Johannesburg Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Lion Park which includes dangerous animals and zoo animals
Johannesburg surprises even the most experienced travellers. The city has many interesting cultural sites, beautiful attractions and a diverse population. And although there are still some no-go areas in the city, most of the city is considered safe and a joy to explore.

For beautiful views over the city, go to the Top of Africa viewpoint at the Carlton Centre. For a closer look, take a tour with a guide through Soweto to see how some of the locals live. Soweto is a series of townships consisting of cheap and makeshift housing and infrastructure. While this area can be shocking for some, most visitors are pleasantly surprised by the lively atmosphere and fascinating culture. The district also has some wild places, so we recommend you don’t go there on your own going – take a professional tour. Experience the unique atmosphere of Vilakazi Street or visit the house where Nelson Mandela once lived. Visit other important places such as the Hector Petersen Memorial and the Regina Mundi Church.

Explore some historic parts of the city with a visit to ParktownOpens in a new window or Newtown. There you will find historical buildings, as well as streets are lined with cafés, restaurants and shops. Walk around the northern suburbs and see where the wealthier section of society live, where you will find chic boutiques, bars and restaurants.

If you are interested in history, you certainly want to visit some of Johannesburg’s top museums. Immerse yourself in the turbulent history of South AfricaOpens in a new window at the Apartheid Museum. Take a walk on Constitution Hill and visit the prison museums for more traces of the troubled history of the city. If art is your thing then a visit to the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) is definitely worthwhile here you will find a fantastic selection of local and international art.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you can take a stroll through the tranquil Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. Or if you really want to get close to nature, head to the Suikerbosrand Nature ReserveOpens in a new window where you can organize a trip to the Lion Park and see the famous wild animals of Africa.

Where to stay in Johannesburg

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Sandton

Travellers to Sandton praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City Mall.

Sandton
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O.R. Tambo

4/5(35 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in O.R. Tambo, International Terminal Duty Free Mall and Emperors Palace Casino are top sights worth seeing.

O.R. Tambo
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Rosebank

Rosebank is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Rosebank Mall and The Zone @ Rosebank Shopping Center while you're in town.

Rosebank
Gold Reef City featuring a pond, a garden and rides

Johannesburg South

You'll enjoy the mountain views and museums in Johannesburg South. You might want to make time for a stop at Southgate Mall or Gold Reef City Casino.

Johannesburg South
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Midrand

You'll enjoy the gardens and spas in Midrand. You might want to make time for a stop at Mall of Africa or Kyalami Racetrack.

Midrand
Johannesburg Botanical Garden showing a garden

Randburg

Unique features of Randburg include the golf courses and gardens. Make a stop by Emmarentia Dam or Johannesburg Botanical Garden while you're exploring the area.

Randburg
City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport
City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport
3 out of 5
Above Multi-Storey Parkade 2, Level 5, OR Tambo International Airport, Kempton Park, Gauteng
The price is £118 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
£118
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Kempton Park. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,673 reviews)
"The staff are very polite and helpful. Checkin is quick all in all the place to stay at airport...6 mins walk from lobby .."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport
Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport by IHG
Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport by IHG
4 out of 5
O.R. Tambo Airport Johannesburg, Boksburg, Gauteng
The price is £54 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
£54
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Boksburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (625 reviews)
"From we arrived the front desk reception evening staff 23rd july made us fell welcome. The gentlemen who worked with Monalisa upon our arived and the other gentlemen that worked with here during Saturday shift were outstanding. In fact the entire reception staff were great. Lets not forget the ladies ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport by IHG
Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre OR Tambo Airport
Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre OR Tambo Airport
4.5 out of 5
Estate 154, Corner 3rd & 6th Avenue, Bredell, Kempton Park, Gauteng
The price is £54 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£54
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kempton Park. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (320 reviews)
"Nice and clean"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre OR Tambo Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
 BlackBrick Bedfordview ApartHotel
BlackBrick Bedfordview ApartHotel
3 out of 5
24 Johnson Rd, Germiston, Gauteng
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Germiston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Melrose Arch Shopping Centre and Nelson ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
"KEEP IT UP"

Reviewed on 10 Apr 2025

BlackBrick Bedfordview ApartHotel
BlackBrick Sandton Two
BlackBrick Sandton Two
3.5 out of 5
22 Fredman Dr, Sandton, Gauteng
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (48 reviews)
"Excellent location"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

BlackBrick Sandton Two
Ellipse Executive Apartments
Ellipse Executive Apartments
5 out of 5
Karkloof Cres, Midrand, Gauteng
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and on-site spa services. Popular attractions Montecasino and Mall of Africa ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
Great choice for dinning options, upscale & safe
"Newer building in great location. Short walk to mall where many dinning and grocery options are available. The rooms are quiet. Our two bedroom unit had a washing machine and full kitchen. While the security procedures can be bothersome, you will feel very safe. I greatly appreciate them allowing ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Ellipse Executive Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Johannesburg

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 14%
4 - Good
13
4 - Good 62%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 24%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I like Jo’burg. It is a bit gritty and you do have to be safety conscious but I felt safe there. I visited a great street food market called Neighbourgoods Market; 44 Stanley is also worth a visit. Melville has fun restaurants, bars and shops too

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Keep it up

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

I came to visit a church which I watched regularly on the YouTube to see for myself what their services are all about. I saw it and I really enjoyed what I saw. Johannesburg is a very lovely place. I will surely come back.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Stayed around Melville

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Joburg is a bit rundown and whilst we had a great stay it’s a bit intimidating if you aren’t used to it.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

An interesting place that deserves some time to properly experience the city. Could be a bit overwhelming.

Cities near Johannesburg