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Get InspiredAfricaSouth AfricaGautengJohannesburg

Johannesburg

Gauteng, South Africa
City·Dynamic, Bustling, Diverse
Johannesburg
Photo by Simon Hurry from Unsplash
Johannesburg
Photo by Clodagh Da Paixao from Unsplash
Johannesburg
Photo by Simon Hurry from Unsplash
Johannesburg
Photo by tebogo losaba from Unsplash
Johannesburg
Photo by Jacques Nel from Unsplash
Johannesburg
Photo by Simon Hurry from Unsplash
Johannesburg
Photo by Clodagh Da Paixao from Unsplash
Johannesburg
Photo by Simon Hurry from Unsplash
Johannesburg
Photo by tebogo losaba from Unsplash
Johannesburg
Photo by Jacques Nel from Unsplash
Johannesburg
Photo by Thomas Bennie from Unsplash
Johannesburg
Photo by Gregory Fullard from Unsplash
Johannesburg
Photo by Tembinkosi Sikupela from Unsplash

Johannesburg, often referred to as Jo'burg or the City of Gold, is the largest city in South Africa and a major economic powerhouse. Situated in Gauteng, it is the wealthiest province and home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The city is steeped in history, with significant sites related to the apartheid era, including the famous Soweto township. Johannesburg is a melting pot of cultures, offering a vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary experiences, and bustling markets. It's a city that reflects both the challenges and triumphs of South Africa's past and present.

Johannesburg, often referred to as Jo'burg or the City of Gold, is the largest city in South Africa and a major economic powerhouse. Situated in Gauteng, it is the wealthiest province and home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The city is steeped in history, with significant sites related to the apartheid era, including the famous Soweto township. Johannesburg is a melting pot of cultures, offering a vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary experiences, and bustling markets. It's a city that reflects both the challenges and triumphs of South Africa's past and present.

You might want to ask

Highlights

  • Home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

  • Rich history with significant apartheid-era landmarks.

  • Cultural melting pot with diverse communities.

  • Gateway to South Africa's economic activities.

  • Vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Before you go: Johannesburg essentials

  • Close access to Soweto, a key historical area for apartheid history.

  • Rich cultural heritage with museums and historical sites.

  • Diverse population with a mix of cultures and languages.

Getting Around

Johannesburg has a comprehensive public transport system including buses, trains, and taxis.

Local Cuisine

Try local dishes such as biltong and bunny chow at various eateries around the city.

Best For

Exploring South African history and vibrant city life.

Currency

ZAR R

Average Cost

$60-$120 p/day

Languages Spoken

English, Afrikaans, Zulu

Safety

Be cautious in crowded areas and avoid displaying valuables to prevent pickpocketing.

Cultural Sites

Visit Soweto for a deep dive into the city's apartheid history and heritage.

Best time to visit Johannesburg

March-MaySeptember-November

Best Season

Spring

Spring in Johannesburg is pleasant with mild temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities.

Summer

Summers are hot and can be rainy, but the city is vibrant with festivals and events.

Best Season

Fall

Fall offers cooler weather and is a great time to explore the city's cultural sites.

Winter

Winters are dry and mild, making it a good time for indoor activities like museum visits.

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Get early access to exclusive partner discounts, tips & user itineraries.

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Location

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Where to stay in Johannesburg

Place
Place
Place
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Place

MINT Hotel Sandhurst

4.2(334)
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Welcoming, Comfortable, Upscale

Food & drink in Johannesburg

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tashas The Marc

4.5(923)
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Sunny, Airy, Bustling
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

tashas Nelson Mandela Square

4.3(2 K)
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Lively, Warm, Welcoming
Place
Place
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Place
Place

Signature Restaurant

4.6(1,9 K)
johannesburg, Gauteng
Elegant, Bustling, Classy

Things to do in Johannesburg

Half-Day Walking Tour in Soweto
From $32

Half-Day Walking Tour in Soweto

4.9(101)
Duration: 5h
Johannesburg
Exhilarating Horseback Safari from Johannesburg
From $185

Exhilarating Horseback Safari from Johannesburg

5.0(5)
Duration: 5h
Johannesburg
Soweto Tour
From $81

Soweto Tour

5.0(7)
Duration: 3h
Pretoria
Airport Transfers (Airport-Hotel) Johannesburg
From $44

Airport Transfers (Airport-Hotel) Johannesburg

4.5(6)
Duration: 1 min
Johannesburg
Half-day Safari Experience in Dinokeng
From $218

Half-day Safari Experience in Dinokeng

4.0(5)
Duration: 3h
Johannesburg
Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg
From $298

Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg

4.9(430)
Duration: 4h
Johannesburg
Full Day Safari Tour of Pilanesberg National Park, Open Jeep experience
From $222

Full Day Safari Tour of Pilanesberg National Park, Open Jeep experience

4.8(160)
Duration: 11h
Johannesburg
Kruger National Park Wild Safari Adventure 3days 2night
From $1,127

Kruger National Park Wild Safari Adventure 3days 2night

Duration: 72h
Johannesburg
Explore on Viator

Attractions in Johannesburg

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Place
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Place

The Wilds Nature Reserve

4.6(2,7 K)
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Tranquil, Scenic, Family Friendly
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Sci-Bono Discovery Centre

4.5(2,7 K)
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Interactive, Educational, Family Friendly
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Place
Place
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Place

Museum Africa

4.1(676)
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Educational, Cultural, Historic
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Place

Gold Reef City Theme Park

4.5(39,8 K)
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Exciting, Family Friendly, Energetic
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Place
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Johannesburg Zoo

4.2(16,4 K)
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Educational, Family Friendly, Nature Focused
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Place
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Place

Johannesburg Art Gallery

4.2(1,1 K)
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Stately, Cultural, Educational
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Place
Place
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Place

Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct

4.5(6,7 K)
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Educational, Historical, Thought Provoking
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Carlton Centre

4.0(20,6 K)
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Urban, Scenic, Tourist Friendly