‘Jo'burg’ or ‘Jozi’ to its inhabitants, Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city, its financial hub, and one of its most diverse. Founded in 1886, following the Witwatersrand Gold Rush, its original etymology remains under dispute, though Johannesburg remains the heart of South Africa’s gold and diamond, as well as its financial industry. Long before European settlers made their way this far up north, the plains that now surround the city were inhabited by San hunter-gatherers, and the Sotho–Tswana tribes. Our choice of the best places to stay in Johannesburg showcase the best in budget-friendly to all-out luxury stays.

Today, the city’s vibrant street life is unmissable, it permeates every experience and street corner. Local markets can be found everywhere, with vendors plying their wares to passers-by; pop-up barbers cutting hair on street corners; and locals selling everything from food to footballs. Each neighbourhood entirely distinct from the next, once synonymous with crime, Johannesburg now boasts a thriving art and music scene. The previously run-down area of Maboneng, in particular, is now a haven for hipsters and culture-vultures, home to some of the city’s coolest bars, restaurants and music venues.

A trip to Johannesburg is not complete without a trip to Soweto, originally an informal settlement, this area has blossomed from forced habitation to an address of social prestige. Visit to experience South African culture at its most welcoming and delve deeper into Soweto’s rich historical significance, including the former home of Nelson Mandela and the Hector Pieterson Museum.South Africa’s largest city. Johannesburg is also one of its greenest, with over six million trees and some beautiful examples of urban parkland. Rosebank is the largest and most popular, whilst Zoo Lake in Johannesburg Zoo is also a must-visit.

JOHANNESBURG'S NEIGHBOURHOODS

Previously dodgy and dilapidated communities have been rejuvenated by a spate of urban renewal projects: Maboneng, for example, is now an artsy and hipster neighbourhood, with some of the greatest bars and clubs in Johannesburg. The historic downtown area generally is exceedingly colourful and energetic, boasting some amazing markets and Soweto, the best-known township of the city has some incredible museums like the Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela House.The once bad-mouthed locale of Yeoville is now home to the city’s most memorable meal. Yeoville Dinner Club, a tiny, artily decorated room with a balcony overlooking Rockey Street. Sanza Sandile, your host and chef, spins a wonderful yarn about the city he grew up in whilst rustling up delicious Pan-African dishes. For a good time, you should head over to the Market Theatre area - arguably the city's cultural hub - which brims with music venues and bars, or 7th Street in Melville.

WHAT NOT TO MISS

• If you're interested in the history of South Africa, visit the Nelson Mandela House Museum and the Apartheid Museum in Soweto. The South African National Museum of Military History is also worth seeing, boasting an impressive collection of howitzers and ME 262 jetfighters.
• Far from being a place that rewards the aimless walker, while exploring the city you should book one of the many tour companies there, who are both informative and professional, allowing you to safely see the hidden nooks and crannies of Johannesburg.
• Explore the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site of major historical significance, where humans have lived since the Stone Age, and the ridges are estimated to be 2.9 billion years old.
• Another painful reminder of South Africa’s blemished past can be witnessed at Constitution Hill, comprised of The Old Fort, Number Four Jail, the Women's Jail; and the Awaiting Trial Block, which housed men and women, black and white, who resisted the Apartheid regime.
• Head out of town for the day, to the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve outside the city, a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of urban life, and crisscrossed with mountain hiking trails. On your way back, go to the Lion Park.
• Why not paint the town red along Fox Street in Maboneng or 7th Street in Melville for the bars and clubs. If you want to dance-till-dawn, check out the Market Theatre area, which dominates the music scene in terms of its venues and bars.
• Johannesburg created much of its wealth through gold mining and throughout the city are disused mines like the Old Kromdraai which are well worth seeing.
• If travelling in September why not visit the Soweto Wine Festival, one of its most popular annual events.

Our choice of the best places to stay in Johannesburg take into account the best locales, as well as some of the chicest city stays in town.

WHERE TO STAY IN JOHANNESBURG

FOR A BUDGET FRIENDLY STAY

• Starkly decorated, accentuated with little quirks, offering very good value, Motel Mi Pi Chi, has a contemporary feel that younger travellers will love.
• Arum Place Guest House provides guests with a homely family-run stay, within easy reach of town, complete with a hearty English breakfast served each morning.

FOR SOMETHING TRULY SPECIAL

• Arguably Johannesburg’s finest address, The Saxon Hotel boasts stylish rooms and lavish dining, right in the heart of town. Be sure to earmark an afternoon by the pool and for afternoon tea – plus don’t miss dinner at Qunu.
• Johannesburg’s best new boutique hotel, The Peech champions mix-match prints and quirky décor, blending traditional African styles with modern patterns. Guests will love the laidback, open-plan feel of the communal areas.

FOR FOODIES

• One for the travelling gourmands, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa’s ‘Into The Woods’ menu has been picked right from their own vegetable garden. One of the best restaurants in Johannesburg, it is located in a very refined setting, with manicured grounds and opulent rooms.
• Boasting a seasonally inspired, locally sourced, haute cuisine restaurant, Clico Boutique Hotel, which boasts a pool, expansive grounds, and stylish rooms, will wow foodies the world over.

FOR CITY CHIC

• A sleek ten-room hotel, Atholplace Hotel is great for solo travellers and couples. Chic interiors set the scene for a very civilised stay. Ideally placed for exploring, and well equipped for a sunny afternoon by the pool.
• Right in the heart of town, the trendy 54 on Bath boasts minimalist rooms, a bubbly champagne bar, and a very popular rooftop pool. A great stay amidst central Johannesburg.
• A heritage stay in a former post office, Monarch Hotel is filled with period features and provides guests with a stay amidst history. Centrally located, it’s great for exploring on foot.
• Designed by acclaimed architect, David Adjaye, Hallmark House is a fashionable stay amidst this up and coming corner of town. Smart, jewelled coloured rooms and sparse yet inviting.
• Excellently priced and beautifully decorated, at Pablo House wood, glass, and natural materials are combined to create stylish yet tranquil living spaces, surrounded by greenery.
• A glamorous city hotel, The Michelangelo is right in the heart of the city and provides opulent dining with all the amenities of a five-star hotel.

FOR A BOUTIQUE STAY

• The perfect combination of modern meets heritage, The Residence’s contemporary structure is filled with antique pieces. Quirky outdoor spaces juxtaposed with classic interiors create a winning stay.
• A delightful owner-managed stay, guests at The Parkwood are well taken care of. Comfy rooms, an inviting pool, plus a superb breakfast included in the rate. It’s a great value yet charming stay.
• A private house lovingly turned into a 15-bedroom boutique hotel, 10 2nd Avenue Houghton Estate, is a homely yet luxurious stay. Well taken care of by your hosts, there’s a superb menu, spa treatments, and an outdoor pool to enjoy.

GREAT FOR COUPLES

• A thirty-minute drive from Johannesburg, Riboville is something truly special. Total relaxation, guests can enjoy horse-riding, a swim in the pool, a strong amidst its grounds, or an indulgent spa treatment. Adults-only, it’s a great couples’ retreat.
• Adults only, The Munro Hotel provides guests with an urban hideaway in the heart of Johannesburg. In-room curtained four-posters and plant-filled bathrooms create a Regency-feel, whilst outdoors trickling ponds and leafy gardens offer total seclusion. Bliss.
• Pure relaxation, Valley Lodge & Spa is the perfect couple’s escape with an eighteen-hole golf course, fine dining, and a long list of relaxing spa treatments. Just a short drive from Johannesburg it’s the perfect urban escape.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Wherever you’re travelling to, the best time to visit Johannesburg is in the winter months of between November and February, when the temperatures generally remain in the 20°Cs, dropping to close to freezing in the evening. Summer months can get hot and sticky during the day, with a burst of refreshing rainfall in the afternoon.
• With worldwide international flights to Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport and daily flights from and to all of South Africa’s major domestic airports, it’s very accessible. Though by European standards, public transport is limited, taxis are widely available, especially now that Uber has been introduced, making getting about easier and more reliable.
• If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Why not widen your search to nearby Pretoria or Gauteng province?
• Or contact one of our gurus for advice.

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