If you only have one day in Johannesburg, I truly believe the city is worth your time. We actually wanted to visit Johannesburg, and when we found a convenient flight from Port Elizabeth before flying back to Europe, it felt like the perfect way to end our South Africa trip.
Johannesburg is a huge, busy city, and you will cover quite a few kilometres in a single day. But that is also what makes it so interesting. Every place we visited showed us a different side of the city — from the powerful stories at the Apartheid Museum and Hector Pieterson Memorial in Soweto to the modern energy of Sandton.
We packed a lot into one day, and doing it on our own by rental car gave us the flexibility to explore Johannesburg at our own pace. It was a busy day and we covered quite a few kilometers, but we wouldn’t change a thing. Having the freedom to stop where we wanted made the experience feel much more personal.
Here is exactly how we spent our one day in Johannesburg, including the route we followed and the stops that made our day unforgettable.
Johannesburg Travel Guide
✈️ Flights: Compare and book the best flight deals to Johannesburg with Skyscanner.
🚕 Airport Transfer: For a comfortable arrival, book a private airport transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport.
🚘 Rent a Car: Explore Johannesburg at your own pace with a rental car. Check Discover Cars for the best rental options and compare prices from different providers.
🏡 Where to Stay:
Sandton area
Rosebank & Melrose area:
Radisson RED Johannesburg Rosebank
African Pride Melrose Arch, Autograph Collection
Melville area
🌍 Best Tours:
2. Johannesburg and Soweto Full-Day Tour
3. Johannesburg and Soweto Half-Day Tour
☂️ Travel Insurance: Travel with peace of mind and check Heymondo for reliable travel insurance covering unexpected situations.
📱 Stay Connected: Use an eSIM from Airalo to stay connected for navigation, bookings, and travel planning throughout South Africa.
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Table of Contents
Our One Day in Johannesburg Itinerary
We stayed in Sandton, so we started the morning with breakfast at Nelson Mandela Square before driving to our first stop—the Apartheid Museum.
1. Visit the Apartheid Museum
If there’s one place I think everyone should visit in Johannesburg, it’s the Apartheid Museum. We chose to start our day here, and looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. It gave us so much context for everything else we saw later, especially our visit to Soweto.
The moment that stayed with me the most happened before we even entered the museum. At the entrance, visitors receive a ticket marked either “White” or “Non-White” and are directed to different gates.
It only takes a few seconds, but walking through a separate entrance made the reality of apartheid feel much closer. For us, it was just part of a museum experience. For millions of South Africans, this kind of separation was a normal part of everyday life not so long ago.
I knew the basics about apartheid before visiting, but the museum helped me understand just how deeply it affected people’s everyday lives. Through photographs, videos, newspaper articles, personal stories, and original artifacts, the exhibits explain how apartheid became law, how people resisted it, and how the country held its first democratic elections in 1994.
Give yourself at least two or three hours here. We thought we’d move through the museum fairly quickly, but we kept stopping to read, watch the short films, and take everything in.
Some parts are difficult to process, and you’ll probably leave feeling emotionally drained. We certainly did. But it’s also one of the most meaningful places we visited during our trip to South Africa, and I wouldn’t skip it, even if you only have one day in Johannesburg.
Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
If you have more time: Right next to the museum is Gold Reef City. We didn’t visit it ourselves, but if you’re spending more than one day in Johannesburg and are looking for something fun to balance out the city’s historical attractions, it’s an easy addition to your itinerary.
2. Driving to Soweto
One of the things I enjoyed most about Johannesburg was that the drive itself became part of the experience. As we made our way from the Apartheid Museum to Soweto, we passed a few landmarks that are worth keeping an eye out for.
FNB Stadium
One of the first landmarks we spotted on the way to Soweto was FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City. Even from the road, it’s hard to miss its distinctive design, inspired by a traditional African calabash. The stadium hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final, making it one of South Africa’s most iconic sporting venues.
We didn’t stop because we wanted to make the most of our day in Soweto. But if you’re spending more than one day in Johannesburg, you can join a guided FNB Stadium tour that takes you behind the scenes, including the players’ tunnel, changing rooms, and VIP areas.
Orlando Towers
A few minutes later, the colorful Orlando Towers came into view, and they immediately caught our attention. Once part of a coal-fired power station, they’ve been transformed into one of Johannesburg’s most recognizable landmarks and an adventure hub for adrenaline lovers.
We only stopped briefly to admire them from the outside before continuing into Soweto. But if you’re into adventure sports, this is where you’ll find activities like bungee jumping or zip-lining.
3. Explore Soweto
Soweto is one of the largest and most well-known townships in South Africa, and it’s a place with an incredibly important role in the country’s history.
It’s where many people lived during apartheid, and it became a center of resistance against the regime.
The Apartheid Museum gave us the historical context, while Soweto brought many of those stories to life.
Visiting this historic township was one of the experiences we were most looking forward to on our one-day Johannesburg itinerary, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our day.
We explored Soweto on our own, which allowed us to take our time and visit the places that interested us most.
One of the things that stood out to me most was how diverse the neighborhood is. As we drove through the streets, we saw everything from modest corrugated-iron homes to colorful brick houses and large, modern properties.
It’s a place of contrasts, and every street seemed to tell a different story.
If you’re planning your own one day in Johannesburg itinerary, I’d definitely recommend joining a guided tour of Soweto. Having someone who grew up in Soweto or knows the area well can add so much context and bring the history to life.
We visited some of Soweto’s most important landmarks, including the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum, Vilakazi Street, and Nelson Mandela’s former home.
Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum
The Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum was one of the most emotional stops of our visit to Soweto.
Before arriving, I knew about the Soweto uprising. Seeing the events presented through personal stories and photographs made the history feel much more real. The museum tells the story of June 16, 1976, when thousands of students protested against the apartheid government’s decision to impose Afrikaans as a language of instruction in schools.
One of the most powerful parts of the museum is seeing the photographs from that day, including the iconic image of 13-year-old Hector Pieterson being carried after police shot him. The image became a symbol of the brutality of apartheid and the courage of the young people who stood up against it.
Walking through the museum, it is impossible not to think about the human side of history. Think about the students, the families, and the communities affected by those events. For us, this was one of the places in Johannesburg that stayed with us long after we left.
Photo: Mbuyisa Makhubo picked up Hector Pieterson and, together with Hector’s sister, Antoinette, ran towards the only photographer in the area.
Vilakazi Street: The Heart of Soweto
No visit to Soweto is complete without spending some time on Vilakazi Street, one of the most famous streets in Johannesburg and a place filled with history. What makes it unique is that it was home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
The street is best known as the location of Nelson Mandela’s former home, which we visited later during our time in Soweto. But even beyond the historical landmarks, Vilakazi Street has a lively atmosphere, with restaurants, local vendors, and small shops selling handmade crafts, artwork, clothing, and souvenirs.
We enjoyed taking some time to walk around, browse the stalls, and chat with some of the local sellers. It felt like a nice contrast after the emotional experience at the Hector Pieterson Memorial & Museum—a chance to see a different side of Soweto, one that is full of energy, creativity, and everyday life.
One practical thing to keep in mind when visiting Vilakazi Street is parking. When we arrived, a few people approached us, offering to help us find a parking spot and suggesting where we should leave the car. We decided to stay cautious and choose our own parking area. Nothing happened, but the experience reminded us to stay aware, as you would in any busy tourist area.
If you are planning your Soweto itinerary, Vilakazi Street is an easy stop to combine with the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Nelson Mandela House, as everything is located close together.
Nelson Mandela House Museum
Located at 8115 Vilakazi Street, the Nelson Mandela House Museum is one of the most meaningful stops you can add to your Soweto itinerary.
After learning about apartheid at the Apartheid Museum and visiting the Hector Pieterson Memorial, stepping inside the small red-brick house where Nelson Mandela once lived felt like another important piece of the story. This is the place where Mandela returned after his release from prison and where he lived with his family before eventually moving away.
The house itself is modest. Inside, you can see personal belongings, family photographs, and displays that give you a glimpse into the everyday life of Nelson Mandela.
The visit is quite short. You can see the house in around 10 to 15 minutes. But it is worth taking your time to look around and appreciate the history connected to this small space.
One thing to know before visiting: Vilakazi Street can get very busy, and the house is a popular stop on many Soweto tours. At times, the number of visitors inside can make the experience feel a little rushed.
For anyone spending one day in Johannesburg, the Nelson Mandela House Museum is a stop I would definitely include. It is a small place, but it carries an incredible amount of history.
4. Constitution Hill – A Powerful Final Stop in Johannesburg
After exploring Soweto, we still felt that we hadn’t seen enough of Johannesburg’s history. Since we had some extra time, we decided to add one more meaningful stop to our day: Constitution Hill.
And I’m really glad we did.
Constitution Hill was one of the places that helped us understand Johannesburg’s history on a much deeper level. Today, it is home to South Africa’s Constitutional Court. But before that, this site was a prison and military fort where thousands of people were detained for more than a century.
Walking through the old prison buildings, it is hard not to think about the people who passed through these gates. Among them were some of the most well-known figures in South Africa’s struggle for freedom, including Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, as well as countless political activists whose stories are also part of this place.
We visited at the end of our day, and in many ways, it was the perfect way to finish our one day in Johannesburg itinerary. After seeing the history of apartheid through museums and landmarks, Constitution Hill helped connect everything together—the struggles of the past and the country’s ongoing journey toward justice and equality.
You can visit the Constitutional Court for free, while some of the museums and exhibitions on the site require an entrance ticket. If you want to understand the full story behind Constitution Hill, joining a guided tour is a great option.
Parking tip: If you are driving, you can use the secure underground parking on levels C and D, accessible from Joubert Street.
5. End Your One Day in Johannesburg at Nelson Mandela Square
After a full day of exploring Johannesburg’s history, we ended our day back in Sandton at Nelson Mandela Square.
It felt like the perfect place to finish. We arrived in the morning for breakfast, not knowing how much this city would teach us throughout the day. Hours later, after visiting the Apartheid Museum, Soweto, and Constitution Hill, we came back to the same area with a much deeper understanding of Johannesburg and its story.
We were definitely tired and emotionally full after everything we had seen, but also incredibly grateful for the chance to experience this side of South Africa.
For our final dinner in South Africa, we chose a restaurant in Nelson Mandela Square. After two weeks of enjoying fresh fish and seafood along the coast, we couldn’t resist ending our trip with one more seafood meal.
The food was delicious and it turned out to be the perfect way to celebrate the end of an unforgettable journey.
Good food, good memories, and one last evening in Johannesburg before heading back to Europe.
Interactive Map of the Best Places to Visit in Johannesburg in One Day
Underneath, you’ll find a customized map that includes all the locations mentioned in this article. Just open up this article on your phone and click on the frame in the upper right corner of this map. Google Maps app will open and you can check all the details. I hope it helps!
On our one day in Johannesburg, we drove almost 75 km from the Sandton area down south to the Apartheid Museum, the Soweto area, Constitution Hill, and then back to Sandton. However, the distance will be shorter if you stay in Rosebank.
More Things to Do in Johannesburg If You Have More Than One Day
If you have more than one day in Johannesburg, I highly recommend exploring some of the attractions around the city.
One of the most fascinating day trips is the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 50 km northwest of Johannesburg. This area is one of the most important places in the world for understanding human evolution, with its network of limestone caves and remarkable fossil discoveries.
The highlight of the visit is the Sterkfontein Caves, where researchers have uncovered the remains of more than 500 hominids, including some of the most significant discoveries related to our ancestors. Even if you are not particularly interested in anthropology, the experience of walking through these ancient caves and learning about the origins of humanity is truly unique.
If you have extra time, you can also explore other sides of Johannesburg, such as the creative Maboneng Precinct with its street art, cafes, and restaurants.
Or spend a more relaxed day at places like Zoo Lake and the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens.
An additional day also gives you the chance to discover Soweto at a slower pace, join a local tour, or visit attractions that you may have missed during a one-day itinerary.
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If you’re looking for travel insurance for your trip to South Africa, I highly recommend HEYMONDO, a trusted insurance provider for leisure and business trips, backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads. Their travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, etc. Also, their customer service is very quick and helpful.
Useful Things to Know Before Visiting Johannesburg
Is Johannesburg SAFE?
This question hit my mind for sure. Crime, street violence, and robbery are among the concerns for travelers coming to Johannesburg.
Luckily, the city is much safer than it used to be in the past. Just be vigilant, don’t walk or drive at night, and keep your valuables safe. If you’re renting a car, don’t stop for hitchhikers.
We rented a car from the airport, so we visited many places and drove to different locations during our one day in Johannesburg; however, we never felt threatened or unsafe.
Best Time to Visit Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is generally during the shoulder seasons: March to May and September to November.
These months offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and comfortable weather for exploring the city. The days are usually warm, while evenings can be cooler.
We visited during September, and the weather was perfect for a full day of sightseeing. Since many of Johannesburg’s attractions involve outdoor walking, comfortable temperatures make a big difference.
The summer months (December to February) are warmer and bring afternoon thunderstorms. Winter (June to August) offers dry weather and sunny days.
How to Get to Johannesburg
Most international travelers arrive in Johannesburg through O.R. Tambo International Airport, the city’s main international gateway and one of the busiest airports in Africa.
For us, Johannesburg was the perfect final stop on our South Africa trip. We flew there from Port Elizabeth and then continued directly to Europe, which made it a very convenient connection before heading home.
Because South Africa is a large country, flying between destinations is usually the easiest and most time-efficient option. Domestic routes connect Johannesburg with popular destinations such as Cape Town, Durban, George, and Port Elizabeth, with several flights available every day.
If you’re planning a longer South Africa itinerary, Johannesburg can also be a great starting point before exploring other parts of the country.
How to Get From Johannesburg Airport to the City
O.R. Tambo International Airport is located about 25 km east of Johannesburg, and getting into the city is relatively straightforward.
Since we rented a car directly from the airport, we drove ourselves to Sandton, where we were staying. This gave us the flexibility we wanted for our one day in Johannesburg itinerary, especially because we planned to visit attractions spread across different parts of the city.
If you don’t want to drive in Johannesburg, Uber is a convenient option and can make the arrival process much easier, especially after a long international flight.
For a comfortable arrival, book a private airport transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Another option is the Gautrain, a fast train service connecting the airport with key areas such as Sandton, Rosebank, and Park Station. It is a popular choice for travelers who want to avoid traffic and reach the city without taking a taxi.
Renting Car in Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a big city, so don’t underestimate the driving distances. Planning your route in advance will help you make the most of your time.
For our one day in Johannesburg itinerary, renting a car was the option that worked best for us. The city is very spread out, and the main attractions are located quite far from each other, so having our own vehicle gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace.
Driving in Johannesburg was easier than we expected. Traffic can get busy during rush hour, but outside those times, we found it manageable. Parking was generally not a problem at the places we visited.
One thing you may notice, especially around popular tourist areas, is that people might approach you offering to “watch” your car while you are parked. We encountered this in Soweto. But we chose to stay cautious, politely declined, and parked where we felt comfortable.
We always use DISCOVER CARS when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies. Renting a car is the easiest way to see all this beautiful country has to offer.
Getting Around Johannesburg Without a Car
Uber is one of the easiest and most convenient options for getting around the city, especially if you are staying in areas like Sandton or Rosebank. It can save you the stress of navigating traffic and finding parking.
If you don’t want to rent a car, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus is one of the easiest ways to see Johannesburg’s main attractions. It connects several important sights, including Constitution Hill, the Apartheid Museum, and other highlights around the city.
This can be a good option if you only have limited time or prefer not to worry about navigation and parking.
There are two routes you can choose from.
Green Tour Route:
Rosebank – Zoo Lake – Johannesburg Zoo – Military Museum – Constitution Hill
Red Tour Route:
Constitution Hill – Mining District – Carlton Centre – James Hall Transport Museum – Gold Reef City Casino Hotel – Apartheid Museum – New Town – Braamfontein
BOOK YOUR HOP-ON HOP-OFF TICKETS
Best Tours in Johannesburg
Another popular option is joining a guided tour, especially for places like Soweto. Having a local guide can add a lot of context to what you are seeing.
I chose for you some of thebest tours of Johannesburg, with great reviews and value for money, so feel free to check them out:
1. Taste of Africa Food Tour
Explore Johannesburg’s diverse food scene in neighborhoods like Yeoville or Maboneng, known for their multicultural atmosphere, street art, and incredible variety of African cuisines.
→ Learn more about this tour HERE
2. Johannesburg and Soweto Full-Day Tour
A great option if you want to visit the city’s most important landmarks in one day, including Soweto, the Apartheid Museum, and other historical sites.
→ Find out more about this Johannesburg full day tour HERE
3. Johannesburg and Soweto Half-Day Tour
Perfect if you have limited time. This tour combines a city overview with visits to Soweto highlights, including Mandela House Museum and Hector Pieterson Memorial.
The first stop will be the city center of Johannesburg; continue with a Soweto tour and learn about its history, and visit Mandela House Museum and Hector Pieterson Museum.
→ Learn more about this Soweto tour HERE
How Many Days Do You Need in Johannesburg?
If you are wondering how many days to spend in Johannesburg, I think two to three days would allow you to experience the city at a much more relaxed pace.
If Johannesburg is part of a longer South Africa itinerary and you only have one day, you can still see many of the city’s highlights.
We managed to visit the Apartheid Museum, drive through Soweto and see some of its most important landmarks. We visited Constitution Hill, and ended the day in Sandton.
It was a full day, and we covered quite a lot of ground. But we never felt like we were just rushing from one place to another.
If you love history and want to understand South Africa beyond its landscapes and wildlife, Johannesburg deserves at least a little time.
With two or three days, you could slow things down, spend more time in Soweto, visit additional museums, explore neighborhoods like Maboneng, or simply enjoy the city’s restaurants and coffee shops.
Where to Stay in Johannesburg
Choosing the right area to stay in Johannesburg can make a big difference, especially if you only have a short time in the city. Johannesburg is very spread out, so staying somewhere convenient will save you a lot of driving time.
Sandton: The Best Area for a First Visit
For our stay in Johannesburg, we chose Sandton. We found it to be a great base for exploring the city. The area is modern, well-connected, and filled with restaurants, shopping centers, hotels, and places to enjoy an evening out.
We stayed close to Nelson Mandela Square, which was especially convenient because we could walk to restaurants and enjoy the area without having to drive at night.
Sandton is home to Johannesburg’s main financial district and is one of the most popular areas for visitors looking for comfort, convenience, and a wide choice of accommodation.
Recommended hotels in Sandton area:
Sandton Sun and Towers – A luxury option close to Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City. It is perfect if you want to stay in the heart of Johannesburg’s business district.
Garden Court Sandton City – A comfortable mid-range choice with an excellent location near restaurants and shopping.
Hotel Sky Sandton – A modern and stylish option with a convenient location.
Rosebank & Melrose: Stylish and Convenient
Rosebank and Melrose are also popular choices among travelers. These neighborhoods have a more relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars.
They are lively areas where you can easily spend an afternoon exploring local stores, grabbing coffee, or enjoying a meal. Their central location makes them a convenient alternative to Sandton.
Recommended hotels in Rosebank & Melrose area:
54 on Bath – A boutique luxury hotel with elegant rooms and excellent service.
Radisson RED Johannesburg Rosebank – A modern hotel with a fun atmosphere, close to shops and restaurants.
African Pride Melrose Arch, Autograph Collection – A beautiful choice if you prefer a more unique stay in a pedestrian-friendly area filled with restaurants and boutiques.
Melville: A More Local Atmosphere
If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a younger and more creative vibe, Melville is worth considering. Known for its university community, independent restaurants, cafes, and nightlife, it has a different feel from the Sandton and Rosebank.
It may not be the most convenient choice if you only have one day in Johannesburg, but it can be a great option if you want to experience a more local side of the city.
Recommended hotels in Melville area:
Lucky Bean Guesthouse – A charming guesthouse with a relaxed atmosphere, garden, and a convenient location close to Melville’s restaurants and cafes.
Melville Turret Guesthouse – A cozy guesthouse option with character, ideal for travelers who prefer a homely stay.
Agterplaas Guesthouse – A traditional-style guesthouse offering a quieter stay while still being close to the lively parts of Melville.
Thoughts on Spending One Day in Johannesburg
Johannesburg wasn’t my favorite city in South Africa. But it was definitely the one that made me think the most.
It’s raw, complicated and full of contrasts. One minute you’re standing inside the Apartheid Museum trying to process everything you’ve just learned, and an hour later you’re enjoying dinner in one of Sandton’s modern restaurants.
If you only have one day, don’t skip it. It may end up being one of the most memorable days of your South Africa trip.
South Africa-related articles
If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, you might want to read my other articles:
3 DAYS IN CAPE TOWN: THE PERFECT ITINERARY FOR FIRST TIMERS
SELF-DRIVE SAFARI AT ADDO ELEPHANT PARK, SOUTH AFRICA
AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA
THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM CAPE TOWN YOU CAN’T MISS
HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN CAPE AGULHAS ITINERARY
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