Johannesburg

Tourist Attractions in Johannesburg

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Johannesburg. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

26 Attractions
4.4 Average rating
9 Categories

About Johannesburg

Johannesburg, often called the City of Gold, pulses with energy as Africa’s dynamic engine of culture, history, and creativity. Beyond its gleaming skyline, the city offers powerful reminders of its layered past at the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, while Vilakazi Street in Soweto invites reflection on remarkable legacies. Modern swagger lives in Maboneng Precinct’s artsy streets, bustling markets, and rooftop bars, and the Midas touch of science awaits at the luxurious Johannesburg Zoo and the towering Ponte City. Savor diverse cuisines, vibrant jazz and street art, world-class shopping, and scenic parklands like the Walter Sisulu and the historic cranes of the Carlton Centre, firmly anchoring Johannesburg as a quintessential South African experience.

Top-26 Tourist Attractions in Johannesburg

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden — Garden, rated 4.7/5 1
Garden Botanical GardenNature PreserveHiking AreaEvent Venue

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden

4.7 ★★★★★ 17,176 reviews

The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is a peaceful oasis on the edge of Johannesburg, preserving South Africa’s native Highveld flora in a series of shaded walks and open lawns. Dominating the landscape is the Witpoortjie Waterfall, a dramatic 30-meter cascade that fans out into a shallow pool at its base. Visitors can stroll well-marked trails, watch for busy birdlife, and enjoy picnics or a family-friendly afternoon on the lawns. The garden also hosts events and educational programs, making it a refreshing, accessible gateway to South Africa’s natural heritage.

Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort, 1724, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Gold Reef City Theme Park — Theme park, rated 4.5/5 2
Theme park Amusement ParkAmusement CenterCasino

Gold Reef City Theme Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 40,167 reviews

Gold Reef City Theme Park in Johannesburg blends thrilling rides with a vibrant heritage experience set on a former gold mining complex. Visitors can ride heart-pounding roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, and a retro-themed street with live entertainment, alongside a live mine tour and museum that reveal South Africa’s gold rush history. The park’s on-site hotels, live shows, and bustling food precinct offer a full-day escape for adrenaline junkies and culture seekers alike. Expect gleaming steel, glittering lights at night, and a snapshot of Johannesburg’s mining era woven into modern entertainment.

Northern Pkwy & Data Cres, Ormonde 99-Ir, Johannesburg, 2159, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • TuesdayClosed
  • WednesdayClosed
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Apartheid Museum — Museum, rated 4.6/5 3
Museum

Apartheid Museum

4.6 ★★★★★ 7,182 reviews

The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg is a powerful, immersive museum dedicated to South Africa’s era of racial segregation and its struggle for freedom. Through multimedia exhibits, personal stories, period artifacts, and carefully staged galleries, visitors witness the rise and dismantling of apartheid, from pass laws to the democratic breakthrough of 1994. The architecture and guided displays create an emotional, educational experience suitable for travelers of all ages. Expect thoughtfully curated timelines, film footage, and interactive installations that provoke reflection, promote dialogue, and deepen understanding of South Africa’s recent history.

Northern Parkway, Gold Reef Rd, Ormonde, Johannesburg South, 2001, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct — Museum, rated 4.5/5 4
Museum Event VenueService

Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct

4.5 ★★★★★ 6,747 reviews

Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct in Johannesburg is a powerful museum complex that sits on the hill where South Africa’s constitutional protections and human rights legacy were forged. Visitors explore restored prison cells, the historic Old Fort, and the Constitutional Court precinct, gaining insight into the country’s struggle for freedom, justice, and dignity. Expect immersive exhibits, compelling personal stories, and guided tours that illuminate how the archives translate into everyday rights. It’s a moving, informative experience suited to history buffs and families alike, offering thoughtful reflection on democracy, rule of law, and equality.

11 Kotze St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens — Garden, rated 4.4/5 5
Garden Botanical Garden

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

4.4 ★★★★★ 11,339 reviews

The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, nestled along the Jukskei River in Emmarentia and Melville, offer a green respite just minutes from the city bustle. Spanning several hectares, the gardens showcase indigenous and exotic flora, serene lakes, and winding trails perfect for strolls, picnics, or a gentle jog. Visitors can explore themed plant collections, spot vibrant bird life, and enjoy seasonal flower displays or the tranquil rose garden. It’s ideal for families and nature lovers seeking fresh air, quiet reflection, and a taste of South Africa’s horticultural beauty amid urban beauty.

Olifants Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg, 2195, South Africa
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking Restroom
Maropeng: Official Visitor Centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site — Landmark, rated 4.4/5 6
Landmark Visitor CenterTourist Information CenterMuseumTour Agency

Maropeng: Official Visitor Centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site

4.4 ★★★★★ 10,633 reviews

Maropeng is the Official Visitor Centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site just outside Johannesburg. This award-winning museum blends architecture, nature and science to tell the story of human origins in immersive, family-friendly galleries and a dramatic underground voyage. Visitors descend into a reconstructed limestone cavern, follow interactive exhibits that trace millions of years of evolution, and then emerge to panoramic views over the site’s fossil-rich landscape. With café, shop and regular tours, Maropeng offers an engaging day out for curious travelers seeking heritage, science and scenery.

R400, 1911, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Monday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Mandela's House — Museum, rated 4.5/5 7
Museum

Mandela's House

4.5 ★★★★★ 5,961 reviews

Mandela House in the Sophiatown–Johannesburg area preserves the modest home where Nelson Mandela lived with his family from 1946 to 1961, before his long imprisonment and global presidency. This museum offers intimate insight into Mandela’s early life, struggle, and the social context of apartheid-era Johannesburg, with period-room interiors, photographs, and personal artifacts that illuminate his humanity and political evolution. Visitors can expect guided tours, archival displays, and reflective exhibits that connect past and present South Africa, highlighting resilience, reconciliation, and the wider history of the anti-apartheid movement within an iconic urban setting.

8115 Vilakazi St, Orlando West, Soweto, 1804, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
  • Monday9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Maboneng Precinct — Market, rated 4.5/5 8
Market Shopping Mall

Maboneng Precinct

4.5 ★★★★★ 4,611 reviews

Maboneng Precinct Market in downtown Johannesburg is a vibrant, art-filled corner of the city where creativity meets urban life. This lively market and district offer a curated mix of galleries, design shops, street-food stalls, and indie boutiques, set against a backdrop of renovated industrial spaces. Travelers can expect to wander through art installations, catch live music or performances, and sample Afro-fusion eats from diverse vendors, all while spotting local designers and makers. It’s a walkable, immersive snapshot of Johannesburg’s contemporary culture and a gateway to nearby galleries and cafés.

Fox St &, Kruger St, City and Suburban, Johannesburg, 2094, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Monday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom
Hector Pieterson Memorial — Museum, rated 4.5/5 9
Museum

Hector Pieterson Memorial

4.5 ★★★★★ 4,272 reviews

The Hector Pieterson Memorial in Johannesburg commemorates a pivotal moment in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid—the 1976 Soweto Uprising—via a poignant museum and outdoor sculpture garden. Visitors can expect documentary displays, photographs, and personal histories that illuminate student-led resistance and the brutal violence they faced, anchored by the iconic image of Hector Pieterson. The site offers context on the broader fight for education and human rights, with reflective spaces for contemplation. It’s a moving, educational stop that deepens understanding of South Africa’s journey toward democracy.

8287 Khumalo Rd, Orlando West, Johannesburg, 1804, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Zoo Lake — Park, rated 4.3/5 10
Park City Park

Zoo Lake

4.3 ★★★★★ 9,096 reviews

Zoo Lake in Johannesburg is a sprawling, leafy urban park centered around a tranquil lake, popular with locals and visitors for picnics, paddle boating, and sunny strolls along shaded paths. It’s home to vibrant birdlife, rolling lawns, and colorful murals, with the nearby Rosebank Arts precinct and Melville Koppies offering cultural and natural detours. Expect a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, occasional concerts, and markets on weekends. The area is perfect for a casual day outdoors, a scenic jog, or a breezy sunset view over the water, followed by nearby cafes and eateries.

60 Jan Smuts Ave, Forest Town, Randburg, 2193, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayClosed
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayClosed
Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted
Entrance Parking
Johannesburg Zoo — Zoo, rated 4.2/5 11
Zoo

Johannesburg Zoo

4.2 ★★★★★ 16,590 reviews

Johannesburg Zoo is a family-friendly wildlife park set in a leafy corner of Johannesburg. It houses a diverse collection of mammals, birds and reptiles, offering close-up encounters with big cats, primates and endangered species while emphasizing conservation and education. Visitors can enjoy informative exhibits, well-maintained enclosures, and interactive experiences such as guided tours and kid-friendly activities, plus shaded picnic spots, a café and a playground. A day at the zoo blends leisurely strolls with engaging storytelling about animal behavior and habitat preservation, delivering a memorable showcase of Africa’s wildlife.

Shop U 30 Keyes, and, Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Monday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Saturday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Sunday8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
The Wilds Nature Reserve — Park, rated 4.6/5 12
Park Nature Preserve

The Wilds Nature Reserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 2,730 reviews

The Wilds Nature Reserve in Johannesburg is a lush, family-friendly park offering a surprisingly wild escape within the city’s edge. Spanning rolling hills, lakes, and indigenous flora, it invites visitors to stroll along scenic paths, spot diverse birdlife, monkeys, and occasional antelope, and enjoy panoramic urban views from elevated overlooks. Families relish the playgrounds and picnic spots, while hikers tackle moderate trails that wind through forested pockets and open savannahs. Expect well-marked routes, informative signage, and a peaceful respite that blends nature conservation with accessible, easy-going recreation just a short drive from central Johannesburg.

Houghton Dr, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Monday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking
Gandhi Square Precinct — Historic site, rated 4.2/5 13
Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Gandhi Square Precinct

4.2 ★★★★★ 11,796 reviews

Gandhi Square Precinct is a historic public space in central Johannesburg, named to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s early years as a lawyer and his evolving philosophy. The square sits amid the city’s bustling street life, framed by iconic colonial and early 20th-century buildings, and serves as a gateway to nearby cultural spots, markets, and eateries. Visitors can expect lively urban energy, photo-worthy facades, and a sense of Johannesburg’s layered history, from trade to independence, all while using the square as a starting point for exploring the surrounding precincts and historic sites.

New St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Monday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Museum of Illusions Johannesburg — Museum, rated 4.7/5 14
Museum Event VenueEducational Institution

Museum of Illusions Johannesburg

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,960 reviews

The Museum of Illusions Johannesburg is a playful, mind-bending gallery of optical tricks, holograms and interactive exhibits designed to challenge perception and spark curiosity. Set in the bustling Maboneng Precinct, it blends education with entertainment, inviting visitors to test balance, perspective and logic through rooms that appear to defy gravity or stretch reality. Expect photo-worthy attractions, immersive installations, and a gift shop stocked with brain-teasers. Suitable for families, solo travelers, and science enthusiasts, it offers a quick, engaging break from the city’s safari and skyline adventures.

The Zone @ Rosebank, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Monday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
South African National Museum of Military History — Museum, rated 4.6/5 15
Museum History Museum

South African National Museum of Military History

4.6 ★★★★★ 2,166 reviews

The South African National Museum of Military History, nestled in Johannesburg, is a comprehensive gateway to the country’s military heritage, spanning conflicts from the 17th century to present-day operations. Visitors encounter world-class exhibits, including armored vehicles, historic aircraft, weapons, uniforms, and immersive battle dioramas that bring pivotal moments to life. The museum offers interactive displays, educational programs, and guided tours, making it ideal for families, history buffs, and curiosity-seekers alike. Expect a balanced, thought-provoking experience that contextualizes South Africa’s military past within broader global events.

22 Erlswold Way, Saxonwold, Johannesburg, 2132, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Monday8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre — Museum, rated 4.5/5 16
Museum Educational Institution

Sci-Bono Discovery Centre

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,692 reviews

Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is Africa’s largest science centre, located in Johannesburg’s inner-city Newtown cultural precinct. Visitors dive into hands-on exhibits spanning robotics, physics, space, and health, designed to spark curiosity through interactive experiments and immersive simulations. The vibrant space makes complex concepts approachable for families, students, and curious adults, offering workshops, science shows, and educational programs that align with South African curricula. Expect engaging demonstrations, striking timelines, and creative engineering challenges that encourage experimentation, collaboration, and critical thinking in a dynamic, safe environment.

Corner of Miriam Makeba and Helen Joseph (formerly Newtown |, Helen Joseph St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Monday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
Cradle of Humankind — Historic site, rated 4.5/5 17
Historic site Historical Place

Cradle of Humankind

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,661 reviews

Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site near Johannesburg renowned for its vast limestone cave system and rich fossil heritage. Home to Sterkfontein, Swartkrans and countless discoveries, it offers a window into early human evolution, including finds like the 2.3-million-year-old fossils of Australopithecus. Visitors can explore the Maropeng visitor centre for interactive exhibits and take guided tours into nearby caves, or hike along scenic trails above ground. The area preserves paleontological sites, underground chambers, and fossils in museums, making it a must for curious travelers and science lovers.

South Africa
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
Lion & Safari Park — Park, rated 4.4/5 18
Park AtmZooTour AgencyTravel Agency

Lion & Safari Park

4.4 ★★★★★ 2,763 reviews

Nestled near Johannesburg, the Lion & Safari Park is a private wildlife reserve offering a dramatically up-close safari experience. Visitors can embark on guided or self-drive safaris to spot majestic lions, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, and other African residents in expansive, natural-feeling enclosures. The park also features walking areas, predator talk sessions, and interactive experiences that bring guests face-to-face with wildlife in a controlled setting. Families and solo travelers alike can expect scenic drives, photo opportunities, and a chance to learn about conservation while enjoying a memorable, hands-on taste of Africa.

R512 Pelindaba Rd, Broederstroom, 0240, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking
Acrobranch Melrose — Adventure Sports, rated 4.5/5 19
Adventure Sports Adventure Sports CenterPlaygroundParkSports Complex

Acrobranch Melrose

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,873 reviews

Acrobranch Melrose is an aerial adventure park perched in the treetops of Johannesburg’s Melrose Estate, offering exhilarating obstacle courses set across multi-level platforms, ziplines, and rope bridges. It’s ideal for families, teens, and thrill-seekers, with courses tailored to varying heights and difficulty, guided by trained instructors to ensure safety. Visitors can expect adrenaline-pumping scenarios, lush green surroundings, and a supportive, upbeat atmosphere that encourages teamwork and personal challenge. Whether first-timers or seasoned climbers, guests leave with a sense of accomplishment, fresh air, and memorable views over the leafy suburb.

James and Ethel Grey Park, Melrose St, Birdhaven, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted
Entrance Parking
The Wilds - East Wilds — Park, rated 4.6/5 20
Park Hiking AreaSports Activity Location

The Wilds - East Wilds

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,292 reviews

East Wilds at The Wilds in Johannesburg is a lush nature reserve offering a peaceful escape from the city bustle. This section preserves rolling hills, indigenous forest, and open savanna, threaded with scenic walking trails and well-marked loops suitable for families and hikers alike. Visitors can expect birdwatching highlights, occasional resident wildlife, and tranquil viewpoints over the leafy landscape. The reserve combines outdoor recreation with habitat conservation, making it ideal for picnics, photography, and mindful strolls. Plan a morning or late afternoon visit to catch soft light and quieter trails.

Houghton Dr, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 1682, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Monday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking
Wits Art Museum — Museum, rated 4.5/5 21
Museum Art Museum

Wits Art Museum

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,415 reviews

Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg is a modern gallery housed on the University of the Witwatersrand campus that showcases a sweeping collection of African art, from ancient ceremonial objects to contemporary works. The museum blends thoughtful curatorial design with sweeping galleries, making it easy to trace the continent’s visual language across centuries. Visitors can expect rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and a cafe with city views. Highlights include beadwork, sculpture, and early colonial pieces, plus bold contemporary installations that challenge and delight. It’s a must for art lovers seeking context and imagination.

Wits Art Museum Cnr Jorissen and, Bertha St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • SundayClosed
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Nelson Mandela Bridge — Landmark, rated 4.2/5 22
Landmark BridgeTransportation Service

Nelson Mandela Bridge

4.2 ★★★★★ 2,191 reviews

The Nelson Mandela Bridge, spanning the bustling Braamfontein and Maboneng districts in central Johannesburg, is an iconic cable-stayed bridge named after South Africa’s beloved anti-apartheid leader. Completed in 2003, its striking cable-suspended silhouette arcs above the city and becomes especially photogenic at dusk when the skyline lights reflect on the river of traffic below. Visitors can admire its engineering from nearby viewpoints, while the surrounding precincts offer vibrant street art, cafés, and markets. It’s a symbol of transformation, connecting neighborhoods and inviting urban exploration.

Smit St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Entrance
Origins Centre, Wits University — Museum, rated 4.5/5 23
Museum Art MuseumHistory Museum

Origins Centre, Wits University

4.5 ★★★★★ 944 reviews

Nestled on the University of the Witwatersrand campus, the Origins Centre Museum in Johannesburg unfolds South Africa’s deep human story through art, archaeology, and anthropology. Here, visitors trace human evolution from ancient tools to rock art, explore the role of early civilizations in Southern Africa, and engage with multimedia exhibits that illuminate how ideas, culture, and technology shaped societies. Expect immersive galleries, a world-class fossil collection, and a curated timeline of African innovations. The center combines rigorous scholarship with accessible storytelling, making it a must-visit for curious travelers seeking context to South Africa’s rich heritage.

Yale Road &, 1 Enoch Sontonga Ave, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • SundayClosed
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
James Hall Museum of Transport — Museum, rated 4.4/5 24
Museum

James Hall Museum of Transport

4.4 ★★★★★ 835 reviews

The James Hall Museum of Transport in Johannesburg is a hands-on homage to South Africa’s transport history, showcasing a vibrant collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trams, and locomotives. Housed in a heritage-friendly building, it offers insights into the evolution of mobility and everyday life from the early 20th century to the present. Visitors can expect well-curated exhibits, practical demonstrations, and interactive displays that bring engines and era-specific artifacts to life. It’s ideal for families and enthusiasts seeking a nostalgic, educational afternoon amid South Africa’s dynamic urban heritage.

Klipriviersberg 106-Ir, Johannesburg South, 2197, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Museum Africa — Museum, rated 4.1/5 26
Museum

Museum Africa

4.1 ★★★★★ 684 reviews

Museum Africa in Johannesburg’s Newtown district is a dynamic hub of South African history, art and culture housed in a historic building once linked to the city’s mining and urban development. The museum’s galleries trace Johannesburg’s birth from a gold rush camp to a modern metropolis, while exploring broader African heritage through rotating exhibitions, contemporary art, and interactive displays. Visitors can expect immersive storytelling, archival photographs, artifacts, and engaging programs for families and students. Its central location near the Market Theatre makes a visit part of a larger cultural stroll.

121 Lilian Ngoyi St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2033, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom