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, South Africa’s largest city, is a dynamic pulse of culture, commerce and history that invites curious travelers to explore beyond the usual horizon. Built on a gold rush legacy, it now shines with world-class museums like the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, vibrant townships such as Soweto, and a cutting-edge arts quarter in Maboneng. From the leafy Botanic Gardens and the expansive Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden to the thrilling rides at Gold Reef City, there’s something for every interest. Sample street-food markets, spot street art, and ride up the Hillbrow Tower for sweeping city views, then discover a diverse culinary scene reflected in every neighborhood.

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 Closed now
  • 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 sits on a historic gold mining site in Johannesburg, offering a family-friendly blend of thrill rides, heritage, and live entertainment. Visitors can ride high-speed coasters, enjoy retro street façades, and step into a late-19th century mining town that evokes the gold rush days with museums and costumed characters. Beyond the adrenaline, the park hosts stage shows, plazas, and kid-friendly attractions, plus a nearby casino complex. It’s ideal for curious travelers who want excitement alongside South Africa’s mining past in a single, convenient day.

Northern Pkwy & Data Cres, Ormonde 99-Ir, Johannesburg, 2159, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed now
  • 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 Closed now
  • 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 downtown Johannesburg is a powerful museum complex that preserves the site of the Old Fort, including the Women's Gaol and Number Four prisons, now transformed into a living memorial for human rights. Visitors walk through restored cellblocks, visit exhibitions on South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, and learn how the new Constitution was drafted and defended at the nearby Constitutional Court. Expect immersive displays, expert guides, and moving personal testimonies, making it a sobering but hopeful itinerary for history lovers and families alike.

11 Kotze St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed now
  • 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, tucked beside Emmarentia Dam in the city’s leafy west, is a tranquil green oasis famous for its expansive lawns, shaded avenues, and diverse plant collections. Visitors wander winding paths through rose, herbal, and seasonal bulb beds, with picnics and gentle jogs common on sunny days. The lakes attract waterbirds, while quiet corners invite reading or sketching. It’s ideal for families and nature lovers seeking respite from urban bustle, offering seasonal blooms, well-kept facilities, and easy, stroller-friendly routes within easy reach of central Johannesburg.

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 Closed now
  • 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's House is a small museum on Vilakazi Street in Soweto, Johannesburg, preserving the former home of Nelson Mandela and his family. The brick- and plaster-walled residence offers a window into daily life before his imprisonment, with period rooms, photographs, personal mementos and a timeline of his decades-long struggle against apartheid. It is a meaningful stop for history lovers and first-time visitors alike, offering guided tours that bring Mandela’s story to life and explain the broader context of South Africa’s path to freedom.

8115 Vilakazi St, Orlando West, Soweto, 1804, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM Closed now
  • 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 Open now
  • 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 and Museum in Johannesburg is a poignant gateway into South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. Located in Soweto, it commemorates the 1976 student uprisings and the young victim Hector Pieterson, whose image helped galvanize global outrage. Inside, visitors find archival photos, personal testimonies, and carefully curated exhibits that trace the roots of resistance, the brutal police response, and the ensuing fight for equality. Travelers can expect an emotional, educational experience, thoughtful storytelling, and guided insights that contextualize history while connecting it to present-day social justice.

8287 Khumalo Rd, Orlando West, Johannesburg, 1804, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed now
  • 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 is a leafy, water-front park in Johannesburg's central northern suburbs, centered on a sizable artificial lake backed by mown lawns and shady avenues. It’s a beloved weekend refuge for families and urban explorers alike, offering paddle boats, rowboats, gentle strolls along the promenade, and plenty of picnic spots under jacaranda shade. Expect birdlife, occasional street music, and nearby cultural strolls to the nearby sculpture garden and the Johannesburg Zoo across the road. A relaxed, distinctly Johannesburg snapshot, perfect for a slow, sunlit afternoon.

60 Jan Smuts Ave, Forest Town, Randburg, 2193, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: Closed Closed now
  • 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 Closed now
  • 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 is a green escape on the eastern edge of Johannesburg, offering a compact, well-kept sanctuary of grassland, shrubs and woodland. This city reserve is ideal for easy walks, family picnics and birdwatching, with several loop trails that wind through the countryside-like terrain and offer views of the surrounding suburbs. Expect encounters with babblers, sunbirds and occasional duiker, plus well-marked paths, shaded picnic spots, and a peaceful atmosphere away from urban bustle. It’s a quick, affordable nature fix for city dwellers and visitors alike.

Houghton Dr, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now
  • 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: Open 24 hours Open now
  • 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

Situated in Johannesburg, the Museum of Illusions offers a playful journey through perception, physics and psychology with more than 70 interactive exhibits. Visitors wander through optical illusions, holograms, mirror mazes, and mind-bending installations that challenge what you see and how you think. It’s a fun, family-friendly destination and an ideal stop for curious travelers who enjoy photo-worthy moments and bite-sized science demonstrations. Expect immersive rooms, bite-sized explanations, and plenty of opportunities to test balance, perspective, and spatial awareness, with something new around every corner.

The Zone @ Rosebank, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Open now
  • 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 in Johannesburg is a comprehensive memorial and museum dedicated to the country's armed forces and conflicts from the 19th century to the present. Inside, visitors encounter an exceptional collection of weapons, uniforms, medals, and artifacts, plus immersive dioramas and battlefield recreations that bring stories to life. The outdoor precinct features aircraft, tanks, and armored vehicles, complemented by aviation and artillery displays. It’s a family‑friendly, educational stop for history buffs seeking context, machinery, and national heritage.

22 Erlswold Way, Saxonwold, Johannesburg, 2132, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Closed now
  • 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 South Africa’s largest science centre, housed in the former Carlton Hart building in Newtown, Johannesburg. It offers interactive exhibits across science and technology, hands-on experiments, domes, robotics, and ecology, making science approachable for families and curious adults. Visitors can expect immersive galleries, live demonstrations, and a kid-friendly zone that sparks creativity. The centre hosts workshops, holiday programmes, and school outreach, plus a cafe and maker spaces. It’s ideal for creative learning and a dynamic, entertaining day out in the city.

Corner of Miriam Makeba and Helen Joseph (formerly Newtown |, Helen Joseph St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Closed now
  • 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 Open now
  • 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 a thrilling aerial adventure park set among the trees of Johannesburg’s Melrose neighborhood. Guests navigate a series of suspended platforms, zip lines and rope bridges high above the forest floor, with routes tailored to different ages and fitness levels. It’s a safe, adrenaline-fueled outing for families, friends or corporate groups, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and lush greenery. Expect a rigorous safety briefing, guided harnessing, and progressive climbs as you build confidence and test balance, agility, and nerve on each obstacle.

James and Ethel Grey Park, Melrose St, Birdhaven, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed now
  • 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 Open now
  • 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: Closed Closed now
  • 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

Nelson Mandela Bridge is a dramatic cable-stayed structure spanning Johannesburg’s bustling corridor of the M1, linking Braamfontein with the northern suburbs. Named in honour of the anti-apartheid leader, it’s a modern icon of the city’s resilience and regeneration, completed in the early 2000s. Visitors come for the bold silhouette against the skyline, street-level views of traffic arteries below, and sweeping city panoramas from nearby hills and pedestrian viewpoints. By day or night it delivers striking photography, a sense of place, and easy access to surrounding districts.

Smit St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • 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

The Origins Centre Museum at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg is a dynamic gateway to human origins and African heritage. Housed within a striking campus building, it chronicles millions of years of evolution through fossil replicas, artefacts, multimedia displays and a dedicated Rock Art Gallery that highlights San and other ancestral artwork. Visitors can expect immersive, family-friendly galleries, a focus on archaeology, palaeontology and cultural history, and insightful exhibitions and programs. It’s a convenient base for exploring Braamfontein and the city’s world-class museums.

Yale Road &, 1 Enoch Sontonga Ave, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: Closed Closed now
  • 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 sprawling showcase of South Africa’s mobility history, housed in a former tram power plant. Visitors discover a treasure trove of vintage cars, buses, trucks, bicycles and a working steam locomotive, complemented by engaging exhibits and archival photographs. It’s a family-friendly destination where kids and grownups riff on transport past and present, imagining routes across the continent. Expect guided tours, hands-on displays, and a compelling narrative about resilience, innovation and everyday journeys.

Klipriviersberg 106-Ir, Johannesburg South, 2197, South Africa
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Closed now
  • 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 Closed now
  • 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