Johannesburg

Central Johannesburg

Johannesburg is South Africa's economic centre with most international and domestic business happening here. The central region is typical of an urban centre with offices, shopping malls and high rise apartment blocks, whilst still housing over six million trees! The city is one of the greenest in the world. Sandton is home to the Johannesburg stock exchange and the largest shopping mall in South Africa.

Soweto

Soweto is a suburb of Johannesburg, home to the majority of South Africa's black residents. It is becoming a popular tourist destination as many of the museums and historical points of interest are there including The Apartheid Museum, The Market Theatre, Museum of Africa and Newtown. Nelson Mandela's first house, now a museum, is also in Soweto. It is highly recommended to take a tour organised through SATSA or those who know the area well, as it is huge!

Pretoria

Just a short drive from Johannesburg is Pretoria - South Africa's capital which is certainly worth visiting if you are in Johannesburg. There are lovely botanical gardens and The Presidential Union Buildings have beautiful gardens to walk around. Friends of the Rail have recently restored steam trains that take a tour around the outskirts of the city.

Rosebank

Rosebank is a cosmopolitan commercial and residential suburb in the north-western part of Johannesburg. It houses many upmarket malls, cinemas, and various hotels for the tourist. Every Sunday, a large rooftop car park in the area is converted into a flea market, which allows for browsing and meeting local vendors selling handicrafts, food, paintings, fabrics and jewellery.

Melville

The suburb of Melville is renowned for its mix of quirky, contemporary shops and bars, not to mention the mishmash of bookstores, art galleries and shops. It is a great place for backpackers and tourists who are staying in central Johannesburg hotels as it is easy and safe to navigate by foot. Melville is a popular choice with local students and young professionals.