10 Things That Should Be on Your Joburg Bucket List
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With so many Wonders of the World, heritage sites, national monuments and tourist attractions in and around the world, it can be pretty daunting to narrow down your bucket list and then fit everything in. So we’ve gone and compiled this list for you of great things we think you need to check out while visiting Johannesburg.
So, in the wise words of Maria von Trapp, ‘let’s start at the very beginning’. And we mean the very beginning.
1. Journey to Our Origins: The Cradle of Humankind
We will never understand all the evolutionary mysteries that our 4.5 billion-year-old planet has to offer, but so much of what we know now was discovered right here in the City of Gold.
Only about an hour’s drive North-West from the city centre, you will find Cradle of Humankind, named as such as it is believed to be the literal birthplace of modern man. This 47,000-hectare site is the world's richest hominin site and home to around 40% of the world's human ancestor fossils. Having unearthed thousands of fossils since 1936, the site is so unique thanks to the dolomitic limestone ridges in the area, which have preserved the fossils particularly effectively.
Name: Cradle of Humankind
Don’t Miss: The Maropeng Visitor Centre for an interactive journey through time, and the Sterkfontein Caves, where the world-famous "Mrs Ples" and "Little Foot" were discovered.
2. Walk the Streets of Gold: The Mining District
Johannesburg was built on gold, and the Mining District (Stop 6) preserves that feverish history. This six-block pedestrianised zone on Main Street serves as an outdoor museum.
Mining District
The city sits on the edge of the world’s largest known gold deposits, which were first discovered near what is now Main Street in downtown Johannesburg in 1886.
It is best to visit this area via a guided walking tour or City Sightseeing. You’ll see vintage stamp presses, mine carts, and a massive headgear lift tower while enjoying some of the city’s best artisanal coffee shops.
3. Diamonds are Forever: The Cullinan Diamond Mine
If you have got a little more time (and a love for shiny things), you should head out to the Premier Mine in Cullinan, which is where the world-famous Cullinan Diamond was unearthed in 1905. At 3 106.75 carats, the diamond is the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found, and now is the prime feature in the crown jewels of England. The mine is also the world’s most important source of very rare blue diamonds.
Cullinan Mines
You can explore this all with an underground tour of the working Cullinan Diamond Mine, visit the showroom to watch expert cutters and polishers at work, or visit the Cullinan Diamond Mine market where you can get your very own jewellery created with a Cullinan stone of your choice.
4. A Lesson in Resilience: The Apartheid Museum
In the 130-years since the city’s inhabitation, it has had its share of dark history as well. With Apartheid being such an influential movement in South Africa’s history, the first-of-its-kind Apartheid Museum (Stop 7) was opened in 2001 and details 20th-century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story.
Apartheid Museum
The museum confronts what life was like for South Africans under the apartheid regime through a dramatic collection of personal artefacts, photographs, videos, anecdotes and original propaganda. For anyone wanting to understand and experience what apartheid South Africa was really like, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is fundamental.
Bringing the timeline forward again, Joburg is now a modern city and a main hub of the country, and it is just as important to experience the modern city as it is its history.
5. Thrills and History: Gold Reef City
If your head begins to hurt from the generous informational intake of the day, take a step out of the city and go have some fun. And, if you can’t agree on what exactly to do, head out to Gold Reef City (Stop 17) where the kids can play, where you can relax, and you can all enjoy some world-class entertainment from Tuesday to Sunday!
Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City is a popular entertainment complex featuring everything from a casino, theatre, cinema and museum, to an award-winning theme park, bowling alley and trampoline park. Gold Reef even offers you various restaurants and fast food outlets for you to drool over.
Don’t think you can fit it all in in a day? Extend your visit by booking a night’s stay at either the Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel or the Southern Sun Gold Reef City.
6. The Need for Speed: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
If it is more theme parks and adrenaline you are looking for, maybe it is time to hit up Kyalami Race Track. This Grand Prix Circuit was originally built in 1961 and has in its history hosted the F1 World Championship many times, as well as the Grand Prix, World Superbike Championship and the A1GP.
Kyalami Race Track
The sporting complex is also made up of an international convention centre, driver training facilities and outdoor exhibition platforms. Get a ticket to a show, cheer on a race, or even treat yourself to some track time in a more-than-powerful supercar!
7. The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush: Orlando Towers
Want more blood-pumping action? There’s no better thrill than braving the jump at the Orlando Towers Bungee Jump.
Orlando Towers
Originally the site of a coal-fired power station, the Orlando (or Soweto) Towers have become one of the most distinctive landmarks in Joburg, and now, the site of the world's first bungee jump between two cooling towers!
This vertical adventure facility offers zip-lining, pendulum swinging, abseiling, wall climbing and even SCAD (suspended catch air device) falling.
Not quite up for the stomach-churning 100-metre drop? Then maybe try something a bit more tranquil.
8. Wild in the City: The Johannesburg Zoo
A family favourite and much more kid-friendly is the Johannesburg Zoo (Stop 12). Here, on an impressive 55 hectares of land, the zoo was founded in 1904, has seen degradation, restoration, and is now an internationally accredited establishment that features over 320 species
Johannesburg Zoo
You can take a stroll through the exhibitions, bring your own picnic, book a guided tour, or attend a public event.
9. The "Big Five" Safari: Pilanesberg National Park
If you want to experience the real wild of Africa, then a slightly longer drive will find you at the gates of the Pilanesberg National Park, one of South Africa’s premier Big 5 parks.
Pilanesberg Reserve
Set in an ancient volcanic crater, this well-stocked reserve features 580km² of dramatic landscape that supports a wide variety of plants and animals, and also offers you a variety of accommodation, from self-catering to luxury 5 Star Lodges.
With over 7 000 animals in the park and more than 350 bird species alone, the park is well worth a visit, or even a stay. Go visit the park for a few days, or even book a shuttle to experience a guided game drive.
10. Soweto
Soweto: Visit the historic Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Museum to experience the vibrant community spirit and rich history of Soweto.
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These attractions offer a mix of history, adventure, and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable sightseeing experience in Johannesburg.
Book Tickets Now!Johannesburg Bucket List FAQs
What are the must-do things to do in Johannesburg on a first visit?
Some top picks include visiting the Cradle of Humankind and Maropeng, exploring the Mining District, visiting the Joburg Zoo, checking out the Apartheid Museum, and going to Gold Reef City.
What are the best things to do in JHB for culture and history lovers?
You should include the Apartheid Museum, mining heritage sites, the Cradle of Humankind, and the streets of the Mining District for insight into Joburg’s past.
Which bucket list South Africa experiences are available in Joburg?
Johannesburg offers several bucket-list experiences: exploring ancient fossils at the Cradle of Humankind, touring historical mines, visiting the Apartheid Museum, doing the Orlando Towers bungee jump, and going on a safari in Pilanesberg.
What are the top 10 things to do in Johannesburg that locals recommend?
Locals suggest combining outdoor, cultural, and adventurous options: Cradle of Humankind, Mining District, Gold Reef City, Joburg Zoo, Kyalami Race Track, Orlando Towers, Pilanesberg, and the Apartheid Museum.
Which outdoor things to do in Gauteng are included in the bucket list?
Outdoors lovers can visit the Cradle of Humankind, explore the Mining District trail, go on game drives at Pilanesberg, try the Orlando Towers bungee jump, or take road trips to Cullinan or Kyalami.
