Top Things to do in Johannesburg
Discover the best places to visit in Johannesburg. Get travel info on tickets, hotels, attractions, and things to do for an unforgettable trip in 2025.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Johannesburg, often called the “City of Gold,” is one of the most exciting places to visit in Johannesburg and the vibrant heart of South Africa. Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and urban energy, the city blends modern attractions with deep-rooted heritage. From historical landmarks like the Apartheid Museum to thrilling wildlife experiences at Lion & Safari Park, Johannesburg offers something for every traveler.
In 2025, this dynamic city is a must-visit, with revitalized neighborhoods, buzzing art scenes, and outdoor adventures. Explore Soweto’s Vilakazi Street, home to Nelson Mandela’s former residence, enjoy shopping at Nelson Mandela Square, or visit the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO site. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, Johannesburg promises an unforgettable experience. Start planning your journey now to explore the best places to visit in Johannesburg in 2025!
7must -visit Places in Johannesberg
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum is one of the most significant places to visit in Johannesburg, offering a deep insight into South Africa’s struggle against racial segregation. Opened in 2001, the museum features photographs, artifacts, and personal accounts that showcase the rise and fall of apartheid. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, including Nelson Mandela’s story and the emotional “Paths to Freedom” display.
Entry Tickets & Guided Tours
- Adults: £6
- Children & Students: £4
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Guided Tours: Available at extra cost
Nearby Attractions
- Gold Reef City (1 km away) – A theme park with thrilling rides and a casino.
Hotels Near Apartheid Museum
- Gold Reef City Hotel – 800m away
- Southern Sun Gold Reef City – 1 km away
- Palm Continental Hotel – 3 km away
Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City is one of the most exciting places to visit in Johannesburg, offering thrilling rides, a casino, restaurants, and a historical mine tour. Inspired by Johannesburg’s 19th-century gold rush, the park features attractions for all ages, including Anaconda (South Africa’s fastest roller coaster) and the Tower of Terror freefall ride.
Entry Price & Ride Details
- Adults & Children (above 1.3m): £13
- Children (under 1.3m): £8
- Gold Mine Tour: Included in ticket price
Nearby Attractions
- Apartheid Museum (1 km away)
Best Hotels Near Gold Reef City
- Gold Reef City Hotel – Inside the park
- Southern Sun Gold Reef City – 500m away
- Palm Continental Hotel – 3 km away
Nelson Mandela Square
Nelson Mandela Square is one of the most iconic places to visit in Johannesburg, combining history, culture, and luxury shopping. Located in Sandton, this vibrant square features a six-meter bronze statue of Nelson Mandela, symbolizing South Africa’s freedom and unity. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, offering a mix of high-end boutiques, world-class restaurants, and art galleries.
Things to Do
- Dine at top restaurants like The Butcher Shop & Grill and Tashas.
- Shop at designer stores including Louis Vuitton and Hugo Boss.
- Visit art galleries showcasing African contemporary art.
Nearby Attractions
- Sandton City Mall (Connected to the Square) – One of Africa’s largest shopping centers.
Hotels Near Nelson Mandela Square
- Michelangelo Hotel – Overlooks the square
- Sandton Sun Hotel – 500m away
- Radisson Blu Sandton – 1 km away
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill is one of the most significant places to visit in Johannesburg, showcasing South Africa’s struggle for democracy. Once a notorious prison, it housed leaders like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Today, it is home to the Constitutional Court, symbolizing justice and human rights. Visitors can explore Old Fort, Number Four Prison, and the Women’s Jail, learning about the country’s fight for freedom.
Entry Tickets & Tour Options
- General Admission: £4
- Guided Tour: £7 (Includes prison and court access)
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Nearby Attractions
- Braamfontein (1 km away) – A trendy district with cafés, nightlife, and street art.
Best Places to Stay Nearby
- Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff – 2 km away
- The Residence Boutique Hotel – 3 km away
- Hallmark House Hotel – 2.5 km away
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens & Emmarentia Dam
The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens & Emmarentia Dam is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Johannesburg, offering a lush escape from the city’s hustle. Spanning 81 hectares, the gardens feature a rose garden, herb garden, and indigenous plant collections, making it a haven for nature lovers. Emmarentia Dam, located within the gardens, is perfect for picnicking, jogging, kayaking, and birdwatching.
Entry Price & Opening Hours
- Entry Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Nearby Attractions
- Melville Koppies Nature Reserve (3 km away) – A historic site with scenic hiking trails.
Hotels Near Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
- Garden Court Milpark – 4 km away
- The Winston Hotel – 6 km away
- Sierra Square Hotel – 5 km away
A visit to these gardens is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy Johannesburg’s natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Maboneng Precinct
Maboneng Precinct is one of the most exciting places to visit in Johannesburg, known for its artistic energy, street markets, and vibrant nightlife. Once an industrial district, it has transformed into a trendy urban hub filled with galleries, cafes, live music venues, and rooftop bars. Visitors can explore Arts on Main, a creative space housing artists and designers, and the Museum of African Design (MOAD), which showcases contemporary African art.
Best Time to Visit
- Daytime (Weekends): Explore markets, galleries, and local boutiques.
- Nightlife (Fridays & Saturdays): Enjoy live music, rooftop parties, and cultural events.
Nearby Attractions
- Arts on Main (500m away) – A vibrant marketplace for artists and designers.
- Museum of African Design (700m away) – Africa’s first museum dedicated to design.
Hotels Near Maboneng Precinct
- Hallmark House Hotel – 1 km away
- 12 Decades Art Hotel – 300m away
- Curiocity Backpackers – 400m away
Lion & Safari Park
The Lion & Safari Park is one of the most exciting places to visit in Johannesburg, offering visitors a chance to see Africa’s iconic wildlife up close. Located 40 km from Johannesburg, this 600-hectare wildlife conservation park is home to lions, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, antelopes, and more. Visitors can enjoy a variety of safari experiences, interact with animals, and learn about conservation efforts. Whether you’re looking for a guided safari drive, a self-drive adventure, or an unforgettable lion cub interaction, this park is a must-visit for nature lovers and families.
Entry Tickets & Safari Tour Options
- Self-Drive Safari: £8 per person
- Guided Safari Tour: £15 per person (Includes lion and cheetah enclosures)
- Lion Cub Interaction: £10 per person
- Giraffe Feeding Experience: £5 per person
- Night Safari Tour: £20 per person (Includes sunset views and predator feeding)
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Nearby Attractions
- Cradle of Humankind (20 km away) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring prehistoric caves and ancient fossils.
Best Safari Lodges & Hotels Nearby
- Cradle Boutique Hotel – 15 km away
- Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa – 18 km away
- Misty Hills Country Hotel – 22 km away
The Lion & Safari Park offers a truly authentic African wildlife experience, making it one of the top places to visit in Johannesburg!
How to Reach Johannesburg
Johannesburg is one of the most accessible place , with excellent air, train, and road connectivity. Whether arriving internationally or from within South Africa, reaching the city is easy and convenient.
Nearest Airport – O.R. Tambo International Airport
The O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the largest airport in Africa, located 22 km from Johannesburg’s city center. It handles direct flights from major cities worldwide.
- Airport to City Center:
- Gautrain Express: A 15-minute train ride to Sandton.
- Taxi/Uber: Takes 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Train & Bus Connectivity
- Gautrain: Connects O.R. Tambo Airport to Sandton, Rosebank, and Pretoria, offering a fast and safe travel option.
- Rea Vaya BRT: A rapid transit bus service covering key places to visit in Johannesburg, including Soweto, Constitution Hill, and the CBD.
Local Transport Options
- Uber & Bolt: Safe and widely available.
- Car Rental: Ideal for road trips to attractions like Cradle of Humankind.
Top Things to Do in Johannesburg
This city is a city full of culture, history, and adventure, offering countless places to visit in Johannesburg for travelers. Whether you’re interested in museums, wildlife, shopping, or nightlife, there’s something for everyone.
Explore Historical Landmarks
Start your journey at the Apartheid Museum, where you’ll learn about South Africa’s past and the fight for freedom. Visit Constitution Hill, a former prison turned human rights museum, and walk through Vilakazi Street in Soweto, home to both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Experience Wildlife and Nature
For a safari experience, head to the Lion & Safari Park, where you can see lions, giraffes, and cheetahs up close. Visit the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens for a relaxing picnic or take a day trip to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy Shopping and Entertainment
Shop at Nelson Mandela Square and explore the artsy streets of Maboneng Precinct, filled with markets, galleries, and street performances. Thrill-seekers can visit Gold Reef City, an amusement park offering exciting rides and historical mine tours.
Top Hotels in Johannesburg
Johannesburg offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly stays to luxury hotels, making it easy to find the perfect place near the best places to visit in Johannesburg.
Budget Hotels (£50-£80 per night)
- Curiocity Backpackers – Affordable stay in Maboneng Precinct.
- Garden Court Milpark – Comfortable and centrally located.
Mid-Range Hotels (£80-£200 per night)
- Southern Sun Sandton – Great value near Nelson Mandela Square.
- Holiday Inn Johannesburg-Rosebank – Convenient for shopping and dining.
Luxury Hotels (£200+ per night)
- The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa – A 5-star retreat in Sandhurst.
- Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff – Stunning views and world-class service.
Conclusion
Johannesburg is a city that blends rich history, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures, making it one of the best places to visit in Johannesburg in 2025. From exploring Nelson Mandela Square and the Apartheid Museum to experiencing wildlife at Lion & Safari Park, the city offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for historical landmarks, shopping, nightlife, or nature escapes, Johannesburg has it all.
With great accommodations, convenient transport, and exciting attractions, this city promises an unforgettable journey. Start planning your trip today and discover the most incredible places to visit in Johannesburg for an amazing travel experience!
FAQs
What are the best places to visit in Johannesburg?
The top places to visit in Johannesburg include the Apartheid Museum, Lion & Safari Park, Gold Reef City, Nelson Mandela Square, and Maboneng Precinct.
What is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
The best time to visit is March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant, and tourist attractions are less crowded.
How can I travel around Johannesburg?
You can use Uber, Gautrain, rental cars, or guided tours for safe and convenient travel.
Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?
Yes, but it’s best to stay in tourist-friendly areas, avoid walking alone at night, and use reliable transport.
What is the nearest airport to Johannesburg?
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the main airport, located 22 km from the city center.
Are there wildlife experiences in Johannesburg?
Yes, visit Lion & Safari Park or take a day trip to Pilanesberg National Park for a full safari experience.
For more information: roamworld
Disclaimer: Travel details such as ticket prices, opening hours, and accommodation rates may change. Please check official websites or contact service providers for the latest updates.