Everything you need to know about visiting Johannesburg

Johannesburg is unlike anywhere else I’ve been before. As South Africa’s biggest city and one with a rich history, there’s a lot to see, do and experience. Once home to Nelson and Winnie Mandela as well as Desmond Tutu, Jozi offers a wide array of experiences from museums and monuments to bustling hipster neighbourhoods and artisanal markets. From the vibrant streets of Soweto to the restaurants and cafes of Parkhurst, Johannesburg has a lot to offer travellers. If you’re planning a trip or thinking about visiting one day, here’s everything you need to know about Johannesburg travel.

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Is it safe for travellers in Johannesburg?

Safety is probably the first thing people want to know about Jo’Burg, and it deserves an honest answer. Johannesburg has a genuinely high crime rate, and it would be doing you a disservice to gloss over that. Carjacking, armed robbery and petty theft are real concerns, particularly outside the established tourist areas.

That said, I had a positive experience during my visit, and I believe Johannesburg is absolutely worth visiting if you approach it with the right mindset. The key is to treat it as a point-to-point city rather than a walkable one. Areas like Sandton, Rosebank and Melrose are well-monitored, structured and generally safe for travellers. Outside of those zones, the risk profile changes quickly, which is why I’d strongly recommend using Uber rather than walking between venues, avoiding public transport, and booking a local guide for anything involving areas you don’t know well. Travelling with an experienced local guide made an enormous difference to my trip, both for safety and for the depth of experience it unlocked.

Check the Australian Government’s Smartraveller advice before you go, as well as any current travel advisories from your home country. The advice as of mid-2026 is to exercise a high degree of caution due to violent crime.

How to get there

Most travellers flying from Australia will connect through Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, which is the main gateway into South Africa. From Australia, you’ll typically connect via Singapore, Dubai or Doha depending on your airline of choice. The flight from Sydney runs around 14 hours via Singapore. Qantas flies direct from Sydney to Johannesburg, while Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Qatar Airways are all solid full-service options for the long haul.

Australians visiting South Africa for fewer than 90 days don’t require a visa, though you’ll need a passport with at least six months validity beyond your intended departure date and two blank pages. If your passport doesn’t meet those requirements, you risk being denied boarding or refused entry.

What’s the best way to see Jo’Burg?

There are a number of good reasons to organise a guided tour of Jo’Burg, and safety is just one of them. My guide April had an extraordinary knowledge of every place we visited — his familiarity with the city’s history gave a depth of understanding I wouldn’t have found on my own. He spoke 11 languages, brought an infectious warmth to every interaction and took the guesswork out of the entire trip. Having the days pre-arranged meant all I had to do was show up and pay attention. My guide was booked through Springbok Atlas Safaris & Tours.

When’s the best time to visit?

We visited in late August/early September and found the weather to be great. It wasn’t too hot or too cold and we had great the weather each day. In general, it’s recommended to visit from around March to May and from September to November as the weather is generally good and there are fewer visitors which means cheaper rates.

Where should I stay in Jo’Burg?

Where you choose to stay in Johannesburg is going to depend on your travel style, personal preferences and budget. We stayed at a hotel in Melrose and, from what I understand, most travellers choose to stay in Melrose and Rosebank. These upmarket areas boast an abundance of gorgeous hotels to choose from as well as loads of great restaurants, cafes and shops nearby. Other popular areas you may like to look at include Sandton, Melville, Rivonia and Bryanston. Now, I mentioned personal preferences at the start of this section and that’s because, when we were in Soweto, we visited a very popular backpackers that looked amazing! So, if you’re after a completely unique experience, Lebo’s looks amazing!

Best things to see, do and eat in Jo’Burg

There’s a wealth of great things to see, do and eat in Johannesburg. To get you started, here’s a look at some of the best:

• I did a guided tour of Soweto with Lebo’s and it was the highlight of my trip
• Feast on some of the best braai in town at upmarket spot, Marble
• The Neighbourgoods Market now runs as The Playground at the same iconic 73 Juta Street address in Braamfontein — every Saturday for food, music, boutique stalls and a great crowd
• Visit one of South Africa’s most important historical sites, Constitution Hill
• Sink down a few craft beers and delicious tapas at Mad Giant
• Head to 27 Boxes and explore the shipping crate world of galleries, boutiques and more
• Explore Market on Main in Maboneng for coffee, food and arts and crafts
• Take the time to visit Soweto to see Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu’s former homes
• Delve into the city’s deep history with a visit to the Apartheid Museum
• Animal lovers will enjoy Lion & Safari Park, a 500-acre space home to lions, cheetahs, wild dogs and more
• Experience vibrant culture and traditional food at the Lesedi Cultural Village
• Grab dinner and a cocktail at Coobs in trendy Parkhurst
• If you’ve got the time, look into doing a safari. Mine was genuinely life-changing.

What to pack

Get your packing sorted with this list of essential items for your trip to Johannesburg:

• Comfortable walking shoes like sneakers
• A couple of pairs of jeans
• I needed a couple of warm jumpers during our visit
• A really good quality coat for chilly evenings
• T-shirts and long-sleeve or button-up shirts
• A few nice outfits for dinner at nice restaurants
• Swimmers to take advantage of the hotel pool or spa
• All your essential medicines, including prescriptions

Frequently asked questions about Johannesburg travel

Do I need a visa to visit Johannesburg?
Australian, New Zealand, UK and US passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. You’ll need a passport with at least six months validity beyond your departure date and two blank pages.

Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?
Johannesburg has a high crime rate and that’s worth taking seriously. Sticking to established areas like Sandton, Rosebank and Melrose, using Uber instead of walking between venues, and travelling with a reputable local guide all significantly reduce your risk. Most travellers who have problems do so because they move outside structured environments. Check Smartraveller for the latest Australian Government advice before travelling.

What is the best area to stay in Johannesburg?
Melrose, Rosebank and Sandton are the most popular choices for travellers and for good reason. They’re well-serviced, close to good restaurants and hotels, and generally safe. Melville is a good option if you want something with more of a neighbourhood feel.

What currency does South Africa use?
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). ATMs are widely available and most restaurants and hotels in tourist areas accept card. It’s worth having some cash on hand for smaller purchases at markets.

When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
March to May and September to November are generally the best windows. The weather is mild, crowds are thinner and rates tend to be lower than peak season.

Do I need travel insurance for South Africa?
Absolutely, and I’d treat it as non-negotiable rather than optional. Medical care costs and crime-related losses can add up fast. Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation.

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