Johannesburg Guide

Looking down to Johannesburg Q. How big is the city of Johannesburg?
Joburg covers an area of 1,645 square kilometres.

Q. How many people call it home?
Greater Johannesburg has a population of approximately 9 million people.

Q. What are the language and currency?
The currency is the Rand (ZAR). English is spoken widely and arguably the main language, although there are another ten languages spoken in South Africa. These include Afrikaans and Xhosa.

Q. Anything else you need to tell me?
Yes - don't call it Johannesburg; use 'Joburg' instead. Everybody from tour guides to random people you meet to radio DJs call the city Joburg.

At the fascinating Apartheid Museum Q. What is Johannesburg's number one attraction?
That's a tossup between two, one of which isn't even in the city. The first of the two is the fascinating Apartheid Museum which documents Apartheid in South Africa from the beginning to its downfall. It is a fascinating museum and one that deserves at least three hours to properly appreciate it. The second is Kruger National Park, unquestionably South Africa's best known game reserve. Joburg is the gateway to the park and most people visiting it start and end their trip here.

Q. What are the other attractions?
Soweto shouldn't be missed. Standing for South Western Townships, it is South Africa's best known township and today you can explore it on bike tours booked through Lebo's Soweto Backpackers where you meet the locals, see where Nelson Mandela lived and more. If theme parks are your thing then you could spend a few hours kicking and screaming on the different rides and roller coasters in Gold Reef City which is next door to the Apartheid Museum. But if you're more of a culture vulture, try to visit either Museum Africa in Newtown or Johannesburg Art Gallery in Downtown Joburg. Another thing you should do in Joburg is explore the neighbourhoods. Greenside has lots of bars and restaurants along Gleneagles Road, while Melville, in particular along 7th Street, is great for nightlife. Sandton is an affluent neighbourhood where you'll find a popular shopping mall and Nelson Mandela Square, and Newtown is another popular area that's right beside Downtown Joburg and is also very safe.

Q. Speaking of safe, that was my next question as I've heard awful things about Johannesburg in terms of safety - is it safe?
Just like any city in the world, Joburg has its dangerous parts. But steer clear of these and you'll be ok. For instance, walking around Greenside or Melville at night on your own is ok as they're both extremely well lit and the pavements are full with people hopping from bar to bar. You may want to take a taxi there in the first place though. Downtown Joburg in particular has been seen as a no-go area in the past, but walk around it with your wits about you, with no valuables and stay to the main streets and you'll be ok.

7th Street in Melville Q. Where are most of the bars found?
They're found in three different areas - Melville and Greenside which I mentioned before and along 4th Avenue in Parkhurst.

Q. Do I need to carry my ID with me when going out?
In a word, no. Not unless you haven't hit puberty yet.

Q. Any particular bars /clubs worth singling out?
Six on 7th St in Melville is a happening bar with friendly staff, while across the road from it Trance Sky is another extremely popular bar on this buzzing street. If you're in the mood for a chat and nothing else, check out The Jolly Roger in Parkhurst which is extremely unassuming and a 'pub' in every sense of the word, while if you're in the mood for dancing The Woods in Newtown is where to go. Oh...Gin in Greenside is another really cool bar.

Q. Anything else I should know?
Yes - while Joburg isn't as dangerous as you might have heard it is, you still need to be careful, particularly at night. Make sure to get taxis to and from the bars and nightclubs you're visiting and ask your hostel to book them for you.

Eating out in Jo'burg Q. Is it expensive to eat out in Johannesburg?
Not particularly. Many places are extremely affordable, while if you want to treat yourself there are restaurants suiting the more affluent traveller also.

Q. Where is the best selection of restaurants in the city?
There are heaps of restaurants dotted along 7th Street in Melville, while Greenside is another good area for eating out.

Q. Are international cuisines well-represented?
Yes, but not as much as in other cities. You'll find Indian, Thai and other restaurants, but you'll have to do a bit of homework to find them.

Q. What times do restaurants close?
To make sure you don't go hungry, aim to be taking a seat in a restaurant no later than 10pm.

Q. Any places to eat you can recommend?
Mamma's Shebeen in Greenside is the closest thing you'll get to eating in a township, and the food is great and affordable. Andiccio24, also in Greenside, is a decent pizza joint open 24 hours a day. If you visit Sandton to visit the extremely large statue of Nelson Mandela, you'll be spoiled for choice at the food court in Sandton City Shopping Mall.

Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton Q. What is the best way to get around Johannesburg?
There are small minibuses operating in the city but these are mainly for the locals. Many would go so far to say that they are unsafe. Your best bet for transport around this vast city is either a) rented car or b) taxis. Renting a car is the most cost-effective so we suggest you do that.