Explorer's Picks
Local Sights & Spots
Around Johannesburg
Sports & Outdoors
Discovery Padel Park Sandton
Nestled behind the Discovery building, this is a top-notch padel facility. It offers modern courts, expert coaching, and a Naked Coffee spot for post-game refreshment.
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Braamfontein Spruit (JoziTrails)
A 37km non-motorised cycle path running through northern suburbs like Riverclub, Delta Park, and Emmarentia. It is popular with dog walkers, trail runners, and cyclists, and is actively monitored by security guards.
Epic Hikes
Epic Hikes offers a variety of beginner to expert-level hiking trails around Johannesburg, including the Cradle of Humankind and Hennops River. They specialise in safe, guided hiking that can include lunch or dinner at a nearby venue.
De Wildt Adventure Trails
Located near Hartbeespoort Dam, this reserve offers a scenic mountain bike and hiking sanctuary with short trails (1.8km) to longer ones (4.6km). The trails lead to the top of the mountain with a small waterfall.
Ellis Park Stadium
A major sporting venue in Doornfontein, famous for hosting the 1995 Rugby World Cup. It is the home ground for the Lions rugby union team and Orlando Pirates football team. The stadium seats around 60,000 spectators.
Hennops Hiking Trail
Located between Pretoria and Johannesburg, this venue offers three circular hiking routes from a short 2km walk to a challenging 10km route for experienced hikers. The trails feature a suspension bridge, a cable car, and river crossings.
Harties River Hiking Trail
A series of routes along the banks of the Hartebeespoort Dam, ranging from short walks to a 10km route. The trails offer views of the dam and the Magaliesberg mountain range.
Kings Kloof Trails
Located in the Cradle of Humankind, this private farm offers a selection of challenging mountain bike and hiking trails, ranging from a 4km loop to a 20km loop. Trails feature a water crossing and suspension bridge.
Acrobranch Melrose
An aerial adventure park offering tree-top obstacle courses and zip-lining, suitable for children from three years old to adults. It is located in the James and Ethel Gray Park.
Acrobranch Huddle Park
An outdoor adventure park with tree-top obstacle courses, zip-lines, and a high-flying course. It offers courses suitable for various ages and skill levels, located in Linksfield. It also connects to the 10.5km Huddle Park hiking trail.
Adventure Zone at Voortrekker Monument
Located in Pretoria, this venue offers zip-lines, mountain biking, hiking trails, archery, and guided quad biking. It is set within the Voortrekker Monument Nature Reserve.
Parks & Nature
Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge
A comprehensive game lodge located just 30 minutes from Sandton. It covers a 160-hectare conservancy in the Cradle of Humankind, offering mountain bike trails, hiking, kayaking, and a lakeside beach.
Delta Park
One of Johannesburg’s largest green spaces, popular for dog walking, mountain biking, and trail running. It links to the Braamfontein Spruit and is home to the Delta Park Environmental Centre and the Delta Cafe.
Dinokeng Game Reserve
Dinokeng is a malaria-free reserve around 100km north-east of Johannesburg, allowing self-drive and open-vehicle Big 5 safaris. It offers various accommodation options for a weekend getaway close to the city.
Ezemvelo Nature Reserve
An expensive nature reserve near Bronkhorstspruit that offers hiking, fishing, and game viewing. The reserve has an abundance of wildlife including zebra, wildebeest, and red hartebeest, making it perfect for day trips and hikes.
George Hay Park
This lovely park in the delightful Parkview suburb is very well maintained and hosts great community events, supported by local gourmet food trucks on a regular basis.
Garden of St Christopher
A three-acre estate in the middle of the upmarket Hyde Park suburb. It has beautiful water features and a striking Renaissance-inspired pergola staircase, and is open to the public once a year in October.
Hugh Wyndham Park
A wonderful green space in Dunkeld West. The park is family-friendly, featuring a safe kids playground, a jungle gym, and a beautiful dog park. It is a great spot for a family picnic.
James and Ethel Gray Park
A 36-hectare well-maintained and hilly park that is popular with dog walkers and trail runners. It features various paths and walkways, as well as an obstacle course for fitness enthusiasts.
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
The largest nature reserve in the Johannesburg metropolitan area, located less than 20km south of downtown. It has a river running through it and features several trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking.
Norwood Park
A small park in the suburb of Norwood, situated just off the neighbourhood's main high street, Grant Avenue. It is a peaceful green space for locals.
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Pretoria National Botanical Garden (SANBI)
A beautiful botanical garden and South Africa’s largest national garden, featuring over 7,500 species of plants. It is split into two sections by a quartzite ridge and offers nature trails, a tea garden, and a wide variety of birdlife.
Sandton Field and Study Centre
A large green space in Sandton popular for cycling, horse riding, and walking trails. It features lots of jungle gyms, a short trail next to the braai stands, and is home to the Field Market.
The Wilds
A beautiful botanical garden and heritage site in the heart of Johannesburg. It features stone pathways, water features, and restored historical stairs, offering panoramic views of the city skyline. It is popular for walking and photography.
Waterfall Park
Located in front of Mall of Africa and facing the Tyssenkrupp elevator, Waterfall Park features open spaces, benches, and trees. It hosts regular open-air cinema nights and pop-up events in the stylish Midrand block.
Verity Park
A small park in the quaint village-like suburb of Parkhurst. In the summer months, it features a small outdoor public pool which is open to the community.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
One of the city’s most beautiful nature reserves, featuring tame gardens and a spectacular waterfall, the garden is a haven for birds, including the nesting site of a pair of Verreaux’s Eagles.
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
One of the most popular reserves for hiking, trail running, and cycling, situated near Heidelberg. It features a scenic 60km motor-car route, hiking trails ranging from 4km to 17km, and is known for its highveld ecosystem and ancient Tswana kingdom remains.
Melville Koppies Nature Reserve
A nature reserve and heritage site, Melville Koppies is a well-preserved remnant of Johannesburg's environment and pre-colonial past. It goes back three billion years in age. It offers guided walks every weekend for those interested in the area’s archaeology and history.
Montecasino Bird Gardens
This facility houses various bird species, reptiles, and mammals from around the world. It focuses on conservation and education, offering daily bird shows. The gardens are open Tuesday to Sunday.
Modderfontein Reserve
A large piece of undeveloped land in the heart of Johannesburg, featuring indigenous Highveld grasslands, wetlands, and dams. It offers four dedicated mountain biking routes ranging from 10km to 40km, and an 8km hiking trail. The area was founded in 1894 as a dynamite factory site.
Mulligatawny Farm
One of the most beautiful private gardens in Gauteng, this 14-hectare venue is in the foothills of the Magaliesberg. It features water gardens, koi ponds, and an orchid house, with hundreds of varieties of flowers. It is generally open to the public once a year.
Mushroom Farm Park
A popular park in Sandton Central known for being pet-friendly and containing the popular James and Ethel Gray Park. It features a kids' playground, an earth garden, and an outdoor gym. It is open daily from 6am to 6pm.
Mofolo Park
Located in Mofolo Central, Soweto, this park is known for having dedicated events areas used to host concerts and other cultural events.
Zoo Lake
A large park and dam in the northern suburbs popular for boating, fishing, and recreation. It features a walking trail, the Zoo Lake Swimming Pool, and a designated dog park area. The park is known for its annual Carols by Candlelight event.
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam
A large, sprawling green space covering more than 80 hectares, founded in 1969. The site features a themed botanical garden, fountains, waterfalls, and long walking trails. It is ideal for picnics, weddings, and hosts events like concerts and markets. The dam is popular with dog-walkers and paddlers.
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Johannesburg Zoo (JHB Zoo)
One of the most popular local and tourist attractions in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals and is open 364 days a year from 8:30 to 17:30. It conducts regular public events like night tours and holiday programmes.
Viewpoints & Sunsets
Northcliff Ridge
The highest natural point in Johannesburg at 1,807 metres above sea level. It offers stunning 360-degree views across the City Centre, Sandton, and the Magaliesberg, and is popular for sunset viewing and climbing.
Westcliff Steps
Situated in one of Johannesburg's most affluent old suburbs, the Westcliff Steps consist of several hundred steps leading up the ridge. Dubbed the "Stairway to Heaven," they are popular for walking and exercise, and are known for their spectacular purple blooms in spring.
Johannesburg Observatory
Occupies the highest point in Johannesburg, providing magnificent views over the city. It is a historic site dedicated to the cosmos and is an architectural treasure, home to the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers. It is open to the public on Saturday mornings.
Culture & Museums
Chinatown, Cyrildene
Joburg's vibrant and authentic Chinatown, centred on Derrick Avenue. It's a bustling street filled with supermarkets, bubble tea shops, and fantastic, authentic Asian restaurants.
Coin World: the South African Mint Coin Museum and Store
A coin museum and store operated by the South African Mint. The exhibition tells the story of South African coins from the cowrie shell to the sophisticated five-rand coin, and features gold specimens, historical tender, and the history of gold discovery in Johannesburg.
Ditsong National Museum of Military History
This museum documents military history, focusing on the two World Wars, resistance movements against apartheid, and modern South African military history. It houses an impressive range of military vehicles, weaponry, and aircraft.
Ferreira Mine Stope
One of the city’s few remaining mine stopes, located in downtown Johannesburg. It offers a glimpse into the city's gold prospecting roots and features old-fashioned mining equipment like gas lamps and pickaxes. Entrance is free.
Eyethu Heritage Hall
Soweto’s creative soul, a dynamic museum-meets-cultural space housed in a historic cinema. It hosts exhibitions, community gatherings, and events, and features a museum section that honours struggle heroes and local legends.
Fietas Museum
Located in one of the few surviving original buildings of the historic Pageview neighborhood. The museum documents the apartheid-era forced removals and the diverse cultural life that once thrived here by Indian and Muslim communities.
James Hall Museum of Transport
The largest transport museum in Africa, featuring an impressive collection of historic vehicles. Exhibits include vintage cars, trams, bicycles, buses, and a unique collection of fire engines, dating back to the late 19th century. Admission is free.
Nizamiye Mosque Complex
A beautiful Turkish-style mosque located in Midrand, modelled on the 16th-century Selimiye Mosque. It features 21 small domes, marble interior, and hand-painted tile work. It is part of a complex that includes a Turkish restaurant and bakery.
Ponte Tower
A 54-storey cylindrical skyscraper in the Berea district, the tallest residential building in Africa. It has a complex history, evolving from a highly sought-after apartment building in the 1970s to a symbol of urban decay, and now stands rehabilitated as affordable housing.
Origins Centre
Located at Wits University, this museum explores the history of humankind, tracing the journey of modern humans from Africa across the globe. It houses a large collection of Southern African rock art, including San rock art dating back over 26,000 years.
Victoria Yards
An old industrial laundry site in Lorentzville converted into a contemporary arts, craft, and food precinct. It features studios, artisanal spaces, workshops, urban farming, and a popular Saturday market with food vendors and live entertainment.
Wits Anglo American Digital Dome
Formerly the Wits Planetarium, this space has been upgraded to a spectacular, interactive digital dome. It offers immersive shows and demonstrations, making it a state-of-the-art educational and entertainment venue.
South African Airways Museum
The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of South African aviation, with a focus on SAA’s commercial aircraft, uniforms, and memorabilia. It is situated at the old Transnet Aviation Club. Admission is R40 for adults.
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
An interactive science centre dedicated to educational and innovative experiences, especially for children and teenagers. It features exhibits that stimulate curiosity and encourage learning through play, covering a wide array of topics.
South African Hip Hop Museum
This museum documents the history and evolution of South African Hip Hop culture. It is dedicated to being a digital-first museum and is situated near the Mary Fitzgerald Square, a major cultural area. Visitors can also find information about getting there via the Gautrain.
Museum of Illusions Joburg
Part of a global chain, this museum offers an immersive experience filled with over 80 exhibits that trick the mind and senses. It is located at The Zone @ Rosebank and features interactive displays like the Vortex Tunnel and Anti-Gravity Room. Prior booking is essential for a visit.
Workers Museum
Located in the historic Newton workers compound, built in 1913, this museum preserves the history of African migrant workers and their living conditions during the apartheid era. It showcases photographs and testimonies detailing the hardships faced by the workforce. Admission is free.
Keyes Art Mile
A dedicated art and dining hub in Rosebank, located near the Gautrain station. It is home to several art galleries, contemporary design studios, and trendy restaurants like Marble and MiHa. The Mile hosts regular art walks and events.
Arts On Main
A creative urban space in Maboneng, known for its mix of art, fashion, and food. It hosts the popular Sunday Market on Main and is next door to the Centre for the Less Good Idea. The venue features exhibition spaces, studios, offices, and restaurants.
AECI Dynamite Company Museum
Located in Modderfontein, this museum is on the site of South Africa’s first dynamite factory, which opened in 1896. It tells the story of dynamite invention and its role in South African history, showcasing artifacts and old machinery. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 2pm.
Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre
The first institution of its kind in South Africa, this museum and centre of memory aims to teach the history of the Holocaust and the Rwandan Genocide, promoting human rights, tolerance, and democracy. The permanent exhibition includes a detailed narrative of the Holocaust. Admission is free.
44 Stanley
An architectural destination and mixed-use precinct in Johannesburg. It is known for its intimate courtyards, independent retailers, design studios, and trendy restaurants and coffee shops. The atmosphere is characterised by its greenery and industrial-chic design.