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Have you ever been to ‘The Rainbow nation’?
If No, then you should visit the largest city in South Africa, which is the city of Johannesburg. Also, known as “the rainbow nation” in Africa. However, there is another popular term by which the city of Johannesburg is popularly known, and that is Jo’burg or Jozi or the “city of gold”. After the discovery of gold back in September 1886. Johannesburg from a golden savannah grassland transformed into the sprawling metropolis that we know of today. The discovery of gold brought several investors into the city, which directly resulted in the rise of Johannesburg to glory. To pay homage to the resource that put the city of Johannesburg on the map. The city did a recreation of a 19th-century Jo’burg, which was re-created in ‘Shaft No. 14’. We have compiled an interesting list of tourist places in Johannesburg that rank in the top 10.
1. Constitution Hill
Once a former prison, the Constitution Hill overlooks the entire city of Johannesburg with its vision of one nation. The structure under the British colonial rule was a fort. And was home to the nations political prisoners, common criminals and regime defectors. The prison was known for the ill-treatment of these prisoners. All to ensure the dictatorship regime and to hide the mistakes of the ruling government.
Location: Gauteng province
Entry Fee: $ 10
Website: https://www.constitutionhill.org.za/
Contact: +27 11 381 3100
2. The Lindfield Victorian House Museum
The next destination on our list of tourist places in Johannesburg that rank in the top 10 is the Lindfield Victorian House Museum. The museum is one of the best destinations when it comes to experiencing the Victorian era first-hand. The museum’s current owner is Ms Katherine Love, who has been the museums resident since 1967. Ms Love to this day dresses up in her Victorian-era dress and greets visitors before taking them on a tour of the mansion.
Location: 72 Richmond Ave, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
Entry Fee: $ 15
Website: https://lindfield.wixsite.com/museum
Contact: +27 11 726 2932
3. The Maboneng Precinct
The Maboneneg precinct was once a run-down neighbourhood, but today stands as a mark of an urban renewal project. The term Maboneng translates to the “place of light”. And today it has become a destination that gives and incites hope. The precinct has become one of the most luxurious blocks in Johannesburg. The urban renewal project has seen the place transform into an ultra-modern complex, where culture and modern indigeneity amalgamates into one. The precinct is home to many art galleries, restaurants, cafes, shops, hotels and shopping centres. Made with the idea of creating a blend of the old and the new.
Location: Fox St &, Kruger St, City and Suburban, Johannesburg
Entry Fee: N/A
Website: https://mabonengprecinct.com/
Contact: N/A
4. Market Theatre
The nest destination on our list of tourist places in Johannesburg that rank in the top 10 is the place known as Market Theatre. The said building plays a vital role in reviving the lost culture of South Africa. While ensuring a joyous and harmonious social gathering spot for the diverse group of people in South Africa. The complex is home to 4 live theatres which is also home to some of South Africa’s finest production houses. Every Saturday a massive flea market is set up in a massive parking lot, right adjacent to the Market Theatre. Which creates the perfect ambience for the locals and the tourists to experience local South African culture and traditions.
Location: 56 Margaret Mcingana St, Newtown, Johannesburg
Entry Fee: N/A
Website: https://marketphotoworkshop.co.za/2021/10/01/job-advertisement-internal-external/
Contact: +27 11 832 1641
5. Soweto & Mandela Museum
This is probably one of the most important and iconic destinations in all of the world. It was here that in 1976 the Soweto uprisings began, which saw students revolting against Apartheid. The division of people on the basis of colour sparked the need for democracy. And it was on this street that the fight against injustice was taken up by young and enthusiastic souls against a dictatorship regime.
Location: 8115 Vilakazi St, Orlando West, Soweto, 1804, South Africa
Entry Fee: $ 10
Website: https://www.mandelahouse.com/
Contact: +27 11 936 7754
6. The Apartheid Museum
On our hunt for the best tourist places in Johannesburg, we have come to the most popular destination in all of South Africa. The Apartheid Museum is a reminder of the injustice that black people living in Africa went through. It is a reminder to the current generation of the mistakes done by humanity in the past. Right from the entry to the final leg of the museum, one can feel the unjust attitude of the colonial rulers over the local black population.
Location: Northern Park Way and Gold Reef Rd, Johannesburg, 2001
Entry Fee: $ 10
Website: https://www.apartheidmuseum.org/
Contact: +27 11 309 4700
7. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
The next destination on our list of tourist places in Johannesburg that rank in the top 10 is the Walter Sisulu gardens. The gardens are the best respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Offering a beautiful view of the mesmerizing landscapes that the gardens have to offer. However, the centre of attraction in the garden has to be the Witpoortjie Waterfall which has fields surrounding the natural landscape. The gardens lie on the outskirts of the city of Johannesburg. Making it a peaceful picnic getaway for adults and kids alike.
Location: Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort
Entry Fee: $ 10
Website: http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/walter-sisulu/
Contact: +27 86 100 1278
8. The Cradle of Humankind
Another important tourist destination that one should not miss is the UNESCO approved heritage site known as the Cradle of Humankind. It is one of the most important paleoanthropological heritage sites in the world. The most important and exciting location are the Sterkfontein caves. Which are six interconnected massive underground chambers with a lake at a depth of 40 meters. The location got its name post the discovery of “Mrs Ples”, which was the skeletal remains of a humanoid figure. Apparently, the skull dates back to 3.5 million years ago.
Location: Maropeng Exhibition Centre, Gauteng
Entry Fee: $ 10
Contact: +27 14 577 9000
9. Pretoria National Botanical Garden
It is one of the top 9 botanical gardens in South Africa that offer a mesmerizing view of mother nature. But, what is more amazing than the botanical gardens is the administrative capital of Pretoria in which the garden lies. Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa and lies roughly 55 km from Johannesburg. The city is known for its impressive layout of monuments, museums and historical buildings that don the capital. Moreover, another thing that makes Pretoria unique is the purple hues of Jacarandas that adorn the capital during the spring season.
Location: 2 Cussonia Street, Brummeria, Pretoria, 0184
Entry Fee: $ 5
Website: http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/pretoria/
Contact: +27 12 843 5071
10. South African National Museum of Military History
Finally, the last destination on the list of tourist places in Johannesburgthat ranks in the top 10 is the South African National Museum of Military History. Just like the name suggests, it is a structure made to trace the story of the country’s military encounters. The museum is home to several exhibits. Ranging from World War II fighter planes, tanks, armoured vehicles, arms, ammunition and many more. Furthermore, there are several chalets also representing the trials of soldiers during World War I.
Location: 22 Erlswold Way, Johannesburg, 2132
Entry Fee: $ 5
Website: https://ditsong.org.za/museum-of-military-history/
Contact: +27 11 646 5513
1 Comment
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