Together Johannesburg and Pretoria combine to make the biggest megacity in South Africa and one of the largest cities in the world. It is the country’s chief industrial and financial metropolis and one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in SA. There are so many amazing things to see and do here and I’m here to break it down for you. In this list, we have Historical Sites, Museums, Cool Photo Spots, Fun Activities, Markets, Best Food and Drink Spots, Hikes and everything in between. Now, Let’s go out and exxplore Jozi!
This is Your Ultimate Guide of Things To Do in Johannesburg and Pretoria, South Africa
Best Photo Spots in Johannesburg/Pretoria
1. Discover the Street Art of the Maboneng Precinct
In a still economically fragmented and racially divided Johannesburg, Maboneng is an innovative urban environment that encourage diversity in terms of uses, races, income, ages. It is also now one of the most renowned creative districts in the world. The Streets are lined with street art galore.
Arts On Main is a well-known place where artists get to display and sell their artistry. On Sundays, there’s usually an open street market right in front of the place.
Dreaming in Arabic created a beautiful gallery of Maboneng.
2. See the Jacaranda Trees in Full Bloom in Pretoria
Nicknamed the Jacaranda City, Pretoria’s suburban streets are lined with thousands of jacaranda trees. In fact, it is thought that 17% of all the trees in Pretoria are jacarandas. This makes for almost 70,000 purple trees to admire. From the historic streets of the City Centre to the leafy wealth suburbs of the south and east, in springtime, there are blooming jacarandas almost everywhere you look in Pretoria, and even a few very rare white jacarandas too.
Sitting at a lower altitude, Pretoria is approximately three degrees warmer than Joburg, so the jacarandas usually bloom at least two weeks earlier than in Joburg. Late October tends to be the best time to head north and enjoy Pretoria’s famous purple showers.
Continue Reading | Where to find the Best Jacaranda Views and Streets in Joburg and Pretoria
3. Wander Through The NIROX Sculpture Park
NIROX Sculpture Park is 30ha of cultivated lawns, arbors, fields, waterways, and wetlands, on the banks of the Blaauwbankspruit River adjoining the Kkatlhamphi Private Nature Reserve. The Park hosts more than 50 permanent and long-term installations by artists from across the globe; and at least one annual large-scale curated exhibition of new and temporary installations and performances, in collaboration with NIROX’s wide circle of global partners and curatorial affiliations.
NIROX is a place dedicated to the contemporary arts and provides a place for artists to show their work and live in an artist-focused community. And for the casual art enjoyed it’s a great place for a picnic date surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Fun Things To Do in Johannesburg/Pretoria
4. Bungee Jump Off The Soweto Towers
For the adrenaline rush head over to the Soweto Towers for a thrilling Bungee Jump between two 100-meter silos. The towers are situated in Soweto township and were once cooling units, a part of the old Orlando Power Station.
The Bungee Jump is not the only activity to do here. You also got the 100m drop to the ground, the swing or the free fall. The Soweto Bungee Jump sees you falling 33 storeys down, and the Power Swing offers a 40m freefall before the swing cables kick in. The ominously named Abyss, another world-first, is similar to the Power Swing but sees you jumping inside the tower, swinging across the width of its base. There’s also a viewing platform for the slightly less adventurous.
Costs vary depending on the activity you choose. Visit the Soweto Towers website for up-to-date prices.
Read Also | 15 of the Best Adventure Activities to do in South Africa
5. Exxplore The Sterkfontein Cave System
Situated an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Sterkfontein Caves are world-famous for their fossil finds and are a popular visitor destination. After an extensive facelift in 2005, the Sterkfontein Caves site is now home to a top restaurant and conferencing facilities, offering easy access to the caves with modern walkways and a boardwalk past the excavation site where globally acclaimed fossils such as Mrs Ples and Little Foot have been discovered. Tours exploring the caves are offered.
Currently, as I am writing this post, the Sterkfontein Caves are closed until further notice so check their website to see when they open up again.
Read Also | 16 of The Best Natural Wonders of South Africa
6. Stroll Through the Johannesburg Zoo and Pretoria Zoo
Johannesburg Zoo
A great activity for the family, the Johanessburg Zoo spans 55 hectares and has over 2000 creatures from over 320 species.
The zoo is 120 years old, but in the 60’s the zoo underwent major renovations to improve the enclosures of the animals, giving them more natural environments and space to live in. In addition, the zoo has become part of local and international breeding programmes.
Opening Hours: The Zoo is open every day from 08:30 – 17:30
Prices: Adults: R120, Children: R70, Senior Citizens: R70, Students (weekdays only and student card required): R70
Pretoria Zoo
More widely known as the Pretoria Zoo, the National Zoological Gardens in Boom Street is not only the largest zoo in South Africa and the only one with national status but is also rated as one of the top zoos in the world.
The Pretoria Zoo also houses South Africa’s largest inland marine aquarium as well as a Reptile Shed. The Zoo has thousands of species of animals to view. It is fun for the whole family and offers a variety of additional activities.
Opening Hours: The Zoo is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Tickets are sold from 09:00 to 16:30 daily and the Zoo closes at 17:30.
Prices: Adults: R110, Children: R75
7. Ride Rollercoasters in Gold Reef City
The Gold Reef City Theme Park in Johannesburg is an award-winning family entertainment destination that’s been voted South Africa’s coolest theme park.
The theme park offers 16 thrilling rides, 7 family rides, 21 kids rides, Jump City Trampoline Park, an underground mine tour, a variety of dining options and retail stores, and many other attractions. Set in the gold rush era, Gold Reef City Theme Park is one of Jozi’s most iconic family entertainment destinations.
8. Take a Walking Tour of Soweto
A day tour of Soweto Township offers you the chance to experience the heart and soul of a busy city that is home to over two million people. Township tours offers the opportunity to spend a day with locals and soak up the electric atmosphere of a South African city that has one foot in a turbulent past and one placed firmly in the future.
9. Check Out the Collector’s Treasury – Africa’s Largest Bookstore
This next one is for the book lovers among us. Africa’s Largest Bookstore, the Collector’s Treasury is an Independent store with piles & floor-to-ceiling shelves of secondhand, antique & collectable books.
Founded in 1974, and housed in an 8-storey building in the diamond and jewellery district on the eastern side of the Johannesburg Central Business District. Collectors Treasury is the largest used and rare bookshop in Africa, and in the Southern Hemisphere, having 1,000,000 plus items on hand. In addition to books, there are substantial offerings of maps, old engravings and prints, printed ephemera, periodicals, newspapers and photographica. Collectors Treasury also deals extensively in records, with a stock of over 300,000 vinyl and 78rpm discs. They also have an extensive range of small antiques and collectables, with a strong emphasis on the decorative arts of the 1870s-1970s.
10. Zorb Around in A Giant Inflatable Ball at Jozi X Adventure Park
Jozi X is an adventure park with a whole bunch of fun activities to do. Jozi X Adventure Park has everything adrenaline junkies could ever need to have a great time. They have it all including Nerf Wars, Bubble Soccer, an Obstacle Course, A Ninja Warrior Course, an Archery and Gel Shots Arena (Like paintballs but less painful), a Parkour Arena, a Full Inflatable Park, Mountain Boarding (think Skateboarding down a mountain) and best of all an Inflatable Launch Pad. Jozi X is the ultimate adventure day out for kids and adults alike.
For something extraordinary that’ll have you laughing yourself silly while having a great time is Zorbing. Add this to your adventure bucket list and have a blast! For the ultimate roll of your life, climb inside Jozi X’s 3m big inflatable balls and roll down the 200m long slope. This activity is loads of fun and definitely something different and unique that you need to try at least once in your lifetime.
11. Get Lost in a Maze at Honeydew Mazes
Honeydew Mazes is a very unique fun activity to do with the family this weekend. It contains numerous mazes of various sizes and difficulties.
The biggest Maze is the Elemental Maze revolving around the basic elements of Fire, Water, Earth, Air and Reflection or Thought, each a separate garden within the maze that once found will unlock new and untraveled parts of the Elemental Maze for the players. The Elemental Maze is a quiz-style game played in teams. There are two components to the quiz, the Garden Quiz and the BrainBox Quiz. The Garden Quiz requires each team to complete a basic task in each of the five Secret Gardens, whilst the BrainBox Quiz requires each team to find the 10 individual quiz boards that are scattered all over the maze, and to answer the general knowledge questions found thereon. Having completed their task, and in so doing having ‘solved the maze’, teams need to find their way to the exit.
Honeydew has a few other smaller mazes as well including the Maize Maze which is maize cut out of a cornfield. The maize is themed and changes every year. Come between Feb – May to try it out.
Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday and most Public Holidays – 10:00 – 17:00
Prices: Adults: R150, Kids: R100, Family 2 + 2: R450
12. Catch a Thought-Provoking Flick at the Bioscope Independent Cinema
The Bioscope is an innovative independent cinema located in downtown Johannesburg, on the east side of the city. The doors to its permanent and exclusive space opened on the 8th of June 2010. The cinema aims to increase the diversity of content on South African movie screens. In bringing new films to new audiences, The Bioscope is striving to grow new markets for new films and is proud to be involved in developing local audiences for locally & internationally produced cinema.
13. Play a Game of Adventure Golf at Fourways
Fancy a game of Put-Put with the family? Adventure Golf Fourways takes you through the lush gardens of cycads and palms, over beautiful water features, you will be transported to a world of fun in this tropical oasis. They have 3 different courses and 9 holes. There is a restaurant on-site for meals and kids’ parties
Adventure Golf has 4 locations around the city at Fourways, Hillfox, Randburg and Stoneridge.
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday | 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday & Saturday | 09:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sunday | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Prices: Adults: R140, Students: R110, Kids under 7: R80, Pensioners: R80
14. Ride a Paddle Boat on Zoo Lake
Set on the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and West World Street, virtually across from the Johannesburg Zoo, Zoo Lake is usually a hive of activity – dog walkers, joggers, skateboarders and kids. Zoo Lake is a large park situated around a man-made lake that makes for perfect weekend ambles, only 15 minutes from the centre of Johannesburg.
Take in the sights and sounds of the lake in one of the row boats for hire. The row boats can accommodate up to 6 people per boat. Fun for the kids – take along some bread for them to feed the ducks – lots of fun!
15. Go Sightseeing on the Red City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Hop on a City Sightseeing double-decker bus and enjoy a 360 panoramic view of Johannesburg, while you are aboard, take advantage of their guided commentary to learn about the city and hop off at any of their stops at your own leisure. If you’re pushed for time, take the Green Line to still see some of the best attractions of Johannesburg. Alternatively, take the Red Line and you can discover other beautiful destinations a little farther out.
16. Go Ice Skating at the Northgate Icerink
Especially popular with teenagers and young adults, ice-skating to loud music at an ice rink can be a lot of fun, especially as you get better at skating (a lot less fun when you keep falling on your face!). So get to Northgate Ice Arena and start perfecting your skating routine! Ice Arena at Northgate Mall in Northriding has a kiosk that sells cool drinks, sweets, chocolates, chips and pies, and the Fontana Bakery on-site and a range of restaurants and fast-food outlets in the mall are in easy reach for the hungry. Professional instructors are often on hand to help those new to skating. If you get tired of the ice then the centre is also home to plenty of shops, movie theatres and more to keep you entertained.
Prices: Admission Fee: R100, Skate Hire: R45 – (R85) Entry + Skate Hire on Sunday Evenings 19:30 – 22:00
18. Jozi Vibes Entertainment – Pub Crawl Bus Tour
The #itsavibe Hop-On Hop-Off Pub Crawl offers pub-goers the opportunity to easily move from one pub to the next on the legendary Open Top Beer Bus – complete with beer taps installed on the bus, complimentary beer, and cider so you can keep the party going from one venue to the next.
Pub crawling, also known as bar hopping or bar crawling, is the practice of visiting several bars in one night with a large group and stopping for a drink at each one. What’s great about this crawl is that you will be safely transported from one pub to the next. It allows you to enjoy your evening responsibly!
The #itsavibe Hop on Hop Off Pub Crawl service runs from 19:00 to 00:00 on Fridays.
Enjoy, It’s Sure to be a Wild One!
19. Go Clubbing With Friends at Truth Night Club
Situated at the old snake park in Midrand, Truth is Joburg’s ultimate dance club if you’re craving a night of rhythm and dance. At Truth, you can experience a wide range of electronic music, featuring top local and international DJs.
There are multiple dance floors and parties go on until the early hours of the morning. It’s a cornerstone of the Johannesburg clubbing scene.
Continue Reading | 25 Clubs in Johannesburg: Premium Nightclubs, Lounges, Bars & Pubs – 2019
20. Escape Room at Hashtag Escape
Hashtag Escape is an escape room adventure game based in Johannesburg.
You and your team of friends are locked in a mysterious room… You have 1 hour to work as a team and discover the secrets hidden inside, solve the puzzles and escape the room!
All the rooms and puzzles have been hand-crafted by a team of South African puzzle masters, a truly unique experience!
There are 4 Different Escape Rooms and 6 Competition Time Chambers available, all offering a vastly different experience.
Pricing: R250 a person
21. Test Your Skills at Go-Kart Racing
Hit the track at one of the many Go-Karts parks spread throughout Joburg and Pretoria and go head to head with your friends for hours of competitive fun. One of the biggest franchises is Indy Kart, hosting 4 tracks across Joburg and Pretoria.
22. Join a Drumming Circle at Klitsgras
Every second Saturday, Klitgas Drumming have an amazing evening planned for people trying to get their rhythm on. The Drumming Circle starts at 18:00 but they open the gates at 16:00… Join Klitgas Drumming for a fun and truly unique experience around the fire and join in on the magical rhythm that fills the air while their facilitators teach you Basic Djembè beats.
The Circle is big enough for young and old, beginner or experienced Drummer… Even if you do not own a drum. Drum Rental is available at their shop, Sights & Sounds. Stocked with unique instruments, Boho-boutique clothing and beautiful Jewellery.
Delicious Wood Burn Pizza and Refreshments are available on sale. FREE Camping is available for the evening.
Best Markets in Johannesburg/Pretoria
23. Browse The Neighbourhoods Market
A popular hotspot in Joburg The Neighbourhoods Market Is Known For Speciality Street Food & Bespoke Design Goods, and is a great Meeting Point To Swop Ideas & Be Inspired By The People & Energy Of Joburg!
The market is set out over two floors inside a building on Juta Street and has a spectacular 15-story wall mural by the famed artist Eduardo Villa. Marketgoers can also enjoy spectacular views from Neighbourgoods’ rooftop terrace on the second floor.
This market is as much a source for farm fresh foods and specialty goods as it is a meeting point to enjoy community, swop ideas and stories, and be inspired by Joburg’s vibrant energy. Keep an eye out for the locally-roasted artisan coffee and gourmet chocolates, fresh oysters on ice, organic wine, diverse African cuisine and impromptu jazz performances.
When: Every Saturday, 9am to 6pm
24. Rosebank Rooftop Market
Rosebank Sunday Market is a true expression of South Africa’s vibrancy and dynamism. The Rosebank Sunday Market celebrates its’ diversity through its’ variety; offering something for everyone with a large selection of craft stalls, live music, kids’ entertainment and gourmet food traders. The renovated Rosebank Mall is a perfect host for a world-class market, offering stunning views of the Johannesburg skyline and sunsets to compliment the pulsating African heartbeat of the traditional market experience. Every Sunday the open rooftop parking space transforms into a premier, world-class marketplace.
25. @The Shed
@The Shed is Pretoria’s hippest inner city market, hosted at 012central, is the trendy, multi-space precinct development in the CBD. Described as an African urban experience, it merges the best of city markets with the flavours of South Africa’s Capital, with local entrepreneurs, designers, artists and musicians forming the bulk of the participants. All in all, there are 50+ stands, 7 live bands/performers, pop-up art exhibitions, creative activations and an open stage where local artists create a laid-back, acoustic, jazzy atmosphere.
Trading hours are from 11:00 to 20:00. Entrance Fees are R80 before noon, R100 before 2 pm and R150 after 2 pm. Kids under 13, Vespa riders and cyclists enter for free. Hours and rates sometimes change when there are special editions of the market.
The market usually takes place every first Saturday of the month.
26. Visit the Largest Flower Market in the Southern Hemisphere
The Multiflora Flower Market is situated just south of the city centre, in an undercover area that spans some 50,000 square metres. It provides a massive flower auction space in which more than 600 flower growers sell more than a million stems of flowers every day. These are sold on a bulk scale (to hundreds of local florists and wholesalers), as well as directly to the average consumers and some of the top floral designers in the country. This means that the stunning flowers being sold at Multiflora make their way all over the country.
There is a Dulcé Café at the market, giving busy shoppers a place to enjoy a cuppa and catch up with friends. As the largest flower market in the whole of the southern hemisphere, Multiflora is a must for those wanting to see, smell and touch the widest array of exquisite flowers at very reasonable prices.
27. Exxplore the 44 Stanley Avenue Precinct
A former light industrial complex from the 1930s transformed into a boutique lifestyle destination, 44 Stanley opened in 2003 and offers a selection of designer clothing boutiques, speciality stores, art spaces, and a cinema, plus great coffee, a choice of cafés, and so much more spread across a series of pretty, interlinked courtyards.
Enjoy a lazy lunch once you’re done exploring the precinct’s many interesting shops, or head through in the evening to grab a drink and see a movie with friends. But it’s not just the quality of the traders that sets this space apart; the people behind the brands and businesses at 44 Stanley are deeply committed to their craft, product, or offering – and it’s palpable. Enjoy this vibrant gathering of great minds and talented creatives; a truly unique space in Joburg.
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Historical Sites in Johannesburg/Pretoria
28. Check Out The Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument is located just South of Pretoria, in South Africa. This massive granite structure is prominently located on a Hilltop and was Built to commemorate the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony between 1835 and 1854.
The Cenotaph, situated in the centre of the Cenotaph Hall, is the central focus of the Monument. In addition to being viewable from the Hall of Heroes, it can also be seen from the Dome at the top of the Building, from where much of the Interior of the Monument, can be Viewed. Through an opening in this Dome, a ray of Sunlight shines, at noon on 16 December Annually, falling onto the Centre of the Cenotaph, striking the words- ‘Ons vir Jou, Suid-Afrika’ (Afrikaans for ‘Us for you, South Africa’). The ray of Light is said to symbolise God’s Blessing on the lives and endeavours of the Voortrekkers.
29. Trace Back Our Origins at The Cradle of Humankind
Turns out South Africa is a goldmine of ancient fossils and bones. Take a deep dive into human history at The Cradle of Humankind, situated about 5okm of Joburg, right near the Sterkfontein Caves.
The Cradle of Humankind is one of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Africa. Here the landscape is dotted with subterranean limestone caves that have turned up a rich fossil record for human evolutionary studies. These findings have led to the ‘Out of Africa’ theory, theorising that most human ancestors originated from one general spot… Africa.
Many significant fossil finds have been made in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, including the famous fossils “Mrs Ples” and “Little Foot”.
Pricing:
It’s R175 for Adults to get into both the Maropeng Center and the Sterkfontein Caves, and R104 for Kids under 14. Students and pensioners: R75
30. Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill is a living museum that tells the story of South Africa’s journey to democracy. The site is a former prison and military fort that bears testament to South Africa’s turbulent past and, today is home to the country’s Constitutional Court, which endorses the rights of all citizens.
There is perhaps no other site of incarceration in South Africa that imprisoned the sheer number of world-renowned men and women as those held within the walls of the Old Fort, the Women’s Jail and Number Four. Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Joe Slovo. Albertina Sisulu, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Fatima Meer were all held here.
Tours are offered daily for a true educational experience.
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 Daily
Adults: R100, Children(5-17): R50, Pensioners (With I.D) and Students (with Student card): R65
31. Visit All the House Museums in Johannesburg/Pretoria
Kruger House Museum, Pretoria
Situated at 60 Church Street, the Kruger House Museum was the home of President Paul Kruger. It was his personal property as the ZAR did not have an official residence for the President. Declared a museum in 1936, it was restored to its original form. It was one of the first houses to use electricity and had one of the first telephones installed in Pretoria in 1891. Declared a National Monument under old NMC legislation on 6 April 1936.
Mandela’s House, Soweto
The Nelson Mandela National Museum, commonly referred to as Mandela House, is the house on Vilakazi Street, Orlando West, Soweto, South Africa, where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to 1962. It is located at number 8115, at the corner of Vilakazi and Ngakane streets, a short distance up the road from Tutu House, the home of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
Mandela donated the house to the Soweto Heritage Trust (of which he was the founder) on 1 September 1997, to be run as a museum. It was declared a National Heritage Site in 1999
Satyagraha House – Gandi’s House, Johannesburg
More than one hundred years ago, Mohandas Gandhi lived in this house in Johannesburg.
Today, the Satyagraha House is both a museum and a guest house. A unique way to immerse yourself in the privacy of a man and the history of a country…
Smuts House Museum, Pretoria
The Jan Smuts House Museum is the former home of General Jan Christiaan Smuts, who was one of the most prominent political and military figures in South African history. The house was built in 1909 and served as the primary residence for Smuts and his family for over forty years. Today, the house has been transformed into a museum that showcases the life and times of the Smuts family.
Lindfield Victorian House Museum, Johannesburg
Dating back to the early 1900s, the Lindfield House Museum stands as a testament to the elegance and sophistication of the Victorian era. Originally owned by Dr. and Mrs. Stanwell, the house has witnessed the passage of time through the hands of various owners, each leaving an indelible mark on its architecture and history.
Tutu House, Soweto
The Tutu House is a house on Vilakazi Street in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, that was the home to Desmond and Leah Tutu. The house is registered as part of Johannesburg’s historical heritage.
Desmond Tutu and his family moved into this house in 1975. Vilakazi Street is said to be the only street in the world where two Nobel Laureates have lived. During the time that Tutu lived here, he became a Nobel Laureate for his struggles against apartheid and he led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for President Nelson Mandela.
Tutu House is not open to the public, but the street does have several shops and restaurants.
Read Also | Gauteng Museums
32. Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory is committed to preserving the work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, a non-profit organisation. Situated in Houghton, Johannesburg, it is a place dedicated to keeping the memory and the legacy of Nelson Mandela alive.
History and the preservation of the past were very important to Mandela and it is evident that the Nelson Mandela Foundation is committed to the preservation of archives, documents, awards and photographic records that chronicle the late global icon’s life.
33. Union Buildings
The Union Buildings are considered South Africa’s Architectural masterpiece. Designed and built by Herbert Baker and completed in 1913, the Union Buildings houses the Administrative offices of the Union of South Africa. Today it is still the official seat of government and houses the offices of the President of South Africa. It is situated on Meintjieskop and overlooks the City.
34. Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum
Freedom Park is not your ordinary cultural institution, it’s an immersive experience that encapsulates the essence of South Africa’s diverse heritage. It serves as a center of knowledge, aiming to deepen our understanding of the nation’s journey through time. Through captivating exhibits, memorials, and symbolic spaces, this sprawling park weaves together the intricate threads of South Africa’s narrative, from its ancient beginnings to the present day.
The park is a cultural marvel that encompasses various sections, each with its distinct purpose and significance.
Best Museums/Galleries in Johannesburg/Pretoria
35. Visit The Apartheid Museum
‘Learn from the Past to Change the Future’
The Apartheid Museum showcases South Africa’s 46 years of struggle, division and civil rights movements in a capturing and emotional way.
Beginning in 1948, the white-elected National Party government initiated a process which turned over 20 million people into 2nd class citizens, damning them to a life of servitude, humiliation and abuse. The first democratic election in 1994 brought about a new South African era of unity and hope.
The exhibits in the museum are from film footage, photographs, text panels and artefacts illustrating the events and human stories of Apartheid.
Pricing:
Adults: R85, Pensioners, Students and Children: R70
36. James Hall Museum of Transport
The James Hall Museum of Transport in Johannesburg is the largest and most comprehensive museum of land transport in South Africa. It was established by the Late Jimmie Hall together with the City of Johannesburg in February 1964. The museum’s collection includes animal-drawn carts, such as Anglo-Boer War ox-wagons, bicycles, coaches, motorbikes, steam locomotives, electric cars, fire engines and vehicles with self-propelled engines. Hall says the museum’s collection has expanded over the years and now stands at 2,500 items, making it the largest museum of its kind in the country.
Pricing: Free
37. Museum Africa
Situated in the heart of the Newtown Cultural Precinct, Johannesburg’s Museum Africa is a treasure trove of historical significance waiting to be discovered. This museum, housed in a beautifully restored fruit and vegetable market dating back to 1913, offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of South Africa.
Visitors to Museum Africa can immerse themselves in a diverse array of thought-provoking exhibitions that span South Africa’s rich and complex history. Some of the standout permanent exhibitions include “World War One,” where you can explore the pivotal role played by South African forces during the Great War, and learn about the sinking of the Mendi, an event still commemorated annually. “Gandhi’s Johannesburg” offers a fascinating insight into Mahatma Gandhi’s experiences in the city from 1903 to 1913, which profoundly shaped his philosophy of passive resistance.
38. Johannesburg Art Gallery
The Johannesburg Art Gallery is an art gallery in Joubert Park in the city centre of Johannesburg, South Africa. It is the largest gallery on the continent with a collection that is larger than that of the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town.
The building, which was completed in 1915, was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, with Robert Howden working as supervising architect, and consists of 15 exhibition halls and sculpture gardens. It houses collections of 17th-century Dutch paintings, 18th- and 19th-century British and European art, 19th-century South African works, a large contemporary collection of 20th-century local and international art, and a print cabinet containing works from the 15th century to the present.
39. First Thursdays
On the first Thursday of every month in Joburg you can look forward to contemporary art, live music, DJ sets, poetry, performance art, pop-up bars and more in one of the city’s two art districts – Rosebank and Braamfontein, as part of the First Thursdays event.
At the contemporary landmark development Keyes Art Mile (corner Keyes Avenue and Jellicoe Avenue) there’s a street party atmosphere with a section of the road closed off to traffic so that food trucks, pop-up bars and a small stage for live performances can be set up on the street. Meanwhile, a few blocks down Jan Smuts Avenue on Joburg’s Art Gallery Row, drop by for exhibition launches and artist walkabouts at leading galleries such as Gallery2, Lizamore & Associates and David Krut Projects and hang out at one of the bars and restaurants clustered around Bolton Corner such as Coalition, Saigon Suzy or Social Parkwood.
Best Parks in Johannesburg/Pretoria
40. James and Ethel Gray Park
Named after the early Johannesburg historians, James and Ethel Gray, this little park snuggled in the affluent suburb of Birdhaven, just south of glamorous Melrose Arch, was originally a bird sanctuary. It is still home to an assortment of feathered residents, and after a R5-million upgrade the park should become a favourite of Joburg residents.
The Sandspruit River flows through its 36 hectares, creating an attractive, tranquil atmosphere. Landscaping incorporates both indigenous vegetation and neat lawns and there are meandering walkways and new ablution facilities. It is completely fenced.
41. Pretoria Botanical Gardens
The Pretoria National Botanical Gardens is one of South Africa’s 9 National Botanical Gardens. It is a colourful 76ha botanical tapestry showcasing glimpses of various habitats, each with its own distinctive features and charm. It is the perfect place for kids to run around and roll on the grass. If you’re wanting to have a romantic picnic with your special person, this will also prove to be a great spot for a picnic basket with the ideal company. With an on-site cafe, this is the perfect spot to spend the afternoon.
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00
Pricing:
Adults Off Peak Season (Apr-Aug): R70, Adults Peak Season (Sep-Mar): R90, Kids Under 6: Free, Children(6-17): R25, Students off Peak (with student card): R45, Students Peak (with student card): R50, Pensioners: Free on Tuesdays
42. Jan Cilliers Park
Located on the northern slopes of Klapperkop in Groenkloof, Pretoria, Jan Cilliers Park is one of the oldest parks in the city. Also known as Protea Park, it is famous for its numerous native plants, trees and shrubs and excellent views of the Union Buildings and the city. The park has sprawling lawns, ponds and a stream that breaks off into 14 tiny waterfalls. The stream also connects two dams. Jan Cilliers Park is excellent for picnicking, walking dogs, walking, jogging, playing with frisbees and taking photographs.
Best Hikes in Johannesburg/Pretoria
43. Water Sisulu Waterfall Hike
One of the great escapes of Johannesburg, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort, Gauteng, is almost 300 hectares of landscaped and natural veld that is a haven for birds and a popular picnic spot for Gautengers.
Despite the development that is threatening encroachment on this beautiful garden, set against the backdrop of the magnificent Witpoortjie waterfall, this is still the home of a breeding pair of Verreaux’s Eagles that nest in the cliffs alongside the waterfall and no visit is complete until they have been sited. Enthusiasts arrive armed with telephoto lenses and tripod stands in an effort to capture these beautiful birds, and will sit for hours until they appear.
Over 600 plant species and 220 bird species, as well as several reptiles and small mammals such as antelope and jackal, occur naturally in the Nature Reserve and there are several wonderful walks through the garden and a trail up alongside the waterfall for the not-so-faint hearted.
There is a lot of shaded lawn on which Jo’burgers while away balmy days with a bring-along picnic. There is a wonderful nursery, a gift and book shop and a restaurant; and over Christmas and on selected weekends, the grounds play host to sundowner concerts. But the star of the show is the garden itself with a succulent rockery, a cycad garden and the water garden.
44. Hennops Hiking Trail
In the heart of busy Gauteng, virtually on the doorstep of both Johannesburg and Pretoria, hikers can experience one of the few unspoiled nature areas at Hennops Hiking Trail.
The Hennops hiking trail consists of 3 trails setting out from Hadeda Camp. At the beginning and end of the trails meanders along the Hennops River before veering away into the surrounding mountains.
Two unique features on the trail are the river crossings – 2 suspension bridges and a cable car. There are interesting historical sites along the trail. Aspiring historians will enjoy seeing an underground cave where “Pruimpie” lived, traces of old settlements and the old dolomite mines and the ovens in which the rocks were heated to melt and extract the lime.
The indigenous trees along the river, the gorges and the plateau areas make this an outstanding area for bird life.
45. Groenkloof Nature Reserve
Groenkloof Nature Reserve, on the southern side of Pretoria, is the first nature reserve on the continent dating back to the time when President Kruger proclaimed the entire valley a game sanctuary, in 1895. The Groenkloof Nature Reserve lies in the Fountains Valley, famous as the ‘entrance’ to Pretoria from the airport along the R21, in the midst of highrise buildings, major arterial roads and the hum at the edge of the city.
Groenkloof Reserve functions as a green lung in the city, a space in which to experience the outdoors (even if to the sound of traffic) along hiking, mountain biking routes, 4×4 drives, horse trails, picnic sites and even a youth camp for children. Mojo restaurant is also part of the reserve for those in search of a meal with a difference
Hikers can choose from three hiking trails – the 4km white route, 3.5km red route and the yellow route, which is a more substantial 10.5 km.
46. Visit the 1000-year-old Wonderboom Fig Tree
The Wonderboom Tree is a wild fig tree found within the Wonderboom Nature Reserve a few kilometres north of the centre of Pretoria. The gigantic tree consists of a mother tree (that eventually died) and three rings of daughter trees which sprouted from branches touching the ground. Such regeneration is not typical of this tree species. The Wonderboom Tree has the largest crown size of all trees in the country. It measures 61 m from one end to the other at the widest point but averages 56m. It has been carbon-dated to more than a thousand years old. A circular boardwalk surrounds the tree to protect the roots of the tree against the many visitors it receives each year.
Continue Reading | 1000-year-old Wonderboom Fig Tree
Read Also | The 10 Best Hikes in South Africa
Best Mountain Biking Trails in Johannesburg/Pretoria
47. Best Mountain Biking Trails in Johannesburg/Pretoria
I scoured the net to find the best trails near Joburg and Pretoria and these are the ones that seemed to be the most popular. When it comes down to mtb trails it’s normally the popular ones that are the best riding and the most well-maintained. Gautengers are really spoilt for choice with all the amazing trails in the province.
– Buffelsdrift
Dry and dusty in winter, muddy at times in summer, always stimulating and always well maintained with various trails to suit all fitness and skill levels. That’s Buffelsdrift mountain bike trails in a nutshell. The climbs are challenging, and the descents are thrilling, even though you may have to pedal from time to time. There aren’t any huge climbs, but the trail builders utilise the available gradient well.
Read More | Buffelsdrift
– Northern Farm
Everyone who rides a mountain bike at Northern Farm can have a stimulating experience. It’s probably the best trail park in Gauteng for beginners. That is to say; it’s not lacking in courses that challenge intermediate and experienced riders. Over 120km of marked and maintained mountain bike trail makes up the Northern Farm mountain bike trails on the 25000ha piece of land, just a 20 minute drive from Fourways in the north of Johannesburg. There’s a blend of gravel roads, jeep track and singletrack, which deliver a significant variety of riding experiences.
Read More | Northern Farm
– Big Red Barn Trail
The Big Red Barn is an antique hay barn which was salvaged and rebuilt on Sunlawns Estate, a 200-hectare just 15 minutes from Centurion. It is next to a 20-acre Eucalyptus forest and looks out over an expansive vista of fields, grasslands and the Kaal River. It is the perfect urban escape, with 25km of scenic MTB trails meandering through veld, farmlands, forest and beside the river
– Braamfontein Spruit
The Braamfontein Spruit Runs through the suburbs of greater Johannesburg from the Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia/Greenside in the West, all the way to Sunninghill, Bryanston, in the East. There are a network of singletrack mountain bike trails along the entire length of the Spruit, as well as onto adjoining parklands. Trail users should always be situationally aware and preferably ride in Groups, especially on more isolated parts of the Spruit. Most of the Spruit and the adjacent trails are on land managed by Johannesburg City Parks and the trails are maintained by Jozi Trails in collaboration with City Parks.
Continue Reading | Jozi Trails, Braamfontein Spruit
– Rosemary Hill
Head to Rosemary Hill Farm near Pretoria for trails ranging between 6km and 18km. Here you’ll cycle through aromatic rosemary fields, past dams, across streams and through forests and grasslands. This is also the home of the monthly ASG Night Rider Series, and includes some of the best single tracks around.
Read Also | Mountain Biking 101: A Comprehensive Beginners Guide
Read Also | THESE ARE SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST POPULAR MTB TRAILS
Best Food/Drink Spots in Johannesburg/Pretoria
48. Best Food Spots in Johannesburg/Pretoria
Joburg
– 1947 On Vilakazi – authentic African cuisine.
– Marble restaurant – Flame Grilled Meals from various cultures and inspirations
– Momo Baohaus Greenside – Delicious Asian Meals
– Café del Sol Classico – Italian Cuisine
– Level Four Restaurant – exceptional fine dining
Continue Reading | The 15 Best Restaurants in Johannesburg
Pretoria
– Fermier – Garden to Table Meals
– PRIVA – Fine Dining
– Pachos Restaurant – Delicious Steaks
– Kream Brooklyn – A little bit of everything
– Brasserie de Paris – Delicious French Cuisine
Continue Reading | The 20 Best Restaurants in Pretoria
49. Best Beer/Wine Spots in Johannesburg/Pretoria
Although it is the smallest of nine provinces, Gauteng is a place alive with interesting possibilities. For beer lovers, this also means many opportunities to try out and enjoy a refreshing and ice-cold beer.
Beer Spots
– Capital Craft Beer Academy
Address: Shop 20, Greenlyn Village Centre, Corner of Thomas Edison & 12th Street East, Menlo Park, Pretoria
– Brewhogs Micro-Brewery
Address: Unit 50 Barbeque Corner, 25 Dytchley Rd, Barbeque Downs, Kyalami
– The Tasting Room
Address: 198 Long St, Waterkloof, Pretoria, 0145
– Gilroy’s Brewery
Address: Rivonia Crossing, Achter Road, Paulshof, Johannesburg
Gauteng, the economic powerhouse of South Africa, may not be as well-known for its vineyards as other regions in the country, but it certainly has its fair share of exceptional wine-tasting spots. Whether you are a wine lover or simply looking to try something new that you should add to your list…
Wine Spots
– Gerakari’s Family Wine
Address: REEA Complex, Gate B, Marlborough Ave, Craighall Park, Randburg, 2196
– The Winehouse
Address: Ten Bompas Hotel, 10 Bompas Rd, Dunkeld West, Randburg, 2196
– The Indaba Tasting Room
Address: William Nicol Drive, Pieter Wenning Rd, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2055
– The Acid Food and Wine Bar
Address: 19 4th Ave, Parktown North, Randburg, 2193
– Avianto
Address: Avianto Hotel, Muldersdrift, 1747
Continue Reading | The Finest 10 Wine-Tasting Spots in Gauteng
50. Best Coffee Spots in Johannesburg/Pretoria
Check out some of these awesome Coffee Spots next time you need your caffeine fix
Joburg Coffee Spots
Bean There Coffee Company
– Address: Craighall, Johannesburg and 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark.
Motherland Coffee Company
– Address: 1 Sturdee Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
AfricaBlack Roastery & Espresso Bar
– Address: Newmarket Road, Northriding, Randburg, Gauteng
The Perfect Cup
– Address: 54 Tyrone Avenue, Parkview, Johannesburg
Father Coffee
– Address: The Zone, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
Continue Reading | The 50 best coffee shops and best cafes in Johannesburg
Pretoria Coffee Spots
Sorcery
– Address: 196 Bernard St, Colbyn, Pretoria, 0083
Grounded at Echo
Address: Corner of, Crystal Corner Shop 1 353 24th Avenue, Pierneef St, Villieria, Pretoria, 0186
Plato
Address 260 Florence Ribeiro Ave, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0181
Hemels
Address: Green Grove, Lynnwood Rd Portion 158 of the farm The Willows 340 J.R, Wapadrand, Pretoria, 0050
Hooked Coffee
Address: Shop E002, The Fields, 1078 Burnett St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028
Continue Reading | 12 Popular Coffee Shops in Pretoria
51. Best Treats Spots in Johannesburg/Pretoria
Ice cream and waffles, doughnuts and milk tarts, almond croissants, cinnamon buns, Belgian chocolates and sweet pumpkin pie – whatever your sweet tooth craves, Joburg has a café for every indulgence.
Joburg Treat Spots
Crumbs And Cream
– Crumbs and Cream is a super delicious ice cream shop that serves high-quality cookies and ice cream.
The Patisserie
– The Patisserie is known for its pastries, cakes and confectionery treats.
Moody Cow
– Delicious Ice Cream and Waffle House
Rather Tart
– Rather Tart is an upmarket cafe in Morningside with delicious patisserie tartlets and excellent hot chocolate.
X&O Patisserie
– At XO Patisserie, you’ll find some of the best cronuts in Johannesburg. These hybrid doughnuts and croissants are a delicious treat that was voted into TIME Magazines Top Inventions list back in 2013.
Chocoloza
– If you’re a chocolate lover, Chocoloza is definitely worth a visit! They have a wide variety of delicious chocolates to choose from, as well as hot chocolate that’s perfect for winter.
Continue Reading | The 10 best sweets spots in Johannesburg
Pretoria Treat Spots
Der Zucker Backer
– This bakery is dedicated to producing carby German sweets, such as the famous bee sting cake, that have been loved by Pretoria residents for many years. The bakery also produces a variety of breads and cakes, making it difficult to choose just one item.
Harrie’s Pancakes
– Harries Pancakes is a well-known restaurant in Arcadia that specialises in pancakes. The classic pancake recipe is delicious with a hint of tartness from lemon juice, which can be enhanced with ice cream or cream to make it even more enjoyable.
Royal Danish Ice Cream
– The famed ice cream chain Royal Danish is a must-go for gelato and waffle fans alike. With flavors like royal pecan and Copenhagen, this spot will tantalize your taste buds with delicious scoops of ice cream. Plus, Royal Danish is open late so you can indulge in your sweet tooth any time of day.
Die Brotstube
– Die Brotstube is a bakery near Silverton in Pretoria whose German owners sell authentic German breads, baked goods like pretzels and croissants, and coffee. The bakery does not serve full meals, but it does have some yummy cakes and delicious breads to choose from.
Little B’s Bubble Tea
– Little B’s Bubble Tea is a popular store for bubble tea in Hazelwood. It has a wide variety of flavors to choose from and the pearls that are used in the drink make it smooth and delicious.
Continue Reading | The 11 best sweets spots in Pretoria
There you have it, Your Ultimate Guide to Things To Do in Johannesburg and Pretoria!
I’ve tried to include something for everyone in here so whatever you like to do in your free time you have options. Now go out and exxplore the bustling megacity that is Pretoria and Joburg, a city with endless possibilities.
Did I miss anything that you think I should have included? Maybe I’ll include it in this post in a future update. Save this post and come back every few months to see what else there is to do in the big city. Till the Next One, See Ya!
and
– Chase The Adventure –
