Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Johannesburg

THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Johannesburg

Best Budget-Friendly 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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  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Showing results 1-30 of 96

What travellers are saying

  • JP_and_Maria
    Sofia, Bulgaria
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is one of the best museums we have ever visited. We spent more than 4 and a half hours going through the permanent and temporary exhibitions (even though we tried to skip some parts...). It was so informative and moving at the same time. I feel that with all conflicts going around right now, each human being must visit this museum at least once in their life. We loved the "Born free" exhibition the most as it shows the country today through the generations of those born after 1994.
    Written 31 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a wonderful art oasis and a bit of calm in the middle of the day. It was well worth the time and I was happy I made it out here. Great little shops and perfect for original souvenirs.
    Written 17 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carlos L.
    Palm Desert, CA
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an amazing tour and experience! John our tour guide was informative, descriptive, and an excellent guide who walked us through the atrocities perpetuated by the Apartheid regime. Our tickets with tour cost 360 total for two people (or 180 per person).
    The atrocities were so inhuman, so shocking, one could not leave and be moved. How could this have happened in our lifetime (I am 50).
    We in the US and Britain turned the blind eye in the name of expediency. Justice deserves that we speak up despite it being politically expedient otherwise history will repeat itself. Yet all authoritarian governments or potential wannabe authoritarian governments (ie Make America . . . . again you know who you are) cannot turn a blind eye. Visiting here is necessary for any visit to Joburg. You cannot not come here and understand the present without trying to comprehend the past.

    I felt like I was visiting Auschwitz but these prisoners were not murdered. They were stripped of their humanity and had all their humanity squeezed out of them. The apartheid regime was truly deplorable but it could not have been executed without the help of many individuals who looked away. One of biology professors at Stanford said the opposite of love is not hate it is indifference. Here the indifference by many accomplices allowed and perpetuated this destructive regime. But like any story there is a victor and that are the South African people. Their resiliency and forgiveness are remarkable.

    My wife and I have never been so moved with any "attraction." To come here is to understand the very lowest of humanity but also the very best of humanity (ie reconciliation and forgiveness), This place is a testament to the strength of human will and resiliency. An amazing place! A historic place!

    Come here you will not regret a visit here and do a tour.
    Written 19 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles
    There was a lot of animals and we were used our phones to took some pics we scared also because of dangerous animals. Amazing
    Written 11 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exciting visit to a historic place, full of memories of the Mandela family.
    They offered us a guided tour in English included in the price, which helps to understand the context.
    Price a bit excessive for what is usual in South Africa, especially for foreigners.
    Written 30 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aussie_Binturong
    Queensland, Australia
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    While 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 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SebsI
    Johannesburg
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The market is a lot smaller, but it seems to be of better value. Food was really good (Tacos and Indian Curry). The place did not seemed to be very busy after lunch but there were painting classes and Some good quality hand made South African clothing and crockery on display.
    Written 19 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • claire
    Southbroom, South Africa
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Super clean, well maintained exhibits and such a huge variety of different planes and war vehicles. Kids loved the artillery, I found the library and museum particularly fascinating. New, clean bathrooms. Safe area and parking. A must for international and local visitors
    Written 22 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Borneo50
    Melbourne, Australia
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lesser known than the Apartheid Museum but what a must visit memorial. It's still hard to get our head around these events happening in our lifetime. This museum is an eye opener to the 1976 uprising & makes you shake your head that children were victims of such events. Definitely worth the visit.
    Bring your tissues!
    Written 7 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • iamGVG
    Brooklyn, NY
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    In 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 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Szenta
    Valencia, Spain
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    By all means visit Soweto and challenge old stereotypes. Recommend the excellent Mandy Imbizo Tours, run by a local.
    Written 8 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the best Victorian house museum i have seen. better than some of the ones in the UK. I would recommend going and seeing it. Kathrine knows her stuff and is more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
    Overall it was an amazing experience.
    Written 23 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles
    great 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 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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