Soweto Travel Guide

Johannesburg

The famous vibrant painted towers in Soweto.
Taking a tour of Soweto Township in South Africa is a must do when you’re in Johannesburg. Not only is it worthwhile to understand the life and history for over 5 million people who live there, but it brings much needed tourist money to help combat Jo’burg’s 42% unemployment rate.
A view of the Soweto Towers from the Hector Pieterson Memorial. The towers were recently painted with advertisements, against many in the community’s wishes.
House of Nelson Mandela in Soweto.  Visited when in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.
Repurposed decommissioned coal power plant in Soweto and now prominent landmark and as you can see art installation.

Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Soweto

Southern Sun O.R Tambo

Southern Sun O.R Tambo

4 out of 5
Airport Grounds, Jones Road, / Kempton Park Gauteng
The price is £87 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
£87
1 Apr - 2 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kempton Park. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a free airport shuttle and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,627 reviews)
The Southern Sun O. R. Tambo Hotel was a home away from home for us. We stayed there one day at the beginning of our trip to South Africa and for three days at the end. The hotel staff did everything they could to make us feel welcome. The hotel is very clean and well-appointed. The breakfast is ...

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Southern Sun O.R Tambo
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 10 Apr to 11 Apr
£54
10 Apr - 11 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boksburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (843 reviews)
The staff was great. Location is close to the airport with easy airport shuttle. There is not much around so you’re basically reliant on the hotel. The rooms are small but adequate. The shower water pressure was great. The breakfast buffet was very good and easy. The hotel is showing a bit of age ...

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport by IHG
Garden Court Sandton City

Garden Court Sandton City

3 out of 5
Cnr West and Maude Street Sandton Gauteng
The price is £66 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
£66
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and free train station pick-up. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
This was my first time visiting JNB. Location was fantastic close to the mall and Mandela square. Staff was fantastic and breakfast with lots of varieties. Will definitely recommend to friends and family. Staff was very attentive to details.

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

Garden Court Sandton City
Sandton Sun & Towers

Sandton Sun & Towers

5 out of 5
Cnr. Fith And Alice Streets Johannesburg Gauteng
The price is £169 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
£169
21 Mar - 22 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room service ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (582 reviews)
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Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026

Sandton Sun & Towers
Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch

Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch

4 out of 5
42 The High Street, Melrose Arch Johannesburg Gauteng
The price is £164 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
£164
27 Mar - 28 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Melrose Arch Shopping Centre ...
Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch
Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank

Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank

4 out of 5
24 Cradock Avenue, Rosebank Johannesburg Gauteng
The price is £121 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
£121
27 Mar - 28 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (180 reviews)
The staff was nice and welcoming but the facility looks like it’s in need of some renovation. It’s looking a a bit the worse for wear and inadequate of bad lighting choices in places like the bathrooms makes the place look like a motel.

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank
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.

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Other neighbourhoods around Soweto

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Orlando East

While Orlando East isn't home to many top sights, Mandela's House and Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial are some notable places to visit nearby.

Orlando East
Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens featuring a park as well as a small group of people

Roodepoort

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Roodepoort. You might want to make time for a stop at Clearwater Mall or Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.

Roodepoort
Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg in the daytime.  Looks even neater in the night with lights on.

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
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
Trendy Maboneng in Johannesburg.. Love the street art all over the city. #MeetSouthAfrica #TheTinyTaster

Johannesburg CBD

While you're in Johannesburg CBD, take in top sights like Nelson Mandela Bridge and jump on the metro at Ellis Park Station to see more of the city.

Johannesburg CBD
Downtown Johannesburg showing heritage architecture and outdoor art

Downtown Johannesburg

4/5(2 area reviews)

Well liked for its museums and architecture, Downtown Johannesburg is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Johannesburg Art Gallery and Ellis Park Stadium, and jump on the metro at Ellis Park Station to get around the city.

Downtown Johannesburg


Soweto Travel Guide

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