Johannesburg
Johannesburg is one the largest cities in the world and the largest city not situated by a river. Also popular as Jo’burg or Jozi, the city has emerged as a hot tourist destination in the recent times. The city enchants and attracts visitors from around the globe and is neither short of glamour nor substance. Johannesburg boasts of glossy contemporary skyscrapers intermingled with ancient architecture, beautiful Indian bazaars and traditional African shops. It is indeed a city that fascinates all with its thrills and chills.
Johannesburg’s Sun City is an enormous holiday resort that is regarded as the entertainment hub of the city. The place has a range of discos, eating joints and gardens. Johannesburg is also famous for its world class spas. And to top it all you have the famous African wildlife that is exemplified very appropriately at the Johannesburg Zoo. The zoo contains more than 2000 species of animals and that includes some of the rarest species in the world like the white lion and the albino. The Johannesburg Zoo is famous for its innovative programs that promote animal conservation and enrichment.
Top Tourist Spots in Johannesburg
The city is brimming with great tourist destinations. However, there are some which almost demand a visit.
- Apartheid Museum
- Gold Reef City
- Johannesburg Zoo
- Johannesburg Art Gallery
- Mandela Museum
- Montecasino
Shopping Attractions in Johannesburg
A dream destination of any shopper, Johannesburg offers something for everyone. The city is renowned for its shopping facilities and features some of the most top of the line malls and shops in the country.
- Bruma Lake Market World
- Bryanston Organic Market
- Soweto Art Gallery
- Sandton City Mall
- Rosebank Rooftop Market
- Oriental Plaza
Eating out in Johannesburg
You surely would not like to miss the eating out experience in Johannesburg. The experience is not a culinary one but also a cultural one. Johannesburg is a city with a great diversity in cultures and ethnicities and this diversity is reflected in the food of the city. Play a slave to your taste buds and submit to the scrumptious spread of food that includes Chinese, Italian, India, Ethiopian and great many other cuisines.
- Gramadoela’s
- Guildhall Bar & Restaurant
- De La Crème
- Sakhumzi Restaurant
- Shahi Khana
- Moyo’s
Hotels in Johannesburg
Johannesburg has a great selection of hotels that ranges form luxury to budget. Being the business capital of South Africa, Johannesburg’s hotels cater to a large number of business travellers. The hotels also serve tourists on their safari holidays and beach getaways.
- Hyatt Regency Hotel
- Gold Reef City Hotel
- Africa Centre Airport Hotel
- Holiday Inn Exp Sandton Woodme
- InterContinental Johannesburg Airport Sun
- Protea Hotel Parktonian
Cheap Flights to Johannesburg
Find the latest airfares and discounted offers on flights to Johannesburg operating from UK.
Preferred Airlines to Johannesburg from UK
South African Airways | Etihad Airways | Qatar Airways | Singapore Airlines | Emirates | Lufthansa | Virgin Atlantic
Airports in Johannesburg
The OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), formerly known as the Johannesburg International Airport, is the largest airport in the city that caters to both international and domestic passengers. It is a contemporary complex with more than 50 different airlines and six terminals. The OR Tambo International Airport lies approximately 20 km east of central Johannesburg and near Alberton, Germiston and Kempton Park.
Best Time to Visit Johannesburg
Best time to visit Jo’burg can be decided with a little knowledge of the city’s weather. Johannesburg is blessed with pleasingly mild climate. It remains favourable for most of the year and is neither humid nor too hot. Mid-winters from July until August bring the most chill and summer promises warm sunshine. Balmy nights from October to March follow the summer season. Johannesburg has flexible spill-over seasons.
The winter nights can be unpleasantly cold and it is advisable to carry a jacket or an overcoat in the evenings. Summer is also the rainy season. Although brief and followed by warm sun, there are rough rainstorms with much thunder and lightning and one can at times experience hail as well.
Transport in Johannesburg
Johannesburg faces lack of convenient public transport and that may prove to be an obstacle for the tourists visiting the city. Rented car is the most preferred way of commuting around the city. However, there are other public transport options available.
- Railways: It is the cheapest form of transport that primarily covers the older areas in the city.
- Bus: Operated by the City of Johannesburg, bus services include a fleet of more than 500 buses that cover over 80 scheduled routes and nearly 100 school routes.
- Minibus taxis and metered taxis also run on the streets on the Johannesburg.
(Note: This destination guide is not exhaustive and is based on information gathered from reliable resources available on the internet. Southall Travel holds no responsibility for any misrepresentation of facts and will not be in any way liable for any kind of eventuality arising from the use of information given in this guide)