Johannesburg is one of the most exciting, lively cities in South Africa, with a rich history and cultural diversity that makes it the trendiest place to be. There’s no shortage of hotspots to keep you enthralled with the city, and we have compiled a list of the most vibrant, happening spots to visit on your day off. The best part? You can visit all these attractions on the famous City Sightseeing Red Bus; the perfect way to cruise through the City of Gold.
Image Source: City Sightseeing
Do some window shopping at The Zone @ Rosebank STOP 1
One of Jozi’s most popular shopping haunts, The Zone @ Rosebank is a bustling hub for shoppers, especially with the younger crowds. With stores that feature top local and international brands such as M.A.C, Deep Blue and Sowearto, and a kids section to keep the little ones entertained, it’s easy to spend a day there shopping the latest trends and looks.
Sightseers will also find a cinema, putt-putt course, and pavement cafés and restaurants to grab a bite to eat. You can find City Sightseeing’s ticket office at The Zone, which is the first STOP on the route.
Image Source: City Sightseeing
Soak up the sun at Zoo Lake
This inner-city spot is ideal for sprawling out on the lawn and just watching a sunny morning or afternoon go by. In fact, you can take your relaxation to the water by renting out a rowing boat. Paddle out to enjoy a picnic amongst the ducks (you are welcome to feed them, and kids love it), with the sounds of the nearby fountains helping to melt your troubles away. Just remember to wear plenty of sunblock, or bring an umbrella to keep the sun at bay.
The Johannesburg Zoo is just a short walk away if you want to meet some other furry friends, and you can enjoy some lunch at the Moyo restaurant near the lake. You can hop off the red bus at or 3 to spend time at the lake and zoo respectively.
Image source: City Sightseeing
Join the gold rush at Gold Reef City
The whole family won’t get enough of Gold Reef City, with over 30 exhilarating rides to keep you entertained. With famous rides like the Jozi Express, Golden Loop, Tower of Terror, and the winding Anaconda, you are spoilt for choice at this massive theme park. They recently opened two brand new rides set to send you reeling, the Storm Chaser and The High Flying Maverick, with fear factors of 10 and 9 out of 10!
A gold rush themed park is nothing without a gold mine, and Gold Reef City has the real deal. The park is built on a genuine decommissioned gold mine! Put on your mining helmet and go on a guided tour of the mine, going as low as 80m underground.
You can find Gold Reef City at , and the best part? Present your City Sightseeing Bus ticket to get your mine tour ticket for only R110.
Image source: On Route
Explore the trendy Newtown Precinct
This historic precinct, once a forgotten mining district, has been revived and is now a buzzing hotspot and cultural hub in the city of Egoli. It is home to renowned art galleries, vibrant theatres, historical museums, and bustling markets. The Market Theatre at the centre of it all is a landmark, famous for defying Apartheid with its protest performances and commitment to being a non-racial theatre.
You will also find the Sci Bono Discovery Centre and the Workers Museum at the Newton Precinct where you can pay tribute to the workers who once slaved away in the district while the kids embark on a scientific adventure of discovery.
Sightseers can find all this by hopping off the red bus at .
Image Source: City Sightseeing
Experience the urban thoroughfares of Braamfontein
Everything is within walking distance of the bus stop at in Braamfontein. Like the Newtown Precinct, Braamfontein is one of the most popular areas in Johannesburg, a place to see and be seen as you explore its trendy bars and cafes. On weekends you will find the thriving Neighbourgoods market, with its organic produce, delicious and healthy cuisine, designer food and beverages, and artisan goods. There’s often live music at the market and the numerous bars dotting the area close by.
The Wits University Campus is also located nearby, where you can take a tour of the Wits Origins Centre to learn about the history of mankind in Africa, and see cave paintings up close or even have your DNA tested to discover the secrets of your ancestry.
Image source: Joburg.co.za
The red bus is the best way to go hotspot hopping in Johannesburg, sitting on the deck of the open-topped Red Bus as you enjoy the sunshine and look out over the city skyline. Book your bus ticket online to skip the queue and get exclusive online discounts, and then get ready to paint Jozi red by visiting your favourite attractions along the routes.
