Before you go

Your trip to Joanesburgo.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Joanesburgo – Gauteng Destination Johannesburg and Pretoria Capital

How to get there

Aeroporto Internacional O. R. Tambo (JNB) Kempton Park · 25 km
Aeroporto de Lanseria (HLA) Lanseria · 40 km
Park Station Joanesburgo · 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before booking. Flights arrive at O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), about 25 km from the centre. The Gautrain connects the airport to Sandton and Rosebank in about 15–20 minutes. Taxis and ride‑hailing apps are also available.

How many days

Two days for the Apartheid Museum, Soweto and Constitution Hill. With three days you can add the Cradle of Humankind and a day in Pretoria.

When to go

Winter, from May to August, is dry and sunny, with cold nights. Summer is hot and brings late‑afternoon storms. Spring is pleasant for walking around the neighborhoods.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

You don’t need a car for the northern neighborhoods connected by the Gautrain, nor for guided Soweto tours. For the Cradle of Humankind and Liliesleaf, a car, ride‑hail or an organized tour is the most practical option.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Joanesburgo

Morning
Apartheid Museum
Start at the Apartheid Museum in the southern part of the city to understand the history before visiting the sites.
Afternoon
Soweto
Head to Soweto: Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson memorial and museum are just a short walk apart.
Late afternoon
Vilakazi Street
Walk along Vilakazi Street and try local neighbourhood food at the street’s restaurants.
Evening
Dinner in Rosebank
Return north and dine in Rosebank or Parkhurst.

2 days in Joanesburgo

Day 2

Morning
Constitution Hill
Take the guided tour of Constitution Hill and the Constitutional Court.
Afternoon
Liliesleaf
Go to Rivonia and visit Liliesleaf farm.
Late afternoon
Northern viewpoint
Finish with the sunset from a terrace in Melville or Westcliff.
Evening
Dinner in Melville
Dine at one of the restaurants on Melville’s main street.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Johannesburg?

Visit the Apartheid Museum, Soweto, Constitution Hill, Liliesleaf farm and the Cradle of Humankind, and use the city as a base for Pretoria and Pilanesberg.

How to visit Soweto?

By guided tour, car, bicycle or on foot along Vilakazi Street, which brings together Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson memorial.

What is Johannesburg’s elevation?

About 1,750 metres up on the Highveld plateau, which keeps nights cool even in summer.

Is Johannesburg the capital of South Africa?

No. It is the largest city and the capital of the Gauteng province; the administrative capital is Pretoria.

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