What are the best things to do in Johannesburg?
Top picks in Johannesburg include Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Soweto — Vilakazi Street and Mandela House, Maboneng Precinct. See the full list and itinerary on this Johannesburg travel guide.
🇿🇦 South Africa travel guide
Africa · Southern Africa
Johannesburg Travel Guide
Things to do in Johannesburg — Explore Johannesburg
Photo: Mark Hillary · CC BY 2.0
Why visit Johannesburg
Johannesburg has a population of about 5.6 million people in the urban area (2023), half of whom live in Soweto and adjacent suburbs. Three quarters of the population is formed by South Africa's black residents who mostly live in Soweto, while white residents amount to about 12% (2019). The remaining 11% are of other descent, including Africa's largest ethnic Chinese community. The city is home to two Chinatowns; the original one on Commissioner Street has shrunk dramatically since its heyday, but still has a few… (Source: Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.)
Johannesburg is a stop in South Africa, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Soweto — Vilakazi Street and Mandela House instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 45–120 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season for the most comfortable travel. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Johannesburg
1
Apartheid Museum
2
Constitution Hill
3
Soweto — Vilakazi Street and Mandela House
4
Maboneng Precinct
5
Gold Reef City
6
Lion & Safari Park day trip
7
Neighbourgoods Market (Rosebank)
8
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Budget travel
Free things to do in Johannesburg
Lion & Safari Park day trip
Neighbourgoods Market (Rosebank)
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Johannesburg itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Apartheid Museum
- Visit Constitution Hill
- Visit Soweto — Vilakazi Street and Mandela House
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Maboneng Precinct
- Visit Gold Reef City
- Visit Lion & Safari Park day trip
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Neighbourgoods Market (Rosebank)
- Visit Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Prefer a full 7-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Johannesburg itinerary guide.
Budget
Johannesburg trip cost
Budget
USD 20–40
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 45–120
per person / day
Luxury
USD 140–230+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Johannesburg, South Africa. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Johannesburg
Estimated total (USD)
$2,110
≈ $1,055 per person · $301 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $85/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Johannesburg mid-range ground costs (budget 20–40 · mid 45–120 · luxury 140–230+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
In pictures
Johannesburg gallery
Photos: Mark Hillary, Janek Szymanowski, Chris7cn (talk), South African Tourism, Steve Evans — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Johannesburg travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Johannesburg?
Plan at least 3 days in Johannesburg for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Johannesburg?
Stay near the centre of Johannesburg for easy access to attractions, or near the airport if you have a short layover.
How much does a trip to Johannesburg cost?
On the ground in Johannesburg (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 20–40 per person per day, mid-range about 45–120, and luxury about 140–230+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Johannesburg, South Africa. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
.JPG?width=1920)
