National GeographicAug 16, 2015
48 Hours in Johannesburg
South Africa’s largest city is one of the country’s major cultural hubs and a thriving destination in its own right. Our guide helps you get the most out of your stay.
Dynamic district offering festivals, music, and food.
25 things in this story
- SandtonNeighborhoodCosmopolitan with eateries, shopping, and bars.
- Cradle of HumankindSightDeclared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, the site is home to the largest known concentration of human…
- MabonengNeighborhoodTransformed into a bright, collaborative hub.
- The BioscopeMuseumIndependent cinema attracting creatives, locals, and visitors.
- SowetoNeighborhoodDynamic district offering festivals, music, and food.
- Soweto TowersAttractionBungee jumping 320ft.
- Ferreira’s CampSuburbThe original miners' village that boomed.
- Chancellor HouseSightWhere Mandela and Tambo set up their law firm.
- Shadow BoxerSightMonumental statue of a young Mandela.
- City HallSightA heritage building amidst redeveloped spaces.
- Constitution HillAttractionFormer prison, now home to a museum.
- City Skate ToursPlaceOffers skateboarding lessons around the city.
- Mad Giant BreweryRestaurantOffers tours and tastings of world-class malt beers.
- 1 Fox PrecinctNeighborhoodRejuvenated industrial space housing Mad Giant Brewery.
- GinologistRestaurantDistillery to try three unique flavors of gin.
- Johannesburg Stock ExchangeSightSignposts the financial, shopping, and entertainment hub.
- Sandton CitySightIt was built and owned by property development company Rapp and Maister, in partnership with brothers Hilliard and Eli…
- Nelson Mandela SquareSightIt includes a large open area built to resemble a traditional European town square, and an office complex.
- Alice & FifthRestaurantImpressive dining venue in Sandton.
- SaintRestaurantDecadent Italian joint in Sandton.
- Social ParkwoodRestaurantCelebrates local craft beers and gin.
- Saigon SuzyRestaurantOffers authentic Vietnamese food and private karaoke.
- Park StationTrain station
- UrbanologiRestaurant
- The MARCSight