Johannesburg is a town chock full of culture, with a thriving arts scene, culinary expertise, and an explosive nightlife. And not for nothing, it’s overflowing with history, with ample museums, tours, and destinations that will have you learning something new at every corner.
North Americans are slowly realising that this vibrant town is an excellent tourist destination, with around 25,000 visitors coming from the United States in February 2024. But that number could be higher. Here, we’ll detail some of the top spots to check out in one of South Africa’s most well-known cities.
Arts Scene
For the more traditional art fan, the Johannesburg Art Gallery, August House, Museum Africa, and the Market Theatre are all must-sees during your visit. That said, the real artistic presence of this town primarily comes from its cultural spaces. The Rosebank Art District, Victoria Yards, Maboneng Precinct, and Braamfontein are visual hubs, offering a peek into art studios, graffiti alleys, and public art installations.
Culinary Highlights
Mixing international and local palettes, Johannesburg has everything from luxury dining to more casual spots. While Michelin doesn’t currently have a guide for Africa, many world-renowned chefs made a name for themselves in the city, earning highly-regarded accolades outside of the Michelin system.
History
There are 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Africa alone. Notable mentions include Robben Island, which held Nelson Mandela during his prison sentence. Within the city limits, the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Mandela House, and the Kromdraai Gold Mine.
For a unique blend of history and fun, you can also visit Gold Reef City, a themed amusement park that highlights the city’s origins as a mining town.
Nightlife
Several neighborhoods are hot spots for those looking to party during their visit to Joburg. Rosebank and Sandton are prized for their more upscale experience, Braamfontein and Melville for college-focused or otherwise trendy locations, and Greenside for those looking for cozier, pub-like ambiance.
Relaxation
From luxury hotels to spas and wellness centres, you can participate in a little R&R no matter where you go. The Houghton Hotel and The Residence Hotel are notable high-end spots, while the Saxan, Four Seasons, and Camelot spas are also excellent options. If you want to try some traditional African healing techniques, you can also check out the Mangwanani African Spa.
Best Times To Go
If you’re interested in visiting Johannesburg, there are better times to visit than others. For a quieter, more budget-friendly experience, March to May and September to November are your best bets. These time frames also usually offer more pleasant temperatures, as they avoid the humid rainy season of summer, as well as the colder winter temperatures.
That said, if hot weather and a vibrant city life are what you’re looking for, December to February is the time to go. The city is well-equipped for tourists, and even has its Johannesburg International Mozart Festival during this time. Just be prepared for frequent afternoon showers!
