Best Free Things to Do in Johannesburg
THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Johannesburg
Best Free Things to Do in Johannesburg
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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40 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
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Showing results 1-30 of 40
What travellers are saying
- mariannecusterKnoxville, TN5 contributionsThis is a pretty wonderful place off the radar in Johannesburg. It is a maze of artist Studios and shops surrounded by organic flower and vegetable gardens.
You can visit with the artists, purchase their work or find beautiful crafts in some of the shops. There is also a gin distillery, though it was closed during our visit, and a nice coffee shop for some tea and cookies. You pass through a pretty rough neighbourhood to get there, but there is a guard at the gate. It felt so much more authentic than the Africa souvenir stores.Written 9 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AkhileshMalikUganda86 contributionsWe went Sunday to get groceries in the Rosebank Mall, but first decided to stop at the Sunday Market. We got there and had a tasty snack of Greek and Thai foods. Lots of great foods, and great art and clothes. Love the regular mall, too. Lots of great stores!Written 10 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kennedy Welani T1 contributionThis is the BEST park in Johannesburg by far. Beautiful forest with indigenous trees in the middle of the concrete jungle. This is the Lil Eden where I find my center.Written 23 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Aussie_BinturongQueensland, Australia344 contributionsWhile I was still in the car the dancers outside Mandela’s house had formed some type of human pyramid but my guide had already warned me that if you look at them they will want money so I had to get out of the car with my eyes averted to walk to the museum. I know they don’t mean any harm but they are too in-your-face and you wouldn’t be game to walk around. I would have liked to look at the souvenirs on sale but again, I know how pushy the vendors are.Written 8 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- iamGVGBrooklyn, NY27 contributionsIn Johannesburg, most people will recommend staying in Sandton or Rosebank due to their cleanliness, malls, and notable global hotel brands. For me, those places don't quite fit the bill. If you're looking for a place with more soul, culture, and play cousins, consider staying in the Maboneng precinct.
Maboneng precinct, derived from the Sotho word meaning "place of light," was my preferred place to stay for a very long time. To draw a parallel, envision Maboneng, as a sister neighborhood to Fort Greene, Brooklyn in the early 2000s—an initially impoverished area that experienced a transformative evolution into a vibrant urban oasis, renowned for its dynamic arts scene, eclectic street art, urban dining establishments, and trendy boutiques, surrounded by the intriguing conversion of once abandoned warehouses into chic apartment buildings. Vogue Magazine aptly dubbed it, “The Coolest Neighborhood in Johannesburg.” The neighborhood exudes a hip vibe with a touch of edginess. While some may interpret "edgy" as sketchy, it's essential to note that although it retains a certain edge, Maboneng is a safe neighborhood, and the entire area is under 24-hour guard patrol.
While options for more spacious multi-bedroom accommodations might be somewhat limited, they are certainly not out of reach. For the more budget-conscious traveler, consider exploring the affordable and stylish Airbnb rentals within the trendy 12 Decades condo/hotel building. For those with an adventurous spirit, their penthouse boasts a charming claw-foot tub right in the heart of the living room. Should you require it, I can point you to an excellent spot for acquiring a Polaroid camera and film at a good price. Keep it sexy, folks.Written 13 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - muttibeyIzmir, Türkiye3 771 contributionsIt used to be a bad location for living and enjoying but thanks to reconstruction of everything , now it is a beautiful and vibrant neighbourhood.Written 1 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Martha M2 contributionsgreat african stuff they selling so many choices however they sellers everyone trying to convince you to buy from them can be such a distraction.Written 15 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nadia SWaterloo, Canada4 contributionsFab market but not the cheapest, there are definitely better prices other places in Joburg but overall still a great vibe and lots of cool stuffWritten 20 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Amelia WOakland, CA9 contributionsThis is a unique place in Joburg with great restaurants and a range of boutiques, from clothing, to ceramics, to jewelry, to vinyl records. It's a nice place to spend a few hours for a meal and shopping. I highly recommend!Written 19 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MylesJounieh, Lebanon104 contributionsEnough of everything -- shops, restaurants, cinemas, banks. This is a convenient and manageable center. It is well structured and easy to navigate. I found the security good, and it certainly is a place that satisfies all choices.Written 6 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kerry WJohannesburg, South Africa72 contributionsA source of many household goods from cutlery to curtains and also fashion. Great fabric stores and discount homewares. With secure parking and samoosa shops, this is Joburg staple and don't be scared to ask for a discount.Written 9 December 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- African Samurai1 contributionCharming, cosmopolitan, down to earth and vibrant. A lot of people complain about homelessness and let's face it we live in South Africa is the most unequal society in the world, and Melville is no exception, what I am really proud of is how the Melville community is so inclusive people from different races, economic situations, sexualities all feel free to express themselves in this melting pot. The community also tries their best to support people who are homeless and that's one of the things that make Melville special.❤❤❤ The night life is definitely for people who are down to earth, looking for a relaxed atmosphere and looking for a goodnight out. The cafe's are also awesome. If shopping is your thing, don't forget to check out the charity shops. And remember to be vigilant no matter where you are in Johannesburg🤷🏾♂️.Written 9 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andile MDurban, South Africa27 contributionsIt's was nice to be here the rage of art and the very historical one might be reminded me of a national park I've seen before the are so much worth buying gallary from themWritten 13 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Susan KNew York City, NY1 110 contributionsWe had the honor of hearing the story of the events leading up to and the experience of Hector Pieterson's sister on the day she participated as a young student and how her younger brother and so many other students lost their lives in what was supposed to be a peaceful demonstration. I will never forget this day.Written 3 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Farah F14 contributionsI went on a solo hike. The landscape is great. Many opportunities for great photos. There's not much shade though so go early if in the summer. I didn't see animals most likely they were napping. The trails were clear but not marked enough. I used the AllTrails app to guide me. There's a stream at the beginning of the trail and you can spot dassies aka rock hyrax. They are so cute! More suitable for adult or solo hikers. The Moreleta Nature Reserve is a more fun trail for young children. Overall I love this place!Written 29 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
