Skip to Content

10 Best Things to do in Johannesburg, South Africa

10 Best Things to do in Johannesburg, South Africa

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Ready to explore Johannesburg? Well buckle up, because this blog has all the incredible adventures that await you in South Africa’s Golden City.

As seasoned wanderers of Johannesburg, we’ve put together this guide to help you. For us, Jo’burg was one of those cities that we didn’t immediately fall in love with, but whose charms revealed themselves as we got to know the city better.

So with that in mind, we’ve picked our top 10 activities to ensure that you get the most out of this city – from diving deep into its dark but fascinating history to hot air balloon rides and wildlife tours!

Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!

An-elephant-on-a-safari-from-Johannesburg South Africa

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!

Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Johannesburg was this safari tour of Pilanesberg National Park! We saw lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and more from an open-air Jeep. Plus, lunch was amazing with a view of a local waterhole that was very busy with animals.

Check the 600+ reviews and book this tour here!

Things to do in Johannesburg, South Africa

1. Learn about Johannesburg’s history at the Apartheid Museum

A sign at the apartheid museum in Johannesburg South Africa
The apartheid museum was incredibly informative
The Hector Pieterson Memorial in Johannesburg South Africa
The Hector Pieterson Memorial
  • Duration: 8 – 9 hours 
  • Time: 9:30 am
  • Highlights: Top of Africa, Constitutional Hill, Apartheid Museum, tour of the Nelson Mandela House, Hector Pieterson Museum, Freedom Square
  • Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, local guide, small group size, admission tickets 
  • Rating: 5 stars (check 880+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here! 

Going to the Apartheid Museum is an essential experience in Johannesburg. We found it deeply moving when we visited as part of this full-day tour of the city and Soweto, and it was definitely the best thing that we did here. 

The museum’s exhibits use photographs, videos, artifacts, and personal accounts to teach visitors about apartheid. As we walked through, we were confronted with the harsh realities of racial segregation and the resilience of those who fought tirelessly against it. It wasn’t a breezy holiday experience, but the museum teaches valuable lessons about justice and the ongoing fight for equality, so it’s a real must-do while you’re in Jo’burg.

I also think that the museum visit was made even more impactful in the context of the rest of the day’s tour. We visited Constitutional Hill and the Hector Pieterson Memorial beforehand, and then Vilakazi Street and Mandela House afterward. Our guide, Nathi, shared so many insights with us and allowed us to connect the dots between past events and present-day South Africa. 

You really can’t come to South Africa without reflecting on its history, so make this tour a priority on your visit to Johannesburg.

2. Go on a safari in Pilanesberg National Park 

Two rhinos seen on a safari from Johannesburg South Africa
It was amazing how many animals we saw!
Zebra seen on a safari from Johannesburg South Africa
So cool
  • Duration: 10 hours 
  • Time: 6 am
  • Highlights: Two guided game drives in Pilanesberg National Park, spotting South Africa’s Big Five, lunch overlooking a popular waterhole
  • Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, professional safari guide, two game drives, lunch, National Park fees 
  • Rating: 4.7 stars (check 600+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here! 

A safari is the most iconic and unforgettable thing to do in South Africa, so you can’t miss this incredible tour of Pilanesberg National Park.

The park is around 3 hours from the city and is home to the Big Five animals, as well as tons of other fascinating creatures, like giraffes, hippos, and zebras. 

This tour is also a very affordable way to do a safari, as you don’t need to fork out to stay overnight in a safari lodge, which can be pretty expensive. It’s also ideal for those who are short on time!

We were so excited for this tour, and it didn’t disappoint. Our guide, Michael, was super knowledgeable and he taught us so many fascinating facts about animal behavior. Driving around in an open-air Jeep was super exciting, and we saw so many different species, including four out of the Big Five! Best of all, we got to watch a lion hunt, which was exhilarating to say the least.

We also loved the lunch that we got. It was perfectly timed to give us some relief from the midday heat, and we had close-up views of a popular waterhole. We actually saw giraffes and zebras drinking as we ate our meal! 

A South African safari tour is a thrill you’ll never forget, so if you’re a wildlife lover, be sure to book this tour ASAP.

3. Take an early morning hot air balloon ride

Hot air balloons take off in magaliesburg on a tour from Johannesburg South Africa 3
Ready for takeoff!
A hot air balloon flies over magaliesburg on a tour from Johannesburg South Africa
The views were incredible
  • Duration: 4 hours 
  • Time: 5 am 
  • Highlights: Sunrise hot air balloon ride, aerial views of the Magaliesbergs and the Cradle of Humankind, guided commentary, post-flight buffet breakfast with sparkling wine
  • Inclusions: 1-hour hot air balloon flight, guide, breakfast, sparkling wine
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: yes
  • Price: Check price here! 

Looking for a romantic escape in Johannesburg? Well, we think that this hot air balloon safari fits the bill perfectly!

Gliding over the Magaliesberg Mountains and the Cradle of Humankind in the soft morning light was a magical experience, and would be the ideal way to wow that special someone. 

We arrived at the balloon center at dawn, and the experience was enchanting right from the start. We loved watching the balloons inflate as the sky transitioned from pitch black to golden and pink, but of course, the real magic started when our balloon gently lifted off of the ground.

Drifting through the air over the mountains with gorgeous views as far as the eye could see was an experience that neither of us will ever forget.

After an hour-long flight, we landed and were treated to a delicious picnic breakfast with some sparkling wine. It was the perfect note to end on! Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or just looking for a unique date idea, this tour is a personal and unforgettable experience. 

4. Explore Soweto and learn about it from a local

A sign in Soweto on a tour from Johannesburg South Africa 1
Welcome to Soweto!
The world cup stadium in Soweto on a tour from Johannesburg South Africa 1
The old World Cup stadium
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Time: 9 am or 1:30 pm 
  • Highlights: Exploring Soweto with a local, hearing personal insights into the township’s culture, seeing the former home of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, meeting Soweto residents
  • Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, WiFi on board, local guide 
  • Rating: 4.7 stars (check 650+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here! 

Taking a tour of Soweto is a must while you’re in Johannesburg, as it was the center of political campaigns against apartheid. When you visit, you’re literally stepping into a major part of South Africa’s history, and we booked this tour because it’s led by a local guide, Tshepo, who was born and raised in Soweto.

We gained an insider’s perspective on this township that literally would have been impossible to uncover on our own. 

The tour began with a drive past the famous FNB Stadium, and within half an hour, we were right in the heart of Soweto. We began by walking through the Motsoaledi informal settlement and met local residents. It was so interesting to hear their firsthand perspective on life in Soweto.

We also enjoyed visiting Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu both lived, and we also visited the Hector Pieterson Museum, which powerfully commemorates the Soweto Uprising. 

Throughout the tour, we felt super safe and comfortable, thanks to Tshepo’s familiarity with Soweto. We were also glad to know that a portion of the tour proceeds support a local care center for children. So if you want an authentic Soweto experience that positively impacts the community, be sure to book this tour! 

5. Explore Johannesburg’s city center

The view from the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg South Africa
The view from the top of the Carlton Centre
The Chancellor House in Johannesburg South Africa
The Chancellor House, South Africa’s first Black-owned law firm
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Time: 9 am or 1 pm 
  • Highlights: Safely exploring the city with a guide, visiting Chancellor House, admiring the city’s heritage buildings on Main Street, enjoying the views from the Top of Africa, braai lunch
  • Inclusions: Local guide, bottled water, small group size
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 80+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes
  • Price: Check price here! 

Johannesburg’s vibrant city center is worth exploring, and this guided tour allowed us to immerse ourselves in the city’s history while feeling totally safe and secure.

Joburg has a reputation for being challenging to navigate independently, so booking this guided tour allowed us to focus on the experience, without worrying about logistics or safety.

The tour began at Gandhi Square, where we met our friendly guide, Clement, who put us at ease straight away. He took us walking down Main Street, where we admired the heritage buildings and learned about the city’s mining legacy, which was fascinating! Then, at Chancellor House, we learned all about how Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo founded South Africa’s first Black-owned law firm in 1952, which was an incredible feat of determination during the Apartheid era. 

Another highlight of the tour was visiting the Top of Africa observation deck in the Carlton Centre. We loved the panoramic views of the city’s modern landscape from up here!

The tour wrapped up with a mouthwatering braai lunch in the artsy Maboneng Precinct. In case you didn’t know, a braai is a South African barbecue – and man, do they know how to cook meat here! There are plenty of yummy plant-based options too, though, for the vegans and vegetarians among us. 

If you’re nervous about exploring Johannesburg independently, then this guided walking tour offers a safe and fun way to get to know the beating heart of the city.

6. See lions at Lion Park

A lion seen on a safari from Johannesburg South Africa
Seeing lions up close is awesome
A striped hyena seen on a safari from Johannesburg South Africa
A striped hyena!
  • Duration: 5 hours 
  • Time: 8 am or 1 pm 
  • Highlights: Game drive through Lion Park, seeing over 85 lions, rare white lions, wild dogs, hyenas, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, learning about South Africa’s wildlife
  • Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, 2-hour game drive, Lion Park admission fee, local guide 
  • Rating: 4.8 stars (check 230+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here! 

We were keen to see as much wildlife as we could while we were in South Africa, so of course we had to book this half-day tour of Lion Park! It’s about an hour from the city, in the super scenic Cradle of Humankind area, and is home to around 85 lions, including rare white lions. 

Our experience was seamless from start to finish, and the safari itself was incredible. We got to see so many lions up close! I especially loved the white lions, which are super rare, and indigenous to South Africa! In fact, they’re so uncommon that they only became known to the wider world in the 1970s.

We also saw tons of cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, and zebras. It was truly an incredible display of wildlife! There were restaurants where we could grab drinks and snacks as well, and a kids’ playground, which is ideal for families visiting the park.

Then, after the game drive, we had some free time to explore the park by ourselves. We loved watching lion cubs playing together, and we had some time to shop for souvenirs.

If you want to see wildlife without having to venture too far outside of they city, we highly recommend booking this tour. It’s ideal if you’re short on time, as it’s only a half-day tour, but it does an amazing job of showcasing South Africa’s most amazing animals.

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

 7. Visit South Africa’s legislative capital, Pretoria

Statue of Nelson Mandela in Pretoria on a tour from Johannesburg South Africa
The Nelson Mandela statue in front of the Union Buildings in Petoria
voortrekker monument in Pretoria on a tour from Johannesburg South Africa
The Voortrekker Monument
  • Duration: 4 – 5 hours 
  • Time: 9 am or 1:30 pm 
  • Highlights: Paul Kruger House Museum, the Voortrekker Monument, the Union Buildings, learning about South Africa’s colonial past
  • Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, onboard WiFi, admission tickets, professional guide
  • Rating: 4.8 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here! 

Did you know that South Africa actually has three capital cities? While Cape Town and Bloemfontein are hours away, Pretoria, the administrative capital, is just under an hour down the road. So why not take the chance to visit while you’re in Johannesburg?

We had a fantastic experience on this half-day tour of Pretoria. We learned all about the city’s rich history and saw beautiful architecture and cultural highlights in just a few hours. Our guide, Marc, was great, too, and his top-notch driving skills and wealth of knowledge ensured we had a fun and stress-free day.

Our first major highlight was the Voortrekker Monument, which commemorates the Great Trek undertaken by Dutch settlers, who traveled inland from the Cape colony to settle away from British colonial rule. Next up, we went to the Paul Kruger House, where we learned more about the tensions between British and Dutch colonists in South Africa.

We drove through Church Square, where we admired some of Pretoria’s best colonial architecture, such as Ou Raadsaal and the Palace of Justice. Marc taught us a lot about the historical significance of each one, and then we stopped at the Union Buildings for a stroll through the beautiful gardens.

This tour is perfect for anyone interested in South Africa’s colonial history. Pretoria is one of the country’s major cultural hubs, so don’t miss the chance to visit! 

8. Explore Maboneng’s Street Art 

One Day Africa people on a street art tour in Maboneng Johannesburg South Africa
We learned so much on this tour. Photo credit: One Day Africa
One Day Africa street art on a tour in Maboneng Johanessburg South Africa
And saw so much cool street art! Photo credit: One Day Africa
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Time: 10 am, 12 pm, or 2 pm 
  • Highlights: Exploring trendy Maboneng, checking out street art murals and galleries, discovering the personal stories behind the artwork
  • Inclusions: Local guide, small group size
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here! 

Maboneng has some of the best street art in South Africa, so checking out the murals is a must! We’re so glad that we visited the area on this street art tour, because having a knowledgeable guide made all the difference.

It wasn’t just about checking out some cool graffiti, it was a really vibrant educational experience that taught us a lot about South Africa’s rich and diverse culture.

Our guide, Refiloe, took us to see striking murals inspired by the local community and its complex heritage. Refiloe taught us all about the way in which street art is reshaping perceptions and fostering a sense of togetherness among local residents. We definitely would have missed a lot of subtle cultural references and details without Refiloe’s explanations. He brought the artwork to life! 

The tour also included a stop at a trendy local cafe for coffee, and the revitalized Jewel City neighborhood. It gave us a deeper appreciation for the entire area, and we loved being able to see it through the eyes of a local. It’s 100% worth going with a guide!

9. Learn about the history and diversity of Hillbrow neighborhood 

Inside Ponte City on a tour of Hillbrow in Johannesburg South Africa
Inside of Ponte City
Hillbrow Tower seen on a tour in Johannesburg South Africa
Looking out at the Hillbrow Tower
  • Duration: 3 hours 
  • Time: 11 am 
  • Highlights: Seeing Hillbrow through the eyes of a local, visiting Ponte City, authentic Hillbrow lunch with a view
  • Inclusions: Local guide, lunch
  • Rating: 5 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here! 

Hillbrow is a tragically misunderstood part of Johannesburg, and taking this walking tour really opened our eyes to its culture and heritage. A lot of tourists hesitate to explore Hillbrow due to its reputation as one of South Africa’s most dangerous areas, but it’s actually a fascinating place to visit. 

Our guides, Alvaro and Delite, took us strolling through the area and taught us about the area’s many ups and downs. Once an uber-progressive urban hub, Hillbrow suffered from rapid urban decay in the ‘90s, and now has a reputation for overcrowding and crime. However, there are now grassroots efforts in place to revive the area. 

We passed iconic landmarks along the way, such as the Telkom Tower and Alec Gorschel Park. It was fascinating to see and learn about hijacked buildings, which are illegally occupied and rented out by criminal syndicates. Yet even as we learned about the dark side of life in Hillbrow, we also experienced the warmth and resilience of the local community firsthand.

The tour ended with lunch at Ponte City, which is a skyscraper with a hollow core. It’s the tallest residential building in Africa, and we loved the lunch we got at the top, especially since it involved pap, which is a must-try South African food.

I can’t stress how much this tour enriched our time in Johannesburg. It was fascinating, and the ultimate urban adventure in many ways. Travel is all about opening your mind and experiencing different ways of life, so don’t miss this tour! 

10. Explore Soweto on a bicycle

One Day Africa a guide talks with a woman on a bike tour of Soweto from Johannesburg South Africa
The guides were fantastic. Photo credit: One Day Africa
One Day Africa a guide talks with people on a bike tour of Soweto from Johannesburg South Africa
You’ll learn a lot! Photo credit: One Day Africa
  • Duration: 4 hours 
  • Time: 9 am or 1 pm 
  • Highlights: Discovering Soweto’s role in overthrowing apartheid, cover more ground on a bicycle, eating a traditional kota sandwich for lunch, learning about key figures in the struggle for freedom, learning about the lives of Black women under apartheid rule
  • Inclusions: Bicycle rental, helmet, local guide, bottled water 
  • Rating: 4.8 stars (check 160+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 
  • Price: Check price here! 

This guided bike tour was an unforgettable way to explore Soweto! Riding around on a bicycle meant that we covered a ton of ground in a short space of time, and it felt way more immersive than traveling around in a vehicle.

Our guide, Themba, was phenomenal. He was knowledgeable and super passionate about sharing Soweto’s dark but powerful history. We learned about the Soweto Uprising and the way the area served as a hub of resistance operations during apartheid. 

We began by cycling through Phomolong, where Themba shared real stories about families who were forced to endure the brutal impacts of apartheid. We also visited Mzimhlophe, a former women’s hostel, where we learned about how Black domestic workers were forced to live during apartheid. 

Then, we stopped at Nkungu Street, where we learned about Lillian Mgoyi, an anti-apartheid activist whose contributions are often overlooked by the history books. From there, we visited the Hector Pieterson Memorial, which honors the students who led the Soweto Uprising. It wasn’t all doom and gloom, however, as Themba also shared some uplifting stories about Soweto along the way.

The tour wrapped up with a kota sandwich, which is a filling local favorite, and a true must-try while in Soweto! If you’re looking to gain a deeper appreciation for Soweto and its history, this is the tour we recommend.

Where to Stay in Johannesburg, South Africa

@sandtonhotel hotel in Johannesburg South Africa
Photo credit: @sandtonhotel

Now that you know all the best things to do in Johannesburg, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! Choosing the right accommodation is key in a city like Joburg, where staying in a safe and convenient area can make all the difference.

Whether you’re looking for luxury, comfort, or a budget-friendly option, there are plenty of great places to choose from. To help you decide, we’ve rounded up the best accommodations for every budget below:

Luxury – $$$

If you’re after a touch of luxury, The Houghton Hotel has you covered. This 5-star resort is an oasis right in the middle of the city. It combines sleek, modern design with plenty of perks, like an outdoor and indoor pool, a relaxing spa, 3 onsite restaurants, and a fitness center. Plus, golf fans will love having the Houghton Golf Club right on-site. It’s the ideal mix of comfort and style in Johannesburg!

Prices range from around $170 USD to a few thousand dollars per night depending on the room category you select (did somebody say Rockstar Penthouse?!). Check all the options and book this hotel on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

For a reliable mid-range stay, the @Sandton Hotel ticks all the boxes. Located right next to Nelson Mandela Square, this hotel puts you within easy reach of Sandton’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor pool and a hearty breakfast to start the day. With its great location and solid amenities, Garden Court Sandton City is an excellent choice for travelers looking for convenience and value!

Prices start around $98 USD and you can check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.

Budget – $

For budget-conscious travelers, The Catalyst Apartment Hotel is a fantastic option. The hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, and some units even come with full kitchens! Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, and fitness center during their stay, and its prime location near Sandton’s shops, restaurants, and attractions makes it both affordable and convenient!

Rooms start at around $66 USD per night which is a spectacular value for such a nice hotel in a great location. Visit Booking.com to make your reservation.

For more options, see all of Johannesburg’s hotels listed here!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel-and-Bailey-drink-craft-beer-in-Johannesburg South Africa
Thanks for reading!

I hope our guide has you all ready to explore Johannesburg! These were our favorite activities from our visits to the city and helped us get the most out of our time here.

While you’re traveling, have a look through all our other travel guides here. We’ve crisscrossed the globe and have lots of tips and tricks to share to help you plan your own dream trips.

10 BEST Things to do in Cape Town, South Africa

4 Best Nile River Cruises

10 Best Things to do in Cairo, Egypt