Top activities
Top sights in Johannesburg
Frequently asked questions about Johannesburg
What top attractions are a must-see in Johannesburg?
The must-see attractions in Johannesburg are:
What are the top things to do in Johannesburg this week?
Which tours in Johannesburg are taking additional COVID-19 precautions?
These experiences in Johannesburg are taking additional COVID-19 precautions:
Planning Your Visit
When to go?
In terms of the weather there is not really a best time to visit Johannesburg. Daytime temperatures are fairly warm all year round, with the high altitude keeping summers from getting too hot. The South African winter is between May and August, and if you plan to take safari then the lack of foliage at this time makes it considerably easier to spot lions!
How safe is it?
Johannesburg is not as dangerous as you might think. Crime is nowhere near the level it once was and you'll immediately notice cars stopping at red lights all over the place without being stolen! Like any city, crime is still an issue but tends to be particularly high around certain areas. Avoid Yeoville, Berea, Hillbrow, and Alexandra if you can, and opt for taxis over public transport, which is quite chaotic.
Where to stay?
Johannesburg is a city of suburbs, so don't expect a hotel in the center to be your best bet. Consider booking a guesthouse in Melville, Sandton, or Rosebank. For contrast, Soweto is the city's largest township. Although it's still quite poor, it's one of the friendliest, liveliest parts of the city. The downside to that is it can be hard to get any sleep!
Good to know
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- Language
- Afrikaans and English
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- Currency
- South African Rand (ZAR)
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- Time Zone
- UTC (+02:00)
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- Country Code
- +27
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- Best time to visit
- Warm temperatures can be enjoyed all year round, but if you are visiting for safari, plan to come between May and August when foliage is at a minimum and big game sightings are easier!
Top Attractions in Johannesburg
Things to Do in Johannesburg
Cities in South Africa
- 3 Knysna
- 5 Durban
- 7 St Lucia
- 8 Hazyview
- 10 Mossel Bay
- 11 Franschhoek
- 12 Jeffreys Bay
- 13 Pretoria
- 14 Stellenbosch
- 15 Oudtshoorn
- 16 Nelspruit
- 17 Hermanus
- 18 Simon's Town
- 19 Hoedspruit
- 20 Graskop
Other Sightseeing Options in Johannesburg
Want to discover all there is to do in Johannesburg? Click here for a full list.
What people are saying about Johannesburg
TEBOGO was fantastic! He is so knowledgeable about the history and culture of Joburg. We are very happy that we did his tour right after we arrived, because he introduced us to so much. He linked different events and people together, making the tour a fine introduction to the changes that Joburg underwent over the last two centuries. We liked that he spoke slowly and clearly, so that everyone could understand him. Always ready to take time to answer questions, he shepherded us through downtown. We felt safe, because he kept us to the right neighborhoods. We even took an Uber one time to hop past an area he wanted to avoid. Walking tours are the best way to get a feel for a city and we appreciated getting to know several neighborhoods. We gained a good foundation for a (van-type) tour of different areas the following day. We have enjoyed walking tours all over the world and feel that he is up there with the best. We particularly enjoyed ending with a typical South African meal!
Very well organized and informative bycicle trip in Soweto, it was such a great way to get to know a REAL South African neighbourhood. It worths as 10 South African history lesson or twice as a visit in Apartheid Museum. When going to the meeting point, just copy the address in Google Maps and don't worry, yes, thats an ordinary house with no signs of a bycicle tour. Actually I was very confused if am I on the right place, but yes, that it is. :)
Vincent was a wonderful tour guide. He was prompt and courteous, and never made us feel rushed. He has a remarkable memory for history and kept us interested. The Mandela Home was good to see and learn more about Nelson Mandela. The Hector Pieterson Museum absolutely touched my soul. I’d recommend this tour to anyone visiting Johannesburg.
Very lively neighborhood. Very successful renovation. Splendid works of art. Very knowledgeable guide fluent in English. Very attentive, he is able to adapt to our pace and our delay. We were seduced by the creativity of the artists and the splendid colors that make the neighborhood even more lively. Thank you for these shared moments.
Very gsod experience, Sam was super professional and nice.
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