Johannesburg is the best place to learn about South Africa’s past and look to its future. The city, called Jozi or Joburg by its citizens, is an urban garden and offers you museums about the history of South Africa, guided tours through the most vibrant areas such as Maboneng, local markets with regional products and delicious restaurants and cafes from all over the world. And if you need a break from the city’s size and vibrant energy, head off to a safari, do adventure sports and experience the history of humanity.

What to do & see?

Maboneng – Joburg’s hipster-friendly neighbourhood
It is the most vibrant area with plenty of young people. You find restaurants, bars and coffees and not to forget the Market on the Main. Every Sunday you can pamper yourself with regional foods and local designs. One of our most favorite places in the Joburg to sip a cocktail and listen to good music is the urban garden “The Livingroom“. Visit the eco bar on a Sunday afternoon surround yourself with techno beats and chilled people.

Apartheid Museum – dive into South African History
Racial segregation has been predominant in Johannesburg and all of South Africa from 1948 till 1994. The traces of history are still noticeable in the city. The Apartheid museum is definitely worth a visit to understand what has happened and what meaning it has to the modern South Africa.

Sterkfontein Caves – meet Mrs Ples and Little Foot
The the Sterkfontein Caves are a world heritage famous for the fossil finds of three million years old humans Mrs Ples and Little Foot. The tour guide takes you inside the caves and shows you where humanity in Africa began, 3 million years ago. Also called, the cradle of humankind.

Cradle Moon – bike with Zebras and Giraffes
Ever biked on the countryside running into a herd of giraffes or zebras? It happened to us several times, whenever we went to Cradle Moon for a mountain bike tour. You don’t need your own bike. Just bring yourself & rent a bike.

Where to shop & wander?

Visit a market – buy yourself some African rarities
Joburg is home to plenty of outdoor markets. Apart from the Market on the Main in Maboneng, other awesome markets are:
The Neighborgoods Market on a Saturday. It is famous for its locally-sourced food, live music  and chilled atmosphere.
The Rooftop Market in Rosebank Mall. It is more of a family-thing, offering food, second hand clothes and some other flee market rarities.

Mall of Africa – the modern way to shop in Joburg
The Mall of Africa is biggest shopping mall in the whole of Africa. Yes the whole of Africa, not only South Africa. While we prefer smaller shops or markets to go shopping, the mall is worth a visit to browse around the shops and restaurants. Careful though, don’t get lost!

Where to eat?

Lexi’s Healthy Eater – Eat more plants
We’re telling you, Lexi’s Health Eatery is the best vegan/vegetarian restaurant we’ve ever been to. It is ethical, sustainable, healthy and absolutely delicious. Plus, you’ll find a few of them in the whole of Joburg. If you craving for meat, take the vegetarian “beyond meat” burger. You won’t taste the different.

Coalition – la migliore pizza della città
A good pizza and the Italian feels like home. We wish it would be that easy. Nevertheless, we found the best pizza in Joburg, approved by a true Italian. You’ll find it in Coalition in Randburg. You’ll find us there weekly.

Where to stay?

Air Bnb – feel like home
As we never stayed in a hotel in Johannesburg we can’t tell you the best or most eco-friendly hotels. Sorry for that. Whenever we come to Joburg we stay in an eco-friendly Air-Bnb. So we can tell you that you’ll find amazing places on Air-Bnb from tree houses, to apartments and whole houses. South Africans are used to have a lot of private space so eventually you’ll find yourself in a bigger place than what you’re used to. Plus, you support the local people instead of some random hotel chain.