Johannesburg Hotels

South Africa has 11 official languages, and in Johannesburg you get to hear them all. This is a city that rumbles along in a whirling chaos, with each culture nursing its own scars and prejudices, its own pride and traditions.

Most visitors come into Johannesburg and go right out again – off to Kruger National Parkfor a safari. And why not? After all, a safari is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But so, in its own way, is Johannesburg.

Johannesburg has its problems – with crime a serious concern. Yet it also has plenty of people trying to find the solutions and a sense of optimism that is apparent in places like Soweto, the once-infamous shantytown that is now transforming itself into a positive, modern suburb.

Despite the poverty and violence, there are pockets of real grace and beauty in Johannesburg – like in South Africa as a whole – that will leave you moved. So whether you’re gaping in wonder at the UNSESCO World Heritage Cradle of Humankind, kicking back in the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens or being inspired at the Mandela Museum or Museum Africa, Johannesburg will not fail to leave an impression.

Johannesburg’s Top 10

Johannesburg History

• Apartheid Museum – This thought-provoking museum offers insight into a dark period in South African history.
• Museum Africa – This old fruit market now contains historical exhibits on Johannesburg’s past and present.
• Regina Mundi Church – This bullet-ridden church was a central meeting place during the struggle against apartheid.
• Mandela Family Museum – This humble little house gives a peek into the life of one of the world’s most respected political leaders.
• Historical City Centre Walk – This walk includes several significant Anglo-Boer War sites.

Johannesburg Art & Culture

• Turbine Hall – This area shows off stunning historical architecture.
• Soweto – Tours of the biggest township in South Africa reveal a different pace of life.
• Johannesburg Art Gallery – This major public gallery in Johannesburg has an impressive collection.
• Market Theatre – On the cutting edge of South Africa’s dramatic performance scene.
• Standard Bank Art Gallery – This gallery showcases a permanent African art collection and regularly rotating South African artists.

Johannesburg Shopping

• Mai Mai – The oldest market in Johannesburg is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
• Kwa Zulu Natal Museum of Muti & Man – A weird and wonderful retail experience, specialising in traditional herbal medicines.
• Kohinoor World of Music – This basement store is for the discerning music lover.
• Bryanston Organic Market – This market supports fair-trade and organic products.
• Rosebank Rooftop Market – One of the best places to find traditional carvings, beadwork, jewellery, books and curios.

Gay & Lesbian Johannesburg

• The Rec Room – The biggest gay steam bath in Johannesburg.
• Ramp Divas – The oldest gay club in the city and known for its gay pageants.
• Pandora’s Piano Bar – A dynamic hangout featuring a bar and restaurant.
• Kinx – Stocking an extensive range of the best and latest leather and fetish gear.
• The Factory – The ultimate in traditional underground venues.

Johannesburs Local

The Central Business District (CBD) of Johannesburg has Africa’s most jam-packed concentration of skyscrapers. The district also includes the Nelson Mandela Bridge, which was officially opened by the man himself. The 284-metre-long structure links to Constitutional Hill, where you can take a guided tour to understand how South Africa’s unjust past has ended in freedom. The bridge also leads to the Market Theatre, a complex of three theatres, two galleries, restaurants, bars, and a jazz club. There’s even a flea market held every Saturday morning.

Soweto

Soweto was a separate city until the 1990s. Scene of the infamous 1976 ‘Soweto Massacre’, its streets became synonymous with resistance against the white regime and its apartheid-driven policies. Spend time here to really soak up the enormity of that struggle and the changes it eventually brought about. The Mandela Family Museum and Hector Pietersen Museum are also worth visiting. For an insight into traditional African culture, the Credo Mutwa Village has restored Zulu and Sotho villages.

Sandton

As the business centre of Johannesburg, Sandton is urban and busy. It’s here you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars for nightlife fun and games. Whether you find the ever-present security guards comforting or off-putting is another matter. Also, get your picture taken with Nelson Mandela – or his Statue at least –at Nelson Mandela Square. The Gallery on the Square displays both international and South African art, while the 200-seater Theatre on the Square is the place to catch a show.

Johannesburg Eat & Drink

Johannesburg offers an array food from African to Asian food to fusion. Take care with what you try from road stalls, as hygiene standards vary greatly.

Johannesburg Events

Get the New Year going at the Jo’burg Carnival in January. Vibrant and colourful floats glide past. (Or perhaps they stand still and the alcohol makes the world move. Either way, it’s fun.)

In March, learn more about African art at the Jo’burg Art Fair at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The Women in Arts Festival in August showcases poetry, storytelling, dance, theatre and photography by women. The five-day festival is held in Newtown before Women’s Day.

September sees a whole month of music, dance and theatre at the Arts Alive Festival.

Also in September is Johannesburg Pride. It lasts a week and culminates in the Gay Pride March. A great excuse for a party.

Out in Africa is a South Africa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival held in October since 1995, offering film screenings and workshops.

In October, celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights at Newtown Diwali Festival. Festivities include dance workshops, fashion shows and food stalls.

The Good Food and Wine Festival takes place in November in the Coca-Cola Dome. Unsurprisingly, there will be lots of food and wine! Ironically, though, there isn’t much Coca-Cola.

When To Go

In spring (September to November), temperatures reach 24°C (75°F).

Summer is from December to March, when temperatures stay around 13-26°C (55-79°F).

Autumn (April to May) sees temperatures in the 7-21°C (45-70°F) range.

Winter sees temperatures drop to 4-19°C (39-66°F) from June to August.

Getting Around

Renting a car is your best option in Johannesburg because public transport is limited. Only use the public bus if you truly know your way around. Take a taxi if you haven’t rented a car, but only take the normal sedan taxis (they’ll either be metered or, more likely, have a fixed price). Make sure you don’t take the minibus taxis where you’d be sharing with other passengers.

What To Miss

Marlboro Station next to Alexandra is extremely dangerous. Avoid completely if possible.

Since crime rates are very high in Johannesburg, always be careful no matter where you are. And be especially mindful when using ATMs.

Muggings can happen even in broad daylight. Always wear a money belt and keep valuables locked away.

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