What to do and see in Johannesburg, Gauteng: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

(Open by appointment only.) The stories that lived (and still live) within the walls of the Lindfield Victorian House Museum tell a tale of Johannesburg during an era that, more than any other, shaped urban Johannesburg as we know it today. A tale of the day-to-day family life and fashion trends, masters and servants, elegance, high culture, high teas, social etiquette and intellectual achievements. The spirit of this amazing era lives on in the museum and visitors not only learn its cultural history, but also experience the ambiance of a bygone world.

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.

This large museum contains mostly military-related records, journals, weapons and photographs that depict the nation’s participation in large-scale conflicts.

This museum is architecturally interesting and packed with thoughtful, often brutal, reminders of South Africa’s history.

This tragic museum, opened in 2002, honors the Sowetan schoolchildren slain in a police massacre in 1976.

A fun filled guided tour through an interactive multi-media museum, exploring the rich history of beer and its South African story. End off with a cold pint in the Tap Room overlooking the city. The immersive tour explores the rich history of Africa's beer culture, transporting you from the tombs of Egypt to the mining townships of Johannesburg's pioneer days. You'll also get to taste traditional African beer, hold hop flowers in your hands, smell the different types of barley and peer into the great big wort kettle! Beer memorabilia and merchandise are also available at the adjoining shop, Tankards and Togs. Since being opened by former President Nelson Mandela nearly 20 years ago, the World of Beer has become one of the country's top attractions for foreigners and locals alike, winning SA Tourism's "Tourist Attraction Category Winner" for three consecutive years. It also houses a five-star conference and event venue. Visit experience it for yourself! Access SAB World of Beer is situated in the heart of the Johannesburg Newtown Cultural Precinct. It is within walking distance of the three major railway stations (Westgate, Braamfontein and Park Station) and conveniently located on one of the city's main taxi routes. Shuttle services from the Gautrain station can be arranged at a minimal cost.

Gautrain is Africa’s first world-class, modern rapid rail and bus service for Gauteng, a province regarded as the economic heartland of South Africa.

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.

Africa is where our ancestors evolved into human beings; it’s only fitting then that the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg, South Africa, is where the Origins Centre Museum has been established. Conceptualised by a team of academics and designers from Wits University, the museum aims to provide visitors with a unique experience of Africa’s rich, complex heritage. The Museum boasts an extensive collection of rock art from the Wits Rock Art Research Institute (RARI), affording visitors the opportunity to view the earliest images made by humans, found in South Africa. Combining cutting-edge technology with the creative vision of some of South Africa’s foremost artists, the museum’s exhibits take visitors on an extraordinary voyage of discovery, which begins with the origins of humankind in Africa, and then moves through the development of art, symbolism, and technology on the continent. The Origins Centre Museum restores the African continent to its rightful place in history – at the very beginning of mankind’s journey to humanity. We are also home to a vast array of palaeoanthropological, archaeological and genetic materials charting the origins of humankind. These include ancient tools, artefacts of spiritual significance to early humans and examples of the region’s striking rock art. Visitors to our museum can expect to take follow an 80 000-year path in search of the art and culture that has inspired human innovation, as well as delve into the fascinating beliefs of the ancient San, experiencing ritual such as hunting and the trance dance. Audio guides come with the price of admission and are available in six languages – Zulu, Sotho, English, Afrikaans, French and German.