Johannesburg is a city with so much on the go. There are wonderful restaurants, relaxed sidewalk cafes, laughter-filled shebeens, gargantuan shopping malls, tranquil parks, emotive museums, thrilling casinos, busy townships, stunning galleries, funky nightclubs…and that’s just a teaser.

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Johannesburg is a city with so much on the go. There are wonderful restaurants, relaxed sidewalk cafes, laughter-filled shebeens, gargantuan shopping malls, tranquil parks, emotive museums, thrilling casinos, busy townships, stunning galleries, funky nightclubs…and that’s just a teaser.

 

Johannesburg's entertainment and leisure options are vast and varied, so make sure your energy levels are high. This dynamic city has a range of restaurants – from pub 'n grub bars to pizza take-outs, African-inspired eateries to delightful delis serving everything from a great cup of coffee to healthy meals. 

 

There are restaurants for virtually every type of cuisine, cocktail bars, cigar bars, and fine dining. You've simply got to hang out at one of the many eateries in Soweto (along the famous Vilakazi Street), or soak up the sun in the Soho-type villages of Norwood, Parkhurst and Greenside. 

 

Johannesburg is known for its incredible nightlife. From the funky clubs and pubs of Soweto to the laid-back jazzy groove of Newtown and the stylish venues of the Northern suburbs, Jozi (as locals refer to the city) caters for all tastes. What you'll love about the place is the multi-cultural cosmopolitan vibe and an attitude that says 'let's party'. If you're looking for a comedy club, a jazz lounge or a venue that plays live music - from rock to pop to kwaito to house – it's here. 

 

Must-do activities include the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill to find out more about South Africa's turbulent past; sundowners at The Westcliff hotel overlooking the green belt of Johannesburg while listening to the lions roar from the nearby Johannesburg Zoo; shopping up a storm at any of the many designer malls such as Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Rosebank Mall and Soweto's Maponya Mall; and as a fitting end to all the fun, a visit to one of many healthy and beauty spas.

 

How to get here:

All roads lead to Johannesburg, so the city is easily accessible by air, car or bus. International and domestic flights land and depart from O.R. Tambo International Airport.

 

Tours to do:

Tours to do while in Johannebsurg include tours of Soweto, Gold Reef City, Constitution Hill and the Apartheid Museum. The Cradle of Humankind is about an hour’s drive away.

 

How to get around:

The Gautrain from the airport to the city and the Bus Rapid Transport System are new features on the local transport menu. Taxis operate 24 hours a day and car hire is available from a variety of international companies.

 

What to pack:

Though generally fine and mild during the day, the winter nights in Gauteng are chilly and very cold spells can strike, so pack accordingly. Highveld thunderstorms, generally in spring (September), are spectacular, so pack a raincoat.

 

What to eat:

Good news for those who hanker for home is that Johannesburg, as a cosmopolitan city, offers a spread of cuisines as diverse as Brazilian, Indian, Thai, Ethiopian and Turkish