Johannesburg, South Africa: The gateway to Africa
Johannesburg is the hub of many European airlines and the starting point for many South Africa tours to the highlights of the country, such as the Kruger National Park. The largest metropolis in South Africa with four million inhabitants is the capital of Gauteng Province and the economic center of the entire republic.
Gold continues to play an important role in Johannesburg. There are only a few mines still active within the urban area, but a complex industry has developed all around. The Johannesburg stock exchange is the center of the capital market for all of southern Africa.
Contrasting, pulsating metropolis with interesting museums
Johannesburg, that’s slum and posh suburbs, that’s historical awareness and hip party locations and everything together is definitely worth a visit. The successes and problems of the new South Africa are closely related here. Violence, the gap between rich and poor, and the sluggishness of individual parts of the city reflect the problems. But in no other city is the future of South Africa debated as intensely as in Johannesburg. Nowhere else in the country is there such a strong black middle class that is establishing itself in what were once white domains.
It is well known that the metropolis is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. So you should take some precautionary measures and avoid certain areas such as Hilbrow or Alexandra. If you want to see the city in an organized way, you have to rely on a car or taxi. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a closer look at the museums and sights.
Sights and museums in Johannesburg
- The Johannesburg Art Gallery in the heart of the city shows pictures by European and African artists from five hundred years ago.
- The Worker Museum at the end of Jeppe Street in the Newton neighborhood shows the life of the miners.
- The Africa Museum shows the country’s cultural history.
- In the Market Theater, cultural events are offered on four stages.
The Nelson Mandela Bridge leads to Constitution Hill in Braamfontein. Up there is the notorious Old Fort Prison, now the seat of the Constitutional Court.
Towards Soweto is the Gold Reef City amusement park. In addition to roller coasters and other rides, there is a glimpse into the life of the gold diggers who made Johannesburg rich.
The Apartheid Museum gives visitors a lesson in South African history.
Ten kilometers to the southwest are the original resistance scenes. Soweto was the nucleus of the resistance against apartheid. The best impression of everyday life in Soweto is obtained with a guided township tour.
In Orlando West, the elite of the new South Africa alive. The houses in which Desmond Tuto and Nelson Mandela lived are also located here.
Nightlife
7th Street in Melville, which invites you to browse interesting shops during the day, turns into a party mile at night.
