JOHANNESBURG

Johannesburg

The city of Johannesburg is an vital place to see when visiting South Africa, and a great place to learn the country's history while seeing amazing attractions.

Johannesburg in a nutshell

One of the most dynamic cities in Africa, Johannesburg is an anomaly. A huge urban forest where every area has its own distinct personality and the downtown CBD isn’t the hub of business at all.

The inner city has become a place to live and be entertained, and the massive business district has moved to the huge ultra-modern suburb of Sandton, home to ultra-modern buildings, restaurants, malls and entertainment.

The city is a cosmopolitan metropolis, home to mansions hiding behind high walls and townships where people live in a range of houses, from upper class to tin shacks.

Known as the City of Gold, because the city was built after the Gold Rush, Joburg, or Jozi, as it is also called, offers an insight into the country’s recent apartheid era, which ended when global hero Nelson Mandela was released from prison and became President.

It’s a massive metropolis with plenty to offer once you have got your bearings, a window into the country’s past and future and an excellent base from which to explore further afield to enjoy South Africa’s iconic safaris, history of humanity in the Cradle of Humankind and magnificent beaches a short flight away.

Best time to visit: March to May and September to November are the quieter months, when crowds are less and the weather is warm and dry.

Best Area for Sightseeing: The inner city which has been transformed into a series of lively entertainment districts such as Fox Street and Maboneng.

Shopping in Johannesburg As a modern African city, Joburg has it all – world-class malls, strip shopping with eclectic finds and crafts markets where you can pick up curios and souvenirs worth taking home. A popular market is the Saturday Neighborgoods Market in Braamfontein, full of fabulous food and crafts.

In the inner city there’s Sheds @1Fox, home to the iconic Mad Giant brewery and numerous eateries and an excellent arts and crafts market. Eclectic 44 Stanley is a cut above, with superb restaurants and stylish stores and the popular Sunday Market on Main offers everything from fashion and design items to a variety of delicious food.

Food & Restaurants in Johannesburg: World class restaurants offer every type of cuisine imaginable as well as tasty local dishes. You will be spoilt for choice in this amazing city, no matter where you stay.

Nightlife: Global entertainment offerings are only part of the story – you can enjoy an evening in a shebeen (informal drinking spot) in Soweto, jazz clubs and other music venues… the list is endless. A popular spot is the Living Room in Maboneng in the inner city, with an urban feel and a variety of entertainment offerings.

Things to do in Johannesburg:

• Gain an insight into South Africa’s history at the iconic Apartheid Museum.
• Visit the Old Fort and Constitution Hill, Home to the Constitutional Court, once an infamous prison and now an art gallery and museum.
• Explore Museum Africa and learn all about the continent’s fascinating history.
• Spend time in Soweto, the famous township where Nelson Mandela once lived, with its eclectic atmosphere and history.
• Have fun at the Gold Reef City amusement park, located on a former gold mine, which you can visit for an insight into the city’s Gold Rush.
• Learn all about early humans during prehistoric times at the Origins Center.
• Visit Liliesleaf, an interactive museum that tells the story of South Africa’s struggle with racial equality.
• Watch a sports game or music concert at the legendary FNB Stadium.
• Enjoy a picnic or relaxing afternoon at the Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam.
• Enjoy a tour and taste local beer at the SAB World of Beer.

Best way to get around: Johannesburg is a vast place, so getting around is best by taxi or Uber. The hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus is a great way to familiarize yourself with the city.

Best Area for Families: Gold Reef City It’s hard to choose just one area to stay in with kids, but if you want to have an authentic stay, spend time at the hotel in Gold Reef City, which is built to resemble the city during the Gold Rush. The amusement park is right there, and you can also tour go underground to see what it was like to dig for gold.