Johannesburg Metro Destinations & Attractions
Johannesburg, also known as Joburg and Jozi, is the pulse of Southern Africa, the heartbeat of a nation of such diversity that there are scarcely words to define it. Johannesburg is characterised by a fast pace and a constant buzz a city that never sleeps. It is more than just an entertainment Mecca. It is the commercial and financial epicentre of the country, and has plenty of history of which to speak.
The people of Johannesburg are dynamic and eclectic, coming from every corner of the world to settle in this progressive African city. This makes it particularly diverse, which ensures that it is a fun representation of the country as a whole; a delight to explore.
Johannesburgs roots lie in the mining industry, as this was the site of the most abundant gold sites in the world in the late-19th century. This brought settlers from all over the globe, who came in search of their fortune. Therefore, right from its earliest colonisation, it has been an area of wealth and development. Today, Johannesburg Metro is still the central employment hub of the country.
Jozi has the unfortunate reputation of being a dangerous destination. Of course, travellers should certainly be aware of potential dangers, but it is no different from any other large metropolis in the world, and potential travellers should not miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Joburg out of fear.
Despite being such a commercial hotspot, Johannesburgs suburbs are beautiful and its landscapes scenic. In fact, there are more than six million trees in the city, making for lush, pretty surrounds.
Sandton is an affluent suburb in Jo'burg, home to every shopaholics delight Sandton City Shopping Mall. This mall boasts hundreds of boutiques, retail outlets, salons, restaurants, and more. There are 11 movie theatres, equipped with 3D technology. Global brand outlets include Gucci, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Lacoste, Guess and Levis, amongst others.
The heritage of Johannesburg is best enjoyed along one of the many official Heritage Trails. These usually explore a number of areas and may include common attractions like the Hector Pieterson Memorial, Parktown, the South African Military History Museum, the many sites associated with Gandhi, the Apartheid Museum, Kliptown, and Soweto.
The Adler Museum of Medicine is another fascinating find in Johannesburg, and tells the story of medicine through the generations. It is situated on campus at Wits University and boasts displays of over 40 000 medical objects.
Beautiful natural areas in and around the Johannesburg Metro include Emmarentia Dam, the Botanical Gardens, Johannesburg Zoo, Oppenheimer Gardens, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve and Melville Koppies Nature Reserve.
Abbotsford
In addition to being green and lush, Abbotsford is known for being home to one of South Africas five Hindu Temples, known as Melrose Temple. It is close to Sandton and Rosebank, as well as a number of indulgent golf estates ...
Auckland Park
Auckland Park is a wealthy, pretty suburb that is close to the heart of the City of Gold. It is a vibrant, fun area that is favoured amongst the Boho-chic of Jo-burg as well as those who favour its old-school architecture and ...
Bedfordview
Bedfordview is a conveniently situated spot for access to the city of Johannesburg as well as its international airport. Despite its convenience, this remains a quiet, pretty neighbourhood, known for its manicured gardens and the ...
Bertrams
Gauteng may be South Africa's smallest province, but it remains the commercial, cultural and entertainment hotspot of this country. As its main city, Johannesburg is wonderfully exciting to visit, and every bit as diverse and ...
Blackheath
Blackheath is simultaneously central and pretty; neighboured by Cresta, Darrenwood and Linden. The streets are flanked by tall green trees, giving the neighbourhoods a peaceful sense of being away from the humdrum of city life ...
Braamfontein
What was once a farm in the late 1800s is now the area of Braamfontein, just outside the city centre of Johannesburg. It has recently been revamped and is now a colourful, vibrant epicentre ...
Constantia Kloof
Lying just south of Allen's Nek in the crook of Christian de Wet Road to the west of Johannesburg, Constantia Kloof is a small and quiet suburb that lies in an indentation of Constantia Ridge, hence its name. It's a pretty ...
Craighall Park
Craighall Park is a trendy, uber-chic neighbourhood that is conveniently situated close to a number of major roads and public transport routes. At the same time, it is green and lush, ensuring that its residents feel right at ...
Cresta
Cresta is a centrally situated, well-connected Randburg suburb that boasts convenient access to Johannesburg and Sandton. Its main claim to fame is the Cresta Centre, which is renowned for being one of the largest malls in the ...
Cyrildene
Cyrildene is known as Johannesburg's Chinatown. Its streets, particularly Derrick Avenue, are lined with a myriad Chinese supermarkets with names like Jing Hua supermarket and Jong Hua Tea Shop that bring with them a quaintness ...
Darrenwood
Darrenwood is a relatively small suburb that is characterised by pretty streets and tree-flanked avenues. It was developed largely during the 1960s, and the houses have a distinct 60s charm. It is connected to the city centre ...
Douglasdale
Built on the original Douglas Dairy Farm, Douglasdale continues to exude a sense of country life, despite being in the heart of modern-day Jozi. It is an upmarket suburb with a fabulously deep cultural and historical context ...
Dunkeld West
In the centre of the upmarket Johannesburg shopping hubs of Rosebank, Melrose and Hyde Park is the cosmopolitan, posh area of Dunkeld West. Being quite an old part of the city means that the homes of Dunkeld West still reflect ...
Eikenhof
Situated on the outskirts of the city of Johannesburg, Eikenhof exudes a vibe of country living, although being rather close to the amenities of the big city. The views are beautiful and the properties large and spacious ...
Emmarentia
Emmarentia is a gorgeously green suburb that has a number of natural resources that attract visitors from all over the world, as well as plenty of wildlife. The Emmarentia Dam is a major attraction to the region, and makes for ...
Fairland
Large houses perched in pretty, manicured gardens are the name of the Fairland game. Its parks and other resources make it an important natural area as well as a hotspot for outdoor recreation ...
Fairmount
Nestled right between the CBD of Johannesburg and the wealthy region of Sandton, Fairmount is a great place from which to explore the surrounds and immerse ones self in the irresistible allure of Gauteng. Its central location is ...
Ferreirasdorp
Ferreirasdorp is the oldest part of the ever-buzzing metropolis of Johannesburg, with the first tent having been set up here in 1886. It started as a residential area on a mining farm, which was due to become a gold mining ...
Fordsburg
Fordsburg is known as Johannesburg's 'Little India', its streets awash in bold colours, the heady smells of incense and spices, and the attraction of bargains wherever you look. Today it has a pulse of its own. Halaal ...
Forest Town
Once dedicated to forests and the homes of domestic workers, Forest Town is now a popular hotspot, particularly favoured as a residential hub amongst professionals and those of the academic world (being in such close proximity to ...
Fourways
Fourways, in the heart of Sandton, is always abuzz with exciting things to do, events, and activities. It combines commercial and residential properties and is a cosmopolitan, upmarket place to be for locals as well as ...
Glenvista
Johannesburg, also known as the City of Gold, is South Africas commercial, entertainment and financial epicentre. It is always abuzz with all things musical, artistic, gastronomic and cultural. The south of Johannesburg is also ...
Greenside
Greenside has established itself as a veritable benchmark for quality restaurants, who will try to succeed here as a measure of their success. It is trendy and vibrant; and its homes are beautiful, with neighbourhoods charmingly ...
Hillbrow
Hillbrow gets mixed reviews. On the one hand people won't go near it. They speak about extreme levels of crime, high-rise apartment blocks jammed with migrants and refugees, hijackings, murder and prostitution. Hillbrow, they ...
Honeydew
Once occupied by sprawling plots, Honeydew has consistently been considered a retreat from city living. Due to development and growth, it is larger and more densely populated, but retains a kind of village ambience that is ...
Johannesburg Central
The heart of Johannesburg is vibrant, cool, ever-changing and never sleeping. It is a commercial epicentre with an unending array of things to do and see. It has its own share of political history, making it a fascinating hub to ...
Kensington
Kensington oozes a sense of history and heritage and is, today, a hub for creative locals. Being within the heart of Johannesburg means that it is easy to access and within quick and easy reach of a number of the attractions and ...
Kibler Park
Kibler Park is a quiet region in the south of Joburg, bordered by the beautiful Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve. While it is not full of the usual Johannesburg attractions, it remains a warm, welcoming suburb ...
Killarney
Killarney has always been pretty, but it is now emerging as a vibey hotspot for up-and-coming professionals that want to be close to the CBD while still enjoying the beauty of the green suburbs ...
Kliptown
Kliptown is the oldest district in Soweto, famous as the site known as the Congress of the People, where 3 000 gathered together in 1955 to write the Freedom Charter. It later served as the basis for South Africa's liberal ...
Lanseria
Lanseria is a small area just 20 minutes from Sandton and its many businesses and shopping malls. It is best known for its airport, which is being used more and more. Due to its position in the countryside, Lanseria is great for ...
Linden
The historical suburb of Linden is perched on the slopes of Northcliff Hill. It is laden with green trees and is within easy access of the Emmarentia Dam and the beautiful Botanical Gardens ...
Lonehill
Lonehill is, not surprisingly, perched atop a hill, providing beautiful views of the city below. It is pretty in its own rights and, being home to the Lonehill Nature Reserve, is an outdoor enthusiasts dream, with plenty of ...
Maboneng
Downtown Johannesburg has undergone something of a renaissance. What used to be a no-go area, to the east of the inner-city, is now a vibrant creative district that attracts a mixed lively and art-going crowd; a mix of students, ...
Marshalltown
Marshalltown is striving to regain its position as the commercial hub of the city. It is situated in the midst of the CBD, giving those who live here the experience of being in the centre of the action ...
Melville
Melville is the destination of choice for those who love exploring cuisines and coffee cafés, as it is home to an almost endless variety. It is trendy, always abuzz with activity. The homes are beautiful, and nestled amongst the ...
Midrand
The Midrand is a chic hub of activity in Johannesburg, home to an important variety of businesses and recognised for its role in the major developments of the city. As such, it is a popular spot for those seeking fast-paced ...
Milpark
In the heart of former Industria is an emerging district known as Milpark, wedged in between Melville to the west, and Parktown to the east of it. It lies east of Auckland Park, with Empire Road cutting through its heart, ...
Mulbarton
Until fairly recently, Mulbarton (one of the southern suburbs of Johannesburg) was more rural than most other regions; with gravel roads and rustic properties. Today, it is more developed, but still has a country feeling. ...
Newtown
The vibey suburb of Newtown is an ever-evolving cultural hub. It is flanked by the M2 motorway and the railway, making it easily accessible. Newtown is home to the famous SAB World of Beer ...
Northcliff
Northcliff and its hill are well known, since this is one of the few parts of the Johannesburg topography that are not flat. The large, old homes are perched on the hillside, providing lovely views. It is also extremely ...
Norwood
Bordered by the affluent neighbourhood of Houghton, Norwood is an eclectic mix of people, cultures and colours. It remains a pretty suburb, and the ethnic variety of its residents gives it a fabulous "spice" ...
Oakdene
Oakdene is the epitome of a convenient suburb. It is only 20 minutes from the OR Tambo International Airport, and very close to a number of convenient amenities and exciting attractions. Parts of this suburb promise beautiful ...
Oaklands
Centrally situated and aesthetically lovely, the suburb of Oakdene is the neighbourhood of choice for many Johannesburg locals. It is near Rosebank and Sandton, which promise plenty of shopping opportunities that just cannot be ...
Observatory
Home to Jozis first meteorological observatory site, Observatory is perched atop a hill and promises spectacular vistas. While very central, its location makes this suburb feel rather remote, far away from the chaos of city life ...
Orchards
Orchards is small and pretty, a well established neighbourhood that is home to attractive homes, which line the wide streets. It is part of Johannesburgs northern suburbs and is close to the epicentre of Sandton ...
Ormonde
Ormonde is surrounded by well-known hubs like Soweto, Gold Reef City and Mondeor. It is a great base from which to explore many of the Joburg attractions, and has a significant historical value in its own rights ...
Parkhurst
Parkhurst has undergone a major facelift and has transformed into a vibrant village in which there is plenty to see and do. It is particularly popular amongst those who love to sample different cuisines and spend time in coffee ...
Parktown
Parktown is known for its majestic homes that are more than a little opulent. It is favoured by the whos who of Gauteng, who demand quality and style. This is one of the citys old neighbourhoods, which gives it a distinct ...
Parkview
As its name implies, the suburb of Parkview is a lush, green neighbourhood that is peaceful. It is frequented by families and couples that stroll the paths and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. The newly renovated homes give the ...
Parkwood
Parkwood is everything that a convenient, central neighbourhood should be. It is right in the centre of the Johannesburg vibe, but remains quiet and peaceful. This is a well-established neighbourhood with pretty homes, and Zoo ...
Radiokop
Radiokop in Randburg has blossomed from a quiet, relatively unknown suburb, to a veritable hot-spot for first-time home owners and young families. It is close to the city as well as to areas outside of it for those needing a ...
Randburg
Randburg is one of the epicentres of shopping and commerce in Johannesburg, a veritable paradise for shopaholics and entertainment junkies alike. It balances this retail element with gorgeous residential areas too ...
Rembrandt Park
Rembrandt Park is best known for its convenient location, close to the OR Tambo International Airport as well as to Sandton and all of its shopping and business resources. It is dominated by townhouse complexes ...
Sandton
The cosmopolitan suburb of Sandton is about glitz and glamour; a commercial hub that is also famous for its world-class shopping and restaurants. It is known as the richest square mile in Africa, and it is not hard to see why ...
Saxonwold
The picturesque old suburb of Saxonwold continues to be one of the citys more upmarket and in-demand places to live. The wide streets are flanked by tall trees and elegant homes, while the residents of Saxonwold are close to all ...
Southdale
Southdale, as its name indicates, is in the south of Johannesburg. Although there is little of the 'dale' about it (no green hills) the streets, like many in the city of gold, are leafy. And of course, the major advantage to a ...
Soweto
Soweto is a massive township that has a fascinating, sometimes tragic, history. Having been established in the 1930s, it played an integral role in the apartheid struggles and has been home to a number of world-recognised icons ...
Sunningdale
Lying in amidst the well established suburbs of Bramley, Lyndhurst, Highlands North and Corlett Gardens, Sunningdale, whilst not well known to those who live in the city, is positioned in a highly advantageous part of ...
The Hill
The Hill is a small suburb in the south of Johannesburg, in an area officially known as Region F. It is characterised by its multifaceted nature; with homes ranging from small and simple to large and impressive. Some are ...
Victory Park
The peaceful, unspoilt neighbourhood of Victory Park is verdant, and evokes idyllic images of families playing carelessly in the wide streets and park areas. It is safe, and the homes large and stylish ...
Waverley
Waverley is a small residential suburb in the Highlands North area of Johannesburg, Gauteng. As home to the OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg (dubbed the City of Gold) is the urban ...
Weltevreden Park
Nestled within the Weltevreden Valley, this suburb is part of Roodepoort. The neighbourhoods are well kept and the homes tasteful. It is accessible and conveniently located, making for a popular residential suburb ...
Westcliff
Westcliff is a relaxed retreat from the hustle and bustle of city living, neighboured by popular suburbs like Houghton and Parkview. It is well connected by a series of major motorways, and is a short drive from the CBD of ...
Westdene
Westdene is one of those pretty little character-filled suburbs, that tend to lie fairly close to Johannesburg's city centre. Its streets are lined with cottage-styled homes with tin roofs, some of which back onto Westdene's park ...