There is a lot more things to do in Johannesburg than you might think.
Johannesburg attractions are numerous, diverse, and informative, and are frequently overlooked in favour of other picture-perfect places to visit in South Africa. Jo’burg, Jozi, or E’Goli as locals call it, is also known as the “city of gold” because its history is inextricably linked to gold mining. Today, Johannesburg remains South Africa’s financial centre; a city that has shaped the country’s history and politics; and a city of stark contrasts – on one side, the poverty and struggles of Soweto; on the other, glitzy skyscrapers and secluded villas of the few wealthy.
Johannesburg has changed a lot in the last 20 years, from being used as a starting point for a safari to being enjoyed on a quick layover. I first visited in 1997, shortly after the official end of the Apartheid regime, and the city was in turmoil – a dangerous place where tourists were scarce.
In 2020, Johannesburg will have a thriving cultural scene that makes it worthwhile to visit. If you spend enough time in town, you will discover many interesting art galleries, very well-curated museums, markets, and excellent restaurants, cafés, and bars.
Continue reading to learn about the best activities in Johannesburg and how to make the most of your visit. If you want to travel to South Africa you can book a South Africa trip or stay in a South Africa safari lodge. Live your best life today.
Things To Do In Johannesburg | Go to the Apartheid Museum.
This is one of the best attractions in Johannesburg. Museums that explain a country’s history, for example, are an excellent way to become acquainted with it. As a result, the Apartheid Museum of Johannesburg, like the Museo de los Derechos Humanos in Chile, Yad Vashem in Israel, and the Museo de la Revolucion in Havana, Cuba, is a must-see.
There is no other way to put it: the Apartheid Museum is simply one of the must-see attractions in Johannesburg – and, in my opinion, the one that deserves to be visited even if you only have a short visit.
The massive exhibit, which opened in 2001, is a collection of newspaper clippings, documents, films, photos, and other historical artefacts that take you through the history of Apartheid. Nelson Mandela is the subject of an entire exhibition. Some recommend spending at least two hours perusing the exhibit, but I believe four hours is required. I’ve even heard of people returning to the museum the next day after spending three or four hours there.
When you arrive, you will be given an entry ticket that will randomly assign to you . Depending on the colour of the skin, the entrance is different,. that is only to set the tone for the rest of the visit.
Things To Do In Johannesburg | Investigate Soweto
Soweto (short for South Western Township, which was a separate municipality until 2002) is a massive township established by the white government between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth to keep South Africa’s white and black populations separate.
Soweto, about 20 kilometres from Johannesburg, is now South Africa’s largest township, with 1.3 million residents. It rose to international prominence as the site of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final match and the closing ceremony.
Soweto has an intriguing, one-of-a-kind, and rich history of civil unrest and resistance to the Apartheid regime, as well as a rich cultural heritage.
When you visit, you will learn about the harsh reality of life there and despite recent government efforts to improve infrastructure. Many people live in corrugated iron housing. A few large, modern, and comfortable homes have sprung up here and there. Despite the harsh living conditions, the people are extremely friendly. Children are eager to pose for photographs, exclaiming, “shoot me, shoot me!”
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Visit the Cradle of Humanity.
When in Johannesburg, you must go to the Cradle of Humankind. This is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known as the place . As it is the site where the first-ever hominid fossil – an Australopithecus Africanus – was discovered in 1924. The fossil is on display at the Maropeng Visitor Center right now.
The Sterkfontein Caves, located about 10 kilometres from the Cradle of Humankind, are six linked underground chambers with a lake 40 metres below ground level. Mrs Ples (a pre-human skull) and Little Foot (a complete hominid skeleton) were discovered here.
Things To Do In Johannesburg | There’s Constitution Hill.
Visiting Constitution Hill will provide you with more information about the country’s history. This former prison, known as The Fort. Became notorious for its appalling living conditions and brutal treatment of political prisoners and other criminals. Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were among the most notable prisoners.
Constitution Hill, which overlooks the city, is now home to several interesting exhibits, including the Number Four museum. The Old Fort museum (where the whites-only prison was located), and the Women’s Gaol museum. The Constitutional Court of South Africa has replaced the old “Awaiting Trial” sign.
Explore the Maboneng Precinct.
Visiting Maboneg Precind is an absolute must-do while in Johannesburg. The name means “place of light,” and you will undoubtedly find light there. Once a run-down part of town, a renovation project transformed it into one of the most exciting neighbourhoods in town. With great restaurants, cafés, bars, boutiques, art galleries , and great places to stay.
The Market on Main is one of the most well-known establishments in town. Visit Bioscope, an independent cinema, for some entertainment.
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