How to Spend 2 Days in Johannesburg

Two days in Johannesburg allows you enough time to thoroughly explore the city’s historic landmarks—from Constitution Hill to the township of Soweto—and get a closer look at some of the its most culturally rich neighborhoods. Here’s how to spend two days in Johannesburg.

Day 1: Explore the City

**Morning:**Get your bearings by starting off your visit with a sightseeing tour on foot or by bus. You’ll see the main landmarks and get some cultural and historical perspective as you go. Hop-on-hop-off-bus tours offer the flexibility of being able to set your own itinerary and explore at your own pace.

**Afternoon:**Learn about South Africa’s tribal traditions and cultures on a visit to the Lesedi Cultural Village, which shares stories about the Basotho, Ndebele, Pedi, Xhosa, and Zulu tribes. Tours typically conclude with a cultural show featuring drumming and dancing and a buffet meal of traditional dishes.

**Night:**In the evening, hit one of the city’s hippest areas, such as the culturally rich Maboneng or Braamfontein neighborhood. Rather than visiting independently, you can enjoy a richer experience in the company of a guide who introduces you to the top spots for local food, craft beer, and cocktails.

Day 2: Johannesburg History and Culture

**Morning:**Apartheid shaped Johannesburg, so devote the morning to educating yourself on the history of white-minority rule with a visit to the nearby township of Soweto, created in order to segregate the races. Guided tours by bus or bike typically visit the mural-covered Orlando Towers and the houses of former residents Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

**Afternoon:**Get a further lesson in Johannesburg’s history with a visit to the Apartheid Museum, which tells the history of the policy through photos, film, documents, and interactive displays. Some tours of Soweto also visit the Apartheid Museum.

**Night:**Conclude your visit with a memorable evening of pan-African food and storytelling at the Yeoville Dinner Club, where meals are served family-style and your chef-host will regale you with fascinating tales of life in Johannesburg.