Johannesburg, known as Egoli or the City of Gold, combines apartheid history, street art, Soweto heritage and easy day trips to the Cradle of Humankind and Pretoria.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Johannesburg.
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1
Apartheid Museum
South Africa's definitive museum of apartheid, with about 22 exhibition spaces tracing segregation, resistance and the 1994 transition. Entrance tickets randomly assign 'white' or 'non-white' gates.
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2
Constitution Hill
Former Old Fort prison complex where Gandhi and Mandela were held, now home to South Africa's Constitutional Court and a human-rights museum.
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3
Maboneng Precinct
Regenerated inner-city precinct of galleries, street murals, rooftop bars and cafes centred on Arts on Main.
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4
Vilakazi Street
The only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace laureates, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, lined with cafes, craft stalls and music.
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5
Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum
Museum and memorial to the 16 June 1976 Soweto Uprising, named for 13-year-old Hector Pieterson, killed that day.
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6
Kliptown Freedom Charter Monument
The square where the Freedom Charter was adopted in 1955, with a memorial of twelve pillars and a small museum.
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7
Maropeng and Cradle of Humankind
UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing human evolution; the Maropeng exhibition includes a boat ride and Sterkfontein Caves lie about 10 minutes away.
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8
Origins Centre
Museum of human origins and southern African rock art on the Wits campus, with hominin fossil casts and San rock-art displays.
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9
Liliesleaf Liberation Struggle Museum
Farm where Mandela and ANC leaders were arrested in 1963, now a museum tracing the underground struggle.
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10
Orlando Towers
Painted cooling towers turned into a bungee and swing venue with murals visible for miles.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Museum
Apartheid Museum
South Africa's definitive museum of apartheid, with about 22 exhibition spaces tracing segregation, resistance and the 1994 transition. Entrance tickets randomly assign 'white' or 'non-white' gates.
Origins Centre
Museum of human origins and southern African rock art on the Wits campus, with hominin fossil casts and San rock-art displays.
Museum Africa
City history museum covering Johannesburg's gold-rush origins, apartheid-era resistance and the Bleek and Lloyd San collection.
Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum
Museum and memorial to the 16 June 1976 Soweto Uprising, named for 13-year-old Hector Pieterson, killed that day.
Liliesleaf Liberation Struggle Museum
Farm where Mandela and ANC leaders were arrested in 1963, now a museum tracing the underground struggle.
Historic-Site
Constitution Hill
Former Old Fort prison complex where Gandhi and Mandela were held, now home to South Africa's Constitutional Court and a human-rights museum.
Neighbourhood
Maboneng Precinct
Regenerated inner-city precinct of galleries, street murals, rooftop bars and cafes centred on Arts on Main.
Melrose Arch
Pedestrian-friendly mixed-use precinct with restaurants, boutiques and a lively central piazza.
Art-Museum
Wits Art Museum
University museum holding one of Africa's finest collections of traditional African art, plus rotating contemporary exhibitions.
Zoo
Johannesburg Zoo
Large city zoo with big cats, primates and elephants; a low-cost family day.
Theme-Park
Gold Reef City
Gold-rush themed amusement park with rides, plus an underground Gold Mine tour (paid extra) beside the Apartheid Museum.
Day-Trip
Maropeng and Cradle of Humankind
UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing human evolution; the Maropeng exhibition includes a boat ride and Sterkfontein Caves lie about 10 minutes away.
Street
Vilakazi Street
The only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace laureates, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, lined with cafes, craft stalls and music.
Monument
Kliptown Freedom Charter Monument
The square where the Freedom Charter was adopted in 1955, with a memorial of twelve pillars and a small museum.
Landmark
Nelson Mandela Bridge
Cable-stayed bridge, among the largest of its kind in Africa, connecting Braamfontein and Newtown across the rail lines.
Ponte City
The 173 m cylindrical apartment tower with a hollow core, a Johannesburg skyline icon; tours climb inside the atrium.
Orlando Towers
Painted cooling towers turned into a bungee and swing venue with murals visible for miles.
Viewpoint
Carlton Centre (Top of Africa)
Africa's tallest office tower (223 m). The 50th-floor Top of Africa deck is a 360-degree city viewpoint; verify it is open before travelling.
Market
Neighbourhood Goods Market
Weekend indoor market of local produce, street food, craft beer and artisan stalls.
Rosebank Rooftop Market
Sunday rooftop market of African crafts, clothing, books and food beside Rosebank Mall.
Park
Delta Park
Large green space and birding area along the Braamfontein Spruit with walking trails and a small nature centre.
Garden
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Botanical garden with a waterfall, protected Highveld vegetation and a Verreaux's eagle breeding site.
Wildlife
Lion and Safari Park
Big-cat park with a self-drive safari; responsible visitors avoid the cub-petting offers.
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Currency
- South African rand (ZAR); R1 is about US$0.061
- Best Time
- April-October dry season; jacaranda blooms in October
- Getting Around
- Uber/Bolt, Gautrain, Rea Vaya BRT and guided tours; a rental car helps for the Cradle of Humankind and Walter Sisulu garden
- Airport
- OR Tambo International (JNB), about 25 km from the CBD; Gautrain to Sandton or Park Station takes about 15-35 minutes
- Tourist Information
- Johannesburg Tourism, https://www.joburg.org.za; Gauteng Tourism Authority, https://www.gauteng.net
- Emergency
- Police 10111, ambulance 10177, mobile 112
- Language
- English widely spoken; Zulu, Sotho and Afrikaans common
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Use Uber or Bolt for the CBD, Hillbrow and Maboneng; avoid walking with phones or cameras on show.
Book Soweto and Maboneng walking tours with licensed local operators for safety and context.
The Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill deserve a half day each; combine the museum with Gold Reef City next door.
Check hours online: several museums have moved to reduced weekday schedules.
Carry small rand notes for markets and tips; cards work at museums.
The Highveld sun is strong at 1,750 m elevation; bring sunscreen and water.
Gautrain links OR Tambo Airport, Sandton, Rosebank and Park Station, but a ride-hail is needed for most last legs.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are needed to see Johannesburg?
Three days covers the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Soweto and Maboneng; add a fourth for the Cradle of Humankind.
Is the Carlton Centre viewing deck open?
The 50th-floor Top of Africa deck has reportedly operated for about R30-R60, but access has been intermittent, so confirm on site before visiting.
Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?
Tourist sites are generally fine with normal precautions: use ride-hail at night, avoid displaying valuables and take guided tours in Soweto and the inner city.
What are the best free things to do in Johannesburg?
Wits Art Museum, Delta Park, Nelson Mandela Bridge, Vilakazi Street, Melrose Arch and entry to Neighbourhood Goods Market are free.
How far is Maropeng from Johannesburg?
About 50 km north-west, roughly 45-60 minutes by car.