Things to do & places to visit in Gauteng, South Africa

Gauteng #2 destination in South Africa 2023. The average rating score is 4.32 based on 46.3k traveler reviews, of 166 attractions. Timezone: Africa/Johannesburg, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 12:27.

Gauteng Weather Statistics view more »

Top things to do (24)

• Amusement & Theme Parks
• Arenas & Stadiums
• Gardens
• Neighborhoods
• History Museums
• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• Flea & Street Markets
• Science Museums
• Speciality Museums
• Caverns & Caves
• Military Museums
• Historic Sites
• Monuments & Statues
• Casinos
• Hiking Trails
• Shopping Malls
• Public Transportation Systems
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Zoos
• Equestrian Trails
• Farms
• Visitor Centers
• Parks
• Mines

Top destinations in Gauteng 32

• Ystervarkfontein
• Verena
• Parkhurst
• Vaal Marina
• Klipdrift
• Golf View AH
• Isidule
• Tierpoort
• De Deur
• Nyani Conservancy
• Ga-Rankuwa
• Temba
• Pretoria
• Vanderbijlpark
• Vereeniging
• Centurion
• Heidelberg
• Roodeplaat
• Cullinan
• Walkerville
• Henley on Klip
• Hammanskraal
• Vereeninging
• Soshanguve
• Akasia
• Hekpoort
• Greater Johannesburg
• Donkerhoek
• Rayton
• Bronkhorstspruit
• Meyerton
• Mabopane

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

1. 5.0 Horseback Africa (205 reviews)
   - Amazing Experience
   Equestrian Trails
   
   
   We had a great three-night stay at Horseback Africa. The calm and open environment allows you to feel like you are hours away from the busy city life. The horseback safari is amazing and there are plenty of animals to see; our guides were also incredibly knowledgable on the animals (and even the plants) we encountered on the trail. I would also recommend the animal interaction tour!! The staff and hosts are friendly and helpful, and I would highly recommend staying here a few nights for a short getaway from the city. See more..
   
2. 5.0 Victoria Yards (191 reviews)
   - Definitely worth a visit!
   Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Flea & Street Markets
   
   
   Redefining the Joburg inner-city landscape through building an eco-system where artists, artisans, designers and small business manufacturers thrive as a community. Come and see the workshop where it's made and support local businesses in the process. Cafe, food courtyard and the Bond bar, as well as selected studios, open Monday - Saturday 09h00 - 16h00 Don't miss our famous "First Sundays" - With free guided tours including Art, Garden, Design, Fashion and our own Gin Distillery. The first Sunday of every month, pre-booking not necessary. See more..
   
3. 5.0 Lindfield Victorian House Museum (175 reviews)
   - A step back in time
   Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
   
   
   (Open by appointment only.) The stories that lived (and still live) within the walls of the Lindfield Victorian House Museum tell a tale of Johannesburg during an era that, more than any other, shaped urban Johannesburg as we know it today. A tale of the day-to-day family life and fashion trends, masters and servants, elegance, high culture, high teas, social etiquette and intellectual achievements. The spirit of this amazing era lives on in the museum and visitors not only learn its cultural history, but also experience the ambiance of a bygone world. See more..
   
4. 4.5 Apartheid Museum (6.322 reviews)
   - Excellent museum.
   Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
   
   
   This museum is architecturally interesting and packed with thoughtful, often brutal, reminders of South Africa’s history. See more..
   
5. 4.5 Gautrain (5.468 reviews)
   - Efficient and very clean
   Public Transportation Systems
   
   
   Gautrain is Africa’s first world-class, modern rapid rail and bus service for Gauteng, a province regarded as the economic heartland of South Africa. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Nelson Mandela Square (2.843 reviews)
   - A must visit in Johannesburg
   Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
   
   
   A visit to Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton is worthwhile when in Johannesburg. The square is a pleasant area with cafes, restaurants, art installations, and live music, providing an upbeat festive ambiance. Good place to get a seat in a cafe and people watch over coffee or something stronger. The shopping center is impressive with multi levels and many high end shops, and bustling food options. It’s clean, well maintained and bright. There’s also a very nice grocer, general merchandise store there if you need to get some supplies or snacks. We were a bit pressed for time but would return there for sure on our next visit. See more..
   
7. 4.5 Voortrekker Monument (1.869 reviews)
   - WOW WOW WOW
   Monuments & Statues
   
   
   The majestic Voortrekker Monument is situated in the northern part of South Africa in the Pretoria (Tshwane) region in a nature reserve. It is a unique Monument which commemorates the Pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner and is situated in a beautiful setting. Today it is the most visited heritage site of its kind in Gauteng and one of the top ten cultural historical visitor attractions in the country. See more..
   
8. 4.5 Montecasino (1.721 reviews)
   - Good entertaining place
   Spent 2-3 hours Casinos
   
   
   Award-winning Montecasino - Gauteng’s number one entertainment destination - is ideally located in the heart of Fourways Johannesburg and is a spectacular 24-7 ‘World at Play’ development meticulously designed to replicate an authentic Tuscan Village. A casino, retail entertainment, corporate hospitality and events, three hotels on property and a luxury office park, it is perfectly packaged to offer the very best in stylish entertainment to deliver a unique and memorable experience. Visitors to Montecasino are immediately captivated by the Italian communal theming and vibrant social and entertainment buzz – an atmosphere that keeps them returning again and again. Catering for both the leisure and business markets through the broad range of facilities, entertainment activities, abundant parking and convenient location just off the main commuter routes; it is clear to see why Montecasino attracts over 9.3 million visitors annually. For more information go to our website or "like" us on Facebook.You would be hard pressed to find another location world-wide that churns the number of entertainment options as those found at Montecasino. From theatre productions to concerts, music and sporting festivals, gaming and casino promotions, world-class events, artists appearances and musicians – Montecasino has got it! See more..
   
9. 4.5 Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct (1.588 reviews)
   - An essential aid to understanding apartheid in south Africa
   Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
   
   
   Nowhere can the story of South Africa's turbulent past and its extraordinary transition to democracy be told as it is at Constitution Hill. Constitution Hill is a national heritage site situated in the Johannesburg CBD and is home to the Constitutional Court of South Africa- the highest court in the country on constitutional matters. Once a place of injustice and brutality, where South Africa's leading political activists, including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, were detained, the site has been transformed into a place of solidarity and democracy, home to the Women's Gaol museum, Number Four Museum, and Old Fort Museum. Apart from its engaging and gripping exhibitions, Constitution Hill is also open to the public for guided tours and has become an important platform for Heritage, Education, and Tourism related programmes. The vast variety of programmes hosted at Constitution Hill enable us to embrace current issues, celebrate days of national significance, address matters of public interest and create a forum for public debate. With its rich history and character Constitution Hill boasts of ideal platforms to educate and learn about South Africa's story. ConHill, as it is famously known, also offers a variety of multi-purpose venues, suitable for conferencing, performances, a large array of events and for public activities and programmes. See more..
   
10. 4.5 South Western Townships (979 reviews)
    - You should visit.
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    In touring through Soweto, we got a better appreciation of life during apartheid and today. To hear about the children's march against being forced to learn afrikaners and the killing of Hector Peterson was sobering. The modern rebuilding of housing and small businesses in the township was uplifting. See more..
    
11. 4.5 Sandton City Shopping Centre (619 reviews)
    - Luxurious indulgent shopping
    Sunday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Shopping Malls
    
    
    You can feel the freedom and joy alot of money brings and in Sandton City there's bucket loads of that. Beautiful top notch interior design, lighting and a huge variety of shops to choose from. Delighted they brought Ackermans to Sandton and hoping that some more reasonably priced shops will also be included in the near future. One thing I noticed throughout shops is that generally staff working at the shops, even if they are retail chains tend to be very rude and brush off customers that do not fit into their picture of "who is worthy enough to shop here" Especially Ackermans (of all the shops to be doing that), Clicks, Woolworths. Best customer service is by far Toy Kingdom, Lego Store, Typo, Hamley's, Pick n Pay Clothing whereas Krispy Kreme, Cinnabon and Starbucks rank top for take-away food/beverage stores. The Baby Lounge is equisite and well equipped and my favourite store ever is by far TYPO!!! See more..
    
12. 4.5 Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens (616 reviews)
    - A Hidden Gem close by
    Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Gardens
    
    
    Welcome to an Eden hidden in the West Rand of Gauteng where beautiful nature welcomes visitors and the rushing water of the Witpoortjie Waterfall, gushing from a height of 70 metres, soothes and revitalises careworn city-dwellers. The garden is home to a pair of breeding Verreaux's Eagles (Black Eagles) which have become proud symbols of this majestic garden. Walking, hiking, picnics, exercising, bird watching, relaxing, nature appreciation, are some of the popular activities of visitors to the garden. See more..
    
13. 4.5 Monte Casino (615 reviews)
    - Great for a few hours walking around
    Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Zoos
    
    
    We had a great visit on a Sunday. It wasn’t to busy and enough space to social distance. There were no bird shows, instead they had a small snake show which was interesting. Would definitely recommend to combine along with a visit to Monte Casino. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Sterkfontein Cave (611 reviews) from $139.35
    - Such a fun, interactive, and informative tour!
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves
    
    
    Sit­u­at­ed an hour’s dri­ve from Johan­nes­burg and Pre­to­ria, the Sterk­fontein Caves are world-famous for their fos­sil finds and are a pop­u­lar vis­i­tor destination. After an exten­sive facelift in 2005, the Sterk­fontein Caves site is now home to a top restau­rant and con­fer­enc­ing facil­i­ties, offer­ing easy access to the caves with mod­ern walk­ways and a board­walk past the exca­va­tion site where glob­al­ly acclaimed fos­sils have been discovered. The Sterk­fontein Caves are owned by the Uni­ver­si­ty of the Wit­wa­ter­srand, whose sci­en­tists have been respon­si­ble for the main exca­va­tions at this World Her­itage Site. They are cred­it­ed with many of the most notable dis­cov­er­ies in the caves, includ­ing the world-famous fos­sils of Mrs Ples and Lit­tle Foot, the lat­ter being an almost com­plete Aus­tralo­p­ithe­cus skele­ton dat­ing back more than three mil­lion years. The tours at the Sterk­fontein Caves, which start above ground and then take vis­i­tor See more..
    
15. 4.5 Maboneng Precinct (580 reviews)
    - Pretty much no COVID-19 precautions in place.
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Neighborhoods
    
    
    The Maboneng Precinct is a connected Urban neighbourhood in downtown Johannesburg. Maboneng is fast becoming Jo'burg's most unique and innovative area, offering live / work and entertainment opportunities within a fully integrated urban environment. Completed developments include Arts on Main and Main Street Life, Revolution House and more. Maboneng is also home to flagship fashion stores and diverse eateries and entertainment spaces. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial (551 reviews)
    - Insightful
    History Museums
    
    
    This tragic museum, opened in 2002, honors the Sowetan schoolchildren slain in a police massacre in 1976. See more..
    
17. 4.5 The Cradle of Humankind (477 reviews) from $139.35
    - Informative and fun visit for families
    Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    Visited during busy peak December season and was disappointed that the most of the stores for the market were closed. Only the restaurant and photoshop was open which wasn’t great from a tourist perspective. The tour was great, however, the tour guide spoke for about 25 minutes outside before leading us inside. It was too long and too detailed and technical for the audience. Once we entered the building, we found it very informative and thoroughly enjoyed the water ride and interactive activities for the kids. A great outing for the entire family. See more..
    
18. 4.5 Lesedi Cultural Village (437 reviews)
    - Amazing tour
    Spent 2-3 hours History Museums
    
    
    This attraction north of Johannesburg attempts to show busloads of tourists how the Lesedi tribe lives and works. See more..
    
19. 4.5 South African National Museum of Military History (395 reviews)
    - Incredible collection
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Military Museums
    
    
    This large museum contains mostly military-related records, journals, weapons and photographs that depict the nation’s participation in large-scale conflicts. See more..
    
20. 4.5 Hector Pieterson Memorial (345 reviews)
    - Very moving place
    Monuments & Statues
    
    
    The 1976 photograph of slain thirteen-year old Hector Pieterson, carried by a friend while his grieving sister runs alongside, is a chilling reminder that South African was changed thereafter. See more..
    
21. 4.5 The Playground (334 reviews)
    - Best lemonade and a funky vibe to boot
    Sunday: Spent More than 3 hours Flea & Street Markets
    
    
    Braamfontein’s famed Neighbourgoods Market venue is back! Now called 'The Playground' by Play Braamfontein. The Playground is a considered space, playing host to a regular artisan Market every Saturday with a menu of gourmet street food, cocktails, and live music performances and DJ’s. Coming soon, Sunday will play host to live music performances and events. This is not just a market space – it is as focused on the visitor experience as it is on creating a platform for exceptional young talent in Joburg. See more..
    
22. 4.5 Sci-Bono Discovery Centre (240 reviews)
    - Family fun!
    Sunday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Science Museums
    
    
    It’s often hard to find a museum that accommodates all ages. My eleven and fourteen year olds thoroughly enjoyed themselves here. There was loads of hands on activities for them to partake in and the staff were super interactive and friendly. I highly recommend a visit if your children love science! See more..
    
23. 4.5 Hazel Food Market (236 reviews)
    - Weekend Variety
    Sunday: Flea & Street Markets
    
    
    Discover a uniquely international food market in the heart of Pretoria's old East - Lynnwood. The tastes and smells of the world will have your returning every week with food from Greece, Portugal and Italy to name just a few. Hazel Food Market is open every Saturday from 08h00 to 14h00. See more..
    
24. 4.5 Statue of Nelson Mandela (206 reviews)
    - The statue is as big as his heart and achievments
    Spent 1-2 hours Monuments & Statues
    
    
    We were here on 02/25/2020. A beautiful sunny day thet would have lightened up his heart. He has a beautiful view over the city and stands with wide open arms (wide open, just like his heart). We really enjoyed our time here. The garden is well kept. The gardeners we saw do a fine job keeping everthing tidy. If you're looking for souvenirs, just go all the way up the stairs to the Union Buildings. There are stands with local artifacts. The prices are fair, but you can also bargain. See more..
    
25. 4.5 Sammy Marks House (172 reviews)
    - Impressive items & fascinating History at Sammy Marks House
    Historic Sites
    
    
    With a brilliant guide we got to step back in history & see what an amazing clever entrepreneur & wheeler dealer Sammy Marks was. Fascinating facts & items in the house. Ingenious hydroelectrics for those times & many other interesting inventions . Well worth a visit more than once, as every time i go i see or remember something else. Thank you for preserving some of SA’s old History See more..
    
26. 4.5 Satyagraha House (163 reviews)
    - Best museum
    Speciality Museums
    
    
    The best way, to learn more about history of South Africa in a calm environment with beautiful garden and friendly staff and specially tour leader, who will explain the whole house room by room in detail. You need at least 2 hours to fully cover the museum. As we live in south africa, we didn't need accommodation but the place is so much attractive that we decide to reserve a room in future and enjoy the garden and the atmosphere in this place. Defiantly, try the special tea of Satyagraha house. See more..
    
27. 4.5 Ludwig's Rose Farm (124 reviews)
    - A pretty and personal rose experience
    Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Farms • Gardens
    
    
    Millions of colourful roses to see! Garden advise Rose specilaist Tractor rides on weekends Bird watching The Rose Kitchen Restaurant Huge Play Garden Rosy Shop Rose accessories Rose paradise! See more..
    
28. 4.0 Emperors Palace (4.532 reviews)
    - Emperors Casino
    Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Casinos
    
    
    Fit for true Emperors in more ways than one, Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention and Entertainment Resort welcomes all to experience true luxury and excitement. Emperors Palace offers luxurious accommodation in four unique hotels, a glorious health and beauty spa, a magnificent casino with unparalleled gaming enjoyment, the finest in dining options, spectacular entertainment choices, world class conference facilities, and impeccable service. Come to Emperors Palace. Come to the Palace of Dreams! See more..
    
29. 4.0 Gold Reef City (1.868 reviews)
    - Visiting from the USA and loved it
    Sunday: Amusement & Theme Parks • Casinos
    
    
    Gold Reef City is a premier entertainment destination in the south of Johannesburg, reminiscent of an authentic turn-of-the-century mining town which is conveniently situated close to the centre of Johannesburg or just 20 minutes from OR Tambo Airport. The resort offers a variety of entertainment for both the young and young at heart which includes a state of the art casino, two 4-star hotels, conferencing and teambuilding facilities, a thrilling theme park,a spectacular theatre featuring live productions and a variety of restaurants and fast foods for every taste. Also located on the premises is the world renowned Apartheid Museum and the Red Bus City Sightseeing Tours. See more..
    
30. 4.0 Union Buildings (1.393 reviews)
    - Union Buildings
    Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites
    
    
    For anyone looking for an absolute gem of a place in the middle of Pretoria, this is a must see. The Union Building and its architecture, the gardens and historical artifacts are beautiful. This is one of the places in South Africa the government still upkeeps to a high standard. The view is also spectacular while enjoying a BigMac and Coffee. Respect the place and throw your rubbish in a dustbin or keep it in your car. See more..