Day trips in Johannesburg

There’s a great vibe wherever you go in this busy metropolis. Founded in 1886, Johannesburg is also known as Egoli, the City of Gold. Due to its diverse cultural and historical backdrop, the city is a must-see for the traveller.

Whether you arrive at OR Tambo International Airport and proceed to Johannesburg, travel onboard the city’s newest public transport addition, the Gautrain railway system, or on its upgraded motorways, Johannesburg offers a wide variety of things to do, places to see and ways to enjoy the African beat that makes this city so unique.

Shopping in Johannesburg is a treat. With a population of just under 8-million, the city is Gauteng’s major centre of commerce. At malls like Sandton City you will find all the premier names in retail like Louis Vuitton and Aldo. This shopping centre is on the Gautrain route and easy to find.

For a shopping experience on a slightly smaller scale there is the Mall of Rosebank. Closer to the city and also on the Gautrain route, this shopping centre is well known for its boutiques and small cafés. If you are there on a Sunday, you will find an entire parking level has been converted into the Rosebank Rooftop Market, where African crafts and curios, antiques, clothing, jewellery and more are sold at fair prices.

For a midday trip, visit Newtown, called the creative capital of Johannesburg. With plenty of coffee shops and unique lunchtime venues, this market square is on the west side of the city. The Sophiatown Bar Lounge offers a unique dining experience inspired by the township Sophiatown’s heyday in the 1940s and 1950s. If you are feeling adventurous, ask for their inyamazane (game meat) and choose from a selection of kudu, ostrich or crocodile.

Walking across the square puts you right in front of Museum Africa, with its many permanent exhibitions that focus on African heritage, mostly recovered from oral tradition passed down by generations. Entrance is free and, with other permanent displays about the Treason Trial, for instance, and the camera obscura on the third floor, a visit is well worth it.

Wander to the SAB World of Beer, one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations. Experience the process of making beer and taste some traditionally brewed Zulu beer. The SAB World of Beer ends in the Tap Room where there are a number of South African beers to sample, of which two are complimentary on the tour. Make sure you book a few days in advance, as this one is very popular.

If history is not your thing, you could always go around the corner to the Market Theatre. Historically known as the Theatre of Struggle, it is an internationally recognised icon of political struggle playwrights during the apartheid era. Boasting a wealth of African talent, the Market Theatre is known for plays that challenge, interpret and question South Africa’s contemporary lifestyles. For the latest shows, follow this link.

Spectacular views of the city skyline can be seen from the top of the Carlton Centre. At 223m (730 ft), it is the tallest building in Africa and, at sunset, the panoramic view can be enjoyed to its fullest.

LINKS and WEBSITES
Sophiatown Bar Lounge
Museum Africa
SAB World of Beer
Market Theatre
Sandton City
Gautrain
Rosebank
Carlton Centre

• Tweet