Revel in our guide to the best things to do in Johannesburg, including museums, breweries, history and local hangouts
Here’s hoping you like excitement because the best things to do in Johannesburg will have you on the edge of your seat. That isn’t true if you take the Red Bus tour, as you can sit back comfortably and enjoy everything this famous South African city offers. What does it have to offer? Where to begin?
Johannesburg is one of the biggest cities in Africa and the biggest in the world not built on a water source. Joburg was actually built on a goldmine, so keep that in the back pocket of your pub quiz team for future reference. Joburg has its problems, but take the proper precautions, and a fabulous city will soon reveal itself.
What is it? A world-renowned documentation of one of modern history’s most shameful eras. An impressive collection of photographs, posters, videos, and oral histories are curated into a sequence of unique and striking displays.
Why go? South Africa will still be recovering from its past for some time, and this excellent museum explains what happened and why.
What is it? The township of Soweto, now home to a third of the city’s population, has a complicated past. It was created in the 1930s as a segregated neighbourhood for black residents pushed out of Jo-burg’s predominantly white suburbs. Today, you can join a local in exploring the town while learning more about the area’s past and present as you go.
Why go? In many ways, this community is Jo’burg’s heart, so you’d be doing the city a disservice if you skip it. Ask nicely, and you’ll visit a local café for lunch and be served a pile of pap (sticky cornmeal porridge) so big you could use it to build a sandcastle.
What is it? The food market where all the cool kids are to be found each Saturday lunchtime. Though visitors are welcome, this is very much aimed at locals, and you’ll find a young but very mixed crowd of them eating everything from pokÄ“ bowls to pecan pie.
Why go? As well as superb eating opportunities, there’s shopping to be done; you can buy crafts from independent designers on the top floor. And on your way up, you can grab a craft beer from the rooftop bar.
What is it? A highly regarded music venue in lively Braamfontein where the schedule is bursting with South African talent virtually every night of the week. The food offering is unadventurous but very reliable.
Why go? This city pulses with music, and The Orbit is among its best venues. Book a table or look out for one of their free open mic nights, where the standard makes our Britain’s Got Talent finalists sound like the local Primary school’s recorder choir.
What is it? Fox Street in Maboneng has become an after-hours favourite partly by engineering: local businesses put on security guards after dark to keep their customers safe. That means you’re free to chat, dance and shake your ass in the excellent restaurants and bars until late as long as you’re sensible enough to get an Uber home at the end of it.
Why go? Incredibly delicious (and incredibly cheap) Ethiopian food from Little Addis; South African food and music at Pata Pata; whatever fun you find in between.
What is it? You can barely compare the hectic, urban city centre to Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, where Mercs line the streets and flowers tumble over the garden walls’ security cameras. Parkhurst is a lovely place to spend an evening bar-hopping and eating very well.
Why go? Atypical of the flashy neighbourhood (though still quite posh) is Coobs, a restaurant turning mainly their own organic produce into dishes that look fancy and taste extraordinarily good. The restaurant is temporarily closed, but expect it to return with a vengeance at any moment.
What is it? The University of Witwatersrand’s museum of African art has more than 12,000 pieces in its collection and is widely considered the best of its kind. Not one for paintings? No matter. Head straight for the beadwork or ceremonial sticks.
Why go? As well as works by Irma Stern and Edoardo Villa, you’ll encounter a whole new world of artists rarely represented elsewhere. By the way, it’s pronounced ‘vitz’.
What is it? A massive craft brewery right in the centre of town that offers lighthearted tours of the on-site equipment. The beer garden and spacious bar are mainly built out of strips of giant Meccano, and a massive steel monster towers over the indoor tables. Perhaps Dennis the Menace has retrained as an interior designer?
Why go? Mad Giant beers are mad good, especially the fruity, hoppy Urban Legend IPA.
What is it? You know the deal; a double-decker open-top bus circles the city’s top attractions, and tourists hop on and off as they wish. An audio commentary gives background to the buildings and districts as they pass.
Why go? It’s easy to be sneery, but in a city where exploring by foot and public transport comes with considerable risks, this is a great starting point. The audio guide’s soundtrack of South African classics might just be your new favourite mixtape.
What is it? A chic little shopping complex supporting independent artists and designers. High-end chocolatiers, jewellery makers, antique shops, clothing designers and beautiful crafts are all interconnected by shaded, calm courtyards.
Why go? If you don’t have extra space in your suitcase, you can ask about international shipping. You can mull over the decision over craft ciders at one of the cool bars nearby.
What is it? A handsome mid-century building that was home to L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, for six months in late 1960. His movements in the country were unsurprisingly well documented, so displays tell-all about his prison visits and work in Zimbabwe. Visits must be booked in advance.
Why go? Apart from the obvious appeal of having a nosy around LRH’s chosen summerhouse, this striking building is like a time capsule. You half expect Don Draper to offer you a Scotch.
What is it? A shopping mall. Although air con and US brands may not be the main reasons you’ve travelled to a different continent, this mammoth shopping mecca is a great example of South Africa’s modern side.
Why go? On Sundays, the rooftop car park becomes a craft market, which means unique souvenirs and excellent food, all with sunset views over the city. You can go to H&M or Topshop next time.
What is it? A rooftop café and bar that is a self-proclaimed part of inner-city gentrification (which is not as controversial in Jo’burg as in Hackney or Brooklyn). The name references living things rather than settees.
Why go? Said living things are plants – the décor is wall-to-wall leaves, literally. They used ‘plantscaping’ to create an indoor/outdoor garden that looks an absolute dream in front of the cityscape, especially as the sun sets.
