10 Things to Do in Johannesburg

Whether you call it Johannesburg, Joburg, Jozi, or eGoli (The City of Gold), South Africa’s largest city is one of the country’s most popular travel destinations. It’s also home to OR Tambo International Airport, the second-busiest airport in Africa, making it a vital hub for air travel in the region.

If you’re planning to spend some time in Johannesburg, you’ll likely need some help figuring out what to do while you’re here. We’ve put together a list of our top 10 things to do in Johannesburg, covering everything from arts and culture to eclectic shopping and thrill rides. Read on to start planning your perfect Joburg itinerary!

A swing ride at Gold Reef City. Photo: Gauteng Tourism Authority

Chase Thrills at Gold Reef City

Gold Reef City is a popular entertainment destination themed around South Africa’s rich gold-mining history. It’s the country’s most popular theme park, where what was once a working gold mine is now a tribute to the atmosphere of Johannesburg during the 1880s gold rush. It combines historical attractions with modern thrills, featuring a mining museum, underground mine tours, and preserved buildings that give visitors an authentic sense of the period. The highlight of the historical tour is the descent into a former mine shaft, where visitors can learn about the techniques and challenges of mining.

But if you’re here for thrills, Gold Reef City has it in bucketloads. Adrenaline junkies can choose from an array of roller coasters, water rides, and live performances, catering to thrill-seekers and families alike. The Anaconda, a high-speed inverted roller coaster, is a crowd favourite, while the Tower of Terror offers a dramatic vertical drop that plunges into an old mine shaft. In fact, the Anaconda is the world’s only Giovanola inverted rollercoaster!

For those preferring a slower pace, the park includes a cinema, restaurants, and shopping options, making it an all-encompassing entertainment spot.

The Long Walk to Freedom at the Apartheid Museum. Photo: Unsplash

Immerse Yourself in History at the Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum is right next to Gold Reef City and offers a powerful exploration of South Africa’s history under apartheid, portraying the struggles and resilience of its people. Opened in 2001, the museum provides an in-depth, chronological look at apartheid’s rise and fall through engaging multimedia exhibits, photographs, film footage, and personal accounts.

Visitors enter through separate gates labelled “White” and “Non-White,” immediately experiencing the segregation that defined apartheid. Inside, the museum showcases the political and social structures that sustained the cruel regime, as well as the enduring fight for equality. Artifacts, including banned books, protest posters, and prison diaries, give insight into the everyday reality and resistance that shaped South Africa’s journey toward democracy.

Beyond just presenting historical facts, the Apartheid Museum emphasises the moral and emotional weight of this period. Interactive displays guide visitors through pivotal events, from the Sharpeville Massacre to the Soweto Uprising, showing the human cost of institutionalised racism. The museum also commemorates anti-apartheid leaders like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, highlighting their roles in dismantling the oppressive system. Outdoor spaces, such as the “Long Road to Freedom” garden, provide reflective areas where visitors can process the powerful stories encountered inside.

An art exhibition at the Everard Read Gallery. Photo: Everard Read

Get Artsy at the Everard Read Gallery

The Everard Read Gallery, established in 1913, is Johannesburg’s oldest commercial art gallery and a renowned centre for contemporary art. Located in the trendy Rosebank district, this gallery showcases works by leading South African and international artists, making it an essential stop for art enthusiasts. The gallery’s collection spans various media, including painting, sculpture, and photography, and focuses on innovative, thought-provoking pieces that reflect the diversity of the local and global art scenes.

Over the years, the Everard Read Gallery has become a key platform for both emerging and established artists, with regular exhibitions that challenge and inspire. The gallery’s space is complemented by its neighbouring sculpture garden and the CIRCA gallery, an architecturally striking circular building dedicated to experimental works and exhibitions. This dual setting provides visitors with a diverse artistic experience that combines classic and cutting-edge works. The Everard Read Gallery’s exhibitions change frequently, ensuring that visitors encounter fresh and dynamic displays each time.

The Orlando Towers in Soweto. Photo: Unsplash

Go on a Tour of Soweto

The name Soweto was once an acronym for South Western Townships. Today, it’s a vibrant and historically significant township in Johannesburg that played a central role in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. Known for landmarks like Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners – Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu – Soweto is filled with sites that reflect its legacy of resistance and resilience.

Meanwhile, the Hector Pieterson Memorial commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising, where students protested against apartheid education policies, marking a turning point in the anti-apartheid movement. Today, Soweto is a blend of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and urban life, attracting visitors keen to understand the township’s unique heritage.

In addition to its political history, Soweto offers vibrant local experiences, from traditional food markets to lively street art. Guided tours, whether by foot, bicycle, or tuk-tuk, give visitors an authentic feel for the township’s communities and cultural spirit. Spots like the Orlando Towers, with activities like bungee jumping and paintballing, add a modern thrill to the township’s offerings.

You definitely don’t want to miss out on visiting Soweto. It’s the one place that provides a layered perspective on Johannesburg’s history, blending historical awareness with a celebration of contemporary urban culture.

The entrance to the Maropeng facility. Photo: Gauteng Tourism Authority

Discover Your Origins at Maropeng

Maropeng, also known as the Cradle of Humankind, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside Johannesburg. The Maropeng Visitor Centre is a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to human evolution, where interactive exhibits walk visitors through 3.5 million years of human history.

Highlights include fossil displays and a fun boat ride that simulates the elements that shaped our planet, such as ice and fire. Nearby, the Sterkfontein Caves, where many famous hominid fossils – including Mrs Ples – were discovered, give visitors the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most significant paleoanthropological sites.

Maropeng’s exhibits are engaging for all ages, providing a fascinating journey from our early origins to the present. The surrounding area, dotted with scenic views and hiking trails, is also definitely worth exploring. Maropeng also hosts talks, workshops, and fossil digs, making it a dynamic space for understanding humanity’s ancient roots.

The waterfall at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens. Photo: SANBI

Smell the Flowers at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is a tranquil green space in Roodepoort, Johannesburg, celebrated for its indigenous plants and natural beauty. This massive garden spans over 300 hectares and is home to varied habitats, from grasslands to rugged cliffs, supporting some spectacular flora and fauna. The iconic Witpoortjie Waterfall, surrounded by lush vegetation, is the garden’s centrepiece and a popular spot for picnics and photos.

In addition to its plant collections, the garden hosts a breeding pair of Verreaux’s (black) eagles, whose nesting site on the cliffs is a rare and exciting attraction for bird watchers. However, they aren’t easy to spot, so keep your binoculars handy!

With well-marked trails and abundant birdlife, the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden is an ideal escape for nature lovers and families. Educational programs and guided tours offer insight into the garden’s conservation work and ecological importance. Seasonal events like plant sales and concerts in the park also draw locals and visitors alike. Most importantly of all, the garden’s commitment to preserving native species and habitats has made it a respected institution for environmental awareness and a beautiful retreat from the city’s hustle.

A pathway through 44 Stanley. Photo: 44 Stanley

Meet the Hipsters of 44 Stanley

44 Stanley is an up and coming complex in Johannesburg that combines the charm of historic architecture with a modern, creative flair. Located in the Milpark district, this former industrial precinct is now a trendy destination filled with independent boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and artisan workshops. Its design retains the industrial character of old warehouses, creating an inviting space with tree-lined courtyards and open-air seating.

With a mix of local and international brands, 44 Stanley offers a curated shopping experience where visitors can find unique items like handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and specialty coffee, appealing to those with an eye for originality. The complex is equally popular for its culinary offerings, which range from casual eateries to gourmet restaurants. Food lovers can sample an array of cuisines, from freshly baked pastries to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, in settings that blend rustic charm with contemporary design.

With its lively atmosphere and community events, including live music and pop-up markets, 44 Stanley has become a cultural hub in Johannesburg. It also houses the Bioscope Independent Theatre, where you can enjoy daily movie screenings and live comedy!

The entrance to the Oriental Plaza. Photo: Gauteng Tourism Authority

Go Shopping at the Oriental Plaza

The Oriental Plaza in Fordsburg is a bustling shopping destination that has served as a cultural and commercial hub since the 1970s. Originally established as a retail area for Indian merchants during the apartheid era, the plaza now offers a colourful shopping experience, featuring everything from textiles and fashion to jewellery and spices.

Visitors can explore over 300 independently owned stores, each showcasing the distinct heritage of its owners, with a unique blend of traditional and modern products. The vibrant atmosphere, complemented by a wide range of food stalls, makes it a popular spot for local residents and tourists alike.

Aside from its retail variety, the Oriental Plaza is known for its affordability and traditional open-market shopping experience. Bargaining is common, giving visitors the chance to engage with shop owners and find quality items at competitive prices. The plaza’s range of Indian, Middle Eastern, and African goods reflects Johannesburg’s multicultural character, making it an essential stop for anyone looking to experience the city’s diversity in a single location.

A view over The Wilds in Houghton. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Take a Walk in The Wilds

The Wilds is a serene nature reserve and public park nestled on the slopes of Houghton, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of South Africa’s busiest city. Known for its indigenous plants and scenic pathways, The Wilds has become a cherished green space for locals and visitors looking to explore Johannesburg’s natural beauty. This 16 hectare park, dotted with meandering stone paths and lush gardens, offers panoramic views of the city and is an ideal spot for hiking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing. Efforts led by local volunteers have revitalised the area, adding colourful artwork and making it a safer and more inviting space.

The Wilds is particularly loved for its diversity of flora, featuring local species like aloes, cycads, and various wildflowers. The park also has a series of beautifully crafted stone benches and sculptures, creating pockets for relaxation and reflection. It’s a kind of paradisical enclave in the heart of the city – and it’s quite close to some of Joburg’s more upmarket residential areas.

Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. Photo: Gauteng Tourism Authority

Pay Tribute at Constitution Hill

Constitution Hill is a historic site that represents South Africa’s journey from oppression to democracy. Formerly a prison that housed notable political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, Constitution Hill now hosts the Constitutional Court, the highest court in South Africa. Visitors can explore the Old Fort, Women’s Jail, and Number Four, each containing exhibits that reveal the harsh conditions endured by inmates during apartheid and earlier eras. Today, the site is a symbol of justice and human rights, with the Constitutional Court upholding the values of equality and freedom.

Constitution Hill serves as both a museum and an active court, blending historical significance with modern democratic ideals. The court building itself is an architectural marvel, constructed with materials from the former prison, symbolising South Africa’s transformation. Guided tours and educational displays provide insight into the nation’s legal journey and the importance of safeguarding democracy. Constitution Hill stands as a powerful reminder of the past and a beacon of hope for future generations.

A view of the Johannesburg cityscape. Photo: Unsplash

There you have it: 10 incredible activities to fill your Johannesburg road trip itinerary with. You see, Joburg isn’t just an important business hub where people work long hours – it’s also one of South Africa’s most exciting tourist destinations.

So, whether you prefer browsing art galleries, hiking among indigenous flora, or experiencing a fright a minute at a theme park, there’s something that’ll keep you captivated during your Joburg vacation. Naturally, the best way to see everything in one trip is to hire your own vehicle. Choose from our selection of cars, SUVs, luxury vehicles, campers, and 4x4s to take full advantage of your time in South Africa.