Johannesburg is Africa’s richest and most historically layered city. Built on gold discovered in 1886, it grew from a mining camp to a metropolis of 5.6 million across 1,645 square kilometers. The city’s attractions divide into three categories: the Apartheid and struggle history that shaped modern South Africa, the urban renaissance transforming formerly no-go neighborhoods, and the nearby wildlife experiences that remind you Africa’s bush is within reach. This guide covers essential Johannesburg attractions with locations, opening hours, ticket prices in South African Rand, and practical tips.
Things to Do in Johannesburg: Essential Attractions and Experiences
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum is Johannesburg’s most important attraction and the starting point for understanding South Africa. The permanent exhibition walks you through the rise and fall of apartheid through 22 exhibition areas using film footage, photographs, text panels, and artifacts. Visitors are randomly assigned “white” or “non-white” entry tickets and must use separate entrances, a powerful introduction to the system. Located at Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road, next to Gold Reef City. Entry costs R150 (US$8). Open Wednesday-Sunday 9am-5pm, closed Monday and Tuesday. Allow 2-3 hours minimum. The museum restaurant serves decent South African food (bobotie, bunny chow). Combine with a visit to the nearby Gold Reef City casino and theme park if that appeals.
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill in Braamfontein houses South Africa’s Constitutional Court, built on the site of the Old Fort prison complex where both Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela were once held. The site includes three museums: the Old Fort (built 1893 by Paul Kruger for white male prisoners), Number Four (the “native” prison for black men), and the Women’s Gaol. The Constitutional Court itself is an architectural statement built with bricks from the demolished awaiting-trial block and features art from across South Africa. Located at 11 Kotze Street, Braamfontein. Entry costs R100 (US$5.50) including guided tour. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-3pm, closed Sunday. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Soweto and Vilakazi Street
Soweto (South Western Townships) is home to 1.3 million people and the heart of the anti-apartheid struggle. Vilakazi Street in Orlando West is the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela (his former home at 8115 is now the Mandela House Museum, R60/ US$3.30 entry) and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum on Khumalo Street commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising, named after the 12-year-old boy whose death became a symbol of apartheid brutality (entry R65/US$3.50). Go with a guide or on an organized tour. The Hop-On Hop-Off bus serves Soweto, or book a half-day guided tour through Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers (R450-650/US$25-35 per person). Stop for kota (a quarter loaf of bread stuffed with chips, cheese, and meat) at a local spot. Do not drive yourself around Soweto without a local guide; streets are confusing and some areas remain unsafe for outsiders unfamiliar with the layout.
Maboneng Precinct
Maboneng (“place of light” in Sotho) is Johannesburg’s urban regeneration success story. This formerly derelict industrial area east of the CBD has been transformed since 2009 into a walkable creative district of galleries, rooftop bars, independent coffee shops, and street art. The centerpiece is Arts on Main, a warehouse complex housing galleries, design studios, and the Market on Main (Sundays 10am-3pm) food market. The Bioscope independent cinema screens African and art-house films. Maboneng is safe to walk during the day. Park at the Fox Street or Main Street lots and explore on foot. Eat at Pata Pata (traditional South African) or the Living Room rooftop bar for sunset skyline views. Allow 2-4 hours. The area feels like Johannesburg’s answer to Brooklyn or Shoreditch.
Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage site 50km northwest of Johannesburg where 40% of the world’s human ancestor fossils have been found. The Maropeng Visitor Centre presents the story of human evolution through interactive exhibits and a boat ride through the elements that shaped Earth. The Sterkfontein Caves (10km from Maropeng) offer guided underground tours where hominid fossils including “Mrs Ples” (2.1 million years old) and “Little Foot” (3.67 million years old) were discovered. Maropeng entry costs R200 (US$11), Sterkfontein R130 (US$7), combined ticket R300 (US$16.50). Open daily 9am-5pm. Allow 3-4 hours for both. You need a car or tour; Uber from Sandton costs roughly R350-450 (US$19-25) one way. Book a combined tour through your hotel or a Soweto operator for roughly R900-1,200 (US$50-65) including transport.
Johannesburg Botanical Garden and Emmarentia Dam
The Johannesburg Botanical Garden in Emmarentia spans 81 hectares with themed gardens including a Shakespeare Garden, rose garden with 10,000 bushes, and indigenous succulents. The adjacent Emmarentia Dam is popular for weekend picnics and canoeing. Entry is free. Open daily sunrise to sunset. The rose garden peaks in October-November. A peaceful escape from the city that locals use heavily on weekends. The garden is in a safe, leafy suburb 8km north of the CBD. Combine with a visit to nearby Parkhurst’s 4th Avenue restaurant strip for lunch.
Lion and Safari Park
The Lion and Safari Park in Hartbeespoort (45 minutes northwest of Sandton) offers close encounters with lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and giraffes on guided vehicle tours. Unlike a zoo, animals roam in large enclosures that approximate natural habitat. Options include a 1-hour guided game drive (R500/US$27), 1.5-hour predator tour (R750/US$41), or the popular lion cub interaction (R450/US$25 per person, advance booking essential). Located at R512 Pelindaba Road, Broederstroom. Open daily 8am-4:30pm. The park is controversial among animal welfare advocates because of cub petting practices; research current policies before booking. A good option if you cannot reach Pilanesberg or Kruger for a full safari experience.
