Johannesburg
Gold-rush roots, powerful history, creative precincts and safari access
Browse Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the restless, creative powerhouse of South Africa, born of gold and now home to moving history at the Apartheid Museum and Soweto, regenerated arts precincts like Maboneng, and easy access to Big Five safaris. Our local picks run from Soweto tours to braai and rooftop bars. More hand-picked recommendations are on the way – filter by category and budget below.
Johannesburg at a glance
- Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
- Best time to visit: April to September
- Highlights: the Apartheid Museum, Soweto and the arts precincts
- Where to stay: leafy Rosebank and Sandton, or arty Maboneng
- Local picks: a growing set of hand-chosen tips
- Getting around: cars and ride-hailing are the norm
Where to stay in Johannesburg
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Before you go
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Find hotels in JohannesburgBook tours and experiencesJohannesburg travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Johannesburg?
Two to three days covers the history, the arts precincts and a Soweto tour, and the city is a springboard to safari and to Pretoria.
Where is the best area to stay in Johannesburg?
Rosebank and Sandton are convenient and full of restaurants; Maboneng suits a creative, walkable vibe.
What are the best things to do in Johannesburg?
Browse the local picks above, from the Apartheid Museum and a Soweto tour to the Maboneng and Rosebank precincts and the Cradle of Humankind.
What is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
The dry autumn-to-spring months bring sunny days and cool nights; summer brings warm afternoons and dramatic thunderstorms.