Free Things To Do In Johannesburg

The biggest city in South Africa, Johannesburg (often nicknamed Joburg), is home to a plethora of fun things to do.

While it might not be as common of a holiday destination as Cape Town or Kruger National Park, Johannesburg has plenty of attractions, activities and free things to do in the city.

This guide includes a list of the best free attractions in Johannesburg, including the top museums and art galleries, as well as the best places to get a good view of the city. We’ve also included the top 10 rated paid attractions in Johannesburg too, so you can plan your ultimate trip there!

Free Attractions in Johannesburg

Top Rated Johannesburg Attractions

Free

Northcliff Hill

For unparalleled views of Joburg, make sure to head to Northcliff Hill where you’ll be greeted by the most spectacular scenic viewpoint of the city and beyond.

Northcliff Hill is best visited at sunset, when the whole city becomes shrouded in a mystical, sunset glow.

This free attraction gets very busy at the weekend, so it’s probably best to avoid the climb on Saturdays and Sundays, and instead make your way up to...

Captivating 3 Day Kruger Safari Adventure From Johannesburg

clock Duration: 3 days
  • This is a 3 day Kruger park Safari tour
  • This is a completely guided tour
  • The main attraction is the open vehicle used for the safari which makes for a more intimate connection with the wildlife
read more
Free

Multiflora Flower Market

For a chance to see Africa’s largest flower market in all its glory, get up early in the morning and head to Multiflora Flower Market in Johannesburg.

Here you’ll find the biggest collection of flowers, plants and a myriad of species of flora.

It’s the perfect place in the city to head to and take some truly beautiful pictures; they’ll be so good; you’d be hard pressed not to share them with...

Innercity Walking Tour

clock Duration: 4 hours
  • The Inner City Urban Hiking Tour combines walking and the use of safe public transport to provide a structured tour of the City’s best kept secrets. The tour passes some of the City’s most magnificent heritage sites, offering a complete cultural mix and in doing so, exposes parts of the city that most people are reluctant to...read more
Free

The Goodman Gallery is one of the oldest contemporary art galleries in South Africa, therefore, it’s the perfect place for art connoisseurs to visit!

It’s free to visit and wander around so you can check out top works of art from world famous artists, as well as more local talented creators too.

If the Goodman Gallery doesn’t satisfy your need for the arts, then head down the road and pay a quick visit to...

The Cradle of Humankind Experience

clock Duration: 7 to 30 mi
  • Being a Member and an Ambassador at the Cradle, we are fully qualified to offer this experience! We guarantee customer satisfaction during the this...read more
Free

Melville Koppies Reserve

What you need to know:

For an alternative place in the city to enjoy some of the best views of Johannesburg, hike up to the top of Melville Koppies Reserve.

While it’s not the easiest trek to the top, it’s still worth it for the stunning views of the Joburg skyline below.

Kids will love running through the long grass with wild abandonment, and you can keep an eye on them while admiring the...

Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre

clock Duration: 4 to 5 hou
  • Cheetahs are the fastest land animal in the world. They are also one of the most endangered big cats due to, among other factors, loss of habitat.

    The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre (formerly De Wildt Cheetah Centre) prides itself on its proactive approach to the research and conservation of these beautiful animals. Daily guided tours take...read more
Free

Zoo Lake

What youneed to know:

For a more peaceful and tranquil side of Johannesburg, pay a visit to the beatific Zoo Lake where you’ll enjoy spectacular views over the water and plenty of open space for an afternoon stroll.

You can even take a boat ride out across the Lake to soak up even more of the loveliness that it has to offer.

If you still didn’t get your fill of art at the...

Soweto half day Tour

clock Duration: 4 to 5 hou
  • Enjoy a half day tour through South Africa’s largest and most famous township.

    Understand the origins of the township along with the current “kasi” life before walking in the steps of legends - Nobel peace prize winners Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu at their houses in Vilakazi Street.

    This Stephenson Adventures...read more
Free

James Hall Transport Museum

The James Hall Transport Museum is the largest transport museum in the whole of Africa, so it’s the perfect day out to add to your Johannesburg itinerary!

Car fanatics, and in particular, antique car lovers, are sure to enjoy a trip to the James Hall Transport Museum.

Full of old, classic vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, steam engines and carriages, this free attraction in Johannesburg is truly one of a...

Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site

clock Duration: 4 to 5 hou
  • Escape the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg and Pretoria to explore one of the world’s richest concentration of hominid fossils with a tour of The Cradle of Humankind.

    Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the region of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans and Kromdraai, the fossil sites cover an area 53,000 hectares, split across the...read more

Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site

clock Duration: 4 to 5 hou
  • Escape the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg and Pretoria to explore one of the world’s richest concentration of hominid fossils with a tour of The Cradle of Humankind.

    Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the region of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans and Kromdraai, the fossil sites cover an area 53,000 hectares, split across the...read more

Day Safari in Pilanesburg Big Five Game Reserve

clock Duration: 8 hours
  • Very informative wildlife tour by well-experienced, trained and qualified guides to guarantee your safety.

    If you're into adventure with nature, this tour is BEST for...read more

Full Day Open Vehicle Safari Pilanesberg National Park

clock Duration: 1 day
  • Enjoy  your safari from the comfort of the open safari vehicle in the Pilanesberg National Park which is situated in the North West Province of South Africa. The Pilanesberg National Park is home to a brimming diversity of...read more

Pretoria City Tour

clock Duration: 4 hours
  • Your guide will take you on a sightseeing tour in Pretoria, administrative Capital of South Africa . Sightseeing places to visit are Voortrekker monument , Church Square , Palace of Justice , Paul Kruger Museum , Union...read more

One night two day Pilanesberg National Park safari and open vehicle game drives

clock Duration: 2 days
  • Ideal big five safari from Johannesburg if you have limited time
    One night’s luxury accommodation in a four star bush lodge
    Dinner and breakfast
    Two three hour long open safari vehicle game drives in the big five game Pilanesberg National Park
    Return transfers between Johannesburg and...read more

2 Day Luxury Pilanesberg National Park Safari

clock Duration: 20 hours
  • Of all South Africa's national parks, Pilanesberg is most probably the most accessible.
    You will be picked up from your hotel in a luxury air conditioned vehicle by a professional guide/driver.
    You will check in, relax by the pool or have cocktails at a bar overlooking a busy waterhole.
    Your Open Vehicle sunset drive will start at 16h00...read more

3 Day Luxury Tented Kruger Safari from Johannesburg

clock Duration: 3 days
  • Enjoy an authentic African Safari Experience with this incredible 3 days /2 night Kruger national Park Safari. Luxury Tented Accommodation in Kuger Park, Daily Game Drives, Meals and Transfers from Johannesburg are all...read more
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