10 Remarkably Unusual Things to Do in Johannesburg: An Expert Guide to Exploring the Unexpected
TL;DR – Quick Summary Box
- City: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Vibe: Edgy, Urban, Creative
- Top Unusual Spots: Prison museum, hipster market, inner-city safari, UFO-themed bar
- Safety Tip: Stay in groups, use Uber, avoid walking at night in CBD
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (September–November)
- Where to Stay: Melville, Rosebank, Maboneng
- Budget: R600–R1,500/day ($32–$80 USD)
- Getting Around: Uber, Gautrain, local guides
- Bonus Tips: Take guided tours for hidden gems, go cashless when possible
Why You Should Explore the Weird Side of Johannesburg
Johannesburg—known as Joburg or Jozi—isn’t just South Africa’s financial powerhouse. It’s an urban jungle where contradiction thrives: gritty yet sophisticated, chaotic yet creative. And beneath the usual safari detours and Apartheid Museum trips lies a wealth of odd, offbeat, and downright fascinating experiences. This guide reveals the city through my own lens—through places most guidebooks overlook.
“I first stumbled upon Ponte Tower not through a tour but through a local friend’s dare. What I found inside changed my entire view of the city.”
1. Enter Ponte City: The Core of Concrete and Controversy
Location: Berea, Hillbrow, Johannesburg
Known for: Once a no-go zone, now an eerie, urban marvel
Why Go: Ponte City, the tallest residential building in Africa, is a brutalist giant with a hollow center. It’s equal parts dystopian and hopeful. Today, local guides offer safe, eye-opening tours into its troubled past and transformed future.
Reviews: Rated 4.7/5 on Google
Tour: Dlala Nje Inner City Tour (Visit Site)
Stay Safe Tip: Only go with reputable guides—never explore Hillbrow solo.
2. Bar Crawl at The UFO-Themed MOAD (Museum of Alien Design)
Location: Maboneng
Known for: Sci-fi art installations and cocktails that glow
This is where design, drink, and weirdness merge. Once inside MOAD’s intergalactic-themed bar, you’ll sip phosphorescent mojitos while floating in an art exhibit that feels more alien than earthly.
“I felt like I walked into a Kubrick film set. Even the waiters are in space suits.”
Cost: R100–R200 per drink
Booking: Call +27 72 998 4433 or DM @MOADMaboneng
3. Walk with Ghosts: Johannesburg Night Tours
Location: Various cemeteries and historic spots
Ever explored a haunted mining town at night? Joburg’s ghost tours are spine-tingling. Led by local storytellers, they blend oral history with eerie legends.
Book via: JoburgPlaces Ghost Tour
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Price: R450 pp
4. Safari… in the Inner City? Meet the Urban Eco Reserve
Location: Braamfontein Spruit Trail
An unexpected oasis awaits in northern Johannesburg. Trails, bird hides, and surprisingly wild fauna make this green belt feel like a safari smack in the city.
Activity: Mountain biking, hiking, wildlife photography
Entry: Free
5. Tour a Maximum-Security Prison at Constitution Hill
Location: Kotze Street, Braamfontein
Once home to political prisoners—including Mandela—this former prison complex is deeply sobering. But hidden within it are stories of resilience, revolution, and reform.
Hours: Daily 9am–5pm
Price: R110 pp
Google Maps:
6. Find Africa’s Oldest Meteorite Crater
Location: Vredefort Dome (Day Trip)
Activity: Kayaking, hiking, astrophotography
Distance: 1.5 hours drive from Joburg
Why it’s Unusual: This UNESCO site is the oldest verified asteroid impact site on Earth, created over 2 billion years ago.
7. Maboneng’s Street Art Safari
You don’t need binoculars—just good walking shoes. Maboneng, Joburg’s trendiest district, is home to an explosion of murals by artists like Faith47 and Ricky Lee Gordon.
“Every corner told a different story—from political graffiti to love letters in paint.”
Self-guided: Free
Guided: From R250 with Curiocity Africa (Visit Website)
8. Underground Jazz at The Orbit Revival
Location: Braamfontein
Known for: Secret jazz nights, intimate acoustics
The Orbit Jazz Club may have closed, but its soul lives on in pop-up gigs announced via WhatsApp and socials.
To join: DM @JoburgJazzNights
9. Dine in a Repurposed Train at Rand Club’s Secret Carriage
Location: Loveday Street, Marshalltown
The old Rand Club has a historic carriage where you can wine and dine in Edwardian luxury—if you know who to ask.
“It was like stepping into a ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ scene—except with Joburg skyline in the background.”
Cost: R400–R600 pp
Booking: Email [email protected]
10. Treasure Hunt at The Collectors Treasury
Location: 244 Commissioner Street
Eight floors of dusty books, vintage maps, vinyls, and rare finds. It’s the largest secondhand bookstore in the Southern Hemisphere.
Tip: Ask for the secret stairwell that leads to out-of-print comic books.
Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–5pm
Budget, Safety, and Travel Essentials
Where to Stay
- Melville: Bohemian, artsy, walkable
- Rosebank: Safe, central, near Gautrain
- Maboneng: Hipster haven, use caution after dark
Typical Daily Costs
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Hostel | R250–R500 |
| Hotel | R600–R1500 |
| Meals | R100–R300/day |
| Transport | R80–R200/day |
Suggested Daily Budget
R800–R1200 for backpackers, R1500+ for comfort travelers
How to Stay Safe
- Avoid walking alone after dark
- Use Uber or Bolt (safe and reliable)
- Don’t flash valuables
- Always verify tour operators
How to Get There
- From OR Tambo Airport: Gautrain (R170) to Sandton or Uber
- From Cape Town: 2-hour flight (~R1000–R2000 roundtrip)
Getting Around
- Uber/Bolt for short trips
- Gautrain for main areas (Rosebank, Sandton)
- Inner city tours for historical exploration
Tours Worth Booking
- Dlala Nje Ponte Tour – inner city adventure
- JoburgPlaces History Walks – from Gandhi to Mandela
- Curiocity’s Maboneng Crawl – food, art, nightlife
Ideal Length of Stay
3–5 days if you’re doing a combo of mainstream and unusual activities. A week lets you fully immerse in the city’s rhythm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Johannesburg safe for tourists?
A: Yes, if you stay alert, stick to well-reviewed tours, and avoid sketchy areas after dark.
Q2: What’s the best area to stay in for first-time visitors?
A: Rosebank offers the best mix of safety, amenities, and transit access.
Q3: What’s the best time to visit Johannesburg?
A: Spring (Sep–Nov) and Autumn (Mar–May) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Q4: Can I use US dollars or do I need Rands?
A: You’ll need South African Rands (ZAR). Most places accept cards.
Q5: Are guided tours necessary?
A: For certain neighborhoods like Hillbrow or Maboneng, guided tours ensure safety and context.
Final Thoughts
Johannesburg rewards the curious. It’s not Cape Town. It’s not trying to be. Its strength lies in its stories, its scars, and its soul. If you’re open to discovery, Jozi will show you the kind of travel experience that lingers long after the passport stamps fade.
Disclaimer
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors such as pricing, hours, or location details. Please consult official websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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