Kitchen

Hidden in plain sight, this 1920s New York speakeasy-style restaurant and bar serves up delectable burgers, pizza, tacos, and other foods, all accompanied by a refreshing pint of beer or other drinks of your choice. The rock'n'roll attitude is almost tangible.

Ristorante La Trinita

Ristorante La Trinita in Kyalami Downs is a cosy Italian restaurant with beautiful decor and good service. On the menu you will find hand-made pasta, risotto and delicious salads, as well as regularly updated weekly specials. Live music performances are hosted frequently.

Sakhumzi Restaurant

Sakhumzi Restaurant offers traditional African food served to trestle tables on the grass. The restaurant is located in a historic area, where Nelson Mandela once had his original home. Located west of the city centre, in the Gauteng township of Soweto.

The Butcher Shop & Grill

The Butcher Shop & Grill boasts some of the best steaks in town — game, ostrich, pork, lamb and beef. The atmosphere is laid back and inviting. Booking is absolutely essential if you want a table. It is a great place to indulge in South Africa's favourite grills.

The Grillhouse Rosebank

Despite its straightforward name, Grillhouse's menu caters to both meat and plant-based eaters. Their specialty is, of course, steaks and ribs, but they also have vegetarian options, as well as chicken and seafood. The meat is prepared to perfection — you simply cannot go wrong dining here.

Tortellino d'Oro

This deli is a great place for Italian classics and specialities such as Parma ham, salami, antipasti, homemade pasta, and of course, delicious Italian ice cream. You can choose from hazelnut, amaretto, pistachio, and Stracciatella flavours, among others.

Cafes

City Perk Cafe

The popular City Perk Cafe is a great choice for both a filling breakfast and a casual lunch. Choose from gourmet sandwiches, Turkish thin pita bread sandwiches called 'tramezzinis', wraps, salads, and more substantial options such as meat and seafood grills.

Lattelicious

Lattelicious might not be for you if you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix on the go: they take their coffee very seriously, and customers are encouraged to adapt an attitude to match. The atmosphere is inviting and the venue is small and charming.

Living Room Jozi

Wood furniture and an abundance of greenery distinguish this rooftop terrace, one of Joburg's favourite haunts. Live music and stand up comedy events are hosted here, and the vibe is eco-friendly and relaxed. Serves bar foods and along with cocktails and beer.

Nice on 4th

The Nice brunch essential is its signature "toast basket" — toast bread filled with eggs, bacon and tomato relish, or go for the gusto with a smoked salmon basket. Vegetarian options are available, too. Meals are accompanied by great coffees and even better books from the on-site Nice Bookshop.

Tasha's

At Tasha's, you almost always have to wait for a table, which is a telltale sign of an excellent local eatery. This is a perfect place to go to for brunch: they have a varied contemporary menu, with an extensive selection of desserts and pastries to complement the main menu.

The Whippet

The Whippet takes on an innovative approach to cooking, fearlessly experimenting with flavours, ingredients, and textures. Come here for a change of breakfast routine and try one of their creations paired with an above-par coffee. There is also an on-site shop.

Tortellino d'Oro

Bars & Nightlife

Beach Blanket Bohemia

Beach Blanket Bohemia is a bar and restaurant with a Mediterranean menu of dishes served on a sun-filled terrace. The lounge area makes for a relaxing evening with live music or a skilled DJ playing in the background. Located at the Sunninghill Village Shopping Centre in Sandton.

Carfax

The longstanding live music and events venue in a converted industrial loft, managed by a tightly knit team of enthusiasts, still attracts crowds at times when local and international artists perform on its stage. Check the schedule to see if any headliners catch your eye. Plays house and hip-hop.

Mad Giant Brewery

Mad Giant specializes in local craft beers and shares a space with Urbanlogi, a stylish Asian fusion restaurant that serves bite-size Asian fusion foods along with beer pairing classics such as burgers and fries. The outdoor terrace boasts a buzzing atmosphere.

Montecasino

This is a replica of a Tuscan village with restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs and a casino. Montecacsino has been given many awards including Best Casino, Best place to take out-of-towners and Best Entertainment Complex. Located north of the city centre in Sandton.

Radium Beerhall

Radium Beerhall is one of the city’s oldest pubs, noisy and full of character. The locale's history makes itself known through the striking memorabilia adorning the walls. They serve authentic food, a myriad of beers and have live jazz fill the air.

Shopping

44 Stanley

44 Stanley might just be one of the most unusual shopping malls you've yet encountered. It occupiees a re-developed old building, the mall is made up of multiple almost irritatingly stylish shops and boutiques, with hip cafes inviting shoppers to a quaint break in the shaded courtyards.

Bryanston Organic & Natural Market at Michael Mount

Held on Thursday and Saturday mornings, the Bryanston Organic & Natural Market at Michael Mount sells only handcrafted goods and organically produced foods, and its tea garden is restful. Local musicians and bands play live in the background.

Eastgate Shopping Centre

This first-class shopping centre has been around since 1979, and remains a prime shopping venue in the area to-date. Once the largest shopping center in the southern hemisphere, it may have lost the flashy title, but still remains a great one-stop location for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Market on Main

The Sunday Market on Main epitomizes what Joburg does best — urban redevelopment and gathering local talent under one roof. Held inside Arts on Main, the market heavily leans onto deli and culinary delights, but also features design and fashion outlets. Visit every Sunday, as well as every first Thursday night of each month (besides January and April) from 7 pm to 11 pm.

Nelson Mandela Square

Located right next to another shopping destination (Sandton City Mall), Nelson Mandela Square has a buzzing, restaurant-filled plaza as its centrepiece. There is plenty of retail therapy to be had, and the Nelson Mandela statue out front is an added-bonus local attraction.

Oriental Plaza

Johannesburg's Oriental Plaza offers an assortment of goods different to what one would perhaps find in shopping centres elsewhere in town. Most shops sell Indian and Arabic spices, garments, accessories, and several casual eateries function on-site as well.

Rosebank Mall

For the greatest retail variety, head to the Rosebank Mall complex. Apart from the shops and boutiques operating during regular hours, the area plays host to the Rosebank Sunday Market and Rosebank Art & Craft Market. The latter operates daily and specializes in African art.

The Playground Market

If you happen to be in town on a Saturday, do step by the hip community market occupying two floors of an old warehouse. The market is fit for dining just as much as (if not more than) shopping — local creators showcase and sell their culinary inventions, with a few clothing stands thrown into the mix. For brunch, head to the second-floor terrace.

Tourist Information

Passport / Visa

Citizens of multiple world countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. These include: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, São Tomé and Príncipe, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Citizens of a further 28 countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Eswatini, Gabon, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Jordan, Lesotho, Macau, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Peru, Poland, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey. For nationals of countries not listed above, visa requirements apply. Please contact your local consulate for further details on required documentation. Passport holders of Cameroon, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Uganda can apply for eVisas online provided they will land at O. R. Tambo International Airport. Travellers aged less than 18 years old must provide a birth certificate complete with both parents' details and, if flying with only one of the parents, a parental consent statement signed by the other parent.

O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

O.R. Tambo International Airport is Africa’s busiest airport with 24-hour facilities. It's located 25 km east of the city. The cheapest way to reach the city is use the public transportation: buses and minibuses depart from just outside the international and domestic terminals. Please mind, however, that these may not be either convenient or easy to navigate for first-time visitors. Another way to reach the city is by rail: the Gautrain system connects the airport to multiple suburbs (Sandton, Rosebank, Pretoria, Hatfield and Rhodesfield). Travel time between the airport and Sandton is 12 minutes. Minibus shuttles and metered taxis can be booked in the baggage claim area. The hotels of Rosebank and Sandton are a 30-45 minute drive from the airport. Most hotels offer shuttle services (inquire with your hotel in advance). Train service now runs between the suburbs of Sandton and Pretoria and the airport.

Public Transport

While most locals use minibuses to get around the city, flagging one down and figuring out its final destination may prove daunting to first-time visitors. Instead, make use of the public buses. Rea Vaya buses were introduced during the 2010 World Cup and remain in operation to-date; they are a relatively reliable means of transport. Another convenient, safe way of getting around are the trains of the Gautrain system. They connect the stations of Sandton, Rosebank, Pretoria, Hatfield, Rhodesfield and the airport. There is a bus service run by Gautrain from some stations onward. Buy and top-up the Gold Card to use Gautrain.

Taxi

Metered taxis and rideshare apps like Uber are the safest ways to travel if you are not hiring a car. Taxis are available at major hotels; otherwise you have to phone for pickup. The fare should be confirmed with the driver at the outset. Inquire with a local what an average fare for your drive distance would be. One reliable taxi company is Rose Taxis.

Electricity

You might encounter four types of power plugs in South Africa: types C, D, M and N. The power grid operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins. Plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern. Plug types M and N both have three round pins.

Pharmacy

Popular and trusted pharmacy chains in South Africa are Dis-Chem and Clicks. Pharmacies have a rota system for out-of-hours service. Most hospitals and clinics with an ER will also have a 24/7 pharmacy on-site.

Post

Postal services within and from South Africa are cheap and efficient. Valuables or important documents should be sent by registered post. The post boxes are red, and there are multiple post offices around the city.

Telephone

Country code: +27 Area code: 11

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Johannesburg?

The best time to visit Johannesburg is during the spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) when the weather is mild and pleasant. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions and outdoor activities.

How many days should I plan to stay in Johannesburg?

A 3 to 4-day stay in Johannesburg is recommended to explore the city's main attractions, including its vibrant neighborhoods, museums, and cultural sites. This duration allows time for day trips to nearby destinations such as the Cradle of Humankind or a safari in a nearby game reserve.

What are the must-see attractions in Johannesburg?

Must-see attractions in Johannesburg include the Apartheid Museum, which offers a profound insight into South Africa's history, and Constitution Hill, a former prison complex now a museum. Additionally, visit Soweto to experience the vibrant culture and history, and explore the Maboneng Precinct, known for its art galleries and trendy cafes.

What is the best way to get around Johannesburg?

The best way to get around Johannesburg is by using a combination of rental cars and rideshare services like Uber for convenience and safety. The Gautrain, a rapid transit railway, is also an efficient option for traveling between the airport, Sandton, and Pretoria. Public transportation is available but can be less reliable.

Are there any local dishes I should try while in Johannesburg?

While in Johannesburg, try local dishes such as biltong (dried cured meat), boerewors (a type of sausage), and bunny chow (a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry). For a sweet treat, sample malva pudding, a traditional South African dessert. These dishes provide a taste of the region's diverse culinary influences.

What safety tips should I be aware of when visiting Johannesburg?

When visiting Johannesburg, be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables in public. Stick to well-populated areas and use reputable transportation services. It's advisable to stay informed about local safety advisories and consult with your accommodation for specific neighborhood guidance.

What cultural events or festivals can I experience in Johannesburg?

Johannesburg hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Johannesburg International Mozart Festival in January celebrates classical music, while the Soweto Wine and Lifestyle Festival in September showcases local wines and cuisine. Arts Alive, held in September, features a variety of performances and exhibitions across the city.

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