Johannesburg Travel Guide

Johannesburg South Africa's largest and wealthiest city, primarily due to its thriving gold and diamond trade. There are no lakes, rivers or beaches in the city but there is a lot of money floating around, which means there are plenty of entertainments, activities and other fun things to do in your idle time.

Shopping and Dining

One of the most popular pastimes in Joburg, as the locals call it, is, apparently, shopping. There are over 20 malls here and the Mall of Rosebank is where you'll find high-end shops, along with a cinema, art and craft galleries, and a Sunday rooftop market. The cosmopolitan neighborhood of Rosebank also has many stores that sell authentic African pieces like opal animals, black serpentine stones, beads and wooden bowls. On Sundays the Rosebank flea market opens to eager shoppers looking for specialty foods, home furnishings, unique clothing and crafts.

Restaurants are abundant in Johannesburg and you'll find cuisines from all over the world represented here. Try the suburb of Auckland Park, which is just northwest of the city center and known for its historic architecture. There are also many cafes and bars in Melville and Parktown North. Merville and Auckland Park are most popular among the city's sophisticates and serious foodies, while Parktown's eating atmosphere is more relaxed and great for family affairs.

Nightlife

Without beaches and resorts to occupy them during the day, urban Joburgers tend to focus their energy in the city's vibrant nightlife scene. The bars, clubs, music and entertainment venues range from trendy jazz and dance spots to gritty watering holes. Barhopping is a popular activity throughout the city and the 7th Avenue in Melville is a frequent destination for party animals. Take heed, though, as the bars and clubs here have a reputation for being on the hardcore side. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, where a good time also means good clean fun, Newtown is the place to head.

Sights

Don't stay out too late because there are many fascinating attractions in the city and environs. The first sightseeing stop for most visitors (and locals) is the Newtown Cultural Precinct downtown. Here you'll find the Museum Africa, which takes visitors on a visit to the peak times and places of African civilization. Next door is the Market Theatre Complex, one of the places every tourist should visit to witness the wealth of talent displayed by the local people. The theater has shows nightly. Another worthwhile place for a visit is the SAB World of Beer, which has beer tours Tuesday through Saturday.

Where to Go in Johannesburg