Johannesburg Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa)

Johannesburg is undeniably a dynamic, lively and cosmopolitan city, and as such, has a great deal to offer its visitors in the way of leading tourist attractions. Many of the city's most visited attractions have been established here for years and have become much-cherished places for regular visitors and locals alike.

The city Johannesburg is constantly changing, however, and it's always worth keeping an eye out for new tourist attractions. Always popular is the city's planetarium, the Gold Reef City, and the very family-friendly Johannesburg Zoo, which has become particularly famous for its rare and unusual white lions.

Johannesburg Planetarium

Address: Yale Road Entrance 10, University of the Witwatersrand, Milner Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 011 717 1392
The planetarium has plenty to interest adults and children alike. As well as a number of different shows, there are also plenty of information displays to keep you informed of the night sky over Johannesburg. It is always advisable to call ahead for confirmation of the current programme of events.
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - times vary
Admission: charge

Johannesburg Zoo

Address: Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkview, Johannesburg, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 011 646 2000
This historic zoo, established over a hundred years ago, is still going strong. Today, the city zoo boasts some 2,000+ animals, which represent over 350 different species. As well as exploring the park's 133 acres / 54 hectares, there are plenty of opportunities to watch the animals being fed, together with conservation talks, special children's attractions, seasonal events, and guide tours of the zoo.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 17:30 (last entrance at 16:00)
Admission: charge

Gold Reef City

Address: Shaft 14, Northern Parkway, Johannesburg, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 011 248 6800
Gold Reef City gives you the chance too see what it must have been like to have lived and worked in the city during the Gold Rush. There are reconstructed houses, pubs, shops, a theatre and a hotel. There's even a Chinese laundry and newspaper office. A central attraction is a disused mine shaft belonging to Crown Mines, one of the wealthiest mining companies in the world.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:30 to 23:00
Admission: charge

Top of Africa

Address: Carlton Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa, ZA
Where better to enjoy stunning views than from one of the tallest buildings in South Africa - there is even a rooftop restaurant. In good weather conditions, from the 50th floor, it's possible to see central Johannesburg below and its many spreading attractions, as well as Soweto, Sandton, the airport and even Pretoria. The Carlton Centre is likely to be of special interest and is also home to a number of shops and cinemas.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Kwazulu Muti Shop

Address: Diagonal Street / President Street, Johannesburg, South Africa, ZA
Tel: +27 011 836 4470
Why this traditional medicine shop is also known as the Museum of Man and Science remains something of a mystery. Set up over 60 years ago, today the shop sells over 1,900 dried herbs, as well as an eclectic mix of interesting objects, including Zulu pots and walking sticks. Over the years, it has become a 'must-do' attraction for visitors to this city.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 07:30 to 17:00, Saturday - 07:30 to 13:00
Admission: free