Pairing a gold rush legacy with a metropolitan vibe, Johannesburg otherwise known as Joburg or Jozi, is South Africa’s economic hub and is known to many of its residents, to be rugged and chaotic, yet strangely irresistible at the same time.
A city of migrants, Johannesburg boasts a mix of African and European cultures that tempt the senses and have led to the emergence of South Africa’s “Afropolitan” style. The country’s beating heart is a financial center and a fascinating and multicultural city. It is known for its crime problems, but the city is more than ready to attract visitors again.
Day one
Carlton Centre
A popular destination for tourists in Johannesburg is the Carlton Centre. It is a skyscraper and a shopping center and is the highest building in Africa at a height of 223 meters. The site has a lot of shops and offices, but the best thing to do there may be to head up to its 50th floor, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city.
View of Carlton Centre
Apartheid Museum
One of Johannesburg’s newest attractions is the Apartheid Museum. It is a museum complex dedicated to apartheid and the 20th-century history of the country. Inside, you will find 22 exhibition areas that display photographs, film footage, text panels, and other artifacts.
Apartheid Museum
Johannesburg Zoo
Don’t forget to visit the Johannesburg Zoo, one of the most popular of its kind in the city. You can find inside it more than 3,000 different wildlife species, and it is one of the few places in the world where you can find white lions. You will see “Twist”, a 320-kilogram Siberian tiger that is the father of all Siberian tigers to be found in the country. Another is “Max”, a gorilla that is a favorite among visitors to the zoo
Johannesburg Zoo
Market Theatre
Another worthwhile tourist destination in the city is the Market Theatre. It is one of the foremost South African theatres, established back in 1976 as an independent non-racial theatre. The complex is made up of two galleries and three theatres, plus an array of restaurants, bars, jazz clubs, and a flea market. The venue features performances by internationally-acclaimed artists, as well as the works of some of South Africa’s finest playwrights and directors.
Day two
South African Museum of Military History
Your next 24 hours in Johannesburg can be used to discover the city’s other popular attractions. One of the must-sees in the city is the South African Museum of Military History. It is a museum opened in 1947 to preserve the country’s involvement during World War II and other conflicts. Inside, you will see a rich collection of weapons, aircraft, uniforms, medals, and an array of other war memorabilia. It also houses around 800 art pieces made by war artists. You can also see a library where journals and other archives are kept.
Botanical Gardens
You can go for a nice detour to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. It is a 300-hectare botanical reserve established back in 1982. It is home to over 600 different plant species, as well as 220 bird species, reptiles, and small mammals. However, it is best known as a breeding ground of the African black eagle.
Waterfall in Botanical Garden
Delta Park
If you’re in the mood for a hike, you can head to Delta Park, one of the biggest parks in the city, covering around 13 hectares of land. Much of it is made up of grasslands and woodlands, as well as three dams lined with trees. The site features an array of walking trails and bird watching hides. It is also a popular venue for biking, running, and dog walking.
Rose Bank Mall
Johannesburg does not have any shortage of shopping malls and markets, so any shopping enthusiast will definitely have a blast in the city. One of the most popular is the Rose Bank Mall. It is known for its restaurants, and its African Craft Market, which offers quality curios sourced from all over Africa.
Nightlife
At night you can have a try at the exciting nightlife at Johannesburg’s bars and clubs. One of the most popular is Moyo, it is an African-style bar, offering an exquisite interior and superb cocktails. Another is Buzz 9, which features an industrial-style interior and a vast cocktail selection. You can also try out the Xai Xai Lounge Bar, which is a great hangout for local artists.
About the Author
Mahy Medhat
A storyteller with a wanderlust desire, who loves exploring the world with a penchant for culture and food. Mahy has been writing for numerous high-profile magazines and currently working on publishing her own book.
