In addition to serving as a significant commercial hub, Johannesburg is also home to a wealth of unique attractions and cultural opportunities. If you want to get the most out of your weekend trip, Johannesburg has a ton of intriguing places for you to discover and enjoy. Every visitor may find something to enjoy in this city, from its rich history to its thriving cultural community.
Start your weekend excursion by visiting Constitution Hill, a former prison complex turned museum and cultural area, where you can immerse yourself in Johannesburg’s rich history. Explore the complicated history of the nation to learn more about South Africa’s transition to democracy. Visit the lovely Johannesburg Botanical Gardens or the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, which has a wide variety of plants and stunning views, for a sense of nature’s serenity inside the city.
The vibrant art scene in Johannesburg, which offers a wide variety of galleries and art locations to discover, will enthrall art lovers. Visit the Maboneng Precinct, a redeveloped area featuring galleries, hip cafes, and specialized stores. Explore the thriving Newtown neighborhood instead, which is home to the Market Theatre Complex and various creative studios.
So sit back as Mrpocu.com gives you a guide to all the places to visit in Johannesburg for weekend.
Places To Visit In Johannesburg For Weekend.
Gold Reef City
An enormous and well-liked entertainment complex called Gold Reef City houses a theme park and gambling establishments. You can find experiences at Gold Reef City that you won’t find anyplace else. It’s a safe atmosphere with excellent parking facilities that combine fun, fantasy, and historical fact. The casino in Gold Reef City is open around-the-clock and features a vibrant ambiance,ambience a well-trained staff, and a wide variety of games. With slots, tables, sports betting, a Salon Privé for high rollers, and other gaming options, the stadium has something to suit everyone’s preferences. The Gold Reef City is one of the best fun places in Johannesburg you can visit with your family
Gold Reef Cities has a wide appeal. International visitors enjoy the complex’s presentation of traditional African music, dancing, and history. A must-see on a trip to South Africa is the Museum’s chillingly gorgeous depiction of the painstakingly documented history of Apartheid.
And the tourist won’t find such a thorough and colorful portrayal of mining life at the turn of the nineteenth century anywhere else. Students devour the educational material as their wits are stimulated by the theme park’s adrenaline-pumping attractions.
Visit East Rand Mall
Johannesburg, the capital city of the Gauteng Province, is a significant centre for both commerce and pleasure for both residents and foreign tourists. The OR Tambo International Airport is located in this area of Johannesburg, making it accessible to both locals and tourists from abroad. The well-known East Rand Mall makes the most of this location’s great positioning by providing a choice of eateries, boutiques, chain stores, and franchises to suit the preferences and needs of all types of shoppers. Its appeal is only increased by the fact that it is less than 10 km from the airport. The East Rand Mall is one of the best places you can visit in Johannesburg for weekend to have good shopping.
East Rand Mall is home to about 175 more retailers in addition to being the biggest Pick ‘n Pay Hypermarket in the nation. Woolworths, Edgars, Truworths, Mr. Price, Milady’s, Uzzi, Big Blue, Legit, Guess, and Cotton On are a few well-known clothing retailers. It’s also great to explore specialty boutiques like Bra Bar, The Ghetto, and Hyde’s Man’s Store.
The variety of health and beauty shops is lavish, enticing customers to stock up on all the essentials for grooming and pampering oneself or purchasing items as presents for friends and family. Sorbet, The Body Shop, Obey Your Body, Mica Beauty, Dream Nails, Ginger Genetics, and Eden Perfumes are a few of the shops in this list.
Johannesburg Zoo
The Johannesburg Zoo is one of the most well-liked destinations in the city and is located on Jan Smuts Avenue in Parkview. In the middle of the northern suburbs, at the confluence of two branches of the Braamfontein Spruit, is a massive 54-hectare green lung with surroundings that almost resemble a park.
The 2070 animals and 365 distinct species that call Johannesburg’s Zoo home are without a doubt the main attractions in this picturesque environment.
Elephants, polar bears, chimpanzees, gorillas, bat-eared foxes, hippos, and antelope are among the animals that may be found there, making it one of the few sites in the world where you can witness white lions. The only zoo in the nation to successfully breed Siberian Tigers, the largest cats in the world, is the Johannesburg Zoo. The Johannesburg Zoo is a best places to visit in Johannesburg for weekend.
The Johannesburg Zoo is a fantastic place for kids to have fun and learn about the environment. There are tours available, including day safaris, night safaris, and sleepovers, where groups of kids can stay inside the education center or even bring their own tents. Night safaris are especially exciting because they allow you to explore the zoo by moonlight and learn more about nocturnal animals like owls, bats, and cats.
Johannesburg Botanic Garden
A little over 30 years old, the Johannesburg Botanic Garden is also one of the nation’s youngest botanical gardens. Residents who enjoy the greens to escape the monotony of daily life chose it as the greatest passive recreation area in the city in 2004. It also participates in a seed exchange program with an additional 300 or so gardens throughout the world.
One of the city’s parks, the Johannesburg Botanic Garden is located on the western shores of the Emmarentia Dam. It is a green space in the middle of Jo’burg’s northern suburbs, about 6 kilometers from the city center. It has over 30 000 trees, a large rose garden with over 4 500 varieties, and is a place where locals can stroll, meet for picnics, and play with their kids.
The Johannesburg Botanic Garden is home to one of the best plant collections in the entire world, which includes native trees and succulents. Its herb garden also features an unexpectedly large collection of traditional African medical herbs, as well as culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic herbs.
Kliptown Open Air Museum
The Walter Sisulu-themed Kliptown Open Air Museum is located in Soweto’s Freedom Square and relates the history of the Freedom Charter’s drafting. And it accomplishes it by using pictures, artwork, music, news clips, and narration. Visitors to the museum embark on a visually rich trip that emphasizes the freedom for which South Africa fought so valiantly.
Using multiple media to tell a story is not a novel concept, and neither is the idea of an open-air museum; the first was established in Scandinavia at the end of the nineteenth century. However, in this case, the story it tells—the pursuit of freedom—gains an additional dimension because it is not constrained by a building.
There are artifacts from the individuals who were present when the charter was signed, songs sang at the assembly in Kliptown, and testimony related by those who were there, among other things, on display. This fusion of sound and art has a powerful effect.
A picture is painted through photographs, newspaper clippings, documents, and wire sculptures of particular contributors to the charter, including Walter Sisulu, Lillian Ngoyi, Dorothy Nyembe, and Professor ZK Matthews, who came up with the concept for the Freedom Charter in the first place.
Johannesburg Art Gallery
In the middle of Johannesburg’s central business district, on the corner of Klein and King George Streets, the Johannesburg Art Gallery features artwork by Rodin, Dante, Gabriel Rossetti, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Edgar Degas, and Henry Moore.
Joubert Park may be a little sketchy, but the gallery is located in a stunning structure created by Edward Lutyens, who was heavily engaged in the planning and construction of New Delhi. The art gallery, the largest on the subcontinent with a collection larger than that of the South Africa National Art Gallery in Cape Town, is a treasure trove in the middle of a bustling, pulsating third world city.
Because of the collection’s size, only 10% of the artwork is ever displayed at the gallery; the remainder is kept in storage. The gallery regularly adds to its collection of artifacts thanks to generous donations from Anglo American and the City of Johannesburg and a sizable trust fund. And is a best places to visit in Johannesburg for weekend.
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
At the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, science enthusiasts of all ages can immerse themselves in a world of interactive exhibits and educational activities. This engaging destination offers a diverse range of hands-on experiences that make learning about science fun and accessible. From fascinating exhibits that explore physics, biology, and technology to interactive displays that stimulate curiosity and critical thinking, Sci-Bono provides a dynamic environment for discovery. is a best places to visit in Johannesburg for weekend.
Whether you’re exploring the wonders of the human body, experimenting with light and sound, or engaging in STEM workshops and demonstrations, there’s something for everyone. The centre’s commitment to fostering scientific literacy and innovation is evident in its engaging programs and exhibitions. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and entertained as you embark on an educational journey through the fascinating world of science at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.
Sandton City Mall
One of Africa’s top shopping destinations, Sandton City is located in the wealthy Sandton district. This magnificent mall offers an excellent selection of worldwide and domestic brands, together with luxury boutiques and mouthwatering gourmet food options, to appeal to discriminating consumers. Sandton City offers a premium retail experience with its chic architecture and opulent atmosphere. Discover a wide range of clothing, accessories, electronics, and other items from both well-known international brands and homegrown designers.
Explore opulent boutiques, indulge in the newest fashions, and find unique goods catered to affluent tastes. After a delightful shopping spree, relish a culinary adventure at the mall’s gourmet restaurants, serving tantalizing cuisine from around the world. Sandton City seamlessly combines luxury, convenience, and sophistication, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an elevated retail experience in Johannesburg. places to visit in Johannesburg for weekend.
Nelson Mandela National Museum
Visit the Nelson Mandela National Museum, commonly known as Mandela House, to get a glimpse into the daily activities of one of the world’s most significant leaders. This museum, which is housed in the Soweto neighborhood of Johannesburg, provides a rare chance to see the spaces where Nelson Mandela resided throughout significant points in his life. Explore the modest residences that Mandela and his family formerly occupied to learn more about his individual struggles, sacrifices, and victories in the struggle against apartheid.
Every room at Mandela House, from the tiny bedroom where he slept to the living room where he hosted guests, is significant and has a compelling tale to tell. Learn about the objects, images, and exhibits that illustrate Mandela’s remarkable journey toward freedom and equality.The Nelson Mandela National Museum is a must-visit destination for those seeking to honor the legacy of this remarkable leader and gain a deeper understanding of South Africa’s history.
Apartheid Museum
At the renowned Apartheid Museum, you may learn more about South Africa’s history and the challenges it has faced. This well-known museum provides a stimulating and all-encompassing experience that illuminates the ugly chapter of apartheid and honors the tenacity of the South African people. The museum takes guests on a trip while revealing insights into the systemic racial segregation that afflicted the country for decades through its compelling exhibits and interactive displays. Engage with first-person narratives, images, and artifacts that clearly portray the injustices and human rights abuses that were committed at the time.
The Apartheid Museum sparks reflection, empathy, and a greater appreciation for the triumph of democracy and reconciliation in South Africa. It serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the nation and is an essential visit for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of apartheid and its lasting impact.
James Hall Museum of Transport
There is a sizable James Hall Museum of Transport. In addition to housing a number of noteworthy and uncommon cars, it offers a fascinating look at the history of transportation in the nation, from field carts through the first taxis employed in the townships to modern vehicles. The museum is organized into several types of power, such as animal power, steam power, and pedal power, making it simple to focus on one’s preferred mode of transportation.
A fine example of a horse-drawn mail carriage, various types of Cape carts, and the rickshaw—so much a part of Durban’s history but originally imported by Japanese immigrants in the 1890s and used throughout major South African cities—are all included in the animal power section, which is also quite exciting. If only to realize that there are many more steam-powered vehicles than only the classic steam train, the courtyard is home to a variety of steam vehicles, some of which are still in functioning order.
Museum of Military History
The National Museum of Military History has a collection of more than 44,000 artifacts from the civil battle against Apartheid, both world wars, and other conflicts. The South African Museum of Military History, located on Erlswold Way in Saxonwald, Johannesburg—precisely next door to the Johannesburg Zoo—is a must-visit if you have even a passing interest in guns, military aircraft, medals, uniforms, and other war relics.
Many of the fighting nations in the First World War devoted time gathering and keeping records of their soldiers’ contributions. For instance, whereas South Africa failed to construct any sort of museum and much of the material from the era was lost, Britain established the Imperial War Museum. An Historical Research Committee was established shortly after South Africa enlisted in the Second World War, and preservation efforts started.
It is interesting to note that the state appointed seven combat artists who were on the front lines. The subsequent collection of more than 800 works of art acts as a reminder of South Africa’s contribution to the conflict. The South African National War Museum was the name given to the museum when it first opened in 1947. The South African National Museum of Military History replaced it in 1975. It houses a collection of more than 44 000 artifacts from both world wars and the civil fight against Apartheid, organized into 37 categories that include pictures, the art collection, and some of the world’s most unusual airplanes.
Zoo Lake
Only 15 minutes from the center of Johannesburg, Zoo Lake is a sizable park built around an artificial lake that is ideal for weekend strolls.
One of Johannesburg’s most well-liked and unquestionably safest outdoor areas is Zoo Lake, especially on weekends. Depending on the path you select, it takes one to two hours to walk around the lake. You might easily turn it into a morning activity by adding a row on the lake or a leisurely supper at a nearby restaurant. The ‘artists under the sun’ art fair, which attracts thousands, is held on the first Saturday of each month. The history of Zoo Lake is arguably the most fascinating feature. The zoo and Zoo Lake were donated to Johannesburg by its founders with the stipulation that all races were welcome there. Blacks and whites in South Africa were leading different lives as early as 1904, despite the fact that this was before apartheid.
Since it started out as a park, Zoo Lake has been used for picnics, riding, shooting, and as a location to keep wild animals. Zoo Lake was once a part of the densely forested Sachsenwald plantation. The feasibility of the man-made lake was initially researched in 1906, and today, the sizable island in its middle serves as a bird breeding place.
Soweto Country Club
Unquestionably, one of the most vibrant parts of South Africa is the enormous township of Soweto, which is located on the outskirts of Johannesburg. It talks about a beautiful South Africa with a troubled past and represents the whole range of colors, languages, and customs. The Soweto Country Club, which is situated in Pimville, Gauteng, is right in the middle of this historical and cultural epicenter.
This course, which opened in 1974, quickly became well-liked since it was the only one that allowed black golfers. But in the beginning, there were only sand greens and no true fairways to speak of. Nevertheless, the fact that it included players from various ethnic origins made it quite popular. Then it had a renovation in 1980. The grass-covered, sand-covered greens were formally managed by a greens keeper.
For those who wish to put their talents to the test and practice some shots before your game, there is also a driving range and a putting green. A calm atmosphere and a township vibe are combined at Robbie’s Place, a restaurant and bar where patrons can eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It guarantees that golfers will have an authentic South African experience because it is located directly across the street from the golf course. The fact that the play is free and available to the public will please visitors. To avoid disappointment, it is strongly advised that you reserve your Soweto hotel or other lodging as well as your tee times in advance.
Satyagraha House
Mohandas Gandhi, often known as Mahatma Gandhi, is a well-known politician, attorney, activist, and author who has motivated many people to treat others more peacefully and fairly, even in their own lives.
When this figure lived in Johannesburg, the City of Gold, more than a century ago, his home was Satyagraha House. Today, this is a bustling metropolis that attracts both locals and millions of tourists from around the world. The Satyagraha House, located in the center of the Orchards neighborhood, is a museum devoted to the achievements and selfless work of this great man, as well as to the history and culture of the past.
The ideology of satyagraha is centered on passively and nonviolently upholding the truth. Gandhi created this Sanskrit philosophy while residing in this home from 1908 to 1909. When he led India to freedom from British domination, he applied this approach and manner of thinking. Other political figures including James Bevel, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela were also influenced by this concept.
Hermann Kallenbach constructed the home in 1907, but more recent years required extensive improvements. Despite maintaining its charm and integrity in its original form, it has been given a fresh lease on life today. The house has a particular design that, in terms of shape and finishes, is reminiscent of a traditional African farmhouse. In 2010, a brand-new wing was added.
Soweto
Explore the historical tapestry of Soweto, a township that embodies the spirit of resiliency and emancipation, and embark on a transformative adventure. Discover the lively streets and get lost in the fascinating tales that helped to form the anti-apartheid struggle.
Visit the iconic Nelson Mandela House, the acclaimed leader’s former home and a representation of struggle and victory. Walk through the revered halls and into the pages of history as you learn about Mandela’s life and legacy. Interact with the kindhearted locals who are willing to share their life experiences and cultural customs.
Feel the rhythm of Soweto pulsate through your veins as you absorb the vivacious energy and immerse yourself in its rich heritage. Soweto is an unmissable destination that offers a profound connection to the past and a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit.
Brooklyn Theatre TV
A spectacular and delightful evening should be spent at the Brooklyn Theatre, a hidden gem in the heart of Pretoria. With the help of this little arts organization, aspiring actors can showcase their talents while ardent theatergoers can take in performances from significant touring productions. Thanks to its cozy atmosphere and top-notch acoustics, Brooklyn Theatre allows couples to completely appreciate the allure of live performances.
Whether you’re searching for a compelling drama, an emotional musical, or a mesmerizing ballet, this theater has it all. Sit back, relax, and let the performers transport you to a place of creative inspiration. Enjoy the best cultural events while you and your partner take in Brooklyn Theatre’s allure.
Neighbourgoods Market
The Neighbour Goods Market in Johannesburg is a lively place to shop for locally made goods, savor delicious food, and enjoy live music. This market is the ideal location for a special brunch date or a leisurely afternoon with mimosas. It is open every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. The air is filled with an appealing perfume as you browse the stalls, which feature a wide variety of handmade goods, handcrafted jewelry, modern fashion, and unique artworks. One of the best places to go in Johannesburg for couples to enjoy themselves is The Neighbour Goods Market. And also is one of the best places to visit in Johannesburg for weekend
Enjoy a wide selection of delectable foods, such as gourmet street food, freshly baked pastries, and cosmopolitan flavors. Take in the dynamic atmosphere created by nearby musicians as you savor your food. They serve as the event’s exciting soundtrack. Because it provides the ultimate blend of gastronomic delights, creative inspiration, and live entertainment, The Neighbour Goods Market is a seductive Saturday destination for both locals and tourists.
The Bioscope Independent Cinema
A captivating single-screen theater in Johannesburg called The Bioscope indie Cinema offers a fascinating selection of indie and foreign films as well as live musical performances. By entering this unique space, one is transported to the bioscope era, where the magic of film is brought to life. The Bioscope offers a refreshing departure from conventional film by presenting a broad selection of thought-provoking content that sparks discussion and changes points of view. Filmgoers seeking a more distinctive and instructive cinematic experience will benefit from the carefully curated screenings, which comprise both independent and vintage foreign films. Biological Independent Film.
Additionally enjoyable is live music, which enhances the surroundings and creates a captivating sensory experience. The Bioscope Independent Cinema provides a platform for entertainment, learning, and cultural research while also inviting spectators to explore new stories and immerse themselves in cinematic talent.
University of the Witwatersrand Planetarium
In Johannesburg, the University of the Witwatersrand Planetarium is the ideal destination for couples seeking a truly stunning experience under the stars. This planetarium offers a unique opportunity to view the stars far from the lights of the city. The nominal R50 entrance fee is a small price to pay for the fantastic experience you will have. While unwinding beneath the dome-shaped ceiling and taking in the majestic majesty above, you can discover various astronomy topics. the University of the Witwatersrand Planetarium is also a best destination for couples in Johannesburg
The planetarium’s informative programs and experienced tour guides will help you understand the universe more fully. The University of the Witwatersrand Planetarium guarantees an amazing and romantic experience for couples, regardless of whether you’re an enthusiast for astronomy or simply interested about the mysteries of space.