South Africa‘s ‘Big Apple’, this sunny city is not only one of the world’s largest urban areas and South Africa’s commercial and economic hub, it’s also been branded the new capital of cool.

In recent years, Johannesburg (otherwise known as Joburg or Jozi) has undergone a huge transformation, shifting from a jumping-off point to a city that has been described as one of the coolest cities in the world. The inner city in particular has been completely redeveloped with a huge amount of public art popping up all over the streets.

Areas such as Maboneng have been compared to London’s Shoreditch and New York’s Williamsburg, with old industrial buildings renovated into arty shopping complexes, rooftop bars and street-side coffee shacks. In Newtown, go on a street art tour to discover the stories behind the vibrant murals and public art. In Soweto, you can explore one of South Africa’s most important historical areas with a local and be inspired by the legacy of Nelson Mandela and other key activists in the anti-apartheid movement.

When to go

September to April is Johannesburg's summer with average daily temperatures very warm. It does get quite cool during the winter months (May - October).

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What to do

  • Visit the Apartheid Museum and Soweto
  • Street art and graffiti tours
  • Take a trip to World Heritage Site 'Cradle of Humankind'

Johannesburg travel guides