Apartheid Museum
South Africa's definitive museum of apartheid, with 22 exhibition spaces tracing segregation, resistance and the 1994 transition. Entrance tickets randomly assign 'white' or 'non-white' gates.
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About Gauteng
Gauteng means 'place of gold' in Sotho. Johannesburg mixes the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and Maboneng's arts scene; Soweto holds Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Museum; Pretoria adds the Union Buildings and jacaranda avenues; the Cradle of Humankind sits 50 km northwest. The region is best seen by ride-hailing and Gautrain.
- Capital
- Johannesburg
- Largest city
- Johannesburg
- Population
- ~16 million
- Languages
- English, Zulu, Afrikaans, Sotho, Tswana
- Currency
- South African rand
- Time zone
- SAST (UTC+2, no daylight saving)
Explore Gauteng by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Gauteng
The 19 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Constitution Hill
Former Old Fort prison complex where Gandhi and Mandela were held, now home to the Constitutional Court and its art collection.
Vilakazi Street and Mandela House Museum
The only street in the world that housed two Nobel Peace laureates (Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu). Mandela's small house is now a museum.
Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum
Museum and memorial to the 1976 Soweto Uprising, named for the 13-year-old shot on 16 June 1976.
Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves (Cradle of Humankind)
UNESCO-listed fossil sites where 'Mrs Ples' and Homo naledi were found. Maropeng has a boat ride and evolution exhibit; Sterkfontein offers underground cave tours.
Union Buildings
Sandstone seat of government designed by Herbert Baker with terraced gardens and a 9 m bronze Mandela statue.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Gauteng Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Gauteng, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Gauteng
- Days 1-2Gauteng city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Gauteng
- Days 1-3Gauteng comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Gauteng, departure
Where to stay in Gauteng
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget R900 (~$55)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range R2,500 (~$153)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury R8,000+ (~$491)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
Five-star boutique hotel in Sandhurst where Nelson Mandela finished writing Long Walk to Freedom.
Check rates on Booking.comFour Seasons Hotel The Westcliff
Terraced hillside hotel overlooking Johannesburg's northern suburbs and the Zoo.
Check rates on Booking.comHyatt Regency Johannesburg Rosebank
Business-friendly hotel next to Rosebank Gautrain Station and the Rosebank malls.
Check rates on Booking.comInterContinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers
High-rise on Sandton's Nelson Mandela Square, five minutes on foot from Sandton Gautrain Station.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Gauteng
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Wandie's Place
Soweto institution serving traditional buffet lunches to groups and diners.
Sakhumzi Restaurant
Terrace restaurant and buffet on Vilakazi Street, lively at lunchtime.
Marble
Rooftop restaurant on the Keyes Art Mile, known for open-fire cooking and city views.
The Carnivore Restaurant
All-you-can-eat game and domestic meat restaurant near the Cradle of Humankind.
The Local Grill
Popular butchery-style steakhouse chain with locations across Johannesburg.
Moyo Zoo Lake
Pan-African restaurant beside Zoo Lake with live music and decorated dining areas.
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Getting around Gauteng
Ride-hailing and Gautrain cover most tourist routes.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in ZAR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | R300-R700 (~$18-$43) | R1,500-R3,000 (~$92-$184) | R4,000-R20,000 (~$245-$1227) |
| Food (per day) | R150-R300 (~$9-$18) | R400-R800 (~$25-$49) | R1,200-R3,000 (~$74-$184) |
| Transportation | R100-R250 (~$6-$15) | R300-R600 (~$18-$37) | R800-R1,800 (~$49-$110) |
| Activities | R100-R250 (~$6-$15) | R300-R700 (~$18-$43) | R1,000-R3,000 (~$61-$184) |
| Daily total | R900 (~$55) | R2,500 (~$153) | R8,000+ (~$491) |
Best time to visit Gauteng
Weather through the year in Gauteng
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Gauteng.
Dry, mild autumn and spring are best
Winter nights can be freezing; hotels may lack heating
Essential travel tips
- Get a local SIM (Vodacom/MTN) at OR Tambo
- Bring layers for cold winter nights
- Carry small notes for tips
- Plan around traffic on the N1 and M1
Safety information
Use Uber/Bolt door to door, especially after dark
Keep car doors locked and windows up at intersections (smash-and-grab and hijacking risk)
Do not walk in the Johannesburg CBD after dark or carry visible valuables
Use ATMs inside malls
Avoid demonstrations and roadblocks; check local news
Book accommodation with 24-hour security
Frequently asked questions
Explore Gauteng by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.