Johannesburg

eGoli

South Africa's largest city and economic powerhouse, Johannesburg blends world-class museums, vibrant street art, and compelling apartheid history. The Apartheid Museum and Soweto township tours offer profound insights into South Africa's past and resilience.

Things to do

• Apartheid Museum — South Africa's premier museum documenting the country's segregation era through photographs, videos, and personal testimonies across 22 exhibition halls.
• Soweto Township Tour — Guided visits to Soweto (South Western Townships) including Mandela House, Vilakazi Street, and local shebeens to experience township culture and history firsthand.
• Maboneng Precinct Street Art Walk — Explore vibrant murals, galleries, and street art in this revitalized downtown neighbourhood known for its creative energy and weekend markets.
• Maropeng Visitor Centre — Modern interactive museum in the Cradle of Humankind showcasing human origins and evolution through cutting-edge displays and cave tours.
• Johannesburg Art Gallery — Established 1910, this gallery features contemporary South African and international art, plus historic works reflecting the country's artistic heritage.
• Sandton City and Luxury Shopping — Upscale shopping destination in Johannesburg's wealthiest suburb offering international brands, high-end restaurants, and a glimpse of modern South African prosperity.
• Soweto Uprising Memorial and Freedom Square — Historic site commemorating the 1976 student protests with monuments, murals, and educational plaques honoring those who died fighting apartheid.

Food to try

• Bunny Chow — A hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with spiced curry (typically lamb or chicken), originating from Durban but popular street food throughout Johannesburg.
• Boerewors with Pap — Traditional South African grilled sausage served with pap (maize porridge), a quintessential local comfort food found at braais and street vendors.
• Koeksister — A sweet fried pastry treat soaked in honey or cinnamon syrup, sold at markets and bakeries—a beloved South African snack.
• Smiley (Grilled Sheep's Head) — An affordable street food delicacy where grilled sheep's head is served with spices, popular in township areas and informal food stalls.
• Gatsby Sandwich — An enormous split loaf sandwich stuffed with chips, sliced meat, and sauces, originating in Cape Town but beloved across South Africa including Johannesburg.
• Durban Spice Market Food Experience — Visit Indian spice markets and restaurants in the Fordsburg area to experience authentic curry traditions brought by Indian immigrants to the city.

Local customs & good to know

• Learn basic Zulu and Sotho phrases — While English is widely spoken, locals appreciate visitors who attempt greetings like 'Sawubona' (hello) or 'Dumela' (goodbye) in indigenous languages.
• Avoid walking alone at night in downtown — Johannesburg requires sensible precautions; use registered taxis, ride-sharing apps, or guided tours in the evening and stick to well-populated areas.
• Respect apartheid history sensitivity — When visiting townships and historical sites, approach conversations about the apartheid era with respect and genuine interest rather than voyeurism.
• Experience a braai (barbecue) culture — Braai is a central social tradition in South Africa; accepting an invitation to a braai or visiting a braai restaurant offers authentic cultural immersion and hospitality.

Nearby

• Soweto — 21 km
• Cradle of Humankind — 52 km
• Maropeng Visitor Centre — 53 km
• Pretoria — 54 km