Location: Johannesburg
Top Things to do in Johannesburg
10 Free Things to do in Johannesburg That You Shouldn't Miss
Johannesburg is the place to go to mix big-city culture, shopping, dining and nightlife with outdoor adventures, up-close wildlife encounters and visits to historical sites. Explore caves and nature reserves, or visit a traditional village by day, then enjoy dinner at a hip cafe or five-star restaurant. And if you're a shopper, bring an extra, empty suitcase. With malls, open-air markets and places that blend the two, you'll find plenty of unique souvenirs.
Restaurants in Johannesburg
1. I was shot in Joburg
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
We shoot things, with a camera. Providing a platform for former street kids to learn skills and generate an income. We also recycle things and make things. iwastrashed, iwasmade
Reviewed By Evva47142
Went there with some friends of mine. This shop has really awesome and unique pieces. It is definitely worth a visit!
2. Johannesburg Holocaust & Genocide Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
The JHGC, in partnership with the City of Johannesburg, moved into its iconic new building of memory, education and lessons for humanity in mid-2016 and officially opened to the public in March 2019, with the completion of its Permanent Exhibition. The Centre explores the history of the Holocaust and genocide in the 20th century.
Reviewed By Giselle1106 - Pasadena, United States
One of the wonderful volunteers took the time to guide me through this great museum and explain the unique features of the architecture devised by listening to the wishes of the survivors. The visit is extremely moving. Since the museum aims to be educational there is no required entrance fee. Voluntary contributions are gladly accepted. Visiting this museum should be a must for everybody interested in human history and its aberrations.
3. The Wilds
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By giwilreker - Johannesburg, South Africa
Beautiful wild gardens restored to former glory. Sit on the lawns with a picnic basket or explore the hills and look for James Delaney's lazer cut animals hidden between the plants. Stunning views over Jozi from the Sundial.
4. Hector Pieterson Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
The 1976 photograph of slain thirteen-year old Hector Pieterson, carried by a friend while his grieving sister runs alongside, is a chilling reminder that South African was changed thereafter.
Reviewed By 951lucindat
The memorial and what it represents tugs at the heart. You need a local to truly explain the significance of this memorial and Soweto uprising. Hector's sister also works at the memorial. If you visit Robben Island you will also meet one of the guides that was also arrested as part of the uprising and served time as a prisoner at Robben Island.
5. Everard Read Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By TennilleG - Johannesburg, South Africa
My favourite thing to do once a month on a Saturday is to visit the Keyes art mile and see what is happening at all the galleries, Everard Read being the oldest of these and also one of my favourites. All of the galleries in this node are very small, but you could easily spend a morning walking from one to the other and stopping for a bite to eat at one of the trendy restaurants along the way. Their exhibitions usually feature local & contemporary artists that are always thought provoking and of excellent world class quality regardless of medium.
6. Market on Main
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Johannesburg's leading food and design Market, set in the prestigious Arts on Main complex which houses some of Johannesburg's leading Galeries and artist studios. A must see to experience the inner city rejuvenation of Johannesburg. Picnic under the olive trees while enjoying Ethiopian, Moroccan, Chinese, Italian and Indian Food. Don't miss the Bunny Chows, Boerie Rolls and Snoek on Roosterbrood. These typical South African dishes will make sure you leave with a real flavor of what South Africa has to offer. Every Sunday from 10am to 3pm and every first Thursday of the month from 7pm till 11pm.
7. Neighbourgoods Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
Reviewed By E9861KFchristophec
Really nice indeed. Any type of food you may want, plus quality artwork. Artisanal beer and organic wine, chill out music. Clearly a symbol of gentrificarion, but also one of the rare place where mixity is obvious and natural A pity it opens only once a week.
8. 44 Stanley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By kerrysidwellwilson - Johannesburg, South Africa
I love to visit 44 Stanley and then I forget again, so I am surprised how nice it is when I visit again. Great outdoor restaurants with wonderful food. A nice selection of local designers have shops here if you are wanting to buy local, but need a smart or trendy outfit, this is the place. A number of the designers do bespoke work too.
9. Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By vernonv435 - Alberton, South Africa
What a pleasure to hike here. Municipal Nature Reserve - free entry. Easy green route and return with easy blue route - ony challenge is to cross the rIver at silent pools! Nice light lunch at cafeteria afterwards.
10. Maboneng Precinct
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 576 reviews
The Maboneng Precinct is a connected Urban neighbourhood in downtown Johannesburg. Maboneng is fast becoming Jo'burg's most unique and innovative area, offering live / work and entertainment opportunities within a fully integrated urban environment. Completed developments include Arts on Main and Main Street Life, Revolution House and more. Maboneng is also home to flagship fashion stores and diverse eateries and entertainment spaces.
Reviewed By Miller1036
I read so many mixed comments on this area, but from my experience I would advise this to be on any visitor's "must do" list. It is one of the livelier areas where you can see a lot in a very confined, pedestrian friendly area. We went there twice, and my only regret is that in both instances many of the galleries I wanted to visit in the Arts on Main section were not open. I would have liked to have seen more art galleries, but we had more than enough to do with the shops, street vendors and the many great food and drink venues. If you eat here, definitely sit where you can watch the continuous spectacle of the street life including the ongoing hustle of street photographers and the self-appointed street parking attendants. This is also a great area to buy gifts for people back home. I highly recommend the street vendors for original t-shirts, jewelry and art, and the "I was Shot in JoBurg" shop for creative works made by young people with mostly found materials or locally inspired imagery.
