Johannesburg

Travel 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 surpriseseven the most experienced travellers. The city has many interesting culturalsites, beautiful attractions and a diverse population. And although there arestill some no-go areas in the city, most of the city is considered safe and ajoy to explore.

For beautiful views over the city, go to the Topof Africa viewpoint at the Carlton Centre.For a closer look, take a tour with a guide through Sowetoto see how some of the locals live. Soweto is a series of townships consistingof cheap and makeshift housing and infrastructure. While this area can beshocking for some, most visitors are pleasantly surprised by the livelyatmosphere and fascinating culture. The district also has some wild places, sowe 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 whereNelson Mandela once lived. Visit other important places such as the HectorPetersen Memorial and the Regina Mundi Church.

Explore some historic parts of the city with avisit to Parktownor Newtown. There you will find historicalbuildings, as well as streets are lined with cafés, restaurants and shops. Walkaround the northern suburbs and see where the wealthier section of societylive, where you will find chic boutiques, bars and restaurants.

If you are interested in history, you certainly wantto visit some of Johannesburg’s top museums. Immerseyourself in the turbulent history of SouthAfrica at the Apartheid Museum. Take a walk on Constitution Hill andvisit the prison museums for more traces of the troubled history of the city. Ifart is your thing then a visit to the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) isdefinitely worthwhile here you will find a fantastic selection of local andinternational art.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city,you can take a stroll through the tranquil Walter Sisulu National BotanicalGarden. Or if you really want to get close to nature, head to the SuikerbosrandNature Reserve where you can organize a trip to the Lion Park and seethe 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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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
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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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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 featuring a park

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
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Fourways

Travellers like the shopping in Fourways, and Fourways Mall is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Fourways
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 Kempton Park Gauteng
The price is €129 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
€129
16 Dec - 17 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kempton Park. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,822 reviews)
It is very convenient for Tambo airport.

Reviewed on 26 Nov 2025

City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport
Premier Hotel OR Tambo

Premier Hotel OR Tambo

4 out of 5
73 Gladiator Street Kempton Park Gauteng
The price is €85 per night from 2 Jan to 3 Jan
€85
2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Kempton Park. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,026 reviews)
Staff were friendly

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025

Premier Hotel OR Tambo
Peermont Metcourt at Emperors Palace

Peermont Metcourt at Emperors Palace

3 out of 5
Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Road Kempton Park Gauteng
Stay at this spa hotel in Kempton Park. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 7 restaurants. Popular attractions Emperors Palace Casino and International Terminal ...
7.8/10 Good! (580 reviews)
Enjoyed my stay. All amenities of Emperor's palace are walking distance. I'll be back.

Reviewed on 24 Nov 2025

Peermont Metcourt at Emperors Palace
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.
Mint Hotel Rosebank

Mint Hotel Rosebank

3.5 out of 5
9 Jellicoe Avenue Johannesburg Gauteng
Stay at this apartment in Johannesburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Melrose Arch Shopping Centre and Rosebank ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (144 reviews)
We loved our stay, the place is spacious and reasonably priced all while offering equipment ANYONE would need on a stay. Even when traveling from far. It was very convenient and incredible, we actually decided that every hotel booking we make in JHB will be made at THE MINT... it's out new spot. ...

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2025

Mint Hotel Rosebank
BlackBrick Sandton Two

BlackBrick Sandton Two

3.5 out of 5
22 Fredman Dr Sandton Gauteng
Stay at this aparthotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Melrose Arch Shopping Centre and Montecasino ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (67 reviews)
It was good

Reviewed on 23 Nov 2025

BlackBrick Sandton Two
The Leonardo

The Leonardo

5 out of 5
75 Maude Street Sandton Gauteng
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Melrose Arch Shopping Centre and Montecasino ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (52 reviews)
A wonderful hotel in every way!

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

The Leonardo
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.