Johannesburg

Travel Guide

Johannesburg - Gauteng which includes a sunset, skyline and a skyscraper
Johannesburg - Gauteng which includes a sunset, skyline and a skyscraper
Johannesburg - Gauteng featuring a high-rise building and a city
Johannesburg - Gauteng showing a fountain, a city and street scenes
Johannesburg - Gauteng which includes farmland and mountain biking as well as a small group of people

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

Sandton Sunset

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
Panoramic view of Johannesburg, South Africa

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
This airport seems to be extremely colorful.

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
Aerial view of Johannesburg, taken from Midrand and facing South towards Sandton.

Midrand

You'll enjoy the gardens and spas in Midrand. You might want to make time for a stop at Boulders Shopping Centre or Mall of Africa.

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 €151 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€151
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,878 reviews)
Perfect for an airport overnight stay, the staff are friendly, professional and courteous. We appreciated the very kind gesture of being able to check in early after a long trip. We ate in the restaurant, food, wine and staff/service was excellent

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport
Southern Sun O.R Tambo

Southern Sun O.R Tambo

4 out of 5
Airport Grounds, Jones Road, / Kempton Park Gauteng
The price is €110 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€110
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! (1,643 reviews)
Airport shuttle is reliable and frequent. Staff is always helpful and friendly. Our room had an issue with the floor around the air conditioner, but other than that, we had a pleasant stay. The breakfast is always fantastic.

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

Southern Sun O.R Tambo
Premier Hotel OR Tambo

Premier Hotel OR Tambo

4 out of 5
73 Gladiator Street Kempton Park Gauteng
The price is €91 per night from 7 Mar to 8 Mar
€91
7 Mar - 8 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Kempton Park. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
Everything was excellant

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Premier Hotel OR Tambo
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.
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 Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City Mall ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (87 reviews)
This place is awesome!!! The pictures accurately depict this place -- I suggest going to upstairs restaurant-- it's a vibe!!!

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

BlackBrick Sandton Two
Lux Leisure Apartment Hotel Sandton

Lux Leisure Apartment Hotel Sandton

4.5 out of 5
125 Pretoria Ave Sandton Gauteng
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room massages. Popular attractions Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
I have been a guest with the hotel for over a month and enjoyed my stay. Staff are friendly, efficient and always helpful. The property is new with specious rooms that are fully equipped with kitchens, washing machines, dryers and air conditioning. Location is great with a fantastic restaurant across ...

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

Lux Leisure Apartment Hotel Sandton
One Rosebank Executive Apartment Hotel

One Rosebank Executive Apartment Hotel

4.5 out of 5
37 Cradock Ave Johannesburg Gauteng
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Melrose Arch Shopping Centre and ...
One Rosebank Executive Apartment Hotel
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.

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