GUIDED CITY TOURS

JoburgPlaces
Led by Charlie Moyo, JoburgPlaces tours focus on the inner city and its surrounds, with entertaining tales of Joburg's gold-rush origins, its glory days, 1990s downfall, and recent spectacular rebirth. 
To book email gerald@joburgplaces.com or send a Whatsapp to +27 82 894 5216.

Johannesburg City Sightseeing Bus
See the city from the top of the open-top, hop-on hop-off City Sightseeing bus. There are two connected routes making stops in downtown Joburg and the leafy northern suburbs of Saxonwold, plus a whistle-stop Soweto mini-bus tour route. Kids get discounted tickets, plus their own child-friendly commentary and a special kid's activity book to keep them amused. Among the most fun stop for kids is the Gold Reef City amusement park . The buses run daily .
Book your tickets online at the City Sightseeing ticket office at The Zone@Rosebank.

Lebo's Soweto backpackers
If you are fascinated by Soweto and its rich history, then a great way to experience this iconic urban township is by taking a cycling, walking, or tuk tuk tour with local tourism pioneer, Lebo's Soweto Backpackers. Lebo's offers 2-hour, half-day or full-day options. Routes include visits to places of historical and cultural interest, such as Vilakazi Street, with Nelson Mandela's house and the Hector Pieterson museum, the men's migrant workers hostels, churches and local community meeting places where you can experience African customs and traditions, such as tasting home-brewed beer and singing and dancing to African traditional music. 
Book online at www.sowetobackpackers.com.

MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES

Constitution Hill
As one of Joburg’s most important heritage sites, the Constitution Hill complex is a top pick for sightseeing in Joburg. This area is recognised as one of the country's most important heritage landmarks and if you have time this festive holiday, all areas of the Constitution Hill complex are worth a visit. Constitution Hill is split into four parts: the Old Fort, the Women's Gaol, the Number 4 prison block, and the Constitutional Court. At the centre of the complex is an open plaza where the eternal Flame of Democracy burns. This is also where you will find the entrance to the Constitutional Court, the Number 4 block, the fort ramparts, Women’s Gaol, the tours office and the City Sightseeing bus stop. 
Closed on Dec 25 to Jan 1. For bookings call  +27 11 381 3100, or email constitutionhill.org.za.

Apartheid Museum
An extraordinary museum that brings to life the horrors of apartheid: from the petty cruelties inflicted on the everyday lives of black South Africans, to state repression and violence. The story of South Africa’s struggle for democracy is compellingly told with powerful displays, interactive elements, and the recorded testimony of everyday heroes as well as historical leaders. We recommend you give yourself a few hours to explore this wealth of history.
Closed Dec 25 and Jan 1. For bookings call +27 11 309 4700, or email apartheidmuseum.org.

Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves
Located just about an hour's drive north-west of Sandton is Maropeng, the visitor's centre for the Cradle of Humankind, where many of the world's most famous hominid fossils have been found. Maropeng's extensive modern exhibition takes an interactive approach to the history of life as we know it, from the Big Bang, to the evolution of humankind and the spread of people across continents. The stories behind the numerous discoveries made here are also showcased alongside copies of the original fossils, including the world-famous Homo Naledi. Combine a visit with a 45-minute tour of the Sterkfontein Caves (located a short drive away), which commence hourly.
Open 365 days a year. For bookings call +27 14 577 9000 or visit Maropeng's website here for more details.

The Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre
This museum and centre of memory and dialogue is the first institution of its kind that brings together the stories of genocide across two continents, creating parallels between the historical narratives of the genocide committed by Nazi Germany in World War II Europe and the more recent genocide that occurred on African soil in Rwanda in 1994 (the year of South Africa's transition from apartheid rule to democracy).
Closed Dec 25, 26 and Jan 1. For bookings call +27 11 640 3100 or visit the JHGC website here for more details.

FAMILY FUN