City: Gauteng
Top Things to do in Gauteng
The 10 Best Historic Sites in Gauteng, South Africa
Gauteng (/ɡɔːˈtɛŋ/; Sotho pronunciation [xɑ́úˈtʼèŋ̀]), which means "place of gold", is one of the nine provinces of South Africa.
Restaurants in Gauteng
1. Sammy Marks House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By surya77 - Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
This 48 room, beautiful Victorian mansion which is now a museum, with it's lovely garden, is definitely worth a visit. The Mansion, which is called Zwartkoppies Hall and dates from 1884, is situated about 23 klms outside Pretoria. It was the home of Sammy Marks( Samuel Markovits), a Lithuanian, who arrived in SA in 1868, a poor man, and ended up being one of the country's leading industrialists. To visit the house - which is a must- one has to join a guided tour, as we did. There are so many precious, historical and antique items including porcelain, silver, painting and furniture in the museum that it would not be possible to do it otherwise. What is so special about this Museum is that the Mansion with all it's interior has been preserved as it was. This, ofcourse, is responsible for the amazing atmosphere one feels when inside. What an opulent life the family lived! Very happy and grateful that something with so much history and beauty is being taken care of and still stands as it was, a memorial to a man who followed his dream and reached amazing heights in doing so.
2. Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,566 reviews
Nowhere can the story of South Africa's turbulent past and its extraordinary transition to democracy be told as it is at Constitution Hill. Constitution Hill is a national heritage site situated in the Johannesburg CBD and is home to the Constitutional Court of South Africa- the highest court in the country on constitutional matters. Once a place of injustice and brutality, where South Africa's leading political activists, including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, were detained, the site has been transformed into a place of solidarity and democracy, home to the Women's Gaol museum, Number Four Museum, and Old Fort Museum. Apart from its engaging and gripping exhibitions, Constitution Hill is also open to the public for guided tours and has become an important platform for Heritage, Education, and Tourism related programmes. The vast variety of programmes hosted at Constitution Hill enable us to embrace current issues, celebrate days of national significance, address matters of public interest and create a forum for public debate. With its rich history and character Constitution Hill boasts of ideal platforms to educate and learn about South Africa's story. ConHill, as it is famously known, also offers a variety of multi-purpose venues, suitable for conferencing, performances, a large array of events and for public activities and programmes.
Reviewed By Daydream62408959336
A visit to Constitutional Hill is a visit that every person should take more than once if possible, (whether a tourist or a South African). It’s a harrowing and extremely emotional tour for any visitor and not a tour that should be hurried. The tour guides are extremely informative and are to be commended on their extensive knowledge. A visit to the Concourt itself is a must and it’s wonderful to see the highest Court in the land being open to all (you can actually see the goings on through the glass panels if you don’t want to enter the Court itself). There are also many activities, concerts, art exhibitions etc which take place at the Constitutional Hill as well through the year so it comes alive again with music, laughter and joy. Every time you visit Constitutional Hill should not only be a time of quiet reflection on the past which will be tinged with sadness, but also one of hope and positiveness for the future of our wonderful country.
3. Nelson Mandela Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
The Nelson Mandela Foundation houses the last office of President Nelson Mandela which forms part of an exhibition documenting his life. The Exhibition entitled the Life and Times of Nelson Mandela includes a short video documenting his life and a range of artefacts and documents from his private archive.The jackal kaross that he wore during his 1962 court appearance is a special feature and is on loan from Winnie Madikizela- Mandela The temporary exhibition space is occupied by various exhibitions throughout the year.The exhibitions responds to contemporary issues.
4. Kromdraai Gold Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Walk straight into a dark tunnel in the side of the hill, along where coco-pan tracks once lay. Learn about traditional mining methods and experience the working conditions that miners endured all those years ago. See how the mine has become home to bats and other critters as you make your way through ancient tunnels into the heart of the hill. A quirky and unforgettable experience that you wont find in a brochure. Adventure awaits. Closed on Mondays - Tuesday to Friday trips are by appointment only.
Reviewed By JNinSA
Interesting tour into one of the oldest mines of Joburg. The owner/guide is so passionate about what he is doing. Very lovely. His office is literally a museum and there also is a small art gallery. Had a great time!
5. Melrose House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 107 reviews
Victorian opulence abounds at this tastefully preserved historic home.
Reviewed By 98stephannies - Centurion, South Africa
A lovely museum that shows daily life from the late 1800's and early 1900s of the South African elite. The house has been beautifully and accurately restored and is rich with the elegance of the era. Our fabulous guide told us all about the Heys family who built and lived in the house. We were blessed to have had High Tea organized while we there and we were treated to tasty sweets and tea on fine bone china. The grounds have the most stunning old trees and are a delight. A nice place to visit if you are spending the day in downtown Pretoria. I would couple it with a trip to the National Museum of Natural history a few blocks away and a stop at the Parliament building or the Voortrekker Monument. R25 for adults No flash photography Parking on Jeff Masemola street (not secured but with a parking attendant), or in the parking lot behind the museum.
6. Johannesburg Fort
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By chrispC2489CX - Shanghai, China
It’s worth taking the guided tour of Constitutional Hill. I learnt so much and they take you to all the important points of interest. Learnt so much and never even knew about this place. Actually took a second visit, just to wander around. So much history
7. Smuts House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By EHBSA
Amazingly beautiful and incredible atmosphere with excellent food. We were here for a Valentine’s breakfast. There special attention for the occasion was worderful.
8. Union Buildings
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,385 reviews
Reviewed By YoWi79 - Pretoria, South Africa
The Union Buildings is part of Pretoria's pride! And if you really want to treat yourself, be sure to visit it while the Jacaranda trees are in bloom in October. The beautiful architecture combined with the purple flowers on the trees, make for some stunning photos!
9. Credo Mutwa Cultural Village
10. Mandela House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 680 reviews
Reviewed By Antas17 - Johannesburg, South Africa
Well preserved, helpful tour guides and right in the heart of Vilakazi Street, around the corner from the Hector Pietersen Memorial. Grab some lunch down the street after your visit.
