If you’re planning a trip to Johannesburg, be sure to check out these incredible tourist attractions! From world-class museums to a safari, Johannesburg has something for everyone.
If you’re interested in learning more about the city’s rich history, check out Museum Africa. It features exhibits that explore a broad spectrum of eras, from the oldest hunter-gatherer tribes to the modern day.
1. Gold Reef City
If you are a thrill seeker or a family looking to have fun in Johannesburg, Gold Reef City is the perfect place to visit. This theme park is packed with more than 30 thrilling rides that are sure to keep you entertained throughout the day!
Thrill rides include the Tower of Terror, which drops 50 meters into an open mine shaft at speeds of up to 100 km/hour. You can also ride the Dream Boat, a large boat that swings like a pendulum through 270 degrees!
The park is also home to South Africa's only Victorian train station-themed cinema complex. Movies@Gold Reef City screens all the latest Hollywood blockbusters and Bollywood films.
2. Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill is a must-visit in Johannesburg for anyone interested in gaining an understanding of the city's history. The site once housed the worst of apartheid, but today it's home to one of the world's highest courts and a museum that tells the country's complex story of democracy.
The museum is filled with thought-provoking exhibits that will evoke a lot of emotions - and stir up memories of the past in particular. It's also worth visiting the Number Four jail, Old Fort and Women's Gaol to get an idea of how this infamous prison complex operated.
3. Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in South Africa’s history. The first museum of its kind, it illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid with provocative film footage, photographs, text panels and artefacts illustrating the events and human stories involved.
Located in Ormonde 8km south of the city centre, the Apartheid Museum uses 22 separate exhibition spaces to trace the development of the South African government's racial policy. Its master narrative ends in 1994, when the country achieved its first democratic elections.
4. Oriental Plaza
A bustling mall unlike anything else in Johannesburg, Oriental Plaza is a shopping centre that hosts hundreds of stores. It's on the edge of Fordsburg, the city's old Indian neighborhood that now welcomes migrants from around the world.
This vibrant neighbourhood has been reinventing itself into a trendy foodie mecca with cool cafes, restaurants and creative coworking spaces. It's also a great place to explore the city's history on walking tours, and is home to such iconic attractions as the Top of Africa observation deck.
The area has been redefining itself over the past decade, breathing new life into old manufacturing buildings and reclaiming sidewalk space for cafes, markets and art galleries. It's one of the most exciting places to explore in Johannesburg, and is a must for anyone who wants to experience a cosmopolitan city in a unique way.
5. The Market
A sprawling market where you can find a whole range of local products, The Market is the place to go for all your fresh produce needs. You can rub elbows with farmers, exporters and shopkeepers as you shop for food, clothes, decor items and artisanal beverages.
- The Market is also a great place to get a taste of the vibrant South African culture. You can spend a day shopping here and find unique items that will make your home feel more authentic.
- Another must-visit spot is Constitution Hill, a former prison that offers inspiration and insight into the history of South Africa. This historic complex is divided into different sites including the Number Four museum, women’s gaol and old fort.
