Johannesburg in South Africa is the second largest city in Africa, with more than 3 million people calling this bustling metropolis home.
Joburg, or Jozi as some prefer to call it, offers visitors an experience as unique and diverse as the city itself. Whether you are on business, in search of a cultural encounter, an adrenaline rush or simply want to relax and unwind for a few days, the city of Johannesburg has everything you’re looking for and more!
Together with Natrodale, we’ve compiled a list below of 25 things you might not know Jozi offers. Think of it as a list of to-do’s for a fun day out, a first date, a Sunday Funday or simply a moment to fall in love with that something special… the city we call home cause together, you’ve only just started!
Go climb a Rock
Johannesburg finally has a proper dinkum climbing gym. And it’s not just a regular gym, it’s a world-class facility complete with the best coffee in town.
The gym boasts: 2,000m² of high wall climbing; 124 top rope anchors; 9 automatic belay walls; 500m² of bouldering; a 300m² well stocked outdoor gear shop; a 100m² beautiful yoga studio; a cardio and strength training area; and a dedicated beginners’ climbing area for birthday parties, kids, and courses.
If you have never rock climbed or seen the inside of a world class indoor climbing gym, CityROCK is definitely worth a visit! The aesthetic design and shear height of the colourful walls (and let’s not forget the great coffee) will leave you amazed and eager to jump onto a route.
Release your inner child
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Gold Reef City is one of South Africa’s top family attractions. Reminiscent of an authentic turn-of-the-century mining town and conveniently located close to the centre of Johannesburg, Gold Reef City is Pure Jozi – Pure Gold.
Located just 8 kilometers from the centre of Johannesburg the uniquely South African, Gold Reef City provides a multitude of experiences in one amazing destination. Living and breathing 24 hours a day, Gold Reef City provides the best of everything; from A-list entertainment at the stunning Lyric Theatre, to some of Johannesburg’s best restaurants such as the famous Back O’ The Moon. Thrill seekers can go wild at our exhilarating theme park or experience the excitement of the casino. Pure energy, pure indulgence, pure escape, Gold Reef City is where Johannesburg comes to life.
Shoot someone… with a laser gun
Imagine moving with your squad at dusk through a dark alley in search of an enemy hide out. Jets are flying overhead, explosions are going off nearby, and bullets are whizzing by on the next street over. You find the building and breach. Chaos ensues with guns blazing and bad guys running in every direction. You have one more minute to eliminate the threat before the bomb goes off…
Black Ops is powered by the newest U.S. Military-spec, projectile-less, training platform currently deployed with the FBI, the U.S. Army, and tactical training academies around the world. Black Ops takes players out of the virtual worlds of today’s most popular video games and instead lets them compete in REAL world environments.
Black Ops Johannesburg has a ground-breaking 1500 sq metre, ultra-realistic Hollywood film set layout that takes the battle in and out of a war-torn town- Battlefield Baghdad, which is kitted out with an Army base, an Embassy, Town hall, Hospital, Warehouse, Mansion, Graveyard, Ghettos, Police Station, Gym and Market place, including a restaurant, clothing store, toy store, video store, spice store and supermarket. Players are immersed in battle amid the sounds of chaos and music in simulations of classic scenarios like Team Deathmatch, Blackhawk Down and Judge Dredd.
Hop on and off to experience the city
Hop on and hop off the double-decker red bus and discover Johannesburg. With informative audio commentary about all our major attractions in 15 different languages (and a special channel for kids), City Sightseeing tours are the easiest and most fun way to see the sights.
Explore Johannesburg at your own pace. Buy one ticket and hop on and off at any of our exciting stops. Your ticket is valid all day, so you can take your time to explore your favourite attractions.
Fancy a bit of Zorb racing?
Jozi X is following the tradition of offering EXCLUSIVE activities to South Africans, looking for adventure. From Zorb balls, to high flying trapeze activities, the park caters for all with a pretty extensive range of awesomeness.
The park has been specifically designed to cater for 5 to 75 year olds, so you have no excuse! So feel free to visit them at their home base Corner Main Road & Sloane Street, Bryanston, JHB.
Walking around the city and discover the beauty
Past Experiences biggest passion, without a doubt is definitely the Johannesburg Inner City. Their love for its people, streets, buildings, history, art and future spill over in abundance during the tours.
Past Experiences were the first full-time Inner City Tour Operator. They believe in the city and aim on a daily basis to promote it as a major tourism destination, support its small businesses and provide clients with fun, professional and unforgettable experiences, tours and events.
Take a Hike
In the heart of busy Gauteng, virtually on the doorstep of both Johannesburg and Pretoria, hikers can now experience one of the few unspoiled nature areas at Hennops Hiking Trail.
Two unique features on the trail are the river crossings – a suspension bridge and a cable car. There are interesting historical sites along the trail, amongst others an old field (veld) hospital used in the Anglo Boer war. Aspiring historians will enjoy seeing an underground cave where “Pruimpie” lived, traces of old settlements and the old dolomite mines and the ovens in which the rocks were heated to melt and extract the lime.
Apart from the 9 mammal species in the game camp, kudu thrives in this area and may be seen all over the farm. The indigenous tree along the river, the gorges and plateau areas makes this an outstanding area for bird life.
Escape a Room
Are you ready to be transported to another time and place where you will have to think out the box and work as a team to escape? Jo’burg’s first puzzle room is now open at the Dunkeld West Centre. Grab your friends, family or work colleagues and enjoy a real live Escape Room Come and experience this global entertainment phenomenon experience
Escape Room is Jo’burg’s original live puzzle game. You have 60 minutes to unravel the mystery of a hidden room, working as a team of 2-6 to solve a variety of quirky and inventive puzzles to escape.
Feed your brain (with books)
Drop in on one of Jozi’s oldest-running book clubs at The Troyeville Hotel. This beautiful space with flamingos on the dining room walls hosts enlightening discussions with a variety of authors. Check the Troyeville Facebook page for event updates.
An evening of dinner and a discussion varies- around R200 depending on the event.
Multiflora Flower Market
Celebrate the natural beauty and abundance of colourful blooms all under the expansive roof of one market. What could be better? Situated in the heart of Gauteng is the Multiflora Flower Market, that sells over a million stems of flowers a day. This is undoubtedly the place to purchase your flowers at wholesale prices.
And the best part? Its absolutely FREE to browse.
Roller Derby
Think hockey — but with roller skates and different rules — and add in more agility, cunning, speed and violence. Big hits and sprawling falls abound! And it is dominated by woman! C-Max Roller Derby League is where you can watch all of this go down.
Tickets sold from R50 each (Kids under 12 are free)
Art Gaze at the Goodman Gallery
For 50 years, The Goodman Gallery has been at the forefront of contemporary art. The gallery is home to forty influential local artists, including Cape Town artist Brett Murray who was responsible for the controversial painting of President Jacob Zuma, titled “The Spear” which was displayed at the Gallery in 2012.
Entrance into the gallery is free.
Pretend you’re in Frozen
Set your spirit free at the new Ice Rink at Forest Hill Mall. Just about anyone, no matter what your age or size can learn to ice skate! A guaranteed laugh.
R80 entrance & R30 skate hire.
Better SA
Introducing South Africa’s first hop on hop off volunteer bus service, Better SA. Finally an easy way to volunteer and help those less fortunate. All you have to do, is hop on the bus on a Saturday morning & volunteer 90 minutes of your time. It does not get easier that that.
All its going to cost you, is time.
Carlton Centre
From the top of this skyscraper, you will get the most exquisite view of our beautiful city. The office tower stands at a whopping 223m. Aside from the view, there’s little to do up here with just a scuzzy cafe and a small collection of photos, although the telescopes are a welcome addition to the bird’s-eye experience.
Admission R15, children under 10 years old R10.
Monte Casino Bird Garden
The Montecasino Bird Gardens is the only bird park of its kind in Africa. It is perfect to entertain the whole family. Visitors can walk along enchanting elevated wooden walkways within magnificent gardens and marvel at a variety of colourful birds, mammals, reptiles and unusual animals from around the world.
R70 per adult, R39 per child/pensioner. Children under 2 are free.
Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
On the outskirts of Johannesburg is the beautiful Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens showcasing the indigenous flora adapted to our specific climate. A wonderful day can be spent here whilst hiking, bird watching or just enjoying the rolling green lawns.
Entrance is R30 for adults, R25 for pensioners and students (with valid student card), and R12 for scholars. Entrance is free for children under 6.
Get to know our history
The Apartheid Museum illustrates the rise and fall of South Africa’s era of segregation and oppression, and is an absolute must-see. It uses film, text, audio and live accounts to provide a chilling insight into the architecture and implementation of the apartheid system, as well as inspiring stories of the struggle towards democracy.
Visiting the museum is an overwhelming experience.
Entrance is R80
Cycling at the PWC Bike Park
If you are feeling active & feel like being outdoors with your family, the PwC Bike Park is definitely the place for you! Grab your bikes & your kids, and go take on the challenging track. Don’t have a bicycle? No problem, rental bikes are available as well.
R50 per person
Lion Park
Ever wanted to cuddle a lion cub? Well, the Lion Park is the place to do just that. It is sure to be an unforgettable wildlife experience, a chance to see Lion’s up close as well as a range of other animals.
Entrance to the park from R175
Picnic in the Park
The Picnic in the Park Series is a compilation of twelve themed outdoor events, held annually, aimed at communities and families. So lay out your blanket, grab your popcorn and enjoy an afternoon doing whatever amazing sensory activity they have on that day! Check the calendar out on their Facebook page!
Ticket prices range depending on event from R100
Drinks in the Sky
If you are feeling a little adventurous & bit bored of your same old hole in the wall that you and your friends sit at every weekend- then you NEED to get to Sky Bar Fourways. You can bungee jump, abseil, climb or just chill out on the viewing deck or relax with a drink at the small bar deck at the top. From Friday through to Sundays, the Skybar has a great vibe with pumping music playing at the bottom for those who want to watch the bungee jumpers come flying, shouting and screaming off the top.
R180 will get you in the sky.
Ten Pin Bowling
The Magic Company Ten Pin Bowling arena caters for families and groups and is a fun alternative for corporate team building. Even if you don’t manage a strike, you’re sure to have a a lot of laughs in those snazzy bowling shoes.
R50 per person per game.
Bounce
This is sure to get you BOUNCING with excitement. Bounce is a new-ish feature in Joburg that boasts over 100 trampolines for you get an air-borne adrenaline rush, with a soft landing. All of this is going on, you don’t even realise how much exercise you are getting.
Entrance from R80.
Maboneng Precinct
Home to some of the trendiest restaurants, shops & galleries. Maboneng Precint is an urban neighbourhood in the Jozi CBD. It is the heartbeat of creative energy, and it is just buzzing on the weekends. there is enough activity happening to keep you busy the whole day.
It is absolutely free.
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