Quick Answer
Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and the center of the country's anti-apartheid history. The Apartheid Museum, Soweto township tours, and the Constitution Hill former prison anchor a heavy but essential visit. Kruger National Park is a 5-hour drive. Hotels start from $85/night. May through October is dry season.
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Top Tours in Johannesburg
Soweto and Apartheid Museum Full-Day Tour
Comprehensive tour with stops at the Apartheid Museum, Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilakazi Street, Mandela's house, and lunch in a Soweto restaurant.
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Pilanesberg Big Five Safari Day Trip
Long but rewarding day trip to Pilanesberg Game Reserve for an open-vehicle Big Five game drive. Brunch and lunch included. Pickup from Joburg or Pretoria.
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Constitution Hill and Maboneng Walking Tour
Half-day visit to Constitution Hill (former prison, now Constitutional Court) and walking tour of the Maboneng arts district with stops for lunch.
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The experiences travelers come back to Johannesburg for, year after year.
Itineraries for Johannesburg
Day-by-day plans built by travelers who actually went.
Johannesburg in 3 Days
The essential first-time itinerary — the must-sees you came for, plus the local moments you came home talking about.
Johannesburg for Couples
Quiet mornings, slow dinners, and the views the brochures don't show. Built for two.
Johannesburg with Kids
Activities everyone enjoys, restaurants that welcome little ones, and downtime built into the plan.
Getting Around Johannesburg
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Johannesburg at your own pace. Compare rates from all major suppliers in one search.
Best Time to Visit Johannesburg
Best months to visit Johannesburg: April–June and September–October offer mild weather and fewer crowds. July–August is peak season. December–February is coldest but cheapest.
Why Visit Johannesburg?
Johannesburg is the city most South Africa visitors transit through and then skip for Cape Town. It deserves a couple of nights. The history is the most important on the continent and the energy of the city is something Cape Town doesn’t have.
The Apartheid Museum on the south side of the city is the most important museum in Africa. The exhibits walk you through the rise and fall of the apartheid system across 22 rooms, including a recreation of the queue voters stood in for the 1994 election. Soweto, the township south of central Joburg, is essential. Vilakazi Street is the only street in the world that produced two Nobel Peace Prize winners (Mandela and Tutu, both lived here). Mandela’s house is now a museum. Hector Pieterson Memorial covers the 1976 student uprising. Always visit Soweto with a guide. Constitution Hill (a former prison where both Gandhi and Mandela were held, now seat of the Constitutional Court) is one of the most affecting historical sites you’ll visit. Lilliesleaf Farm in the northern suburbs preserves the safehouse where the ANC underground operated until being raided in 1963. Maboneng and Newtown are the regenerated former industrial neighborhoods now full of street art, craft markets, and restaurants. Beyond the city, the Cradle of Humankind (where Mrs. Ples and other early human fossils were found) is 45 minutes north. Pilanesberg Game Reserve is 2 hours for Big Five viewing. Kruger National Park is 5 hours by road or 1 hour by flight to nearby Skukuza. Most safari trips fly out of Joburg as the gateway.
Frequently Asked Questions — Johannesburg
How much do hotels in Johannesburg cost?
Budget hotels and B&Bs start at $30/night. 3-star hotels run $85-$160. 4-star hotels are $160-$300. Luxury 5-star hotels like The Saxon, Four Seasons Westcliff, or Michelangelo are $400-$900/night.
When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
May through October is dry season with sunny days and cold nights (the city is at 5,750 feet altitude). July is coldest but driest. November through March is summer with afternoon thunderstorms. Johannesburg has the highest concentration of sunny days of any major city in the world.
How many days do I need in Johannesburg?
Two days for the Apartheid Museum, Soweto, and Constitution Hill. Add a day for the Cradle of Humankind. Three to four days is enough unless you're using Joburg as a Kruger Park base, then plan an extra 4-5 days.
Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?
Johannesburg requires caution. Stay in Sandton, Rosebank, or Houghton. Avoid the CBD on foot. Carjackings happen. Use Uber (which works well) and don't walk anywhere at night. With those rules followed, the city is fine. Always travel to Soweto with a guide, not solo.
What area should I stay in?
Sandton for upscale modern hotels, malls, and the safest neighborhoods. Rosebank for hipper restaurants and gallery district. Melville for a younger, hipper feel. Avoid the CBD (Central Business District) for hotel stays. Maboneng is regenerating but riskier at night.
How do I get around Johannesburg?
Uber is the standard and works well, with rides usually $4-15. The Gautrain (high-speed rail) connects the airport to Sandton in 20 minutes. Avoid walking anywhere at night. Rental cars are easy but parking only in secure garages. Skip minibus taxis.
What food should I try in Johannesburg?
Bunny chow (curry in a hollowed-out bread loaf) at any Durban-influenced restaurant, braai (BBQ) at any local braai joint, biltong (cured meat) at Frans Smith Biltong, pap and chakalaka (cornmeal with vegetable relish) anywhere, and a modern South African tasting menu at Marble in Rosebank.