Often the first port of call en route to Cape Town or the Kruger, Johannesburg tends to be overlooked as a destination in its own right, mostly because the “City of Gold” has endured years of division and hardships that has left its reputation in tatters. But these days, palpable change is in the air – and has been for a while. Many of the sprawling neighbourhoods in the eclectic melting pot that is today’s Johannesburg have been transformed into artsy hubs, humming with energy without having lost their raw, gritty edge. Our suggestion: next time you are in transit, add 24 hours in Johannesburg to your itinerary and dive head-first into this vibrant metropolis!
Morning
First up: a caffeine kick!
Get your 24 hours in Johannesburg off to a flying start with a heavy dose of caffeine – and the java at Father Coffee in Braamfontein (lovingly referred to as “Braamies” by locals) will definitely get you going. With its onsite roastery, minimalist Scandi design and Instagram-posting clientele, this place is as hipster as it gets. We suggest sipping on one of the secret coffee blends, whilst indulging in a spot of people watching.
Take a stroll around town
Safely experience Joburg’s gritty inner city vibes on a walking tour with Past Experiences. Led by passionate local guides, tours such as “Inner City Taster”, “Creative Jozi – Public Art”, “Mandela’s Joburg” and “I love Braaamies” will take you into the city’s diverse neighbourhoods and give you an insight into what makes Johannesburg (and her inhabitants) tick.
Head to the city’s hip neighbourhood markets
Locals love to meet at the city’s markets over a weekend. If your 24 hours in Johannesburg falls on a Saturday, head to the Neighbourgoods market (an offshoot of the popular Cape Town one at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock), which operates from a parking garage in Braamfontein. Amble past the numerous food stalls and pick up brunch fare and sweet treats whilst listening to live music and soaking up the atmosphere. On Sundays, Market on Main in the Maboneng Precinct is the place to be. A shining example of urban regeneration, Maboneng is an ever-changing and expanding neighbourhood where Jozi’s cool crowd hang out to shop, eat and explore, mostly in Arts on Main, right where the market is situated. The beating heart of the area, this inspiring creative hub brings together cafés, shops, artists’ spaces and galleries. Market on Main itself offers a heady mix of international cuisine, while the “Picnic in the Sky” package adds a thrill to your day – collect a picnic basket and blanket from the organisers, then fill it with your choice of provisions from the various stalls before being whisked up to the 50th floor of the Carlton Centre for a picnic with a most impressive view.
Afternoon
Get to grips with South Africa’s turbulent past
Illustrating the rise and fall of South Africa’s oppressive past, the Apartheid Museum represents a fundamental stopover on your 24 hours in Johannesburg itinerary. The admission fee alone packs an emotional punch – you will be assigned a white or non-white ticket at random, and enter accordingly through marked gates. Once inside, a series of 22 individual exhibition areas, curated by a multi-disciplinary team of film-makers, historians and designers, takes visitors through a dramatic emotional journey. Afterwards, hop in an Uber and continue your exploration of the country’s past with a visit to Constitution Hill in Braamfontein, a former prison (Nelson and Winnie Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi all served time here) that today is home to the Constitutional Court of South Africa and several museum and exhibition spaces.
Marvel at Jozi’s art prowess
For some light relief, stop by the Wits Art Museum in downtown Johannesburg. Hosting an impressive collection of African art by both established names and exciting newcomers, it will give you a glimpse into South Africa’s thriving art scene. If you still have some energy, you might want to explore some of the city’s other top-notch art spaces, such as the Stevenson Gallery in Braamfontein, or Everard Read, CIRCA and Whatiftheworld in Rosebank’s upmarket Keyes Art Mile (but make sure to check opening hours in advance). This “curated neighbourhood living” space is also home to a cluster of trendy cafés ( Milk Bar is hot on our list for an afternoon pick-me-up) and restaurants, including David Higgs’ award-winning Marble – but more of that in a minute.
Evening
Sip sundowners and enjoy the county’s national cuisine!
Cape Town may be South Africa’s gourmet hub, but chef David Higgs ups the ante in Joburg with his restaurant Marble, which has been a runaway hit since opening in 2016. It’s conveniently located in the Trumpet building’s top floor space on the Keyes Art Mile, so if you’re already here to admire some galleries, it really makes perfect sense to stay and catch one of the city’s legendary sunsets from the scenic bar, cocktail in hand. Alternatively head to Level Four – located on the fourth floor of the 54 on Bath hotel, this is another stellar sundowner spot in Rosebank. But back to Marble – described as a restaurant for “meat and flame enthusiasts”, the contemporary fine dining spot embodies South Africans’ love for cooking with fire, otherwise known as a braai (or a BBQ in the northern hemisphere. Expect outstanding meat dishes cooked to perfection with African flair on a grand wood-fired grill – it’s every carnivore’s dream.
Take it easy with some world-class jazz
Johannesburg’s eclectic music scene serves up treats of every genre, but its rich jazz heritage means that a visit to the ever-popular Katzy’s Live, is a must. Situated in the vibrant Rosebank area, Katzy’s delivers a unique style and an air of sophistication while indulging guests in some of the best local and international jazz artists. With all this and a menu to boast about, you’ll soon find yourself slinking into a leather couch with a whiskey almost as smooth as the music! Jazz not your thing? Try Hell’s Kitchen instead, a trendy speakeasy / Rock’n’Roll joint in Joburg’s Melville suburb. Tongue-in-cheek neon signs (“Be naked when I get home”), a hidden poker room, live music on the weekends and an impressive drinks menu make this a good place to end your 24 hours in Johannesburg. Or not – Hell’s Kitchen’s neighbouring bars may tempt you to keep on partying…
Where to stay
The Peech Hotel
Set amidst a lush garden in the affluent suburb of Melrose, this 16-room boutique hotel provides a city-centre sancturary. Retreat to your cottage-feel suite or relax by the pool to re-energise.
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54 on Bath
Stay in this elegant red-brick structure in leafy Rosebank and enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere inspired by the grand hotels of the past. The refreshing outdoor pool, delicious Afternoon Tea and buzzing Perrier-Jouët bar all add to the sense of decadence.
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Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
Go all out at this hotel gem, hidden amongst 10 acres of magnificent indigenous gardens in the opulent, suburb of Sandhurst. Exuding utter elegance, this hotel will spoil you with its luxury suites, outstanding cuisine and a world-class spa.
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