There are a number of essential attractions to see in Johannesburg, but maybe none more so than the Apartheid Museum.
Learn about South Africa’s history. Find out what happened in America’s darkest era through the experiences of real people who were affected by it.
1. Johannesburg Museum
One of the city’s most poignant and poignant attractions is the Johannesburg Museum.
The reason it’s so great is because of the following: The apartheid museum is a sad reminder ofSouth Africa’s recent history that should notbe missed on anyone’s Johannesburgagenda.
Photographs, films, and first-person experiences provide visitors with a sad and thought-provoking look back at apartheid’s impact on South Africa. As you go along South Africa’s route todemocracy and see decades of opposition,you will be taken on an emotional trip.
As South Africa continues to come to terms with the legacy of the Apartheid era, this museum provides a comprehensive look into the country’s past and its future.
2. Constitutional Hills
With a commanding view of Johannesburg, Constitution Hill serves as an excellent museum of South Africa’s past. It’s possible to view controversial displays at the Number Four museum and the Women’s Gaol museum, as well as the Old Fort museum, at the location.
Famous previous inmates of the precinct include Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela and Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, both of whom served time in The Fort. The historic Awaiting Trial building now houses the Constitutional Court of South Africa, a beacon of liberty dedicated to safeguarding the rights of all citizens of the country.
Members of the general public are more than welcome to attend court proceedings and observe the justice system in action. It is possible to learn a lot about the history of Constitutional Hill by taking a tour with a guide.
3. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
There are three botanical gardens in the country. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens are a peaceful oasis just outside of the city if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle. Located in the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s National Botanical Garden, the garden is one of nine national botanical gardens in South Africa.
Waterfall Witpoortjie looms over the garden’s landscape and is its centerpiece. The well-kept gardens and fields that surround the falls are perfect for picnics and there is a river and hiking trails that run through them. There is a Succulent Rock Garden, a Birds and Butterflies Garden, a Cycad Garden, and a Geological Display Garden to see.
Kids will enjoy the Children’s Garden, and birdwatchers will appreciate the bird hide. Make sure to keep an eye out for the park’s abundance of birds and insects, including the park’s black eagles, which nest here.
4. The Gold Reef
Gold Reef City, a theme park and historical museum eight kilometers from downtown, transports visitors back in time to the days of the gold rush. The Crown Mines, one of the world’s richest gold mines, is now a family-friendly attraction with replicas of its era’s buildings and businesses.
Fun attractions for kids include the trampoline park and ten-pin bowling alley as well as thrilling theme park rides, like the Anaconda roller coaster. A petting zoo and kid-friendly rides are also available at the park. There’s also a round of putt-putt golf, some carnival games, and some gold panning. You can stay at the Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel if you can’t get enough of the fun.
5. Market theatre
The Market Theatre complex is a must-see when visiting Johannesburg, one of the city’s many tourist attractions. Located in a refurbished market building, this venue showcases a selection of the city’s best productions in its theatres.
This isn’t all; it also features a bookshop, an art and photograph gallery, a number of restaurants, and more places to relax after the sun goes down.
6. The Cradle of Humankind – One of Johannesburg’s coolest historical
How awesome is this? It’s a one-hour drive from the city, but this is a must-see in Johannesburg. This 180-square-mile site contains the oldest hominid fossils ever discovered, and it may be where the human race began! As one of the world’s most important paleoanthropological sites, UNESCO has designated it a World Heritage site.
An incredible 3.5 million years ago, 3.5 million year old human-like skeletons were discovered here. If you’re in Johannesburg, make sure to include this on your itinerary.
What to do if you’re not interested in seeing 2 million-year-old skulls? We’re not sure what else will. The Cradle of Humanity, on the other hand, has a slew of interesting sights worth checking out! Exhibits and information about the area can be found at the Maropeng Visitor Centre, but the area also has a number of noteworthy natural features. Are you interested in exploring a network of caverns beneath the earth’s surface? It’s time to visit Sterkfontein Stalactitic Caves. For those with claustrophobia, the six interconnected chambers located 40 meters below ground may not be ideal, but they are certainly fascinating! There is also an underground lake in this area. For a day trip to this must-see, many tour companies are available.
7. Top of Africa
It’s great because: Astonishingly, Johannesburg is the only major city of its size that does not have access to a major water source. At first glance, it may not seem like much, but you’ll be able to see it from the top of Africa! The Carlton Centre is Africa’s tallest building, so the name “Top of Africa” is appropriate. It was the tallest building in the southern hemisphere when it was built in the early 1970s!
Explore Johannesburg and the surrounding area from a new perspective at the Top of Africa. Additionally, you’ll likely notice the world’s largest urban forest in this location. Check out the Carlton Centre after you’ve finished at the observation deck. Even though it’s no longer the luxury hotel it once was, the shopping center on-site still has plenty of souvenirs to choose from!
8. The Maboneng precinct
An excellent example of a successful mixed-use urban renewal project is the vibrant Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was once a run-down area, but Maboneng, which means “place of light,” is now a vibrant place. Restaurants, cafes, art galleries, boutiques, hotels, and other entertainment venues blend seamlessly with residential buildings in this urban area of San Diego.
The weekly Market on Main, which features food from all over the continent, is a major draw. Warehouses have been transformed into art studios, galleries, and shops in two of the first developments in the city. Designer hotels and boutiques are located in other developments, as well as the independent cinema Bioscope. Here, you can soak up the city’s energy while enjoying delicious food and refreshing drinks.
9. Pilanesberg National Park Day
Pilanesberg National Park is one of South Africa’s most popular game reserves, just a 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg. With its location in the transition zone between the Lowveld vegetation of the Lowveld and the parched Kalahari desert, this park is renowned for its extraordinarily rich ecosystems as well as its diversity of wildlife.
In addition to the Big Five, the park is home to African wild dogs, sable antelope, zebras, and over 300 bird species. Close-up photography is made easier with the use of well-placed photographic hides.
10. Collectors Treasury
The largest used and rare book store in Africa Try to find a spot where there isn’t a book in it! If you’re a bookworm or a reader in Johannesburg, you should check out this spot.
It’s great because:
In 1974, this family-run business began operating above a garage but has since outgrown its original location due to an increase in inventory. Over a million used books are available at Collectors Treasury! Some of the books are commonplace, but others are extremely rare and interesting. The towering stacks and book-lined walls are perfect for getting lost in for hours. A must-see for readers in Johannesburg!
Collectors Treasury can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of whether or not they are a bookworm. Although it does help! In addition to collecting vintage items like maps, vinyl records, photographs, and more, this unique and fascinating shop also specializes in relics of a bygone era. You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy the store; simply soak up the atmosphere and travel back in time to a time before most modern electronics were even conceived!
