Johannesburg

Johannesburg cityscape at sunset. Photo: Tania Melnyczuk / Unsplash

Johannesburg is South Africa’s richest and busiest city. Jozi or Joburg, as it’s fondly known, or, “the city of gold”, was built on a rich history of gold mining. Since the late 1800s, people from all corners of the world have made their way here in search of riches buried beneath the earth. A city as rich in history as it is diverse in culture, Johannesburg, is a place full of stories and experiences.

May is the start of Joburg’s winter and, although the days are mild and usually dry, mornings and evenings are chilly. Spring in September brings with it the crescendo of thunder, those famous Highveld storms are bound to ensue. Things start to heat up in November through to March with temperatures exceeding 30ºC, so be sure to pack sun protection.

O.R. Tambo International Airport, a gateway to the African continent, also connects passengers to various other continents around the world. Johannesburg is a hip and happening city. There’s no other way to describe it and you’re likely to leave with a little more attitude and swag in your walk.

What to do in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a hip and happening city. There’s no other way to describe it, and you’re likely to leave with a little more attitude and swag in your step. Here’s what to do in the city:

Where to stay in Johannesburg

With plenty of accommodation options in Johannesburg and with loads more to see, stay a day or two. Airbnb is a great place to find short-term accommodation to experience real city living. If you make your way to Maboneng, Airbnb will offer plenty of lofty options too. If you’re looking for more of a five-star stay, take a look at what we suggest for you.

Where to eat in Johannesburg

There’s a variety of great dining experiences in Johannesburg. We could list them all, from Naked Coffee (for the best banana bread ever) to Bellinis in Illovo (a local gem and a little bit of a secret). Here are a couple of other favourites.

I Love South Africa

In the absence of a strong national brand that focuses solely on the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors, I Love South Africa has come to life. While exploring all aspects of tourism and hospitality, I Love South Africa will be the go-to source of daily travel news keeping readers up to date with the high-tempo travel and hospitality sector. I Love South Africa is part of the Blue Sky Publications group, publishers of The South African, one of South Africa’s largest and the fastest-growing news publications.