Destinations / Johannesburg >>

Persuading tourists to spend time in Johannesburg is like persuading people to go to the dentist. It has a terrible reputation, but once you’ve been, you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about. Most international visitors think time spent in Johannesburg between connecting flights is a necessary evil. Its reputation for crime is understandably off-putting, if a bit unfair.

Johannesburg is the optimistic face of modern South Africa. It is here in this 'City of Gold' where people from all backgrounds have come for generations to make and lose their fortunes. Where the super-affluent live cheek-by-jowl with the under-priviledged in the cultural melting pot. Where the growing, confident black middle class drive their BMWs and strut their style. Where the future of the 'rainbow nation' has been, and always be, determined.

Johannesburg is a city of pleasant surprises: the largest inhabited and man-made forest in the world; a year-round pleasant climate; and an innate sense of friendliness and hospitality that is very unusual in a big city. With a bit of local advice you’ll really enjoy this cosmopolitan, friendly, green and vibrant city that’s the economic powerhouse of Africa.

Most tourists base themselves in Sandton, but we’re not sure why. It’s clean, western and safe. Mandela Square is a good place for people-watching and the legendary Butchers Shop & Grill does a mean rump steak, but it’s too sanitised for us. Rosebank is a better alternative. Although it’s ultimately a series of shopping malls, these feel more like a small town and there are more interesting shops, restaurants and a bustling craft market.

The Apartheid Museum is well worth at least a few hours visit. Don’t expect to leave feeling light-hearted, but for an appreciation of what a remarkable achievement the ‘rainbow nation’ is, you can’t beat it.

Soweto tours are popular - take the right one you can meet some inspiring people, see what local communities are doing to improve their situation and understand more about ‘the struggle’ against apartheid. You be surprised at the sheer scale and, in some instances, the wealth of the place.

Parkhurst is a great ‘village’ to visit and spend a relaxing afternoon watching the world go by. An old suburb in the Parks area of Johannesburg between Sandton and downtown, Parkhurst’s Fourth Avenue has a definite European village vibe to it. You can’t beat a gin and tonic overlooking the cityscape at sunset at the very colonial Westcliffe Hotel. For a bit of local artistic culture go to The Standard Bank Art Gallery in downtown Jozi – you will also get a sense of the vibrancy and re-generation that is happening in downtown Johannesburg ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

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