Location: Soweto
Top Things to do in Soweto
The 10 Best Things to do in Soweto, Gauteng
An acronym for South Western Townships, Soweto was dubbed as such in 1963. The area began in the late 19th century as a temporary neighborhood for gold mine workers, then later became a black Johannesburg ghetto with forced apartheid settlement. In 1976, Soweto garnered international headlines with its deadly uprising against Afrikaans-only language education. The Mandela Family Museum and the recently restored Credo Mutwa Village (with its Zulu and Sotho homesteads) are two can't-miss sights.
Restaurants in Soweto
1. Wozobona Cultural House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The community always stood as one and ubuntu was alive and real. Wozobona Cultural House is dedicated to the memory of those times and honours all the heroes of that time. The complete tour includes a township meal, a tour detailing the life during the struggle and wonderful true stories from that time. Have a look at the museum display and listen to the soothing and unique music of the time.
Reviewed By R4618XOmartinm
Warmth, love, pleasure and good food for both stomach and thought.... Stories of yester years from the host herself, what a beautiful lady, mama Lindi, both inside and outside. We liked having the place all to ourselves and felt like royalty!! Wozobona...come see the real msawawa!!
2. Soweto Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By MichaelDF88
I would describe it as a beer adventure with yummy food. It’s not a 5 star experience it is so much better. This is as local as you can get with knowledgeable staff who are cheerful and happy to help you make decisions if your not sure. We did the beer tasting which I recommend before buying a full glass of something. Try something new. I’d also suggest calling before you go to check if there are any events they where preparing for an all nighter party when we went so we had some DJ music to go with our experience. I loved it. Secure car parking also available. A bit of a drive but worth the experience. Outdoor seating only, so check the weather.
3. 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.
4. Hector Pieterson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
This tragic museum, opened in 2002, honors the Sowetan schoolchildren slain in a police massacre in 1976.
Reviewed By janephere - Benjamin, United States
A well preserved historical account of extreme brutality against black youth, especially primary and secondary school children who seek to preserve their rights and voices in peaceful manner. Such large scale brutality and crime against humanity where thousands of these children were murdered in cold blood. This is a story of the Soweto uprising, this is the story of infant tears and blood. May the souls represented by those walls rest in peace and bless the land of Africa and its people. I do hope that humanity will never witness this again
5. Vilakazi Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By onesaic - Mutare, Zimbabwe
Wow great street like a clip from a movie. Loved the African dancers it's very vibrant energetic its a great place to visit wished I could have stayed longer
6. Regina Mundi
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By ShipBright - Exeter, United States
Visit Soweto and see this church which became ground zero for the anti-apartheid uprisings--a sanctuary that still carries its bullet holes with pride.
7. Credo Mutwa Cultural Village
8. 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.
9. Soweto Theatre
10. Walter Sisulu Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
