5 Awesome things to do in Johannesburg | South Africa 🇿🇦
Me: I can’t wait to go on vacation
Them: Oh nice, any travel plans? Where are you going?
Me: South Africa 🇿🇦
Them: WHY?!? (with a funny face) or don’t get there, it’s too dangerous!
To make this short, I heard all kind of reasons why I should not travel to South Africa, especially Johannesburg. To be fair prior to undertaking this trip back in 2015, the unfortunate events of anti-foreigner violence and student’s protests “Fees must fall” did not help at all.
I was, however, determined or should I rather say we were determined to go on this must needed getaway from Abidjan. Johannesburg also known as Joburg or Jozi is a fast-paced city with limitless activities to engage in and this list doesn't even cover half of them. However, as I did a lot of research myself before taking off I thought that this top 5 Awesome things to do in Johannesburg might be helpful.
Sightseeing | things to do in Johannesburg
One of the main reason why I wanted to visit South Africa was for its rich history linked to the Apartheid and undoubtedly Nelson Mandela.
Historical sites such as the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill are must visit sites among so many others. One way good to visit a good number of them and to learn along the way is by hoping on the City Sightseeing Bus. You will pass by places such as the Gandhi Square and get a panoramic city view if you hop off at the Carlton Centre and take the elevator to the Top of Africa.
Arts & Street Art | things to do in Johannesburg
The South African Art scene is constantly evolving. From Arts Galleries such as the Wits Art Museum and the Stevenson Gallery in Braamfontein to Street Art, you name it!
Other galleries worth visiting are the Goodman Gallery, Everard Read & Gallery Momo.
Food Markets etc… | things to do in Johannesburg
Food, good vibes & shopping ! What else could we wish for? You should have seen us at the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein (held every Saturday), we looked like children at Disneyworld!
Another market open on Saturday is the Jozi Real Food Market. On Sundays, you may want to head to the Market on main in Maboneng for another fun foodie experience.
Drinks & Cocktails | things to do in Johannesburg
I won’t be able to tell you where we had the best cocktails just because they were honestly ALL on point!
From the cocktail tasting at Beer Co in Germiston, AND the cocktails at the Hard Rock Café in Sandton & at Bannister in Braamfontein, AND the “Six in the City” at Six Cocktail Bar in Melville, to the Green Melon & Spicy Mojitos at the Neighbourgoods Market !
You may also want to head at the Living Room & Lenin’s Vodka Bar in Maboneng.
Eat your way around Johannesburg
There is an incredibly rich culinary heritage in South Africa. We had so much to eat & taste in so little time. I was however told not to leave the country without eating some Pap (usually a side dish which refers to a kind of maize porridge) and experience a shisa nyama (a popular phrase to describe an informal barbecue).
Where to find it? You may want to try Chaf Pozi in Soweto and Shisa Nyama in Midrand (40 minutes away from Jozi)
On another note, if you are a fan of jazz & live music, we do recommend the Orbit in Braamfontein. You may also want to try Moyo, which is a famous institution in South Africa with its face-painting upon arrival.
I would like to end this article by a little shout-out to a guide we fell in love with : Johannesburg in your pocket. Make sure you grab a copy upon arrival or check their website for useful info.
