It feels less like a polished destination and more like a living, breathing entity where history clashes vibrantly with modern hustle in every street corner. You will find warmth in its chaotic rhythm, a place that demands curiosity rather than passive sightseeing, offering deep cultural layers hidden behind bustling markets and vibrant art scenes. Today, it is not just a transit hub but a dynamic metropolis inviting you to explore its complex soul through local cuisine, music, and the striking skyline that watches over its rebirth.
Do Johannesburg the way locals do: start slow at Hennops Hiking Trail & Mtb Trail, eat where the regulars do at The 11th Floor Restaurant, let the evening run long at Six Cocktail Bar.
Top things to do in Johannesburg Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Gold Reef City Theme Park
Amusement Park · ★ 4.5 (40,547 reviews)
More than 30 roller coasters & thrill rides, an interactive history of gold mining & a 4D theater.
Check tours & tickets 2
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.7 (17,356 reviews)
Serene natural area with picnic areas, birdwatching & trails amid indigenous plants & wildlife.
Check tours & tickets 3
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.4 (11,433 reviews)
This 125-hectare park features various gardens, plus picnicking, a fountain & a restaurant.
Check tours & tickets 4
Apartheid Museum
Museum · ★ 4.6 (7,343 reviews)
Museum chronicling the story of 20th-century South Africa & the now-defunct apartheid system.
Check tours & tickets 5
Maropeng: Official Visitor Centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site
Museum · ★ 4.4 (10,737 reviews)
Modern visitor center for UNESCO-listed Cradle of Humankind, site of important fossil finds.
Check tours & tickets 6
Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct
Museum · ★ 4.5 (6,824 reviews)
Infamous century-old prison, now a center with the High Court, tours & exhibitions on local history.
Check tours & tickets 7
Gandhi Square Precinct
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.2 (11,847 reviews)
Bus terminus anchored by a statue of the humanitarian Mahatma Gandhi, bordered by banks & eateries.
Check tours & tickets 9
Mandela's House
Museum · ★ 4.5 (6,053 reviews)
Exhibits & artifacts in a previous home of the nation's revered former president, Nelson Mandela.
Check tours & tickets 10
Montecasino Bird Gardens
tourist_attraction, zoo · ★ 4.6 (4,988 reviews)
Walk-through gardens & aviary featuring colorful birds, mammals, reptiles & other exotic animals.
Check tours & tickets Where to eat Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
The 11th Floor Restaurant
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (8,641 reviews)
Website 12
Gold Reef City Casino
Casino · ★ 4.4 (17,570 reviews)
Slot machines & table games in premium surrounds, plus a theme park, movies & several restaurants.
Website 13
Steers Park Station
Hamburger Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (3,420 reviews)
Long-running counter-serve chain known for flame-grilled beef burgers & thick, handmade chips.
Website 14
Marble Restaurant
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (5,426 reviews)
Sleek rooftop venue highlighting upmarket local provisions & desserts, plus craft cocktails & wine.
Website 15
Mikes Heritage House
Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (6,093 reviews)
Long-running chain restaurant with a family-friendly vibe and a classic, meaty South African menu.
Website 16
The Grillhouse Rosebank
Steak House · ★ 4.6 (4,097 reviews)
Upscale white-tablecloth outfit offering steak & ribs, plus fine wines & cocktails.
Website 17
Mr.G. Melrose Arch
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (3,904 reviews)
Website 18
The Grillhouse Sandton
Steak House · ★ 4.5 (3,408 reviews)
Upscale white-tablecloth outfit offering steak & ribs, plus fine wines & cocktails.
Website Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Johannesburg
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
21
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
Educational Institution · ★ 4.5 (2,718 reviews)
Children's interactive museum offering exhibits & workshops in science, technology & math.
Check tours & tickets 22
Cycle Lab Bike Park
Cycling Park · ★ 4.5 (1,903 reviews)
Sports facility with 13 km. of mountain-biking & running trails for all ages, plus a restaurant.
Check tours & tickets 23
City Sightseeing Johannesburg | Official Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Tour Agency · ★ 4.4 (1,970 reviews)
Check tours & tickets 24
Lebo's Soweto Backpackers
guest_house, hostel · ★ 4.6 (1,138 reviews)
Simple dorms & private rooms in a relaxed hostel offering a kitchen, plus an open-air restaurant.
Check tours & tickets Get outside 25
Hennops Hiking Trail & Mtb Trail
Hiking Area · ★ 4.6 (5,096 reviews)
Picturesque hiking, biking & offroad trails on farmland with picnic & BBQ areas & swimming pools.
Website 26
Delta Park
Park · ★ 4.4 (5,726 reviews)
27
Cradle Moon Lake
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.6 (3,634 reviews)
Website 28
Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge
Lodging · ★ 4.4 (4,930 reviews)
Simple rooms & bungalows in a down-to-earth resort offering complimentary breakfast.
29
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.6 (3,031 reviews)
Trails wind through this grassland reserve, home to zebra, birdlife & ruins from the Stone Age.
Website After dark 30
Six Cocktail Bar
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.2 (2,687 reviews)
Website 31
Shakers Cocktail Bar
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.3 (2,166 reviews)
32
Kitchener's
Bar · ★ 4.2 (1,459 reviews)
Hip, old-timey pub in a 1906 building offering burgers & beer by day, plus DJs & dancing.
Website 33
Sin+Tax
Bar · ★ 4.6 (734 reviews)
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