2 Best Sights in Johannesburg, South Africa

Background Illustration for Sights

Johannesburg epitomizes South Africa's paradoxical makeup—it's rich, poor, innovative, and historic all rolled into one. And it seems at times as though no one actually comes from Johannesburg. The city is full of immigrants: Italians, Portuguese, Chinese, Hindus, Swazis, English, Zimbabweans, Nigerians, Zulus, Xhosas. The streets are full of merchants. Traders hawk skop (boiled sheep's head, split open and eaten off newspaper) in front of polished glass buildings as taxis jockey for position in rush hour. Sangomas (traditional healers) lay out herbs and roots next to roadside barbers' tents, and you never seem to be far from women selling vetkoek (dollops of deep-fried dough) beneath billboards advertising investment banks or cell phones.

The Greater Johannesburg metropolitan area is massive—more than 1,600 square km (618 square miles)—incorporating the large municipalities of Randburg and Sandton to the north. Most of the sights are just north of the city center, which degenerated badly in the 1990s but is now being revamped.

To the south, in Ormonde, are the Apartheid Museum and Gold Reef City; the sprawling township of Soweto is just a little farther to the southwest. Johannesburg's northern suburbs are its most affluent. On the way to the shopping meccas of Rosebank and Sandton, you can find the superb Johannesburg Zoo and the South African Museum of Military History, in the leafy suburb of Saxonwold.

Maboneng Precinct

City Center

If you need proof that Jo'burg is revitalizing, Maboneng Precinct (along Main Street) is one example. The name translates to "a place of light" and as with most cities, it ebbs and flows and never quite remains the same. Although the weekend market that brought many visitors into town has moved, the neighborhood continues to find its way by tapping into what it is known for—creativity. Artwork is created in collaboration with artists from across the world, iconic architecture still exists from colonial times to the present, and it buzzes with art galleries, indie boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, rooftop bars, and apartments. Highlights include the Kwa Mai-Mai Traditional Healers Market (best to visit with a guide), the Living Artists Emporium, or take in exceptional city views from the rooftop of Hallmark Hotel. It's best not to walk around Maboneng alone, so plan on arranging a guided tour. It can be a little overwhelming driving or walking there, especially with so many one-way streets, and the outlying areas can be a bit busy.

Old East Precinct

Located in the suburb of Hazelwood, this "village" is one of the trendiest places to eat in Pretoria. A wide selection of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and bespoke stores line the leafy streets of Hazelwood Road and 16th Street. Stop in for breakfast at 23 on Hazelwood or lunch at Alfie’s Pizzeria and Deli, grab a drink on the Rock's patio and enjoy some people-watching or grab some gelato at Aroma Coffee Roastery (you’ll recognize it from the giant mural of a tucan at its entrance). If you need some caffeine, pop by Spout Coffee Company housed in repurposed shipping containers for a cuppa and baked goods. Once you’re satiated, you can browse the handmade leather goods at Freedom of Movement or go off in search of some of the murals and artwork that give this precinct even more character. Note: Certain establishments may be closed on Mondays.