22 Things To Do In Joburg
Johannesburg, affectionately known as Joburg or Jozi, stands as South Africa’s largest city and economic powerhouse.
Beyond its reputation as a business hub, this vibrant metropolis offers an impressive array of activities that cater to families, adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience the pulse of urban Africa.
From world-class museums to thrilling outdoor adventures, Joburg presents endless opportunities for memorable experiences.
Exploring Joburg’s Rich History and Culture
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum serves as an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand South Africa’s complex history. This powerful institution takes visitors through the country’s difficult past with moving exhibits, photographs, and personal stories.
Families will find the museum educational and thought-provoking, though parents should note that some content may be intense for younger children. The experience typically takes two to three hours, and visitors consistently describe it as one of the most impactful museums they’ve encountered anywhere in the world.
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill offers another profound historical experience. This former prison complex, which once held political prisoners including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, now houses South Africa’s Constitutional Court.
Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the country’s journey from oppression to democracy. The site’s transformation from a place of injustice to a beacon of human rights makes it particularly meaningful for families discussing values and freedom.
Soweto Township Tours
No visit to Joburg feels complete without exploring Soweto, the sprawling township that played a pivotal role in the anti-apartheid struggle. Township tours offer authentic glimpses into daily life while highlighting significant historical sites.
Visitors can see Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize winners lived, explore the Hector Pieterson Museum, and even visit Nelson Mandela’s former home, now a museum. Local guides share personal stories that bring history to life in ways textbooks cannot.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City combines history with entertainment in a unique theme park setting. Built around an old gold mine, this amusement park offers thrilling rides for older children and teens, gentler attractions for little ones, and underground mine tours that educate visitors about Joburg’s gold rush heritage. The park regularly hosts shows and events, making each visit potentially different from the last.
Johannesburg Zoo
The Johannesburg Zoo provides a classic family outing with over 320 species of animals spread across 55 hectares. Children love the diverse animal encounters, from elephants and lions to penguins and polar bears.
The zoo emphasizes conservation and education, offering learning opportunities alongside entertainment. With playgrounds, picnic spots, and a lake with paddle boats, families can easily spend an entire day exploring the grounds.
The Cradle of Humankind
About 50 kilometers from central Joburg lies the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where some of the oldest hominid fossils have been discovered. The Maropeng Visitor Centre offers interactive exhibits that make human evolution fascinating for all ages.
Nearby, the Sterkfontein Caves provide guided tours through spectacular underground chambers where important archaeological discoveries occurred. This combination of science, history, and natural beauty creates an educational adventure the whole family can appreciate.
Outdoor Adventures and Nature Experiences
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
These beautiful gardens offer a peaceful retreat from urban chaos. Families enjoy walking the well-maintained trails, having picnics on manicured lawns, and watching the resident pair of endangered black eagles.
The gardens showcase indigenous South African plants in stunning landscapes featuring streams, waterfalls, and interesting rock formations. Children can safely explore while learning about local flora and fauna.
Emmarentia Botanical Gardens and Dam
Emmarentia provides another excellent green space for families. The botanical gardens display themed sections including rose gardens, herb gardens, and indigenous plant collections.
The adjacent dam offers opportunities for paddle boating, while the surrounding lawns attract picnickers, joggers, and families flying kites. Weekend markets occasionally pop up, adding shopping and food options to nature-based activities.
Lion and Safari Park
For those seeking wildlife encounters without traveling to distant game reserves, the Lion and Safari Park delivers an accessible safari experience. Visitors can drive through enclosures housing lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and various antelope species.
The park also offers guided tours in open vehicles for closer encounters. Children particularly enjoy the cub interaction area, though availability varies based on animal welfare considerations.
Shopping and Entertainment Districts
Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square
Sandton represents Joburg’s affluent side, with Sandton City offering premium shopping experiences. This massive complex houses international brands, local designers, restaurants, and entertainment options.
The adjacent Nelson Mandela Square features a six-meter statue of the former president surrounded by outdoor dining venues. Families can shop, eat, and people-watch while soaking in the cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The Neighbourgoods Market
Every Saturday, the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein transforms an old warehouse into a vibrant gathering place. Artisanal food vendors, craft makers, and local designers set up stalls while live music creates a festive atmosphere.
Parents appreciate the variety of food options catering to different tastes, while the creative energy appeals to teenagers and adults alike. This market provides authentic local flavor and excellent photo opportunities.
Maboneng Precinct
Maboneng has emerged as Joburg’s hippest neighborhood, transforming industrial buildings into galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and cultural spaces.
The Sunday Market on Rooftop showcases local talent through food, crafts, and entertainment. Families can explore street art, visit galleries, and enjoy diverse dining options. The area feels safe and pedestrian-friendly, encouraging leisurely exploration.
Educational and Interactive Experiences
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
Sci-Bono makes science exciting through over 350 interactive exhibits. Children and adults can conduct experiments, explore physics principles, and engage with technology in hands-on ways. The center regularly updates exhibits and hosts special programs during school holidays. Parents find it refreshing to see kids learning while having genuine fun.
Johannesburg Planetarium
The planetarium offers cosmic journeys that fascinate space enthusiasts of all ages. Regular shows project stars, planets, and galaxies onto the dome ceiling while narrators explain celestial phenomena.
Special programming for different age groups ensures appropriate content whether visitors bring toddlers or teenagers. The adjacent museum displays meteorites and space-related artifacts.
Cultural Performances and Arts
Joburg Theatre
The Joburg Theatre complex hosts diverse performances including ballet, opera, drama, and contemporary productions. Families can introduce children to performing arts through specially curated shows. The theatre’s multiple venues accommodate different types of performances, ensuring something appeals to various tastes throughout the year.
Market Theatre
The Market Theatre holds legendary status in South African theatre history, having staged politically charged productions during apartheid. Today it continues presenting thought-provoking works alongside more accessible entertainment.
The attached Market Theatre Laboratory nurtures emerging talent, and the associated flea market offers browsing opportunities before or after shows.
Dining and Food Experiences
Neighbourhoods Food Market
This permanent food hall in Braamfontein brings together diverse culinary offerings under one roof. Families appreciate having multiple cuisine options, accommodating different preferences and dietary requirements. The casual atmosphere welcomes children, and the quality exceeds typical food court standards.
Rooftop Restaurants
Joburg’s skyline has become increasingly dotted with rooftop venues offering dining with views. These spaces typically create more sophisticated atmospheres, making them suitable for families with older children or couples seeking romantic settings.
Watching the sunset over Africa’s largest city while enjoying good food creates memorable experiences.
Practical Information for Visitors
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | March to May and September to November offer mild weather |
| Getting Around | Uber and ride-sharing services are reliable; rental cars provide flexibility |
| Safety Tips | Stay aware of surroundings; stick to known areas; avoid displaying valuables |
| Currency | South African Rand (ZAR) |
| Language | English widely spoken; other official languages include Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans |
Adventure Activities for Thrill Seekers
Orlando Towers
These colorful cooling towers in Soweto have been transformed into an adventure hub. Adrenaline junkies can bungee jump, swing between the towers, or abseil down the exterior. The towers also serve as canvases for vibrant street art, making them photogenic even for those who prefer keeping both feet on the ground.
Indoor Skydiving
Several facilities around Joburg offer indoor skydiving experiences using vertical wind tunnels. This activity provides the sensation of freefall without jumping from aircraft, making it accessible for those with height concerns. Children as young as four can typically participate with proper instruction, creating unique family memories.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Melville Koppies Nature Reserve
This urban nature reserve offers hiking trails with panoramic city views. Archaeological sites within the reserve reveal evidence of Stone Age and Iron Age settlements. The reserve hosts guided walks on specified days, helping visitors identify indigenous plants and learn about local ecology. It provides a surprisingly wild experience just minutes from urban centers.
James and Ethel Grey Park
Locals frequent this Melrose park for morning jogs, afternoon picnics, and lazy weekends. The large dam attracts waterfowl, while established trees provide shade. Playgrounds keep children entertained, and the generally relaxed atmosphere allows families to unwind without tourist crowds.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Joburg hosts numerous festivals celebrating everything from arts and music to food and culture. The Joy of Jazz festival draws international artists, while the Joburg Film Festival showcases cinema from Africa and beyond. Families planning visits might align trips with events matching their interests, though the city offers abundant activities regardless of season.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Planning helps visitors maximize their Joburg experience:
- Book popular attractions in advance – Places like the Apartheid Museum and Cradle of Humankind tours can sell out, especially during holidays
- Allow extra travel time – Joburg’s sprawling layout means destinations may be farther apart than maps suggest
- Pace yourselves – The city’s altitude (1,753 meters above sea level) can cause fatigue; schedule rest periods
- Mix experiences – Combine educational visits with fun activities to keep everyone engaged
- Ask locals for recommendations – Johannesburg residents often know excellent spots that guidebooks overlook
Where to Stay
Joburg offers accommodation options ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Families might prefer staying in Sandton, Rosebank, or Melrose, which provide good access to attractions and restaurants.
These neighborhoods generally feel safer and offer more pedestrian-friendly environments. Those seeking authentic experiences might consider guesthouses in transitioning areas like Maboneng, though thorough research proves essential.
Final Thoughts
Johannesburg rewards visitors willing to look beyond initial impressions. While the city faces challenges typical of major metropolises, it compensates with warmth, energy, and diversity. Families discover that Joburg offers more than enough activities to fill multiple days, whether interests lean toward history, nature, culture, or simple fun.
The city’s transformation from its difficult past into a vibrant, forward-looking destination mirrors South Africa’s broader journey. Visitors leave with enhanced understanding of the country’s complexities alongside appreciation for its beauty and potential.
Whether watching kids interact with zoo animals, standing in spaces where history unfolded, or simply enjoying sunset views over Africa’s economic heart, people create stories worth sharing.
Joburg may not appear on every traveler’s bucket list, but those who visit consistently describe it as surprisingly captivating. The city’s authenticity, cultural richness, and the genuine warmth of its residents combine to create experiences that glossier destinations struggle to match. For families seeking destinations that educate, entertain, and inspire, Johannesburg delivers on all counts.
