How to Spend a Weekend in JohannesburgFrom buzzing street markets and rich museums to vibrant nightlife and nearby safaris, a weekend in Johannesburg is the perfect blend of culture, history, and adventure. Dive into Soweto’s stories, taste local flavors, and end the day with music and skyline views to round off the weekend.AuthorsSteller
DestinationsJohannesburgItinerary

Friday

Top of Africa
Head up to the "Top of Africa" to kick off your weekend in Joburg! It's the observation deck perched on the 50th floor of the Carlton Centre, once the tallest building in Africa, located in downtown Johannesburg. You will have sweeping views from the top showcasing the gritty inner city to the leafy suburbs, even as far as the Magaliesberg Mountains on a clear day.
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PROUD MARY
Head back north for dinner at the iconic PROUD MARY, serving brasserie-style cuisine. Their steak frites, oysters, and craft cocktails are favorites to enjoy in the beautifully designed space.
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Sin+Tax
Cheers to your first night here with a "Smoke & Mirrors" or "Curry in a Hurry" in hand! Tucked behind a discreet door on Bolton Road, Rosebank, Sin + Tax is the city’s best kept cocktail bar secret!
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Saturday

Foakes Coffee Roastery & Bakery
Grab a strong artisan coffee and fresh-baked sandwich or pastry in the courtyard to kick the jet lag!
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Victoria Yards
Visit this urban regeneration project where art, sustainability, and community intersect in one place. Join a Discovery Tour at 10:30 AM (30 min) or an Artisan Tour at 11 AM (1 hr) to explore studios, urban gardens, and meet local creators! It's the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning exploring Joburg's social scene.
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Johannesburg Art Gallery
The Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) is one of Africa’s premier public art institutions and a cultural cornerstone in downtown Johannesburg. The museum is home to over 9,000 artworks, including 17th-century Dutch pieces, 19th-century British and European masters (think Monet, Picasso, Degas), and an extensive South African collection featuring icons like Gerard Sekoto and Pierneef, plus ever-growing contemporary works.
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Arts on Main
The heart of the Maboneng Precinct, Arts on Main is home to revitalized industrial buildings that bring together artist studios, galleries, workshops, indie cafés, retail boutiques, and event spaces. Great for a Saturday stroll and art fanatics!
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Maboneng Precinct
Don’t miss this bustling Sunday market for street food, local art, and craft stalls on Main St in the Maboneng Precinct!
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Johannesburg: Maboneng Street Art & Culture Tour
Looking for more insight into this area? This tour is perfect for you. Learn from a guide as they take you around local galleries, meeting artists, admiring sculptures, and more for a few hours! P.S. Make sure to ask for more recommendations before you part ways.
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Bertrand Café
A cozy café nestled into the Maboneng Precinct, definitely the spot for a quieter dinner paired with live jazz!
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Living Room Jozi
This rooftop bar blends lush greenery with sweeping city views for a nature-meets-urban vibe like no other. A great spot to sit back, rest your legs, and have a drink after a day of exploring the art scene!
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Sunday

Father Coffee Rosebank
From flat whites and pour-overs to their signature house blend, regulars rave about the quality and consistency of the coffee here. Kick off a big day of history with a cup!
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Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum opened in 2001 and holds the distinction of being the world’s only museum exclusively dedicated to documenting apartheid—from its origins in 1948 through its end in 1994. Visit the 22 Exhibition Zones and signature exhibits. The self-guided journey begins with segregated “white” and “non-white” entry doors, immediately immersing visitors in the era’s stark divisions, and integrates authentic objects, archival films, and powerful photographs from the times as well.
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Half Guided Day Tour of Soweto And Apartheid Museum
Experience the heartbeat of South Africa on a half-day guided tour through Soweto and the Apartheid Museum. You'll walk Vilakazi Street, home to both Mandela and Tutu, visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial, and dive deep into South Africa’s complex history at the museum.
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Nelson Mandela Foundation
The Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg is a non-profit dedicated to preserving Mandela’s legacy and promoting dialogue on social issues. It serves as a custodian of his life and vision of freedom and equality. The Foundation’s Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory is a public archive and dialogue venue, preserving Mandela’s writings, speeches, photographs, and personal artifacts, ensuring his legacy remains alive and accessible to all.
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South African National Museum of Military History
This is South Africa’s premier institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the nation's military heritage. View iconic aircraft such as the Messerschmitt Me 262 and Hawker Hurricane, as well as items like tanks, arms, vehicles, uniforms, and more from the South African military. It is an informative museum for those interested in the military history and conflicts of the country during their visit.
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MAMASAMBA
MAMASAMBA in The Zone @ Rosebank is a Latin American–inspired restaurant and bar known for its wood-fired grilled meats, Peruvian sushi, and bold cocktails. With a lush jungle-themed lounge and lively events, it’s the perfect spot for flavorful dining and upbeat vibes.
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Where to Stay

Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
A luxurious retreat in Sandhurst, with elegant suites, private plunge pools, an award-winning spa, and a celebrated African art collection, all nestled in serene indigenous gardens near Sandton (north of downtown).
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The Munro Boutique Hotel
A charming 5-star boutique hotel in Houghton Estate, featuring French château–inspired suites with city views, a tranquil garden, and close proximity to key Johannesburg attractions.
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The Ashford Guesthouse
A peaceful 4-star boutique guesthouse in Parkwood, offering stylish en-suite rooms, a lush garden setting, delicious breakfasts, and easy access to Rosebank’s shopping and dining scene.
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