Whether tourists are just stopping over for a night or two in transit or on business, or spending longer on a dedicated trip to explore the city, there are several highlights that should be included in any Johannesburg itinerary. Tour operators tell us their top Jo’burg must-dos.

1.Historical attractions

Historical attractions continue to be a major drawcard as the city’s rich and complex background has resulted in it being home to some of the country’s most well-known museums and monuments. Many of these are situated in parts of Johannesburg that also include various other activities for tourists, such as Soweto and Johannesburg’s rejuvenated Central Business District (CBD). Included in the list of tour operator’s most popular historical attractions are Constitutional Hill, the Apartheid Museum, Soweto Museum and Liliesleaf Farm.

Peter Mashaba of Mashaba Tours says: “The Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial in Soweto is a moving and emotional experience and gives a great understanding of South African history.” He also recommends that tourists walk along Vilakazi Street and view the public art on the way to museum.

2.The “real life” of local residents

The majority of tour operators said an increasing number of tourists are looking to get a sense of the daily life of Johannesburg’s residents and not just the typical, well-trodden tourist attractions that make it into the usual brochures. This is fuelled by a growing awareness of the various different backgrounds and lifestyles of South Africans, which Jaco Robbertse of Ulysses Tours and Safaris says can be explained and experienced during city tours of Soweto and Johannesburg CBD. 

Mashaba says he has also noted more requests to experience a “real slice of Sowetan life” and includes experiences such as a wander around the Baragwaneth Taxi Rank in his itineraries. Chris Ndlovu Mlevu, MD of Boyang Gape, says the passing away of former president, Nelson Mandela, has made Soweto even more popular with international tourists, as most visitors want to see where this legendary leader came from.  

3.Art and cultural activities

Johannesburg is fast-becoming a graffiti and street art destination, and Jo Buitendach of Past Experiences specialises in taking tourists on guided tours to experience this alternative side of the city. She says: “Loads of local and international artists have added art and colour to the city and taking tourists to see this is a unique way of getting to know the city.” She adds that it is particularly popular with travellers with an interest in photography, as well as those travelling with children.

4.Trendy markets

The renewal of Johannesburg’s CBD has seen various markets springing up over the last few years, many of which attract a young, urban and trendy crowd. Mashaba says many of his guests want to experience the fun, “hipster” side of life in Johannesburg, and he takes them through to Maboneng or to Arts on Main on its market days on Sundays.

Buitendach echoes these sentiments and says many tourists enjoy visiting weekend markets in order to try the local food, and craft beers. “It’s also a great way to meet and interact with locals,” she adds.

5.Wildlife

Although not quite able to compete with true bush destinations elsewhere in Southern Africa, tourists with limited time that want to experience wildlife still have the option of seeing the Big 5 in Jo’burg and its surrounds. Robbertse says he takes guests to the Melville Koppies, as well as the Johannesburg Zoo, while a bit further afield, they can travel to Dinokeng Game Reserve, Rietvlei Game Reserve, Suikerbosrand and Magaliesberg.

Mlevu adds that the Lion Park has also become a leading attraction, particular for those who want to experience a “safari in the city”.