Most times you know what things to do in Johannesburg while on your trip. Essentially, you want to have a great overview of what you plan to do in Johannesburg. Not forgetting, the City of Gold has fun, bustling places like Sandton, Newtown and Soweto to name a few. Therefore, for your ease of use, we’ve put together this complete list of affordable fun things to do in Johannesburg. From restaurants, tour experiences and activities for kids and families to name a few, you have loads of options.
Find out what to do in Johannesburg with our list of FUN THINGS TO DO that won’t cost you the Earth
Essentially, whether you are traveling with a rental car or by luxurious coach as part of a tour group, you can enjoy these places in Johannesburg. Furthermore, Johannesburg is perceived to be expensive. But, if you dig a bit deeper there are fun and affordable experiences to be experienced. Worth mentioning, accessing these gems as a small tour group in a mini bus rental has proven to be economical and enjoyable.
- Things to do in Johannesburg
- Enjoy these experiences in Sandton City
- Enjoyable Maboneng Precinct
- Activities to do in Newtown
- Things to do in Hartbeespoort
- Budget Friendly Things to do in Pretoria
- Great Safari Experiences in Pilanesberg
- Affordable Activities and Experiences in Soweto
1. Hop On-Hop Off: Firstly, if you don’t want to hire a bus in Johannesburg for touring, there are affordable options. To explain, the red city sightseeing bus is an option you could consider. Actually, there are weekly, Pensioner and Student deals which is oftentimes a cost-effective option. You can book your 1 day tickets here. Lastly, there are 11 stops with a total duration of the bus tour is 2 hours (if you don’t hop off anywhere).
2. Golf Reef City: This kids and adult playground alike, is a wonderful place to simply let your hair down. By the same token, there are thrilling rides for all, and much options to grab a bite to eat. Indeed, a R250 per person general entrance fee is affordable for all that Gold Reef City offers. On the whole, you and your Family will make wonderful memories here and loads to talk about for years to come. Moreover, you can hire a minibus for your small tour group to visit the theme park.
4. Neighbourhoods Market: Essentially, situated at No.73, Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, here Food Lovers will find everything they are looking for. Namely, oysters from Namibia, craft beer, cheeses of all sorts and meats to satisfy the carnivore in you. To describe the atmosphere, imagine a hustling and bustling indoor/outdoor bizarre. Not forgetting, the constant buzz of chatter and laughter. In essence, you and your Group is guaranteed an all round great experience. Visit the website for more info.
5. Croc City & Reptile Park: In reality, who wants to get up close to a crocodile? However, at Croc City your R100 entrance (R60 for Children) will include interaction with baby crocodiles and other reptiles. Moreover, you have the option of taking the zip line directly over the crocodiles for an additional R100.
6. WITS University Origin Centre: In essence, if you wish to explore the rich SAN history and an extensive collection of rock art. Furthermore, you can also use the AR App to get a proper 3D immersive experience into this fascinating history. Having said that, you can locate the Origin Centre at the West Campus of the University of Witwatersrand in Braamfontein. The address is: Yale Road & Enoch Sontonga Avenue, Johannesburg, 2050. The visit will take about 90 minutes to 2 hours with a cost of approximately R85 per person.
7. Visit the Oriental Plaza: Truly, if you wish to experience authentic Joburg culture, you have to visit the Oriental Plaza in the City. Quite honestly, you will find bargains at this shopping centre, but the true essence is in the experience. To illustrate, you can shop rugs, spices, jewellery and so much more. As a matter of fact, as a tour company our bus hire Johannesburg service oftentimes receive requests for local and authentic tour experiences.
8. Johannesburg City Tour: In general, there is so much to do in the City of Gold. For example, you can book a guided Johannesburg city tour, which includes all the most important highlights. Having said that, you can visit the Carlton Centre, the greater Ghandi Square and have a local local lunch at the District Six Eatery. By all means, the Johannesburg city tour is usually completed on arrival day from the airport from early afternoon onwards.
9. Sci-Bono Discovery Centre: Formerly, situated in the city of Johannesburg (Newtown), this cutting edge science centre has something for all science and technology enthusiasts. Further to this, the exhibitions are setup for Visitors to interact. Touch, feel, press and play with what is on display. In essence, with a R60 Adult cost and R40 for Students, it is a wonderful experience for that tariff. Additionally, the climbing wall is just as affordable for the younger ones.
10. Johannesburg Botanical Gardens: In general, Johannesburg is more of a concrete jungle. However, you can have a piece of heaven at the lake in the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. Moreover, you can enjoy recreational activities like a picnic, jogging, canoeing or a boat ride. In addition, you may fish from the banks of the Emmarentia Dam.
11. World of Golf: Chiefly, Johannesburg is a golfers paradise with the Sun City Golf Course not too far off as well. However, if you are in need of a quick round of golf you can visit the World of Golf in Midrand. Moreover, there is something for everyone including the Family and you can grab a bit to eat on the premises.
12. Sandton City Mall: Another thing to remember, is that when you’re in Johannesburg you have to visit Sandton City Mall. To describe it, the mall is endless and you can get lost in the multitude of shops and restaurants. Of course, there is something for everyone. Thankfully, you can access the shop directory here. Quite frankly, you can spend a day there and enjoy the experience to your heart’s content.
13. Nelson Mandela Square: All things considered, the Nelson Mandela Square is established by the giant statue of Madiba. The cornerstone of the entire Square. As an illustration, the unique restaurants combined with live performed music adds to the celebratory atmosphere of the place. Moreover, the kids have ample space to run and play at water fountains and surrounds. Having said that, with a popular brand store directory of its own, you can shop until you drop as well.
14. Maboneng Precinct Theatre: Surprisingly, the Maboneng Precinct provides a wide variety of activities and experiences for all. One such experience is the People of Performing Arts (POPArt) Theatre. Evidently, this theatre provides emerging artists with a platform to perform for audiences. Worth mentioning, there are ample shuttle buses available for private hire in Johannesburg, to transport you to and from the theatre.
15. The Bioscope Independent Cinema: To explain, for locals who have experienced the bioscopes of old (the Astra or Royal) would know how to appreciate this. However, the experience you will find here is that authentic bioscope feeling with only 47 seats. Further to this, the Bioscope Cafe will feed you at affordable prices and you can hire the entire place for a party if you want. Now, you can enjoy all the classics on the screen. Plan what you want to watch by accessing the current and upcoming show here. Worth mentioning, they were situated in Maboneng but have move some 10 minutes away to Milpark.
16. Rediscover the City: Quite frankly, tourism has seen a huge shift away from traditional touring. Moreover, tourists want more “on-the-ground” experiences than snapping photos through the windows of bus. Well, now you can rediscover the city by taking the sights, smells and sounds by doing a walking tour in Maboneng. See and experience over 50 public artworks and entrepreneurial ventures, with a local lunch.
17. BBQ: It must be remembered, that there is nothing quite like the Rooftop Barbeque in that you can enjoy great music and great food on the roof of a building. You can now get a true, authentic Maboneng experience by visiting the rooftop BBQ.
18. The Market on Main: A point often overlooked, is how much markets can be enjoyed. In summary, you can find and enjoy artisan coffee, fashion and regional food. Worth mentioning, this market was established in 2011 and known as a leading urban food and design market. However, this market can be enjoyed weekly only. You can find the market at No.264, Fox Street, Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg.
19. Bassline: Essentially, Bassline (In Music We Trust) situated in Newtown has hosted numerous talent like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Soweto Gospel Choir, Vuvuzela Choir and more. Furthermore, here you will enjoy a night of great original music. Additionally, they host FEST evenings and tickets can be purchase don Computicket.
20. Drumcafe: To explain, Drum Cafe’ gives you that authentic African drumming experience you’ve never seen or experienced before. Worth mentioning, is that you can have book an interactive drumming session for your Corporate Group or for a group of Friends. Moreover, the experience is truly original and is appreciated by all who visit. In summary, it is situated a mere 10 minutes from Newtown at address: No.157, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg.
21. Soweto Towers: Quite honestly, the Soweto Towers is an adrenaline experience for the adventure seeker. Moreover, you can get your adventure fill from a list of adventures. These are: bungee jumping, straight-jacket bungee jumping, paintball and not forgetting a scad free fall. Worth mentioning, is the 25m wall climb and the base jump option. Lastly, at a cost of R630.00 per person you can access this death defying experience.
22. Bicycle Tour in Soweto: Firstly, Lebo’s does not only provide a marvelous bicycle tour in Soweto, but also includes traditional meals. Most importantly, you get to see the bustling Soweto from the seat of your rental bicycle. Thereafter, a menu of pap, salad, vegetables, chicken and beef stew. Not forgetting, the braai menu or potjiekos menu is a winner. Worth mentioning, ranging from R500 to R 850 to experience Soweto in this manner will keep the sights, sounds and smells in your memory for decades to come. Check them out.
Ultimately, Johannesburg has so much to offer if you’re a local or an international tourist Visitor. Essentially, our buses for transport to these amazing places to see, is both affordable and comfortable.
In summary, these are some things to do in Johannesburg. Thankfully, this won’t break your budget in any way.
- Things to do in Johannesburg
- Enjoy these experiences in Sandton City
- Activities to do in Newtown
- Things to do in Hartbeespoort
- Budget Friendly things to do in Pretoria
- Great Safari Experiences in Pilanesberg
- Enjoyable Maboneng Precinct
- Affordable Activities and Experiences in Soweto
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