Unearthing the soul of Johannesburg starts downtown so you can begin to understand the city’s history beyond the landmarks. The township of Soweto is the beating heart of the city, with Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu's homes, restaurants serving traditional meals, and performers on Vilakazi Street. As the sun sets, Maboneng's creative hub awakens with pulsating nightlife, a canvas painted with galleries and unique street art. Read on as we share our favourite things to do in Johannesburg before or after your South African adventure.
1. Take a guided walk through the city
Having a local show you around downtown Joburg, revealing the authentic heartbeat of the metropolis, is the best way to get to know a place that local people lovingly refer to as ‘Jozi’. Take a tour that goes beyond the typical landmarks to dive into the city's complex history and discover lesser-known historical gems. You’ll learn about the evolution of street art and pop into hidden cafes to find the real stories of Johannesburg.
2. Create your own foodie tour
Dig into Johannesburg's culinary kaleidoscope on a DIY food tour. Explore Braamfontein's Playground Market for cocktails and food stalls serving up delicious flatbreads, shawarmas, and more alongside live music every Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Maboneng's lively street food stalls at the Market on Main offer spicy bunny chows (curry stuffed buns, a South African staple dish originally made by Durban’s large Indian community) and boerewors rolls (a fancy South African sausage cooked on a barbecue).
Check out the delicious restaurants in Parkhurst for a meal worth savouring. At the night market, you can indulge in traditional South African favourites mixed with a Cape Malay influence, such as bobotie, featuring spiced minced meat seasoned with aromatic spices, topped with a luscious layer of egg-based custard and baked into a comforting casserole. Taste vetkoek, a South African fried dough pastry that’s golden and crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. For a sweet treat, try koeksisters, twisted or braided dough that's deep-fried until golden and then soaked in a spiced sugar syrup.
3. Visit the Apartheid Museum
Step into the poignant narrative of Johannesburg's Apartheid Museum, a powerful journey through South Africa's dark, intense history. Upon arrival, you'll get an entry ticket that randomly designates you as black, white, or coloured, and enter to experience the museum from that lens. You’ll walk in the shoes of someone living under apartheid and daily life in segregation. Echoes of struggle linger in the halls of one of the most important Johannesburg attractions, and you can connect with the stories of resilience. See gripping multimedia presentations, artefacts, and impactful installations that depict the era of apartheid, offering a visceral understanding of the struggle for freedom.
The museum serves as a powerful testament to the nation's transformation, reflecting on the past and inspiring hope for a more inclusive future. It's an emotional, educational, and unforgettable encounter with history, a bridge to understanding the heart and soul of a nation's triumphs and tribulations.
4. Take a day trip to Soweto
One of the best things to do near Johannesburg, South Africa, is to set off for a Soweto day trip. Explore the memorabilia-filled Mandela House, where Nelson lived with Winnie Mandela before his arrest and for a short time after his release. Stop at the poignant Hector Pieterson Memorial and visit with his sister, Antoinette Sithole, who is pictured next to him in the iconic image of the day he was killed.
To see the city moving beyond its past, head to Vilakazi Street for vibrant dancers, tasty street food, and the home of Desmond Tutu. For thrill-seekers, cap off the adventure by bungee jumping from the iconic Soweto Towers.
5. Visit the Rosebank Sunday Market
Wondering what to do in Johannesburg on a Sunday? The Rosebank Sunday Market is a fusion of community, food, and local creatives and traders. You'll find African crafts made by local artisans including colourful fabrics, mudcloth, beads, and captivating Congolese masks.
Listen to the rhythmic beats of live music while savouring South African culinary delights like braai (Afrikaans for barbecue), fresh seafood, and international cuisines with plenty of flavourful vegan options. If a sit-down meal is more your vibe, grab breakfast across the street at Proud Mary inside the VOCO Rosebank Hotel – a must-order is the baked zaatar eggs.
6. Stroll the Parkhurst neighbourhood
Within the bustling city of Johannesburg, Parkhurst exudes the charm of a quaint village, with its tree-lined streets and welcoming community ambience. Wandering down iconic 4th Avenue reveals a tapestry of trendy boutiques, art galleries, and inviting cafes that spill onto the sidewalks. The neighbourhood buzzes with life as street vendors sell handmade gifts like woven baskets and beaded jewellery.
Parkhurst is a culinary haven with a variety of gourmet delights, from the artisanal creations and delicious coffee at Vovo Telo Bakery to Nice, one of Joburg's most popular breakfast, brunch, and lunch spots. Craft, a bistro-style restaurant, serves up locally produced craft beers, while a visit to Paul's Homemade Ice Cream promises a sweet treat. The fashion scene in Parkhurst is vibrant. Ri.Ch Factory is a particularly beautiful spot, showcasing stunning African contemporary fashion.
7. Have a night out in Maboneng
Step into the pulsating heart of Johannesburg's creative energy with a night out in Maboneng, the city's vibrant artistic hub. This eclectic neighbourhood captivates with its diverse array of galleries and striking street art. As the sun sets, Maboneng transforms into a lively district of trendy bars, inviting cafes, and cultural spaces that come alive with a dynamic fusion of art and entertainment.
Join the spirited crowd, listen to live music, and embrace the unique blend of artistic expression that defines Maboneng's nocturnal charm. The Living Room Rooftop has stunning views of the city's skyline, while the Marabi Club has an ultra-cool jazz scene alongside craft cocktails.
8. Visit the Cradle of Humankind
Take an evolutionary journey to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Johannesburg, to unveil the mysteries of humanity's ancient past. Explore caves and marvel at fossil discoveries that give us a glimpse of our origin story.
Beyond an anthropological site, it's a living testament to humanity’s shared history and a sanctuary where the wonders of archaeology and palaeontology converge. It's an enthralling venture into the depths of our ancestral heritage, echoing the resilience and curiosity that define our species.
9. Dine at Sanctuary Mandela
Indulge in a regal dining experience at Sanctuary Mandela, located in one of his former homes (the Houghton residence where he lived from 1992 to 1998) that was converted into a luxury hotel, garden, and restaurant. Each dish is a culinary masterpiece inspired by Mandela's favourite meals.
Xoliswa Ndoyiya, Nelson Mandela's personal chef for 22 years, pays homage to the iconic leader's palate with menu options like braai, bobotie, potjiekos (a slow-cooked stew prepared in a three-legged cast-iron pot), and bredie (a hearty meat and vegetable stew). Enjoy an evening of exquisite flavours, rich history, and the warmth of South African hospitality at this extraordinary dining destination.
