Things to Do in Johannesburg
Activities To Do in Johannesburg
Hop on a Red Bus Tour, Three-wheel through Jozi on an e-tuk-tuk, Slam dunk with Bounce, Visit the James Hall Museum of Transport and many more.Save the thrill and excitement for endless fun things to do in Johannesburg as you visit this largest city of South Africa. There are tons of activities like wildlife safaris, flora exploration, strolling amidst historic relics and more with the innumerable places located here.
For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, wildlife safaris are a fun activity to indulge in. Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Safari tour, Madikwe Game Reserve safari and others are some of the famous places to enjoy wildlife safari and explore the exotic wildlife of South Africa. Lions, cheetahs, zebras, ostriches, wild dogs, hyenas, and various species of antelope can be sighted on your voyage here.
Satisfy your historic era transport curiosities as you visit the James Hall Museum of Transport. Check out all the vehicles that developed over time till what we use today. Some other things to add to your bucket list while visiting Johannesburg are city highlights exploration with a red bus tour, boat ride at the Zoo lake, coffee tasting at Bean There and others.
To get exotic views of the city's skyline, The Carlton Center that is the tallest Skyscraper in Africa is a beautiful spot to visit. If you are looking for some shopping places, visit the oriental plaza, and dine at Troyeville to feast on some great local dishes and more.
The Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg, also known as WAM, is one of South Africa's premier art institutions, offering a remarkable exploration of African creativity and history. Located in the heart of Johannesburg at Wits University, this museum is not just a repository of art but a vibrant cultural hub that brings the stories and traditions of the African continent to life.
WAM’s impressive collection features over 12,000 works, showcasing traditional, modern, and contemporary African art from South Africa and beyond. It houses diverse pieces, including sculptures, paintings, and textiles, each with a unique narrative. Traditional artworks, which include ceremonial masks, sculptures, and beadwork, provide a window into the cultural practices and spiritual beliefs of various African societies. The modern and contemporary pieces, meanwhile, reflect the dynamic social and political landscape of Africa, with many artworks addressing themes of identity, freedom, and resilience.
More Johannesburg Activities
Our Partners
Johannesburg Things To Do FAQs
What are the best things to do in Johannesburg?
1. Hop on a Red Bus Tour: Ride in the open top bus and voyage to the city to check out its prime attractions. The bus follows a route around the Johannesburg city that covers all the things to see in Johannesburg.
It includes places like Apartheid Museum, Joburg zoo and others along with a pre-recorded commentary in different languages. Many of these buses leave every 30 minutes and the tours are available for various duration of validity.
Location: Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
2. Three-wheel through Jozi on an e-tuk-tuk: Enjoy a ride in a three-wheeled vehicle known as tuk-tuk that will help you explore the city in a more eco-friendly and safe way. It is one of the best modes of transport that will let you explore all the great things to do in Johannesburg.
Apart from being affordable, they will help you explore the urban landscape and nearby places from your location easily. It is perfect to travel for shorter distances and can accommodate two or three passengers.
Location: 66 4th Ave, Melville, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
Price: Starting from R25 for a 3 kilometres journey
3. Slam dunk with Bounce: Experience some fun and adrenaline rush as you play a game at full height basketball at the Slam Dunk. The game here will make you feel the strength needed and residing in the legs of the world’s best basket-baller.
Play a game or two with your friends that will also help you build your bounce height. Choose a session as per the time you have and the price that suits you the best.
Location: Cnr Waterfall Drive & Country Drive, Midrand, Johannesburg, 1682
Timings:
Mon – Fri: 12pm – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
4. Visit the James Hall Museum of Transport: Visit this largest transport museum seated in South Africa that showcases the 400 years history of transport in Africa. From animal drawn vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles to trams, trolleybuses and more, one can sight many astonishing vehicles at this famed transport museum.
The exhibits displayed are all land vehicles and were established by the Late Jimmie Hall along with the City of Johannesburg in February 1964. The exhibits showcased here are one of the top things to see in Johannesburg.
Location: Klipriviersberg 106-Ir, Johannesburg South, 2197, South Africa
Timings: Monday-Closed; Tuesday-Sunday: 9 AM-5 PM
5. Check out Uncle Merv’s in Maboneng: Fulfill your appetite at Uncle Merv’s that is famous for serving the best barista made coffee, smoothies, sandwiches and much more. It also offers vintage bicycles for the visitors on rent to pedal down their way around the city and explore.
Start your day with the freshly brewed coffee served here on all days of the week and indulge in famous things to do in Johannesburg.
Location: Maboneng East Side Of Inner City, Kruger St, Johannesburg, South Africa
Timings: Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM-3 PM; Sat-Sun: 8 AM-4PM
6. Shop at the Oriental Plaza: Wake up the shopaholic in you as you visit the oriental plaza that resides small shops selling everything from food, toy shop, spices shop, luggage shop, homeware to clothes.
This shopping center is located at around 350 centers with all budget options. Don’t forget to bargain on whatever you buy and save some bucks on your shopping here while you pursue things to do in Johannesburg.
Location: 38-60 Lilian Ngoyi St, Fordsburg, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
Timings: Mon-Fri: 9 AM-5 PM; Sat: 9 AM-3 PM; Sunday: Closed
7. Take a boat out on Zoo Lake: Visit the zoo lake that is famed for being one of the best daytime picnic spots for all. Enjoy some time amidst the exotic surrounding or choose to paddle across this man-made Lake.
It is located opposite to the Johannesburg Zoo and is a perfect location to spend some time amidst the nature feeding the ducks in the lake.
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Price:
R10 per adult per hour
R7.50 per child (Under the age of 14) per hour
Timings: Open 24 hours
8. Take in the view from the Carlton Center: With the spectacular sunset views to the bird’s eye view of the city, stand on the tallest skyscraper in Africa, The Carlton Center and sight the exotic views around.
Do capture candid’s with the city's skyline and feel the swiping air from the top of this 50 storey building that finds its place among the popular things to do in Johannesburg.
9. Dine at The Troyeville: Treat yourself with great food of Portugese cuisine at the old-world building of The Troyville. The taste of Mozambique cuisine can also be acquired at this place at affordable prices. It has been a go-to place for the locales as well as the tourists for an exceptional dining experience.
Location: 1403 Albertina Sisulu Road | Corner Wilhelmina Street, 25 Bezuidenhout Street, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
Timings: Opens at 9 AM
10. Coffee tasting at Bean There: Feast your taste buds on the best coffee ever made at Bean there that is scented with the smell of roasted coffee beans. Try out the different regional coffees on selected Thursdays and learn about the journey from crop to coffee.
You can also indulge in a four hour Home Barista Course that will prepare you to make the finest coffee by yourself.
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Timings: 07:30 AM-4:00 PM, Sat: 08:30 AM-3:00 PM.
What are the things to do in Johannesburg at night?
1. Catch a movie at Movie Theater: Watch a movie after a whole day exploration at the Market Theater that got its name after the fruit and vegetable market it nestles in. This theater offers an ancient vibe as its opening dates back to 1976.
2. Attend Concert at The barnyard Theater Cresta: Have some fun and dance to the beats of the music concert hosted at The Barnyard theatre Cresta. Listen to your favourite songs and enjoy some great time with your loved ones.
3. Dine at Pata Pata: For tasty and traditional dishes, Pata Pata is a great place to enjoy some local music with some good food and company. Either opt for a simpler meal with burgers and enjoy live jazz music along with it while you plan for other activities to do in Johannesburg.
4. Explore your creative side at Chalkboard Collaboration: Bring out your creativity with the chalks as you create beautiful designs on walls and table tops. Try everything from brewers & union and watch a movie while you enjoy some great food.
What are the romantic things to do in Johannesburg?
1. Hot air balloon ride: Float in the sky and feel the love in the air with your better half as you enjoy a hot balloon ride in Johannesburg. Catch the bird’s eye view of the UNESCO world heritage sites and many game reserves.
2. Exotic sunset views at Northcliff ridge: Set your eyes on the extravagant sunset views with your location at Sandton Central. Take a stroll with your partner beneath the tinted sky with subtle hues in the evening and gaze at the panoramic view of Johannesburg while the sun sets.
3. Boat ride to Zoo Lake: Sailing over the swift waters will surely help you dive into a romantic vibe with your partner. If you guys love adventure, choose to row out to the Zoo Lake and explore the protected bird island in the middle.
4. Rejuvenate at Luxury Spas: Get pampered as you choose for a couple's spa at the luxury spas like Four Seasons Spa Westcliff, Fairlawns Spa and others. Take a dive in the outdoor pool post-treatment and take a stroll in the exotic Balinese-themed garden oasis.
5. Hike and lunch at Gauteng countryside: Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city as you drive your way to the foothills of the Magaliesberg and the shores of the Hartbeespoort dam. Take a short break as you feast on a luscious lunch and hike at the vast green fields and forests located across Gauteng.
How to reach Johannesburg?
Johannesburg is linked by air to international cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Delhi, Mumbai and others. O.R. Tambo international airport is the nearest airport that is 21 kilometres away from Johannesburg. Airlines such as Kenya Airways, Emirates, South African Airways, Etihad and many others are operational to the nearest airport of Johannesburg.
What is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
Plan your visit to Johannesburg between May to September which is the off season in South Africa. This time holds the opportunity for you to explore the parks, wildlife, nature and other prime attractions of the city comfortably.
How much does it cost to enter at Gold Reef City?
For all rides, people above the height of 1.3 meters, the ticket costs R195 per person. For kids (Under the height of 1.3 meters), a ticket costs around R125 and for non-riders, the ticket cost R115. The ticket price for pensioners and students is R165.
What is Johannesburg known for?
Johannesburg is known for sky-touching towers, extravagant nightlife, luxury spas, zoo and lake and much more. Visit famous places like Mandela’s home, sunset views, Apartheid museum, Gold reef city theme Park, wildlife safari and more as you plan your bucket list.
Is Johannesburg worth visiting?
Johannesburg is worth visiting to explore the richest capital of South African province. This place is abode to Mandela’s home, graffiti by international artists, national park safari, archaeology at Almost Human and more.
All these sites will leave you awestruck and will make your journey one of the best trips you ever had with exceptional activities to do in Johannesburg.
What language do they speak in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg residents speak Nguni languages at most along with few speaking Sotho languages, English, Afrikaans, Tshivenda.
Is Cape Town safer than Johannesburg?
The safety environs are better comparatively to Cape Town. The round the clock available police officers throughout the city make sure that every person in the city feels safe. The CCTV cameras installed around the city keep an eye on the happenings in every corner to ensure everyone’s well-being.
Is Johannesburg safe at night?
Yes! Johannesburg is safe to explore at night but it is better to stick to general safety tips like getting back to your hotel before late hours, travelling in public transport, and others. Avoid roaming alone at night and save the contacts of your hotel and local police station in your smartphone.
How much does a safari in Johannesburg cost?
A safari in Johannesburg costs anywhere between $125 and $1,500 per person per night. If you are looking for an affordable option, safaris are also available at a price range $150 per night, $350 for mid-range and luxury for $750.
Which are the best safari tours in Johannesburg?
1. Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Safari tour: Feast your eyes on exotic South African wildlife as you sight the same from an open-top 4x4 safari vehicle. Try your luck at sighting all Africa's famous 'Big Five' animals and capture pictures of the same.
2. Madikwe Game Reserve safari: Along with an option of luxury safari lodges at its place, visit this fifth biggest reserve in South Africa. Get sight of some of the 66 large mammals and 300 bird species residing here. This is the fifth largest reserve and a hidden gem in South Africa.
3. Welgevonden Game Reserve Safari: Another extravagant spot to explore around for a tranquil exploration of exotic wildlife is Welgevonden Game Reserve. Rarer animals like brown hyenas and honey badgers apart from the big 5 animals (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalos) can be spotted here.
4. Mziki Private Game Reserve: This safari option is ideal for families and children as this area offersmini-ranger courses for kids. Additional exciting activities like camp treasure hunt, cultural experiences and a quiz are also the major highlights of the reserve safari.
5. Dinokeng Game Reserve Safari: This zone is free of big 5 animals and is ideal for self-drive routes. One can also choose to go on guided tours, boat tours, bush walks, fishing, Hot air balloon rides and more at this location.