Johannesburg, South Africa Travel Guide

Discover Johannesburg: South Africa's dynamic metropolis, rich in history, culture, and adventure. Explore vibrant neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and stunning wildlife.

Welcome to Johannesburg, the bustling heart of South Africa. Known as the 'City of Gold,' this vibrant metropolis offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. From its origins as a gold-mining settlement, Johannesburg has transformed into a major economic and cultural hub. Here, you will find stunning skyscrapers, lush parks, and a thriving arts scene. Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique charm. Visit Maboneng, a trendy district filled with art galleries, cafes, and boutiques. For a taste of history, head to the Apartheid Museum and learn about South Africa's journey to democracy. Don't miss the chance to visit Soweto, a township with a powerful history and a vibrant community spirit. Here, you can see Nelson Mandela's former home and learn about the struggle for freedom. Johannesburg is also a gateway to some of South Africa's most incredible wildlife experiences. Take a short drive to the nearby Lion Park or embark on a safari adventure in the Pilanesberg National Park. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or nature, Johannesburg has something for everyone. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and endless attractions, it's a city that promises an unforgettable experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Johannesburg.

Visit Maboneng for a taste of the city's artistic and culinary delights.
Plan a trip to the Apartheid Museum to understand South Africa's complex history.
Take a guided tour of Soweto to experience its vibrant culture and history.
Stay alert and follow local safety advice, as Johannesburg has areas with higher crime rates.
Use the Gautrain for convenient and safe transportation around the city.
Book a safari tour in advance to secure your spot in popular wildlife parks.
Experience local cuisine by trying traditional dishes like biltong and bunny chow.
Visit Gold Reef City for a fun-filled day with theme park rides and historical exhibits.

Neighbourhoods in Johannesburg

Maboneng

Sandton

Soweto

Rosebank

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Johannesburg

Explore Johannesburg: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Johannesburg

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Montecasino

Discover the lively Montecasino in Johannesburg, a premier entertainment destination featuring a casino, theaters, and diverse dining options for an unforgettable experience.

4.6

Gold Reef City Theme Park

Explore the thrilling rides and rich history at Gold Reef City Theme Park, Johannesburg's top amusement destination for family fun and adventure.

4.5

Johannesburg Zoo

Explore Johannesburg Zoo, a dynamic wildlife haven in the heart of Johannesburg, showcasing diverse species and conservation efforts for an unforgettable family experience.

4.2

FNB Stadium

Explore FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, a cultural landmark showcasing South Africa's sports history and vibrant atmosphere.

4.4

Best landmarks in Johannesburg

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Gold Reef City Theme Park

Experience the thrill of Gold Reef City Theme Park in Johannesburg, where fun meets history in an exhilarating amusement park adventure for all ages.

4.5

Johannesburg Zoo

Explore Johannesburg Zoo, a captivating wildlife sanctuary showcasing over 2,000 animals and dedicated to conservation and education.

4.2

Gandhi Square Precinct

Discover the vibrant history and cultural significance of Gandhi Square Precinct in Johannesburg, a must-visit landmark for every traveler.

4.2

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

Discover the enchanting Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, a lush urban oasis filled with diverse plant species, serene landscapes, and vibrant experiences in Randburg.

4.4

Best restaurants in Johannesburg

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Mikes Heritage House

Experience authentic South African cuisine at Mike's Heritage House in Parktown - where every meal is a journey through culture and flavor.

4.5

Marble Restaurant

Discover the essence of South African cuisine at Marble Restaurant in Rosebank – where fire-cooked flavors meet modern elegance.

4.5

The Grillhouse Rosebank

Experience premium steak dining at The Grillhouse Rosebank—where every bite promises flavor and satisfaction in Johannesburg's lively culinary scene.

4.6

Mr. George

Discover the fusion of local flavors and contemporary cuisine at Mr. George - a must-visit restaurant in Melrose, Johannesburg.

4.5

Best bars in Johannesburg

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@ The Beach Restaurant

@ The Beach Restaurant: A unique dining experience with sandy shores, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere in Pretoria, perfect for every occasion.

4.4

Six Cocktail Bar

Discover the lively Six Cocktail Bar in Johannesburg's Melville, where innovative cocktails meet a vibrant atmosphere and live jazz performances for a memorable night out.

4.3

Shakers Cocktail Bar

Discover the lively spirit of Johannesburg at Shakers Cocktail Bar, where creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere await every visitor.

4.3

Kitchener's Carvery Bar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delectable offerings at Kitchener's Carvery Bar in Johannesburg's Braamfontein, where local culture and fun collide.

4.2

Best nightclubs in Johannesburg

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Katzy's Live Rosebank

Discover the electrifying nightlife of Katzy's Live Rosebank, where music, dance, and delicious food create an unforgettable evening in Johannesburg.

4.4

Taboo Night Club

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Taboo Night Club in Sandton, where electrifying beats and vibrant atmosphere await you.

4.1

Montana The Club

Dive into the energetic nightlife of Johannesburg at Montana The Club, a premier disco club in Rosebank, perfect for unforgettable evenings of dancing and music.

4.3

The Summit Club

Discover The Summit Club, Johannesburg’s all-in-one nightlife venue, where dining, drinks, and entertainment come alive in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.1

Best shops in Johannesburg

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Sandton City

Explore Sandton City, a premier shopping destination in South Africa, featuring luxury brands, diverse dining, and vibrant entertainment options in a stunning atmosphere.

4.6

Rosebank Mall

Explore Rosebank Mall in Johannesburg - where shopping, dining, and entertainment converge in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.5

Carlton Centre

Explore Carlton Centre, Johannesburg's premier shopping mall and cultural hub, offering stunning views and diverse shopping experiences.

4.0

Oriental Plaza

Explore the multicultural shopping experience at Oriental Plaza, a vibrant marketplace in Johannesburg with unique fashion, jewelry, and fabric stores.

4.1

Explore Johannesburg on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Johannesburg, mapped for you.

Johannesburg Essentials

Johannesburg is served by O.R. Tambo International Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in Africa. It is located about 20 kilometers east of the city center. Direct flights from major cities around the world are available. Alternatively, you can arrive via Johannesburg's Lanseria International Airport, which is smaller but also serves domestic and some regional flights. From the airports, you can take a taxi, shuttle service, or rent a car to reach your destination within the city.
Johannesburg has a variety of transportation options. The Gautrain is a modern rapid rail system connecting the airport, Sandton, and Pretoria. Public buses, including the Rea Vaya BRT system, are available but may not cover all tourist spots. Minibus taxis are a common mode of transport but can be confusing for newcomers. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are widely used and considered safe. Renting a car is also an option, but be prepared for heavy traffic and be cautious of carjacking hotspots.
The official currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, but it is advisable to use those located in secure areas such as malls or hotels. Carry some cash for smaller purchases or in areas where card facilities may not be available.
Safety is a significant concern in Johannesburg. Areas like Hillbrow, Berea, and Yeoville have high crime rates and should be avoided, especially after dark. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas. Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuables, and use reputable transportation services. Stay in well-known areas such as Sandton, Rosebank, and Melrose Arch, which have better security.
In case of an emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance or 10177 for medical emergencies. Private hospitals like Netcare and Life Healthcare offer high-quality medical services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep a list of emergency contacts and the address of your country's embassy or consulate in Johannesburg.
Fashion: Do dress conservatively and avoid flashy jewelry. Casual wear is generally acceptable but dress up for fine dining or business meetings. Religion: Do be respectful of all religious practices. Some areas have conservative communities, so dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be cautious when using public transport. Don't use minibus taxis if you are unfamiliar with the routes. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Don't use someone's first name unless invited to do so. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like biltong and braai. Don't drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.
To experience Johannesburg like a local, visit the Maboneng Precinct for its vibrant arts scene and street food. Explore the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein on weekends for local crafts and gourmet food. Engage with locals in safe, public settings to learn about the city's culture and history. For a unique experience, take a guided tour of Soweto to see landmarks like Nelson Mandela's former home and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.

When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Johannesburg

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Johannesburg. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHallo
  [ha-lo]
- GoodbyeTotsiens
  [toht-see-ens]
- YesJa
  [yah]
- NoNee
  [nee]
- Please/You're welcomeAsseblief
  [us-se-blief]
- Thank youDankie
  [dahn-key]
- Excuse me/SorryJammer
  [yahm-mer]
- How are you?Hoe gaan dit met jou?
  [hu gahn dit met yoy]
- Fine. And you?Goed. En jy?
  [khoot. en yey]
- Do you speak English?Praat jy Engels?
  [praht yey eng-els]
- I don't understandEk verstaan nie
  [ayk fer-stahn nee]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEk wil asseblief die spyskaart sien
  [ayk vil us-se-blief dee spays-kahrt seen]
- I don't eat meatEk eet nie vleis nie
  [ayk ayt nee flays nee]
- Cheers!Gesondheid!
  [guh-sund-hayt]
- I would like to pay, pleaseEk wil asseblief betaal
  [ayk vil us-se-blief buh-tahl]
- Help!Hulp!
  [huhlp]
- Go away!Gaan weg!
  [gahn vehk]
- Call the Police!Bel die Polisie!
  [bel dee poh-lee-see]
- Call a doctor!Bel 'n dokter!
  [bel un dohk-tuhr]
- I'm lostEk is verlore
  [ayk is fer-loh-ruh]
- I'm illEk is siek
  [ayk is seek]
- I'd like to buy...Ek wil ... koop
  [ayk vil ... kohp]
- I'm just lookingEk kyk net
  [ayk kayk neht]
- How much is it?Hoeveel kos dit?
  [hu-veel kohs dit]
- That's too expensiveDit is te duur
  [deet is teh dyoor]
- Can you lower the price?Kan jy die prys verlaag?
  [kahn yey dee prayss fur-lahkh]
- What time is it?Hoe laat is dit?
  [hu laht is dit]
- It's one o'clockDit is een uur
  [deet is ayn oor]
- Half past (10)Half tien
  [half teeyn]
- MorningOggend
  [oh-ghent]
- AfternoonMiddag
  [mit-ahk]
- EveningAand
  [ahnt]
- YesterdayGister
  [gih-stuhr]
- TodayVandag
  [fuhn-dahk]
- TomorrowMôre
  [moh-ruh]
- 1Een
  [ayn]
- 2Twee
  [twee]
- 3Drie
  [dree]
- 4Vier
  [feer]
- 5Vyf
  [fayf]
- 6Ses
  [sehs]
- 7Sewe
  [seh-weh]
- 8Agt
  [ahg-t]
- 9Nege
  [neh-ghuh]
- 10Tien
  [teeyn]
- Where's a/the...?Waar is 'n/die...?
  [vahr is un/dee]
- What's the address?Wat is die adres?
  [vaht is dee ahd-rehs]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kan jy my wys (op die kaart)?
  [kahn yey may vays (ohp dee kahrt)]
- When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is die volgende (bus)?
  [vah-nehr is dee fuhl-guhn-duh bus]
- A ticket (to ....)'n Kaartjie (na ....)
  [un kahrt-kee-uh (nah)]

History of Johannesburg

Johannesburg was founded in 1886 following the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand. The city rapidly transformed from a small settlement to a bustling metropolis, attracting fortune seekers from around the world.
The gold rush era brought immense wealth and rapid industrialization to Johannesburg. This period saw the establishment of major mining companies and the construction of infrastructure that would shape the city's growth. By 1896, Johannesburg was the largest city in South Africa.
From 1899 to 1902, the Anglo-Boer War had significant impacts on Johannesburg. The British sought control over the lucrative gold mines, leading to intense conflict with the Boer Republics. The war ended with the Treaty of Vereeniging, and the British took control of Johannesburg.
The apartheid era, spanning from 1948 to 1994, was a period of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. Johannesburg was a focal point of apartheid policies, with areas like Soweto becoming symbolic of the struggle against racial oppression.
On June 16, 1976, the Soweto Uprising marked a pivotal moment in the anti-apartheid movement. Thousands of students protested against the enforcement of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools. The brutal police response resulted in international condemnation and intensified resistance to apartheid.
Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison on February 11, 1990, after 27 years of imprisonment. His release marked the beginning of the end for apartheid and set the stage for South Africa's transition to a democratic society. Johannesburg played a significant role in the subsequent political and social changes.
Following the end of apartheid in 1994, Johannesburg underwent significant transformations. The city became a symbol of South Africa's rebirth, with efforts to address historical inequalities and promote economic development. Johannesburg today is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich blend of traditions and modernity.
Johannesburg is recognized as one of the largest economic hubs in Africa. The city is home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and numerous multinational corporations. It continues to be a center for commerce, finance, and industry, driving the economic growth of South Africa and the continent.
Johannesburg is a cultural melting pot, reflecting a diverse population with a rich tapestry of languages, traditions, and cuisines. The city's various neighborhoods, such as Maboneng Precinct and Melville, offer a glimpse into its vibrant arts scene, eclectic markets, and dynamic nightlife.
Johannesburg boasts numerous landmarks and heritage sites that reflect its historical and cultural significance. Attractions such as the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and Gold Reef City provide visitors with insights into the city's past and its journey towards transformation.