Johannesburg: The Metropolis of South Africa
Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa and the second-largest in the continent, is a bustling metropolis and is perhaps one of the most historically significant cities in South Africa. Though Johannesburg is not one of the three capitals of South Africa, it is home to Constitutional Court (the highest court in South Africa) and is also the financial capital of the country. Johannesburg is also the largest financial centre in Africa and is among the most thriving metropolises in the world. In addition, the city’s rich history (with chapters related to African colonization, Indian Independence Movement, anti-Apartheid movement, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, etc.) is something that few locales in the world can boast of. That being said, the sheer energy present in the city’s air is perhaps among the most rewarding Johannesburg tourist attractions.
Places to Visit in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is home to a plethora of tourist attractions from both the colonial and the modern day eras. Sights in Johannesburg include the New Museum Africa, Market Theater Complex (in particular, the Saturday flee market held there), Gubbins Library and Smuts Library at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) and the university campus itself, old city centre with its colonial era masterpieces, slick and wealthy northern suburbs, black suburb of Soweto, modern home of Nelson Mandela, Sterkfontein Caves, Gold Reef City (formerly a part of the Crown Mines) and the many mines in the vicinity of Johannesburg, etc.
Johannesburg: Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
Johannesburg has a high crime rate but tourists can largely avoid getting into situations by taking steps such as avoiding certain areas after dark, keeping valuables out of sight, etc. Further, while visiting game areas, one should (and rightly so) follow the guide’s instructions and not feed anything to wild animals. Unlike many of its African peers, Johannesburg is a fairly developed metropolis and has a decent skyline. The city is vibrant and has a very good nightlife as it is home to a multitude of restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, bars, discos, etc.
Johannesburg is also home to many casinos and some of the best malls and resorts in the country. Languages spoken here include English along with Nguni, Sotho, Afrikaans and Tshivenda. The local currency is South African rands (ZAR). The local cuisine is rich and draws influences from a variety of cuisines and places. What’s more, it freely is available at very affordable prices. Johannesburg has a large number of medium-scale eateries for all types of cuisines, and is also home to some of the continent’s best and most prolific restaurants.
Best time to visit Johannesburg
The best time to visit Johannesburg is from September to April.
Best way to reach Johannesburg
- By Air: Johannesburg is the region’s most important travel hub, and is connected to most major destinations in the world via regular flights.
- By Rail: Johannesburg is one of the more important railway stations in South Africa, and is the terminating or originating point for many trains in the country.
- By Road: Johannesburg is well connected to all national and regional destinations and popular attractions. Further, Johannesburg is also one of the centres of South Africa’s road transport system and as such offers comfortable transport options for almost all of the nearby South Africa attractions.
Johannesburg Accommodation
The Johannesburg accommodation scene is very active and wide enough to cater to all budgets and needs. Johannesburg is home of some of the finest hotels in the continent. Further, many local and international tour operators offer Johannesburg vacation package tours. These tours cover most of the Johannesburg tourist destinations, but do not carry the element of risk and adventure that going solo does.