Why Explore the City of Gold: Things to Do in Johannesburg

You’ve decided on a South African safari for your next holiday, but have you considered spending a few days exploring one of the country’s hubs, Johannesburg? Also known as the City of Gold due to its mining history, this metropolis is fuelled by innovation and gives an incredible insight into South Africa’s past. Let’s dive into where to stay and things to do in Johannesburg that will convince you to add a city adventure to your safari itinerary. But first, where exactly is this city?

Where is Johannesburg?

Johannesburg is in the Gauteng province, situated in the northeastern part of the country on the Highveld plateau. As the largest city in South Africa (it’s one of the 100 largest urban areas in the world!), it serves as the economic and cultural hub of the nation.

The weather in Johannesburg is different from what you’ll find in Cape Town. While the coastal region experiences dry summers and wet winters, Johannesburg is the opposite with summer storms and cold, dry winters.

Hotels in Johannesburg

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to where to stay in Johannesburg. The city is bursting with luxurious hotels that offer everything from five-star dining and exclusive spas to immaculate gardens complete with sublime pools.

The Peech

Set in the most picturesque indigenous gardens, entering The Peech is like going into an oasis in the city. For over 20 years, this boutique hotel in Melrose has been enchanting guests – so much so that it has been voted “Best Hotel in Africa” at the World Luxury Hotel Awards from 2019 to 2024.

And this Johannesburg hotel got even peachier thanks to the addition of The Pot Luck Club. This iconic Luke Dale-Roberts restaurant moved to The Peech, further elevating the guest experience. The bold, internationally inspired small plates, along with the impressive wine list and signature cocktails, have made it one of the best places to dine in Joburg.

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa

An experience at Fairlawns is all about destressing in complete tranquillity – and this is easy to do at this exquisite hotel thanks to the beautiful Balinese-style spa. Here, five indoor treatment rooms complete with enhanced mood lighting create the perfect setting to be coaxed into relaxation. The heated pool with rimflow jacuzzi, steam room, relaxation pools, and outdoor salas take the spa experience here to another level.

The suites each have their own distinctive theme, from French provincial to Eastern influence, and offer all the luxurious amenities you could ask for. When you’re able to tear yourself away from your well-appointed suite, the hotel is close to Sandton, one of the best shopping districts on the continent.

The Residence

This boutique hotel enjoys pride of place just 30 minutes away from OR Tambo International Airport and a few minutes from both Rosebank and Sandton City. The jacaranda-lined streets lead you to this boutique hotel, a refined and comforting space that will delight. Private plunge pools, enchanting fire pits, and attentive staff all add up to a relaxing, indulgent stay in Johannesburg.

Newmark The Catalyst Hotel

Located in the hub that is Sandton, The Catalyst Hotel ticks all the boxes when it comes to a city stay in Johannesburg. Not only is it close to the Gautrain and offers a complimentary shuttle service, but it also boasts a spa complete with a sauna and jacuzzi as well as a fine dining restaurant.

Just 20 minutes away from the hotel is the Fourways Farmers Market, a must-visit if you’re in Johannesburg over the weekend. Situated in a gorgeous nature reserve, this market offers you the chance to indulge in delicious food, explore a range of stalls, and simply sit back and relax with a cocktail in hand.

Saxon Hotel

Luxurious suites and sumptuous private villas make up the accommodation options at this hotel. Taking advantage of the gorgeous natural light and views of the magnificent indigenous gardens, the Saxon Hotel offers guests a well-deserved respite from the stress and rush of travelling.

Nicolas, from the United States, stayed at the Saxon before he headed off to Sabi Sands. “The stellar guest list – which included Nelson Mandela and Oprah – was certainly impressive!” It was the ideal base from which to explore the city before heading to the bush.

A range of restaurant and eating options are available, including morning and afternoon tea. Along with your brew of choice, you’ll be presented with a range of heavenly handmade sweet and savoury pastries. The Saxon also delights with the on-site Qunu restaurant. Choose between the two-, three-, four-, and six-course menus paired with wine specially selected by the team of sommeliers.

Things to Do in Johannesburg

As a major economic and cultural hub, there are so many things to do in Johannesburg. Learn about where humanity got its start, walk among awe-inspiring artworks, and dive into the vibrant culture of the city.

Explore Art Galleries

Johannesburg boasts a range of incredible art galleries to explore. The Goodman Gallery has been a pillar in the artistic community in South Africa. Located in Parkwood, the gallery hosts collections from artists from around the world as well as local artists. Don’t miss out on wandering around the sculpture garden to see artworks from William Kentridge, Hank Willis Thomas, and Edoardo Villa.

The Melrose Gallery is a Pan-African contemporary space that displays artworks from both established and up-and-coming artists. This is a fantastic space to feel the pulse of the South African art landscape.

Celebrating its centenary in 2013, the Everard Read Gallery is the oldest commercial art gallery in Africa. Fine art from around the world has found a temporary home here, and you’ll always discover incredible exhibitions to explore.

Visit the Maboneng Precinct to Get Inspired

Artists and business owners have reinvigorated the Maboneng Precinct, an area in the inner city of Johannesburg. Once old manufacturing buildings are now commercial workspaces, art galleries, restaurants, cafés, bars, and boutiques, creating an energetic, artistic destination to explore. Take a tour of this cultural melting pot for an in-depth guide on how this incredible place came to be.

While here, make sure to stop at The Marabi Club for dinner. In the basement of the Hallmark House Hotel, this restaurant beckons people in with live jazz and vintage charm.

Learn About South Africa’s Past

To gain more context around how Johannesburg and South Africa as a whole became the place it is today, you have to take a trip into the past, and one of the main stops for this is the Apartheid Museum. Detailing the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa, explore exhibitions about what life was like under this cruel regime as well as the uprisings that ensued that led to change and the first democratic elections of the country.

Another place to gain insight into the country’s past is Constitution Hill. Once a prison, it held prominent anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Joe Slovo, Albertina Sisulu, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and Fatima Meer. Today it’s a museum and guests can go on guided tours to explore how it went from a prison to the home of the Constitutional Court of a democratic South Africa.

Find Out Where it All Began at the Cradle of Humankind

Near Johannesburg is a treasure trove of archaeological findings, findings that filled in holes within humanity’s evolutionary history. The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 40 minutes from the suburb of Sandton and comprises a plethora of fossil sites where evidence of human life has been dated back to millions of years.

Upon landing in Johannesburg and before heading to your safari lodge, take a few days to explore the city. From the vibrant streets and art galleries to the world-class restaurants and luxurious hotels, a stay in Johannesburg is the perfect way to start your South African holiday.