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Johannesburg Graffiti & urban art

Our most recommended Johannesburg Graffiti & urban art

Johannesburg: Maboneng Street Art Tour

1. Johannesburg: Maboneng Street Art Tour

Discover why Johanessburg’s artistic hub is recognized worldwide as a booming creative center on this 2-hour guided walking tour. You’ll see some of the best street art from around the world and even meet some of the artists themselves. Hit the streets of Maboneng Precinct and Jewel City to see why South Africa has long been recognized for its exciting modern art. Your guide will take you to meet the locals and explore Joburg subcultures, learn about the artists, their motivations, and the different techniques they use.  You’ll walk through individual pieces and get an overview of these colorful pieces, experiencing first-hand just how street art is changing the perspective in these local communities.

Soweto: Walking Tour with a Local Guide and Lunch

2. Soweto: Walking Tour with a Local Guide and Lunch

Discover the history of Soweto, where political icons lived during Apartheid, fighting against the regime. Explore the everyday life, meet the locals, taste local cuisine and get an authentic experience with a Sowetan native guide. Start at the Hector Pietersen Museum and hear about the Soweto uprising that transpired in 1976, which was one the turning point of Apartheid. Be introduced to the famous house of Nelson Mandela in Vilakazi Street, built in 1945, where he lived until he was imprisoned for 27 years. Have a conversation about Arch bishop Desmond Tutu in the famous street in Vilakazi Street. Continue through Orlando East, the first formal settlement of Soweto and Orlando Stadium, Soweto football giants, the Orlando Pirate and ride a minibus taxi to the last stop at the Orlando Towers. Listen to the many personal stories about the family's generations, how apartheid had an impact in each and everyone of them and how Soweto has changed today. Enjoy a traditional, local lunch of Kota (Local burger) or Braii (Barbecue).

Johannesburg: Soweto Tour with Lunch

3. Johannesburg: Soweto Tour with Lunch

After being picked up from your hotel or residence in Johannesburg or Pretoria, listen to a quick pre-departure tour briefing from your guide before departing to Soweto (South Western Township). On your way to Soweto, pass by the National Football Stadium, which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the World Cup 2010. Enter the Diepkloof area, where you will take a walk past vendors selling just about anything. Next, set off for the neighborhood of Orlando West and visit Vilakazi Street. Drive past the former home of Nelson Mandela and past the home of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Take the opportunity to read about the Soweto uprising on the 16th June 1976. On that tragic day, an innocent little boy called Hector Pieterson gave up his life and kick-started the liberation of South Africa. Then, pass by the Mandela House, giving you an opportunity to take photos of the father of Africa’s residence. Visits inside the museum are optional at an extra cost per person that is payable on arrival. Continue the Soweto tour by driving into one of the shanty towns, where you get to interact with some of the locals. By now you will have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly facets of Soweto include extreme poverty and wealth. Drive past the Soweto Campus of the Johannesburg University and end the tour with a view of the largest hospital in the world: Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

Johannesburg: Walking Tour

4. Johannesburg: Walking Tour

Meet your local guide at the Curiocity office in the Maboneng Precinct, sip a cup of fresh-brewed cappuccino before you begin your journey. Discover the Maboneng Precinct, also known as 'Place of Light,' a district that has fast become a center of the creative energy for Johannesburg's urban artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. Make your way to Kwa Mai-Mai Traditional Market, one of the oldest markets in Johannesburg. Walk past colorful stalls selling traditional medicines, ethnic attires, beaded jewelry, walking sticks, and handicrafts. Now is the best time to buy souvenirs to take back home. Continue to the Collectors Treasury, the largest second-hand bookstore in the Southern hemisphere, before you hop on a shuttle to the Carlton Centre building — a 50-story skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city. Visit the Gandhi Square, named after Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian leader and freedom fighter who spent 21 years in South Africa, and learn about his time in Johannesburg. End your tour with a stroll down the downtown Main Street, where you will walk past the Chancellor's House and the Shadow Boxing statue — a monumental sculpture portraying the late South African president, Nelson Mandela, as a young boxer.

Johannesburg : City Centre Walking Tour

5. Johannesburg : City Centre Walking Tour

Walkthrough Johannesburg and feel the hustle and bustle of the people, lifestyle and culture of the city. Visit Nelson Mandela's Law firm and get a 360 degree view of the city at the Top of Africa, in the Carlton Centre. Start at Museum Africa, in Newtown, then move on to the Workers Museum, the last surviving municipal compound for African men in Johannesburg. Continue to Chancellor House, where Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo set up South Africa’s first black-owned law firm. Go to Main Street, which has some of the best old buildings in the city. Main Street will lead you to Gandhi Square, a busy urban hub of commercial and retail activity. From there, move on to the Top of Africa, inside the tallest skyscraper on the continent. After Carlton, take local transport to Maboneng, an arts neighborhood, for a Braii lunch (vegan, vegetarian friendly).

Johannesburg: Braamfontein Street Art Guided Walking Tour

6. Johannesburg: Braamfontein Street Art Guided Walking Tour

Add to your experience by joining us our Street Art walking Tour in the Hip and vibrant district of Braamfontein and explore what this creative neighbourhood has to offer! Prepare yourself for an exciting walk through this artsy part of Johannesburg and enjoy the cool market of Market on the weekend. There are galleries, bars, hidden gems and street art in every corner with a raw feel of City life.

Johannesburg: Downtown Walking Tour

7. Johannesburg: Downtown Walking Tour

Get under the skin of this fascinating district with an expert guide who grew up in the area. Hear stories from the area's history, and learn about the personal experiences of your guide. Immerse yourself in a diverse neighborhood full of culture and history. Learn how a residential suburb became one of the most cosmopolitan places in South Africa. Hear how the area was a magnet for people from all over the world in the gold rush and the subsequent waves of migration from across the continent. Hear captivating stories from your guide, and then hit the streets to meet the locals. Visit landmarks like the Windybrow Art Center, the iconic Ponte Tower and Telkom Tower, as you experience firsthand this diverse and fascinating district.

Johannesburg: East City Cycle Tour

8. Johannesburg: East City Cycle Tour

Embark on a 2-hour cycling tour of Johannesburg and experience its history, public art and cultural sites. Peddle through Joburg's iconic east-side districts, marvel at its incredible architecture, and breathe in the fresh air.  Visit Jeppestown, established after 1886 by C.E.G. Julius Jeppe, who formed the Ford and Jeppe Estate Company with his son. Then, learn about the cultural history of the Maboneng Precinct, which has been transformed from a place of downtown urban decay to a center of creative energy for Johannesburg’s urban artists. Maboneng, a Sotho word meaning “place of light”, is a fitting name for this regenerated district. See its vibrant restaurants, coffee shops, clothing boutiques and art galleries, and its chic, art-loving crowd.  Cycle to Doornfontein – the area, whose name means "thorn fountain", was once a site for digging gold. Visit Victoria Yards, a uniquely integrated urban complex where tenants thrive as a community. Finish your illuminating cycle at Troyeville, another product of the gold rush. Learn about Joburg's fascinating urban history from your knowledgable guide, and get active as you explore the city!

Johannesburg: Guided City Tour & Nelson Mandela House Visit

9. Johannesburg: Guided City Tour & Nelson Mandela House Visit

Join a guided tour of Johannesburg and explore the City of Gold's most iconic landmarks. Learn about South Africa's oppressive past and celebrate its victories as you visit sights like the famous Soccer City Stadium, the Soweto Cooling Towers, and much more. Start your tour with a convenient pickup from your accommodation and set out to explore this bustling city. Start in Soweto, where you'll drive past the famous Soccer City Stadium. Admire the award-winning design of Africa's largest stadium, also known as the Calabash. Then, see the colorful Soweto Cooling Towers. This decommissioned power station is a prominent landmark in Soweto, boasting a larger-than-life mural and offering bungee jumping in an urban industrial setting. Next, visit Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world where 2 Nobel Peace Prize laureates once lived. This street was home to Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Stop at the Nelson Mandela National Museum, the home where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to 1962. See the humble property that now houses a collection of memorabilia, paintings, and photographs of the Mandela family. Finally, visit the Hector Pieterson Museum and learn about the events of 16 June 1976 and the Soweto Uprising. The museum is located just a short distance away from where police opened fire on students during a protest, resulting in the death of Hector Pieterson. Enjoy a comfortable transfer back to your accommodation at the end of your tour.

Frequently asked questions about Johannesburg

What are the best day trips and excursions from Johannesburg?

The best day trips and excursions from Johannesburg are:

Apartheid Museum

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

I love the tour with Mathapelo. She was knowledgeable, engaging, and very friendly. She made us feel very comfortable and safe, we would certainly not be able to find all the art without her. She also knows all the local artists, gallery workers, etc which makes it easier to move around. Such a vibrant and lively part of the city. I strongly recommend going and staying for coffee/drink lunch after. So many great food places around there. Bring cash if you are planning to buy any art or tip your guide!

wonderfull tour trough Johannesburg with our guides Mathapelo and Jerry. They are full of knowledge and takes you trough the urban city in a very safe way. Unfortunately the Carlton Towers has stopped taking visitors for the 360 view even though the tour description says it is a part of the tour. But our guides was so nice that they gave us another option to view the skyline! so happy for that. Really reccomend this tour! Thank you OneDayAfrica.

Fantastic experience - I would highly recommend to visitors who want to really experience South Africa and not just enjoy the nice beaches and restaurants. Tebogo was an amazing tour guide, everyone was so friendly and welcoming and it was a real highlight of our trip.

This is one of the best walking tours ever! The attention to art, culture, and history was incredibly moving! This young woman was lovely and she took the time to help me understand how history has shaped this community!

Very interesting tour trough an urban and vibrant area. Our guide Mathlapo was good and knew alot about the area. Would reccomend. Felt safe all the way.