50 of the top things to do and experience in and around Johannesburg

Here are 50 of the top things to do and experience in and around Johannesburg, broken down by category:

History & Heritage

1. Apartheid Museum: Explore the powerful, immersive exhibits detailing South Africa’s journey through apartheid to democracy.

2. Constitution Hill: Tour the historic former prison and court precinct that now stands as a symbol of human rights and freedom.

3. Nelson Mandela House (Soweto): Visit the famous house on Vilakazi Street where Nelson Mandela lived before his imprisonment.

4. Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum: Learn about the landmark 1976 Soweto Student Uprising.

5. Liliesleaf Farm: Walk through the secret hideout used by African National Congress (ANC) leaders in the 1960s.

6. Chancellor House: See the historic building that housed the first black-owned law practice in South Africa, founded by Mandela and Oliver Tambo.

7. Origins Centre Museum: Discover the deep history of human origins and ancient San rock art at Wits University.

8. Lindfield Victorian House Museum: Take a guided tour of a fully preserved 19th-century Victorian home.

9. Satyagraha House: Visit Mahatma Gandhi’s former residence, now a museum and guesthouse.

10. The Rand Club: Tour the grand, historic venue built by early mining magnates.

Wildlife & Nature

11. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden: Walk through tranquil gardens to view a natural waterfall and nesting Verreaux’s eagles.

12. Lion & Safari Park: Take a guided drive to see lions, cheetahs, and other African wildlife up close.

13. Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve: Spot big cats, rhinos, and explore the ancient Wondercave.

14. Johannesburg Zoo: Spend a day exploring one of South Africa’s largest zoo facilities.

15. Emmarentia Dam & Johannesburg Botanical Gardens: Relax by the water, watch rowers, or stroll through the rose gardens.

16. Melville Koppies Nature Reserve: Hike through protected heritage hills offering wide views of the city skyline.

17. Zoo Lake: Rent a rowboat or enjoy a leisurely park walk.

18. Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge: Hike, mountain bike, or paddle along a scenic dam while spotting game.

19. Gillooly’s Farm: Walk around the scenic lake or enjoy a weekend picnic.

20. Klipsriviersberg Nature Reserve: Hike through Johannesburg’s largest nature reserve just south of the city center.

Arts, Markets & Culture

21. Maboneng Precinct: Explore vibrant streets filled with street art murals, independent cafes, and galleries.

22. The Playground Market (Braamfontein): Experience live music, gourmet street food, and local fashion on Saturdays.

23. Victoria Yards: Browse open artist studios, craft workshops, and urban farming spaces in Lorentzville.

24. Rosebank Sunday Market: Shop for authentic African souvenirs, crafts, antiques, and international street food.

25. The Market Theatre: Catch a ground-breaking South African play in historic Newtown.

26. NIROX Sculpture Park: Walk through an outdoor art park nestled in the Cradle of Humankind.

27. Wits Art Museum (WAM): View extensive collections of African art, both historical and contemporary.

28. Keyes Art Mile (Rosebank): Visit contemporary galleries like CIRCA and enjoy upscale dining.

29. The Bioscope Independent Cinema: Watch independent local and international films in a boutique theater setting.

30. Fourways Farmers Market: Spend a weekend outdoors enjoying live music, craft drinks, and food stalls.

Adventure & Thrills

31. Soweto Towers: Bungee jump, SCAD dive, or paintball between the iconic painted cooling towers.

32. Gold Reef City Theme Park: Ride thrill coasters built around an authentic 19th-century gold mine.

33. Acrobranch Melrose: Navigate high ropes and zipline courses through the treetops.

34. Supreme Go-Karting: Race high-speed karts on indoor or outdoor tracks.

35. Total Ninja Interactive: Test your strength and agility on a massive indoor obstacle course.

36. MicroAdventure Tours: Join a guided cycling tour exploring secret city spots and rooftop viewpoints.

37. Northcliff Hill (Northcliff Eco Park): Hike up to the second highest point in Johannesburg for panoramic views, especially at sunset.

38. Quad Biking in the Cradle: Drive all-terrain quads through rugged trails in the countryside.

39. Hot Air Ballooning over the Cradle of Humankind: Float over scenic valleys at sunrise.

40. Ponte City Tower Tour: Take a guided architectural and cultural tour inside the famous 54-story cylindrical building.

Day Trips & Unique Experiences

41. Cradle of Humankind & Maropeng Visitor Centre: Learn about human evolution at a UNESCO World Heritage site.

42. Sterkfontein Caves: Go deep underground where ancient hominid fossils like “Mrs. Ples” were discovered.

43. City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Discover top landmarks across Joburg and Soweto at your own pace.

44. The Collectors Treasury: Wander through eight floors stacked with millions of used and rare books.

45. James Hall Museum of Transport: See land transport history, including vintage steam cars, trams, and horse-drawn buggies.

46. 27 Boxes (Melville): Shop local boutiques and eateries built out of converted shipping containers.

47. Nizamiye Mosque: Marvel at the Ottoman-style architectural complex in Midrand.

48. Nelson Mandela Square (Sandton): Dine alongside the famous 6-meter bronze statue of Nelson Mandela.

49. Wits Anglo American Digital Dome: Experience modern astronomy shows in a high-tech planetarium.

50. Hotel Sky: Visit the Sandton venue for rooftop views and meet interactive robotic staff in the lobby.