What to see in Johannesburg

Discovering the beating heart of South Africa

Johannesburg, also known as "Jozi" or "Joburg", is the largest and most dynamic city in South Africa. With its rich history and ever-changing urban landscape, this metropolis offers a unique combination of culture, entertainment, and nature. Founded during the 1886 Gold Rush, the city has become a major economic and cultural centre, a symbol of South Africa's post-apartheid revival. Today, it is a vibrant destination that attracts visitors from all over the world, captivated by its historic attractions, creative neighborhoods, and vibrant nightlife.

A city of many facets, Johannesburg surprises and fascinates with its rich cultural and historical offerings. Whether it's exploring South Africa's past, immersing yourself in its vibrant arts scene, or enjoying the natural beauty, Joburg offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela Bridge Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

The ten unmissable things to see in the cosmopolitan city of Johannesburg are:

1. Apartheid Museum

Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

The Apartheid Museum is an essential stop for those who want to understand South African history and the long road to freedom and equality. Through interactive exhibits, photographs, and films, the museum chronicles the brutality of the apartheid regime and the resilience of those who fought against it. It is an intense and moving experience that offers a deep understanding of the injustices of the past and the country's extraordinary transition to democracy. It is located just a few kilometers from the center of Johannesburg.

2. Constitution Hill

Constitution Hill, Johannesburg Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Constitution Hill is one of Johannesburg's most significant sights, a historic site that bridges South Africa's troubled past with its democratic present. This historic site, once a prison and military fortress, is now home to the Constitutional Court of South Africa, a symbol of justice and human rights. The old prisons, where Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were held (in the infamous Number Four cells and the Old Fort), offer an insight into the struggle for freedom. The complex combines elements of historical memory with modern architecture, making it a place of reflection and hope for the future of the country.

3. Soweto

Mandela House Museum, Johannesburg Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Soweto, short for South Western Townships, is one of South Africa's most iconic places, a symbol of resistance against apartheid and the struggle for freedom. This urban area has been the scene of protest movements, including the famous Soweto Uprising of 1976, during which thousands of students demonstrated against the imposition of Afrikaans as the language of instruction. The historic heart of Soweto is Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world that has hosted two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. In addition to visiting Mandela's house-museum, you can explore the Hector Pieterson Memorial, dedicated to the student killed during the 1976 protests, or stop in the neighborhood full of restaurants, bars and markets and where you can also practice bungee jumping at the Orlando Towers.

4. Maboneng Precinct

Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Maboneng, which means "place of light," is one of Johannesburg's trendiest neighborhoods. Once an industrial area, today it is a vibrant cultural district filled with art galleries, markets, restaurants, and cafes. Maboneng Precinct is the ideal place to immerse yourself in local creativity, explore designer shops and enjoy South African cuisine in a dynamic and cosmopolitan environment. Among its main attractions are the Arts on Main, a creative hub that hosts artists and designers, and the Market on Main, a weekly market that offers handicrafts and local food. In the neighborhood you can also discover colorful murals and street art projects.

5. Botanical Garden

Giardini Botanici di Johannesburg Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

In the quiet district of Emmarentia, the Johannesburg Botanic Gardens offer green lawns, lakes and themed gardens. The park is home to one of the largest collections of roses in South Africa, with rose bushes blooming in a spectacular variety of colors and scents. Points of interest include the medicinal and aromatic herb garden as well as a section dedicated to indigenous trees. With shaded walking trails, picnic areas, and lakes where you can enjoy boating, they're the perfect place to relax and take in the Johannesburg skyline.

6. Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG)

Graffiti nella città di Johannesburg Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Visiting the city you can discover several graffiti by local artists but it is in the Johannesburg Art Gallery, located in the heart of the city, that you can admire a vast collection of South African and international works of art. The rooms display masterpieces by local artists as well as works by prominent figures such as Picasso, Monet, and Rodin. The building itself, designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, is an architectural masterpiece with large exhibition halls and interior courtyards that create a unique atmosphere. An area dedicated to photographic art and a section for indigenous art further enrich the museum's cultural offerings. It is an ideal place for art lovers, who can explore temporary and permanent exhibitions in a unique architectural setting.

7. Africa Museum

Museo Africa di Johannesburg Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

The Africa Museum Johannesburg is located in the vibrant Newtown district and is one of the city's most important cultural centres, dedicated to the history, culture and heritage of the African continent. Housed in a historic building that was once a grain market, the museum offers a collection of artifacts that tell the evolution of different African civilizations, from their origins to the present day. Through interactive exhibits and period photographs, the Museum explores themes such as migration, urbanization, and the legacy of apartheid.

8. Carlton Centre

Vista di Johannesburg dal Carlton Centre Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Known as the "Top of Africa", the Carlton Centre is the tallest skyscraper in Africa, standing at 223 meters tall. From the viewing platform on the 50th floor, you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and surrounding areas. It's a great place to take in the views of Johannesburg and take spectacular photographs. Built in the 1970s, the Carlton Centre was a symbol of the city's economic power and urban development. It also houses a shopping mall with numerous shops and restaurants, offering a pleasant break from shopping between visits.

9. Zoo Lake

Zoo Lake is a green oasis in the center of Johannesburg, ideal for a relaxing break. With its picturesque lake, where you can rent rowboats, and shaded paths perfect for walks and picnics, it is a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. The nearby Johannesburg Zoo is an additional attraction for families, with a wide variety of exotic and native animals. The park hosts the annual Jazz on the Lake, a free musical event to listen to live music. Inside the park there is also the "Coronation Fountain", a historical monument dating back to 1937, tennis courts and soccer fields surrounded by nature.

10. Cradle of Humankind

Cradle of Humankind Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Located about 25 kilometers from Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where some of the oldest human fossil remains have been found. The Sterkfontein Caves are famous for returning the almost complete skeleton of "Mrs. Ples" and the fossil of "Little Foot", a specimen of Australopithecus dating back over 3 million years. The Maropeng Visitor Center and the Sterkfontein Caves offer a fascinating and informative experience about the history of human evolution. It is a must-see for archaeology and ancient history enthusiasts. The surrounding area is characterized by rolling hills and breathtaking views, ideal for hiking and exploring the native flora and fauna.

Texts by Alisè Vitri - Avion Tourism Magazine

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Discover Johannesburg from Milan Bergamo

From Milan Bergamo airport it is possible to reach the largest city in South Africa with a convenient onward flight made by flydubai and a stopover in Dubai.

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Check the flight schedule for Dubai and book your trip for an unforgettable adventure to discover Johannesburg, the beating heart of South Africa, where modernity and African traditions meet, with a vibrant art scene, colorful markets and a fascinating historical past to explore through museums and dynamic neighborhoods.

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Where to stay in Johannesburg

Johannesburg offers different and special accommodation possibilities between hotels, apartments, hostels or capsule hotels.

To find the ideal hotel and the best offers , you can search by stars but also by neighborhoods or places of interest.

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TOURS AND EXCURSIONS IN JOHANNESBURG

Johannesburg offers a wide range of tours and excursions to discover its charm between history, culture and nature. One of the best ways to start exploring is to join a city tour, through the most significant neighborhoods, including the dynamic Maboneng district and the iconic Soweto.

In addition, food and wine tours through Johannesburg's markets allow you to savor the authentic flavors of South African cuisine. From street food stalls offering traditional dishes such as boerewors and bunny chow, to trendy restaurants, you can sample a wide range of flavors and discover the city's rich culinary tradition.

For those looking for a more adventurous experience, safari tours to private reserves located just outside the city offer the opportunity to spot African wildlife, including the Big Five (elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, lions). Some of these tours also include guided tours of Lion & Safari Park and national parks such as Pilanesberg National Park, with animals in their natural habitat.

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Walking Tour and Lunch in Soweto

A walking tour with a local guide and lunch to discover Soweto. The tour starts at the Hector Peterson Memorial, continues along Moema Street and Vilakazi Street, with a visit to Nelson Mandela's house (entrance fee is not included). Then stop at Desmond Tutu's house, have lunch and head to Orlando East by minibus-taxi, to the famous Soweto Towers and visit to Nomzamo Park. Duration 4 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before and full refund. Info and booking of the tour.

Street art and food in Maboneng

Street food a Johannesburg Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Maboneng food and street art tour in Johannesburg. Maboneng is one of Johannesburg's coolest and most creative neighborhoods with art and graffiti murals. Visit of Arts on main, the heart of Maboneng, where there is the William Kendridge studio together with other local artists; the traditional healers market of Kwa mai mai and street food with South African meal. Possibility to book dinner at The Marabi club, one of the best jazz clubs in Johannesburg. Duration 3 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and full refund. Info and booking of the tour.

Safari to the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve

Parco nazionale di Pilanesberg Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Pilanesberg National Park Day Safari from Johannesburg. Visit to the free-roaming park (elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, lions, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, jackals, and birds). Two game drives in a Jeep with a guide and with a lunch. Game Drives last between 4 hours and 30 minutes and 5 hours. Pick-up service from your hotel in Johannesburg. Duration 12 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and full refund. Info and tour booking.

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