Johannesburg, once a mere springboard to more well-trodden destinations like Cape Town or Kruger National Park, is undergoing a transformation. A lively arts scene pulsing in every corner, a rejuvenated city centre and a flourishing culinary landscape are all helping Jozi to shed its image as a business hub. Over the last decade, Johannesburg has evolved into a cosmopolitan city that demands to be explored.
From the deeply moving exhibitions at the Apartheid Museum to the lively lanes of Maboneng district, Johannesburg is a compelling destination that offers a blend of history, culture and entertainment. Here are seven paths straight to the heart of the City of Gold:
1. Trace the legacy of Nelson Mandela in his former home
The moment you set foot within the compounds of Sanctuary Mandela, you’re greeted with a sense of homecoming. It’s characteristic of the warmth associated with the late president, affectionately known to South Africans by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba.

This haven in the leafy suburb of Houghton, a stone’s throw away from the buzzing Melrose Arch and Rosebank districts, once served as Mandela’s home for eight years in the ’90s. Today, it’s a thoughtfully restored boutique hotel that offers just nine rooms. Each of these guest rooms features bespoke artwork depicting various phases of Mandela’s life and the country’s path to democracy.
The dining hall presents a taut menu of Mandela’s favourite dishes, such as springbok carpaccio and malva pudding. The food offerings are presented on folded paper sealed with wax; a loose nod to the handwritten letters Mandela wrote during his years of imprisonment.
2. Revel in Johannesburg’s buzziest district
To get a taste of cosmopolitan Johannesburg, spend a night in Rosebank, a thriving suburb known for its dining, shopping and art scene. Begin your evening with a meal at The Grillhouse, renowned for perfectly cooked steaks, a robust wine list and vibrant ambiance. Pay a visit to Keyes Art Mile to admire the local contemporary art and design galleries that it houses. Then, cap off the night with a visit to Sin+Tax, a speakeasy bar known for its prohibition-style allure and innovative cocktails.

At the end of the day, retreat to voco Johannesburg Rosebank, a chic new hotel that offers Art Deco glam wrapped in the historical façade of a former bank. Think rooms with soft pink and sage green tones, gold fixtures, rain showers and plush bedding with velvet headboards. Don’t skip breakfast the next day at the in-house Proud Mary, where the French toast and eggs benedict are to die for.
3. Discover artisan treasures at this boutique shopping precinct
44 STANLEY in leafy Milpark is an oasis of style and craftmanship, a far cry from your typical shopping mall. This converted industrial complex, with its preserved red brickwork and reimagined steel scaffolding, houses a collection of indie studios and shops that champion local art, fashion and design.

A leisurely wander through its shaded arcades and courtyards will reveal its assorted gems, from jewellery to textiles and homeware. Music lovers should pay a visit to Mr Vinyl, which stocks everything from rare jazz albums to the latest vinyl releases. Mungo Design uses traditional 19th-century weaving techniques to create luxury handcrafted linen, towels and other textiles. Storm in a Teacup offers beautifully crafted ceramics, while fashion aficionados can shop for both custom and off-the-rack pieces at boutiques like Lunar, Guillotine Design and Rowdy Bags.
Fuel up with Salvation Café’s excellent brunch or sample one of Bean There’s mean cuppas – they are South Africa’s first roaster of certified fairtrade coffee.
4. Tour the birthplace of South African democracy with a local
Soweto – short for South Western Township – is Africa’s biggest township and the epicentre of the political upheaval that resulted in the abolishment of the Apartheid state. To get at the heart of South Africa’s journey to democracy, take a tour through its streets. Go with an operator like Soweto Backpackers, who employs natives of the area who imbue each tour with personal anecdotes and historical insights that you won’t find in your typical guidebooks. These guides who call Soweto home bring an intimate and personal touch to your experience.

Key stops might include the iconic Mandela House on Vilakazi Street, another former residence of Nelson Mandela. Then there’s 1947 on Vilakazi, a local gem of a restaurant that offers traditional South African dishes as well as more global fare. Ask the waiter for their recommendation and tuck in. Whether they suggest tripe stew, braaied (barbecued) meat or oxtail in red wine, know that it’ll be a hearty portion of a local favourite at a bargain.
Finally, there’s also the Hector Pieterson Museum. There, you’ll learn about how the demise of 13-year-old schoolboy Hector Pietersen sparked the 1976 Soweto Uprising, which in turn became a major catalyst for galvanising the anti-Apartheid movement.
5. Admire local art amid sprawling greenery
For a sunny day out with a touch of art, drive an hour northwest of Johannesburg to explore NIROX Sculpture Park. This peaceful 30ha green space contains lawns, wetlands and waterways, dotted by an impressive collection of sculptures and installations by South African and international artists.

The sculpture park is nestled within the Cradle of Humankind, a Unesco World Heritage Site known for housing the largest concentration of human ancestral remains in the world. If you love gigs and hands-on activities, look out for frequent live music performances and art workshops by checking their events calendar.
Do note that food and drinks are not allowed in the park, except at And then there was Fire…, a wood-fired grill and tapas restaurant located onsite.
6. Experience modern Johannesburg in the thriving Maboneng Precinct
Step into the vibrant heart of Johannesburg’s urban renaissance at the Maboneng Precinct. Bright murals, boutique stores, tiny theatres, craft breweries and artisan coffee roasters are just some of the attractions here.

After an afternoon of exploration, make your way to The Living Room, a rooftop urban oasis boasting stunning views of the city skyline. Enjoy a cocktail or craft beer with live music in the background, before taking a brisk car ride to The Marabi Club. This stylish jazz club is located in the basement of a former diamond polishing factory. Duck through the nondescript black canopy at street level to discover a feast of both sound and flavour, with performances by top jazz musicians and a restaurant highlighting emerging chefs.
7. Bear witness to South Africa’s Apartheid struggles and triumphs
The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg South is a must-visit for anyone looking to understand the rise and fall of the Apartheid era of South Africa. The experience begins at the gate, where you must choose between two paths: one for “Whites” and another for “Non-whites”. It sets the tone for the immersive experience which details the segregationist policies which once defined the nation.

Inside, the exhibits unfold in a series of emotionally powerful and interactive displays beginning with the genesis of Apartheid, moving through the resistance and uprising and culminating in the birth of a democratic South Africa. Each room captures a different facet of Apartheid, from the brutal enforcement of policies to the everyday resilience of the people who fought against them. The experience is carefully curated to not only educate, but also to resonate on a personal level. You’ll walk through replicas of cramped prison cells, photos and videos from the Apartheid era, personal stories of the regime and more.
As your visit concludes, take a moment to collect yourself in the garden of remembrance, where benches invite quiet reflection of the experience. The Apartheid Museum is more than a museum; it’s a poignant tribute to survival and a hopeful gaze towards South Africa’s future.
For our full list of things to try and places to see in Johannesburg, check out our Johannesburg City Guide.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Johannesburg, visit the official website.