Johannesburg Hotels

Johannesburg is evolving and growing at a rapid pace, with certain areas becoming modernised to attract a younger crowd of tourists while others retain their historical significance. This friendly destination has a certain buzz to it, which is why Johannesburg holidays are climbing the list of priorities among travellers.

Significant sites

South Africa’s mixed history is well-known, and Johannesburg had an important role to play in its past. The Apartheid Museum is a vital place to learn about the events that shaped the nation, told through film, audio and words. CIRCA on Jellicoe is an architectural landmark and an excellent gallery housing contemporary art. This prominent spiral structure is found to the north of the South African National Museum of Military History, and to the west of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory. The Centre of Memory celebrates and remembers the nation’s famous former president and anti-apartheid revolutionary.

Activities and entertainment

You are likely to find an activity that suits your personality and budget in Johannesburg. If you are planning a trip with the family you should head to Johannesburg Zoo, which features a guided ferry tour and many exciting activities throughout the year. Segwati quad trails at the Witwatersberg mountain range offer a stunning view over the Cradle of Humankind and the opportunity to spot the wildlife that lives outside of the city. Theatres and music venues are found across the city to satisfy your entertainment desires and let you discover something new.

Shopping

Thriving shopping centres are complemented by bustling market areas where you can pick up all manner of goods and souvenirs. Sandton City to the north is a sophisticated place to shop and pick out items from global fashion brands or enjoy a casual lunch. Nearby Nelson Mandela Square is another place for high-end fashion, jewellery and fine dining. Neighbourgoods Market features fresh food and speciality goods created by residents of Braamfontein and its surrounding areas, while Rosebank Sunday Market is a great spot for books, jewellery and traditional carvings. If music is your thing, don’t miss Kohinoor in the basement of a furniture store in Newtown. You’ll find all types of music there, although this brightly-coloured store does specialise in African music and jazz.

Eating out

The mix of ethnicities that have settled in South Africa have brought with them a rich variety of food for you to sample. Biltong is the food most associated with the nation, but there is also frikkadel (traditional meatballs), snoek (a smoked fish caught off the coast of Cape Town) and boerewors (spicy lamb or beef sausages). Food from Europe, the Middle East and Asia won’t be hard to find in this cosmopolitan city, either. Formal restaurants are contrasted by lively bistros and cafés that give you the chance to interact with those around you.