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Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, is filled with history, culture, and energy. There’s no shortage of things to do in Johannesburg, from learning about the country’s past at the Apartheid Museum to exploring street art and food markets in Maboneng. The city’s mix of museums, local restaurants, and outdoor activities offers something for everyone’s interests. Visitors can take a day trip to a wildlife reserve, visit historic landmarks, or experience the city’s nightlife. This guide covers things to see in Johannesburg, including cultural sites, outdoor experiences, and local favourites to help plan your visit to South Africa.
Top 10 Things To Do In Johannesburg
Listed below are the best things to do in Johannesburg for your next trip to this South African city:
1. Visit The Apartheid Museum
Photo: NJR ZA / Wikimedia Commons
The Apartheid Museum offers a detailed insight into South Africa’s intricate history. Through interactive displays, personal accounts, and historic films, people learn about apartheid’s effects and the path to democracy in South Africa. Upon entering, guests receive tickets labelled “White” or “Non-White” to immediately experience segregation. The museum covers pivotal moments in history through multimedia displays and archived materials.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fees: ₹750
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Location: Northern Parkway, Ormonde, Johannesburg
2. Explore Constitution Hill
Photo: The Heritage Portal / Wikimedia Commons
Constitution Hill is a former prison complex turned museum and courthouse that tells the story of South Africa’s turbulent past and democratic progress. Several political prisoners were kept here, including Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. People can visit the Old Fort, the Women’s Jail, and the Number Four Prison, where thousands of activists were held. Today, the site houses the Constitutional Court, symbolising justice and freedom.
Ideal Duration: 2 hours
Entry Fees: ₹600
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Kotze Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
3. Take A Soweto Tour
Photo: Sandy Ravaloniaina / Unsplash
A tour of Soweto provides a closer look at Johannesburg’s cultural and political history and is one of the best things to explore in Johannesburg. This township was one of the most important battlefields in the struggle against apartheid and contains landmarks such as Vilakazi Street which is home to Nelson Mandela. The Hector Pieterson Memorial honours the 1976 student uprising, while street markets and local eateries represent everyday Soweto life today.. The Hector Pieterson Memorial commemorates the 1976 student protests, while street markets and local restaurants showcase daily life in Soweto today.
Ideal Duration: 10 – 12 hours
Entry Fees: Varies by tour operator
Timings: Tours operate throughout the day
Location: Soweto, Johannesburg
4. Experience The Cradle Of Humankind
Photo: Andy Herries / Wikimedia Commons
A World Heritage Site, the Cradle of Humankind is a place where the world’s most crucial fossils are found The Maropeng Visitor Centre relates the history of the evolution of humans, and Sterkfontein Caves hold some of the earliest hominid fossils found There is an underground boat tour of various periods in Earth’s history, interactive displays, and even excavation sites where fossils are being found.
Ideal Duration: 10 – 12 hours
Entry Fees: ₹1,200
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: 50 km from Johannesburg
5. Go On A Safari At Pilanesberg National Park
Photo: Joonas Lyytinen, Käyttäjä:Joonasl / Wikimedia Commons
Pilanesberg National Park is one of the best places to experience South Africa’s wildlife without travelling too far from the city. Home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—the park offers both guided game drives and self-drive options. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the large number of species found here which makes it one of the best things to see in Johannesburg. The park is perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay at one of its lodges.
Ideal Duration: 12 – 16 hours
Entry Fees: ₹1,500
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Location: 160 km from Johannesburg
6. Discover Maboneng Precinct
Photo: ArchiDaff / Wikimedia Commons
Maboneng is a lively neighbourhood known for its creative spaces, street art, and cultural experiences. It is home to independent art galleries, rooftop bars, and a weekly market selling crafts and local food. There are opportunities to take a guided street art tour or wander through the numerous cafés, restaurants, and design studios along the streets. The precinct reflects the city’s artistic and entrepreneurial energy, making it one of the top things to explore in Johannesburg.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fees: N/A
Timings: 24*7
Location: Maboneng, Johannesburg
7. Visit Gold Reef City
Photo: Robosk / Wikimedia Commons
Built around an old gold mine, the Gold Reef City is a theme park where visitors can enjoy adrenaline-pumping rides, explore a replica of a 19th-century mining town, or take an underground tour of the old mine shaft. The park offers fun for families and thrill-seekers alike, with roller coasters, live performances, and historical exhibits. It’s a great place to learn about Johannesburg’s gold rush history while also enjoying modern attractions.
Ideal Duration: 10 – 12 hours
Entry Fees: ₹1,000
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Location: Ormonde, Johannesburg
8. Walk Through Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
Photo: NJR ZA / Wikimedia Commons
The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens offers a relaxing break from the busy city streets. The park features beautifully maintained lawns, walking trails, and themed gardens, including a rose garden and a collection of indigenous plants. The park’s large lake provides a peaceful setting for visitors to sit and enjoy the open spaces, making it one of the great things to do for both locals and tourists looking to unwind outdoors.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fees: N/A
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Location: Emmarentia, Johannesburg
9. Explore The Johannesburg Art Gallery
Photo: Janek Szymanowski / Wikimedia Commons
The Johannesburg Art Gallery houses one of the largest collections of classical and contemporary African and European art in the country. The collection includes works by South African artists alongside European masters like Picasso and Monet. Located in the city centre, it’s an excellent stop for those interested in South Africa’s evolving art scene and the role of art in shaping cultural identity.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fees: N/A
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Joubert Park, Johannesburg
10. Visit The Lion & Safari Park
Photo: Jjordahl / Wikimedia Commons
For those wanting to see wildlife up close, the Lion & Safari Park offers guided drives and animal encounters just outside the city. Visitors can see lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras in a controlled environment. There are opportunities to feed some animals under supervision and learn about conservation efforts. It’s an easy day trip that allows visitors to experience African wildlife without travelling far from Johannesburg.
Ideal Duration: 10 – 12 hours
Entry Fees: ₹1,200
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Location: 60 km from Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a city shaped by history and creativity, offering experiences that range from museum visits to open-air markets and wildlife excursions. There are plenty of things to do in Johannesburg, whether it’s exploring its neighbourhoods, trying local dishes, or learning about its past. From busy streets to quiet nature reserves, the city has a lot to offer. Plan a trip with TripXL and experience what makes Johannesburg a place worth visiting.
Cover Photo: Steward Masweneng / Pexels
