Johannesburg
South Africa · Country profile
Johannesburg is South Africa’s economic engine — a modern African city that rose on gold, today known for its bold skyline, vibrant arts and the powerful history of the apartheid era told at Constitution Hill and the Apartheid Museum. Districts like Maboneng and Braamfontein have been reborn as hubs of galleries, cafés and street art, while the leafy northern suburbs offer shopping and food. It’s a gateway to the Kruger National Park and the country’s cultural heartland, and its energy is unmistakably contemporary. Jo’burg rewards visitors who look beyond the headlines and into its streets.
About Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a city in South Africa. The city's documented population is around 5,900,000 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR) and English is spoken; the dialling code is +27. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Gold-Rush Roots and the Streets of the New Jo'burg
Johannesburg is South Africa’s economic powerhouse, a large, modern African city built on the gold rush and reborn through its arts and culture. It is not a typical tourist centre, but its energy, its museums of apartheid history and its renewed inner-city districts reward those who look beyond the surface. Districts like Maboneng and Braamfontein have been revitalised with galleries and cafés, while the northern suburbs hold the shopping and food. It is also the natural gateway to the Kruger National Park and the country’s cultural heartland, making it a practical and often overlooked starting point.
Guided Visits, Powerful Museums and the Northern Suburbs
Getting around is best done by car or ride app — the city is spread out and public transport is informal, so plan your movement ahead. For a better sense of safety and context, organise guided visits to the inner-city districts rather than wandering independently. The Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill are powerful, must-book experiences. The climate is mild but can be hot in summer and cool at night; pack for mixed conditions. Cards are widely accepted, though a little cash helps at markets. English is the main language, and the high season for the nearby parks overlaps the dry, pleasant months.
One Neighbourhood per Day, Best Reached by Car
The city is sprawling, so pick one node and explore it well in one day rather than rushing across town every morning. The Maboneng and Braamfontein districts are the hip, walkable hubs of the new Johannesburg. Much of the character is in the northern suburbs, which have excellent restaurants and shopping. The Apartheid Museum is a profound visit, and Constitution Hill offers a deep look at the country’s journey. Driving is the practical option, but ride apps are a safe, simple alternative for visitors. Tipping is common and appreciated.
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- Country
- South Africa
- Population
- 5,900,000
- Coordinates
- -26.1392, 28.2460
- Capital
- Pretoria
- Region
- Africa
- Currency
- South African Rand (ZAR)
- Languages
- English
- Calling code
- +27
- Country code
- ZA
Entry requirements for South Africa
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting South Africa for tourism.
Getting to Johannesburg
Airports we list for Johannesburg:
Other airports in the area:
Cities in South Africa
Other cities we cover in South Africa:
Frequently asked questions
Is Johannesburg the capital of South Africa?
No — the capital of South Africa is Pretoria.
What currency do I need in Johannesburg?
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Languages spoken in South Africa include English.
What is the dialling code for South Africa?
The international dialling code for South Africa is +27.
Which airport should I fly into for Johannesburg?
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the airport we list for Johannesburg.
How far is Johannesburg from the nearest airport?
Johannesburg is about 479 km from King Shaka International Airport.
Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?
It depends on your passport. Among the origins we track, travellers from Australia, Canada, France, Germany and Italy currently enter South Africa visa-free for tourism. Use the entry requirements tool to check your own nationality and purpose of travel.
Flying out of Johannesburg? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.