What to do in Johannesburg

In many ways, Johannesburg is the beating heart of South Africa. It’s the city that welcomes most international visitors and overflows with art, history and the signature ‘Mzansi’ atmosphere. For some, a luxury hotel may be all you see of Joburg before jetting off to your next stop on the continent, but there’s so much to discover if you have the time. Rewind about 7 million years at the Cradle of Humankind, where some of the earliest hominid remains have been unearthed, and learn about the tumultuous period of history before South Africa became a democracy at the Apartheid Museum, Freedom Square in Soweto, and the unassuming building that was once the home of Nelson Mandela. Then, get under the skin of Joburg’s art scene with a walking tour of its street art or galleries. All of this can be done with a private guide or see where the hop-on, hop-off bus takes you.