Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Johannesburg (JNB)

About Johannesburg

Discover Johannesburg

Why visit Johannesburg?
Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city, known for its energetic pace, creative districts, and deep cultural heritage. You will find modern galleries, leafy suburbs, and striking skylines that frame an ever-evolving urban story.

What to expect
The city is spread out, with distinct neighbourhoods from the regenerated inner-city precincts to relaxed northern suburbs. Expect busy business districts by day, lively dining areas in the evening, and a strong focus on art, design, and outdoor living throughout the year.

Plan your trip
Johannesburg is a natural starting point for journeys across southern Africa, with strong air and road links to safari destinations and coastal regions. Plan a few days in the city to explore its museums, markets, and cultural hubs before or after you continue your wider travels.

Top sights in Johannesburg

Maboneng Precinct

Explore a revitalised inner-city district filled with galleries, creative studios, cafés, and weekend markets.

Constitution Hill

Visit this historic complex overlooking the city, known for its impressive architecture and thought-provoking exhibitions.

Johannesburg Botanical Garden

Stroll through expansive themed gardens and lakeside lawns that offer a peaceful escape from the busy streets.

Neighbourgoods Market

Spend a Saturday sampling diverse food, drinks, and local products in a lively multi-storey market setting.

Apartheid Museum

Discover a major museum that presents South Africa's modern history through immersive displays and powerful storytelling.

Melville Koppies

Hike scenic ridges close to the city centre and enjoy sweeping views over Johannesburg and its suburbs.

Rosebank Art Mile

Browse contemporary African art in a cluster of galleries and design spaces within walking distance of each other.

Gold Reef City

Enjoy theme park rides, family attractions, and heritage exhibits at this entertainment complex south of the city.

Experience Johannesburg's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Johannesburg is best explored using a mix of the Gautrain for key corridors, metered taxis or ride-hailing services for door-to-door trips, and hotel shuttles where available. In compact districts, walking between attractions lets you appreciate street art and café culture at a relaxed pace.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Johannesburg is shaped by entrepreneurial energy, with co-working spaces, design studios, and small galleries dotted across the city. Neighbourhoods blend residential streets with cafés, parks, and cultural venues, creating spaces where you can experience exhibitions, live music, and local events in a relaxed setting.

Where to unwind
The city offers many green spaces where you can pause between sightseeing or meetings, from manicured parks to natural ridges with sunset views. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for walks, picnics, or light jogs, when temperatures are gentle and the light is particularly atmospheric.

A taste of Johannesburg

Street food & local specialties
Johannesburg's street food reflects influences from across South Africa and the wider region, with grills, stews, and baked treats sold from cafés, stalls, and casual eateries. Markets and busy high streets are where you can sample local favourites in an informal setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find an extensive choice of relaxed restaurants in mixed-use districts and shopping centres, where global flavours sit alongside regional dishes. Menus often feature small plates and sharing options, making it easy to try several dishes in one meal with friends or colleagues.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, Johannesburg offers refined restaurants with skyline views, leafy terraces, or elevated interiors that highlight local art and design. Booking an early dinner allows you to watch the city shift from golden hour into twinkling night-time lights while you dine.

Retail therapy in Johannesburg

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Johannesburg is known for its large shopping centres, where international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining options are brought together under one roof. These malls are popular social spaces, offering everything from fashion and homeware to wellness services.

Markets & local crafts
If you are looking for handmade pieces and local labels, visit neighbourhood markets and boutique-lined streets in areas such as Rosebank, Maboneng, and Melville. Here you can browse art, clothing, and décor items that reflect Johannesburg's creative energy.

Evening retail scene
Many malls and dining-focused precincts stay active into the evening, with illuminated walkways and busy terraces. Weekend night markets and late-opening centres create a relaxed atmosphere for browsing after a day of sightseeing, and public transport or taxis make these areas straightforward to reach.

Best time to visit Johannesburg

Summer rains (peak season)
From November to March, Johannesburg experiences warm afternoons around 24–28°C (75–82°F) with regular short thunderstorms. This is peak season, bringing lush green parks, vivid skies, and long daylight hours that are ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.

Cool, dry winter (shoulder season)
Between May and August, days are generally sunny and clear, with temperatures around 15–20°C (59–68°F) and colder nights. This shoulder season is popular for crisp morning walks, comfortable city sightseeing, and combining Johannesburg with nearby wildlife experiences.

Mild transitions (low season)
April and September–October bring pleasant transitional weather, with temperatures roughly 18–24°C (64–75°F) and fewer showers. This low season feels calm, with comfortable conditions for rooftop venues, markets, and park visits, and a relaxed atmosphere across much of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions