Top reasons to visit Johannesburg
- Diverse Attractions: Johannesburg boasts a vibrant mix of nature reserves, urban parks, and history museums, catering to cultural enrichment and outdoor adventures.
- Vibrant Markets: Experience the lively weekend markets and music venues that showcase local culture and entertainment, making for an unforgettable visit.
- Warm Hospitality: Friendly locals enhance the atmosphere, providing a welcoming feel throughout the bustling metropolis.
- Varied Accommodations: Choose from charming guesthouses to luxurious hotels, ensuring a memorable stay for every type of traveller.
- Peaceful Getaways: Venture to nearby regions for relaxing luxury and romantic settings, perfect for a tranquil escape.
Find great hotels in Johannesburg
Explore a diverse array of accommodation options in Johannesburg, from charming guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly environment, a spa-themed retreat, or facilities tailored for business travellers, the city offers something for everyone. Discover top-rated hotels and read reviews to ensure a memorable stay in this vibrant urban hub.
- Garden Court Sandton City: This 3-star hotel offers a vibrant city-themed experience, ideally positioned in the heart of Johannesburg. With a guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, Garden Court Sandton City caters to business travellers seeking convenience and connectivity. The hotel features modern amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, and a restaurant serving a delightful breakfast buffet. Its proximity to major business hubs and shopping centres makes it a popular choice for those looking to combine work and leisure in a dynamic urban setting.
- Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel: Rated at 4 stars with a guest rating of 8.8 out of 10, the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel is an excellent choice for families and business travellers alike. Located adjacent to the Gautrain station, it offers seamless access to key attractions and the airport. The hotel provides child-friendly amenities such as complimentary cribs and supervised childcare services, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests with children. Modern rooms, a well-equipped fitness centre, and an inviting restaurant further enhance the family-oriented atmosphere.
- Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square: This luxurious 5-star hotel boasts an impressive guest rating of 9.2 out of 10, appealing to families and couples seeking a romantic getaway. Davinci Hotel offers bespoke romance packages and features amenities such as a spa, treatment rooms, and a swimming pool with scenic views. With a focus on high-quality service, guests can indulge in 24-hour room service and enjoy dining experiences that cater to intimate moments. The hotel also provides childcare services, ensuring parents can relax while their children are well cared for.
Where to stay in Johannesburg
Johannesburg, a bustling metropolis, offers a vibrant blend of business and culture, perfect for any traveller. Explore the lively downtown Joburg, where friendly locals enhance the atmosphere with warmth and hospitality. For a peaceful getaway, venture to nearby regions that provide relaxing luxury and romantic settings. Whether you're delving into the city's rich history or indulging in its modern delights, Johannesburg promises an unforgettable travel experience.
- Pretoria: Nestled within the larger Johannesburg metropolitan area, Pretoria is South Africa's administrative capital, offering a blend of historical significance and modern vibrancy. Visitors can enjoy a range of family-friendly activities and business facilities throughout the year, with peak travel times in September and December to January. Highlights include the majestic Union Buildings, the National Zoological Gardens, and a variety of shopping centres. The city's rich heritage is embodied in its monuments and embassies, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore South African culture and history.
- Kempton Park: Conveniently located near Johannesburg, Kempton Park is an urban hub known for its accessibility and diverse attractions. This city experiences a steady flow of visitors year-round, with peaks in February, September, and December. Kempton Park boasts modern shopping centres and recreational areas that cater to both families and business travellers. Notable landmarks include the popular Festival Mall and the nearby theme parks, offering entertainment for all ages. Its proximity to OR Tambo International Airport also makes it a practical base for exploring the greater Gauteng region.
- Krugersdorp: Situated to the west of Johannesburg, Krugersdorp is a vibrant city that attracts visitors seeking a mix of family-friendly activities and romantic getaways. The city is relatively consistent in visitor numbers, with peak seasons in January, July, and September. Krugersdorp offers a variety of shopping centres and recreational areas, along with unique attractions such as the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can delve into South Africa's prehistoric past at archaeological sites while enjoying the city's delightful blend of nature and urban life.
Things to do in Johannesburg
Shopping
In Johannesburg, visit Sandton City, a premier shopping destination featuring a mix of high-end brands and local boutiques. Alternatively, explore the vibrant Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein, where you can find unique crafts and delicious local cuisine, creating a lively and authentic shopping experience.
Recreation
In the heart of Johannesburg, the Life Day Spa offers tranquil treatments, from massages to facials, designed to rejuvenate the mind and body. For those seeking outdoor relaxation, visit the Cradle of Humankind, where you can explore scenic trails and unwind amidst stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Adventure
Experience the thrill of speed at Kyalami Racetrack, where you can watch exhilarating motor racing events in a vibrant atmosphere. Alternatively, head to Zwartkops Raceway for an adrenaline-pumping day filled with motorsport action and a lively crowd, immersing yourself in the excitement of the racing world.
Nightlife
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Living Room, a rooftop bar in Maboneng, offering stunning city views and creative cocktails. For dancing, head to Truth in Braamfontein, known for its excellent DJs and eclectic atmosphere, ensuring an unforgettable night out.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Johannesburg
Johannesburg provides numerous opportunities for budget-conscious travellers. Enjoy free attractions such as Nelson Mandela Square and the University of Pretoria. For transport, consider the Gautrain or local buses, which are cost-effective options. To save on accommodation, visit during June or December to January, as these months offer lower rates compared to February, May, and July, with Saturdays being the cheapest days to stay. Additionally, utilise Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and bundle your bookings for extra savings on flights and activities.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Johannesburg are June and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, May and July, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Johannesburg is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Johannesburg is Monday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel category. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save on costs by combining your hotel reservation in Johannesburg with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Johannesburg
Johannesburg offers a vibrant mix of city-themed, family-friendly, and business-oriented experiences. Visitors can explore a range of attractions, including nature reserves, urban parks, and history museums. These points of interest cater to those seeking cultural enrichment, outdoor adventures, and memorable family experiences, ensuring a fulfilling stay in this dynamic South African city.
- Nelson Mandela Square: This vibrant square is a tribute to the legacy of Nelson Mandela, featuring a striking statue of the former president. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafés, it encapsulates the dynamic spirit of Johannesburg, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls and cultural immersion.
- Gold Reef City Theme Park: A thrilling amusement park built on an old gold mine, Gold Reef City offers a blend of entertainment and history. With exhilarating rides and attractions suitable for families, it provides a fun-filled day out, with a nostalgic nod to South Africa's mining heritage.
- 4th Avenue Parkhurst: This trendy street is known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, cafés, and eateries. With a lively atmosphere, 4th Avenue Parkhurst is perfect for leisurely explorations, offering a taste of local life and culture in a contemporary setting.
Best time to go to Johannesburg
The best time to visit Johannesburg can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Johannesburg falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Johannesburg falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Johannesburg
Flying into Johannesburg is convenient with two major airports. O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is situated 20.9km from the city centre, with excellent hotels nearby, such as the 5-star InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, a mere 161m away, and the Peermont D'oreale Grande at Emperors Palace, located 1.6km from the airport. Lanseria International Airport (HLA) is 32.2km from Johannesburg and offers luxurious options like the Palazzo Hotel, 12.9km away, and Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa, 11.3km away. Both airports provide various transportation services to ensure a smooth transit from hotels to the terminals.