Top five tourist spots in Johannesburg

If you’re thinking of heading to South Africa, the number one destination on your list is probably Cape Town. But have you considered Johannesburg?

This city is often overshadowed by the highly desirable Cape Town, but Jo’burg has just much to offer with many places to explore and an intriguing history.

Filled with striking scenery, areas of the utmost importance and wondrous sights to be seen, here are our top five tourist spots in Johannesburg.

1. Walking Tour

Ok, so it’s not a spot exactly, but more of a collection of spots that helped shape the city; either way, a walking tour is the perfect way to explore. Of course there’s many ways to do this, but PAST Experiences is great if you’re on a budget. You’ll be taken to all the corners of the city; many of which you probably wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Visit everything from unique shopping experiences to intricate places where history was made, as you get under the city’s skin on one of the best experiences around.

2. The Carlton Centre

Standing at an incredible 223 metres tall, the Carlton Centre was once the tallest building in the whole of the southern hemisphere; but it’s not just its sheer height you can marvel at. Take a trip up to the 50^th floor and revel in the stunning views you’ll be greeted with. Known as the ‘Top of Africa’, the building is still the tallest in South Africa and grants uninterrupted views right across the landscape.

3. Melville Koppies Nature Reserve

If you’re looking for something free to do in Johannesburg, then the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve won’t disappoint. Running from west to east this reserve is part of the rugged Witwatersrand Ridge, regarded as the last remaining natural ridge portion in Johannesburg. Surrounded by stunning scenery, the area also offers a fabulous vantage point, allowing you to see all the way to Magaliesberg.

4. Botanical Gardens

Aside from the nature reserve, another exquisite and popular public place is the Johannesburg Botanical Garden. This provides perfect photo opportunities and is the ideal spot to while away an afternoon with a picnic; afterwards venture to Emmarentia, which occupies a significant portion of the 81 hectare gardens. It’s the perfect location to continue your relaxing and watch people row, fish and in the summer you can even enjoy a concert.

5. Soweto

Johannesburg as we know is famous for its eclectic array of things to do, intricate architecture and stunning surroundings. But when you’re here, one place you need to see, which shows you a whole different side to the city is Soweto. Here you’ll get to experience what the city is like beyond the suburbs and see a number of historically important areas, such as the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Kliptown; which is where the Freedom Charter was drawn up.

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