Jo’burg (formerly E’Goli) offers many exciting activities. Visit cutting-edge contemporary galleries or explore Maboneg Precinct’s converted warehouses; there’s something fun for everyone here.
History fans will enjoy visiting Constitution Hill to experience its powerful apartheid museum exhibits. This historic site, which overlooks the city and includes Number Four, Old Fort, and Women’s Gaol – once home to prominent activists such as Nelson Mandela – provides stunning panoramic views. Cathay Pacific offers great transportation options, including routes from Hong Kong to Johannesburg.
Nelson Mandela Bridge
The Nelson Mandela Bridge, designed by Danish architectural firm Dissing+Weitling and named in honour of South Africa’s first democratically elected president, stands as a powerful symbol of change and unification. Offering fantastic views of the city skyline at night when lit up with multiple colored illumination, this breathtaking feat of architecture makes an excellent photo op. It is also popular among photographers.
The Bridge connects Braamfontein and Newtown, two of Johannesburg’s key business areas. With its striking design and symbolic meaning, it makes a must-see attraction for visitors to the city, serving as an ongoing reminder of South Africa’s struggle for democracy, social justice and human rights.
Visit the Nelson Mandela Bridge by foot, bus, or driving across it – though this may not be advised due to traffic congestion. Visiting it makes a convenient stop on any Johannesburg sightseeing itinerary and is especially useful for spontaneous travelers as it requires minimal planning. Adding professionally guided township tours into your itinerary gives an in-depth perspective into local people’s struggles as they strive for democracy as well as memorials dedicated to those lost fighting for freedom – plus you may get to visit more memorials and monuments dedicated to their memories!
Johannesburg Botanical Garden
The Johannesburg Botanical Garden is one of the city’s green lungs, covering an 81 hectare expanse. Among its special gardens are rose, herb and hedge demonstration gardens as well as its main arboretum that features family groupings of trees from South Africa and around the world. Visitors may walk or run along paved pathways or enjoy exploring its grounds that boast grasses and trees.
This garden began as a rose garden established in 1964, expanding thereafter until reaching its present size by 1969. Today it boasts several habitats including Witpoortjie Falls and natural veld areas with dense bush in kloofs and along streams; as well as special gardens such as Shakespeare Garden and Herb Garden – it also hosts summer sunset concerts similar to Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town.
The garden provides an ideal outdoor experience for families. Its paved walkways and picnic areas are designed for ease of navigation by strollers and wheelchairs; its trails make jogging enjoyable; while children love exploring its expansive playground and multiple play areas. Furthermore, educational events and activities such as free guided tours of the Herb Garden for schoolchildren are also provided through these gardens.
James and Ethel Gray Park
James and Ethel Gray Park is an idyllic retreat right in the center of Johannesburg, featuring breathtaking natural surroundings and offering gorgeous views of Johannesburg’s skyline. There are safe walking and jogging trails throughout, making this park an excellent way to spend a leisurely day outdoors with friends or family – however no braais or gas cooking are allowed in this park.
Walkhaven Park in Bedfordview, Johannesburg is an idyllic picnic destination known for its birdwatching trails and breathtaking city views. Home to over 240 bird species, Walkhaven provides the ideal spot for an enjoyable city daytrip!
Families interested in art and culture will enjoy visiting the Johannesburg Art Gallery as it houses an expansive collection of paintings and sculptures from multiple styles and eras, making for an educational and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.
The Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre is an informative educational facility which strives to build knowledge about genocides and acts of mass violence through interactive exhibits and personal testimony. Furthermore, this center fosters reflection and discussion about freedom, equality, and social responsibility as key values in today’s society.
Gandhi Square
Gandhi Square in Johannesburg is one of its main central plazas. Formerly known as Van Der Bijl Square and Government Square, in 1900 it was renamed after political activist and pacifist Mahatma Gandhi to become an area for both culture and business – serving as Metrobus’ central bus terminus and offering exciting shops, lively bars, inviting cafes and convenient banking institutions as well as hosting numerous events throughout the year. Plus its public art draws crowds.
Ellis Park Stadium and Market Theatre are also nearby – perfect places for sports fans and concertgoers to witness Springbok action at Ellis Park Stadium, while international concerts often take place here as well.
On this half-day walking tour, you’ll visit Gandhi Square and tour Maboneng Precinct with a guide, discovering its sights and neighborhoods. Along the way you will learn about historical landmarks such as Guild Hall, Old City Hall, National’s Building and Standard Bank Chambers; Mai Mai Traditional Healers Market with its 176 stalls; Gauteng Parliament; Carlton Centre as Africa’s tallest skyscraper – take an elevator up to 50th floor for unmatched views of Johannesburg city; plus you’ll take an elevator up 50th floor for 360 degree panoramic views over Johannesburg city!
Mandela House
The Mandela House serves as a vital hub for the preservation of Nelson Mandela’s legacy as well as those who have overcome obstacles in life. Since 2009, its facilities include quality merchandise for tourists to purchase as well as new exhibitions being installed. Situated in Soweto and serving as an integral tourist attraction.
Mandela lived with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela during their years together in a matchbox home in South Africa in the 1950s and 60s; today this home serves as a museum. Inside its small rooms can be found an eclectic assortment of memorabilia such as letters and photos as well as old boots worn smooth from Mandela himself using it during childhood playtime sports such as sliding stones. There’s even his childhood game sliding stone kept as part of a museum collection!
Visitors to the museum can explore other sites linked to Mandela and his legacy, including Hector Pieterson Memorial nearby in Vilikazi Street and Desmond Tutu’s house there.
Attractions at Will Power Fund include a six course meal complemented with some of South Africa’s finest wines as well as donations made directly to them through profits donated from restaurant sales, making this a wonderful way to meet people from different cultures while spending a fun and educational day in Johannesburg.
James Hall Museum of Transport
James Hall Museum of Transport is an ideal way for young children and those curious to understand how their grandparents or great-grandparents navigated city, country and continent in years gone by. An interactive experience, visitors can gain an in-depth knowledge of Johannesburg’s transportation history through interactive displays that make for fun learning sessions.
This museum hosts animal-drawn carts and wagons, antique bicycles, motorbikes and cars from every era and period; from animal-drawn carts and wagons, antique bicycles, motorbikes and cars (such as the 1957 MBW microcar Isetta to green Edwardian 1900 Clement-Panhard). Additionally, there’s a luxurious private coach as well as 1905 horse-drawn tram; plus old fire engines and buses – plus much more.
Visitors to the museum are free to explore at their own pace, though most typically spend between one and two hours exploring its collection, which begins with ancient modes of transportation before moving through more modern forms of conveyances.
Donations are welcome at the museum to support its upkeep, with gift shop selling postcards and transport-related merchandise for visitors to purchase. Volunteer guides offer tours through its collections – making for an engaging learning experience on Johannesburg and South African transport history!
