Joburg, the Place of Gold, is endowed with a rich selection of places to visit and tourist attractions that will delight both tourists and locals alike.
Explore sites seeped in history and others that demonstrate movement towards the future and the growth of the city of Joburg.
Don’t forget to check out what’s happening in Joburg today and this weekend.
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
The Emmarentia Dam is surrounded by the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens.
Known as the green lung of Johannesburg, the spot is popular for many recreational activities such as:
- Jogging
- Bird watching
- Canoeing
- Picnics
Over in Parkview, Zoo Lake is a popular local hangout. It is the venue for the annual Jazz on the Lake concert, Carols by Candlelight and the monthly Artists under the Sun art exhibition. Bring your dog, go for a walk, take a leisurely boat ride, or just enjoy nature with a picnic.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Operating Hours: Mon - Sun, 07:30 – 18:30
- Contact Number: 011 782 0517
- Address: Olifants Road, Johannesburg
- More Info: Website
The Financial District (JSE)
Reminiscent of Wall Street in New York, the Johannesburg financial district is an attraction in its own right. Located in the Jozi CBD, it is home to several large mining houses, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (or JSE), and South Africa’s major banks (ABSA, First National Bank, Standard Bank and Barclays).
The financial district, once a victim of urban decay, has undergone a welcome revival and is now a vibrant urban district. Beautiful architecture combined with restaurants, shops, luxury hotels and a thriving nightlife makes this a cosmopolitan city experience not to be missed.
Carlton Centre
At an impressive 50 stories or 230m high, the Carlton Centre is officially the tallest building in Africa. There is much to be seen in every direction from atop the Carlton.
Looking south, you’ll see the mining belt along the gold reef. If you look south-west, you'll see the FNB Stadium, built for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, and to the north you can see the impressive skylines of Braamfontein and Hillbrow.
The Carlton also houses a massive ground-level and underground shopping centre underneath the office tower.
These spectacular views of the city of Johannesburg will set you back a token fee of R15 for adults and R10 for children.
- Entrance Fee:
- Adults - R15
- Children - R10
- Operating Hours: Mon - Sun, 07:00 - 22:00
Maropeng: Cradle of Humankind
Maropeng is the official visitors’ centre for the Cradle Of Humankind and Sterkfontein Caves.
An hour’s drive outside of Johannesburg, the Maropeng visitors’ centre looks like a grass-covered hill from the outside. Once inside, the tour starts with a boat ride on an artificial lake, where you experience the four classical elements that made life possible, taking you to the main exhibition area.
The exhibits leads you through the highlights of our evolutionary journey including:
- How our brains developed
- Where language came from
- When we first used fire
- The future risks humanity is facing
At the end of the tour, you will emerge from the back of the building to a striking view of the rolling hills facing the Magaliesberg. Looking back, you will see the grassy hill transformed into a futuristic building of glass and steel, a symbol of how far we’ve come as a species.
You can also visit the Sterkfontein Caves where famous fossil discoveries have been made. Among the fossils are those of Mrs Ples and Little Foot, an almost complete Australopithecus skeleton. You can easily visit both the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng in a day, experiences which complement one another.
Tip: Combination tickets (at discounted rates) and special tickets for students and groups are available.
- Entrance Fee:
- Adults - R120
- Kids - R65
- Operating Hours:
- Mon - Sun, 09:00 - 17:00
- Contact Number: 014 577 9000
- Address: R563 Hekpoort Road, Sterkfontein
- More Info: Website
Maropeng Precinct
The Maboneng Precinct is Johannesburg’s creative heartbeat and a hub of art, business, culture and lifestyle. The Maboneng Precinct’s development began with humble beginnings at Fox Street’s Arts on Main.
Maboneng Precinct has revolutionised Joburg’s inner city into a neighbourhood filled with entertainment venues, fine restaurants, art galleries, retail stores and The Bioscope, an independent cinema.
- More Info: Website
Arts on Main
Arts on Main is a creative hub found in the urban neighbourhood, the Maboneng Precinct. The premises offer visitors a range of arts, events and merchandise to peruse. There are artists’ studios, eateries, galleries as well as retail and office space.
Artists with studios on the premises include Kim Lieberman, William Kentridge and Mikhael Subotzky. Food and drink can be enjoyed at Market on Main every Sunday.
- Operating Hours: Tues - Sun, 9:00 - 17:00, Mon - Closed
- Address: 264 Fox Street (Corner Berea Rd), Maboneng
- More Info: Website
Bioscope Independent Cinema
The Bioscope Independent Cinema in downtown Johannesburg shows a variety of local and international independent films, hosts film fests and facilitates social outreach programs.
They also have a restaurant which means you can have pizza and drinks (yes, alcohol included) while watching your movie!
- Contact Number: 011 039 7306
- Address: 286 Fox St, Johannesburg
- More info: Website
Gautrain
The Gautrain is an 80km rapid transit railway system linking Joburg, Pretoria, O.R. Tambo International Airport and Ekhuruleni.
There are 10 stations currently in operation, 2 are located in Pretoria. The Pretoria stations are Pretoria Station and Hatfield Station. The other stations are:
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Marboro
- Rosebank
- Sandton
- Rhodesfield
- Park Station
- O.R. Tambo International Airport
The Gautrain is linked to other forms of public transport like buses, taxis and the public train system, Metrorail.
- Opening hours: Daily, 04:45 - 21:30
- Contact number: 0800 428 87246
- More info: Gautrain Website
If you find yourself in Joburg and you’re wondering what to do, pick one of the above spots and experience a new piece of South Africa. You’re sure to have a memorable visit!
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