2025 Soweto Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

| This "City of Gold" is cooler than you think! When people think of Johannesburg, many think of "poor public safety," but in reality, there are many cultural landmarks, historical sites, and wildlife parks, as well as many Instagram-worthy spots! Want to have a safe and fun time? Be sure to save this guide! 📌 📍 Must-visit spots ✅ Apartheid Museum One of South Africa's most important historical museums, it faithfully recreates the social conditions of the apartheid era. It's very impressive, and we recommend spending 2 hours to explore it in detail. ✅ Maboneng Once an industrial area, it has now become a trendy art district with many Instagram-worthy murals, niche cafes, and craft markets. It's a great place to take photos! 📸 ✅ Soweto The hometown of Nelson Mandela and the heart of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. You can visit Mandela's former residence and experience the local Shebeen (a black tavern) to get a taste of the authentic South African atmosphere! ✅ Lion & Safari Park 🦁 Want to get up close and personal with African wildlife? Here you can see lions, cheetahs, and giraffes, and you can drive yourself or take a park jeep deep into the savannah. It's amazing! ✅ Carlton Centre 🏙️ Want to see all of Johannesburg? Be sure to go up this 50-story skyscraper and watch the sunset over the city skyline. It's beautiful! 📍 Johannesburg food recommendations 🍖🍷 📌 Meat lovers' paradise: Chaf Pozi This is a South African barbecue restaurant (Braai) that locals love. Big steaks, lamb chops, boerewors sausages, and handmade cornmeal, paired with South African beer, are amazing! 🔥 📌 African fusion cuisine: Marble A high-end restaurant specializing in charcoal-grilled steaks and creative seafood. The atmosphere is great, and the night view is unbeatable! 📌 Coffee lovers: Father Coffee A popular local coffee shop with hand-brewed coffee and handmade desserts. It's a great place to take photos! 📍 Johannesburg travel tips 📌 ✔ Safety: Some areas of Johannesburg have average public safety. We recommend staying in Sandton or Rosebank, which are relatively safe. Try to travel during the day and avoid going out alone at night. ✔ Transportation: Uber is the safest and most convenient way to get around. We recommend taking an Uber or booking a hotel transfer from the airport to the city. ✔ Best time to visit: May to September is the best time for wildlife viewing, as the weather is dry and animals are most active! Johannesburg is not only the economic center of South Africa but also a city full of stories and energy! If you want to see the real South Africa, be sure to come here and explore! 🔥🏙️

Soweto is a neighborhood in Johannesburg that is known as a township. It's an area that black people were forced to live in during the times of apartheid. Very often this was in poor condition, though some people who had more money had really nice houses here too, so don't think it was an area for poor people to live. Nelson Mandela was probably Soweto's best known resident and you can still visit his house. Other interesting spots in Soweto include the two towers that are now used for bungee jumping. Try to find a local restaurant and you can enjoy traditional South African food such as boerewors en mieliepap. Though you can visit the area on your own, by car, it is probably more convenient to go with a tour as the guide can explain everything to you in detail. #createwithtrip #culturewalk

At the southern tip of the African continent, Johannesburg shines like a dazzling gem, radiating a unique and captivating brilliance. Filled with anticipation, I stepped into this storied "City of Gold," embarking on a dreamy journey interwoven with nature and culture. Upon arriving in Johannesburg, I was immediately struck by the city's vibrancy. Skyscrapers lined the streets, bustling with people and traffic, showcasing the prosperity of this modern metropolis. A visit to Johannesburg wouldn't be complete without exploring Soweto Township, a significant testament to South Africa's history and culture. Stepping into the township, I was greeted by a picturesque array of colorful houses, each mural narrating stories of the past. I wandered through the narrow streets, conversing with the warm-hearted locals, savoring authentic cuisine, and immersing myself in the rich African atmosphere. At the Hector Pieterson Museum, I delved into the history of the struggle for freedom and equality through exhibits and historical materials, filling my heart with admiration for those who came before. Kruger National Park was a gift of nature bestowed upon me by Johannesburg. Entering the park felt like stepping into a kingdom of wildlife. Riding in an open-top safari vehicle, I traversed the vast grasslands. In the distance, elephants strode with steady steps, giraffes gracefully extended their necks to graze on leaves, and lions majestically patrolled their territory. Our experienced guide expertly located the animals, allowing me to witness these wild creatures up close and experience the magic and grandeur of nature. Johannesburg also boasts a vibrant art scene. In local art galleries, I admired numerous works by African artists. The paintings and sculptures, bursting with vibrant colors and primal energy, showcased Africa's unique culture and spiritual essence, leaving me deeply captivated. As night fell, Johannesburg's nightlife came alive. I ventured into a local bar, where I was enveloped by the passionate music and watched people dance with joy. I couldn't help but join in, releasing my own energy and enthusiasm. My time in Johannesburg was a dream interwoven with nature and culture. The city's warmth, history, and beauty left an indelible mark on me, making me fall deeply in love with this magical land.

🚀 Once you set foot in Johannesburg, you'll be captivated by the city's vibrant energy! From the bustling city skyline to the historic streets, every corner has a story to tell. 🌆 🌈 Don't forget to visit Soweto and experience the soul of music there. Listen to the melodious sounds of Mbaqanga music, and you'll feel like you're traveling through time, having a conversation with Mandela's era. 🎶 Every step here is a step towards freedom. 👣 🍲 Food lovers, you can't miss the culinary feast in Johannesburg! From traditional South African barbecue to exquisite Western cuisine, every bite is a tantalizing treat for your taste buds. 🤤 Especially the rich curry rabbit, it's a miracle on the tip of your tongue! 🐰 🛍️ Shopping enthusiasts, get your credit cards ready! The shopping centers in Sandton are filled with a wide range of options, from high-end fashion to local handicrafts. 🛍️ After a shopping spree, take a break at a nearby café and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. ☕ 🌃 As night falls, Johannesburg's night view is even more enchanting. Climb to the top of a hill and overlook the city's twinkling lights. At that moment, you'll understand why it's called the "New York of Africa." 🌃 Come to Johannesburg and embark on an extraordinary journey! 🌍

#bungee I was there last week to visit Johannesburg and Soweto. These two towers are the landmarks of that area. It is a good place to take photos and selfie. Many people do go there to do bungee. I didn’t have sufficient time as I was on a tour. If not, I would definitely try it. It is convenient to reach this place by Uber or licensed taxi. Strongly recommended to take a photo here.

visit the Mandela house at Soweto to learn more about the life of Nelson Mandela & his family