About Johannesburg

Johannesburg; “Jozi,” “Joburg,” or “the City of Gold” is that slightly ragged, fiercely ambitious metropolis that hits you first in your ears, with horns, sirens, street vendors, and music; then in your lungs, with dust, warm city air, green belts, and pulsating energy. It’s not quietly majestic, it’s loud, proud, gritty, reinventing itself under new murals, gleaming skyscrapers, and buzzing neighborhoods. For many travelers, hotels in Johannesburg aren’t just places to crash, but they are stages where the city’s contradictions play out: old vs new, wealth vs struggle, sunshine vs shadow. Johannesburg grew on mining and hope, and even now its heart beats in its mix, in leafy suburbs, in high‑rise towers in Sandton, in darkened inner city alleys that are being reimagined, in galleries and street art, in jazz bars and township tours. You can feel it in the smell of braai smoke in a backyard, in the laughter echoing in a market, in the echo down a stairwell in a colonial building turned boutique hotel.

When you choose hotel Johannesburg, every decision changes your pipe into the city: do you want views of skyline + cranes? Do you want to wake up to birds in a garden suburb? Do you crave the hum of city traffic outside your window? Or silence? The luxury hotels in Johannesburg offer spectacular service, great restaurants, rooftop pools, curated design. The cheap hotels in Johannesburg or 2 star hotel Johannesburg and budget guesthouses, often humble, sometimes charming, give you core comfort and more of the street life just outside your door. And somewhere between lies your sweet spot, the mid‑range, boutique, or hotel apartments in Johannesburg that feel homey yet polished.

Experience the dynamic spirit of South Africa with our Johannesburg tour packages, blending rich history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable urban adventures.

Johannesburg airport Address

• Name: O. R. Tambo International Airport (formerly Johannesburg International)
• Address / Location: Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
• Airport Code: JNB / FAOR
• Operator / Contact: Airports Company South Africa; general contact through their official website.

Notes: It is Johannesburg’s main international and domestic gateway; many Johannesburg airport hotels cluster around it for convenience.

The Best Time to Visit Johannesburg

• Spring (Sept–Nov): Gorgeous. Jacaranda trees bloom, skies are crisp, and there are few heavy rains. Great time for walking the city.
• Summer (Dec–Feb): Hot, occasional thunderstorms. The city gets lush; parks, rooftop bars, pools buzz. But mid‑January can be torrential.
• Autumn (Mar–May): Calm, clear days, golden light. This is my favorite.
• Winter (June–Aug): Dry, chilly mornings and evenings, but often blue skies. Daytime is comfortable.

For Johannesburg hotel price comparison, your best bet is shoulder seasons (spring, autumn), you’ll find cheap hotels in Johannesburg deals around then, and fewer tourists.

How to reach Johannesburg

By air:

You’ll land at O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). From there, you can take taxis, shuttles, rideshares, or prearranged transfers to your hotel in Johannesburg. Many Johannesburg airport hotels offer free shuttle service. 

By rail:

Johannesburg is connected by national rail; also the Gautrain links parts of the city and the airport to Sandton, Rosebank, etc. Use that for a fast, relatively smooth trip especially to central/suburban zones.

By road:

Driving in South Africa is common; highways approach Jozi from multiple directions. If you’re road tripping, expect to use the N3, N1, and other major freeways. Public buses also operate.

Things to do in Johannesburg

1. Visit the Apartheid Museum — heart-stirring.
2. Walk through Maboneng Precinct for art, cafes, murals, local markets.
3. Visit Constitution Hill & Old Fort to soak in history.
4. Ride the Gautrain, see station design, and travel comfortably.
5. Spend time in Soweto — Mandela House, Vilakazi Street, township tours.
6. Go up the Johannesburg Tower / Hillbrow Tower for city views.
7. Explore Gold Reef City, or the mining heritage museums.
8. Browse art galleries (e.g. in Rosebank, Braamfontein).
9. Lose yourself in Botanical Gardens / Emmarentia.
10. Shop at Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square.
11. Take a day trip to Pilanesberg or Sun City (if you have time).
12. Visit Cradle of Humankind / Sterkfontein Caves.
13. Eat your way through markets / food halls in neighborhoods.
14. Catch live jazz / township music in a local bar.
15. Rooftop bars at sunset — see Jozi light up, sip something cold.

Shopping in Johannesburg

1. Sandton City / Nelson Mandela Square
2. Rosebank Mall / Rosebank Art & Craft Market
3. Eastgate Shopping Centre
4. Braamfontein boutiques / galleries
5. Maboneng Market
6. Maponya Mall (Soweto)
7. Cresta Shopping Centre
8. Clearwater Mall
9. Mall of Africa
10. Norwood Craft Market
11. Melrose Arch luxury shops
12. Stationery / design shops in Braamfontein
13. Local markets in neighborhoods (food, crafts)
14. High street shopping on Jan Smuts Avenue
15. Secondhand / vintage stores in Village Deep / inner city

Famous Restaurants in Johannesburg

1. Marble (rooftop, meat & fire)
2. DW Eleven-13 (fine dining, creative)
3. The Grillhouse (classic steak)
4. Soweto’s Msibisibisi traditional spots
5. Moyo Zoo Lake (ambience + food)
6. The Living Room at The Peech (jazz + eats)
7. Marble Restaurant & Bar
8. Pata Pata (Soweto vibe, local music + food)
9. Saint Restaurant (in Norwood)
10. The Crypt Jazz Restaurant (intimate, live music)
11. Tashas (cafés, brunch spots)
12. Chez Frederick (French + South African fusion)
13. Little Addis (Ethiopian / African flavors)
14. Izulu (African gourmet)
15. Gems in suburbs: hidden cafés, local braai joints

Popular Hotels in Johannesburg

1. InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport
2. City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport
3. Protea Hotel by Marriott O.R. Tambo Airport
4. Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport
5. Southern Sun O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel
6. Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, O.R. Tambo Airport
7. Palazzo Hotel Montecasino
8. Sandton hotels
9. Rosebank boutique hotels
10. The Michelangelo Hotel, Sandton
11. Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff
12. Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
13. 54 on Bath (Rosebank boutique)
14. Emperors Palace / Peermont d’Oreale Grande
15. Bryanston

Popular Resorts in Johannesburg

1. Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
2. Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff
3. Palazzo Montecasino
4. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa
5. The Maslow Hotel, Sandton
6. African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel
7. Thaba Eco Hotel
8. Emperors Palace Hotel Resort
9. Mount Grace Hotel & Spa
10. Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre
11. Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa
12. Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge
13. Glenburn Lodge & Spa
14. Zulu Nyala Country Manor
15. Riverstone Lodge

Where to Stay in Johannesburg

• Airport / East Rand (Kempton Park, Boksburg): for the convenience of Johannesburg airport hotels especially if you arrive late or depart early.
• Sandton: business hub, malls, luxury hotels. A favorite zone for many.
• Rosebank: artsy, well-connected, good middle ground.
• Westcliff / Parktown / Houghton: for leafy luxury, old gold‑era mansions turned boutique hotels.
• Fourways / Northriding: suburban, a bit further out but good for resort escapes.
• Inner city / CBD / Braamfontein: edgy, cheap hotels in Johannesburg, local color, short distances to downtown attractions.

Match your hotel in Johannesburg to your priorities: nightlife, shopping, museum walking, business, safety, or quiet.

Places to Stay in Johannesburg near Popular Attractions

• Near Sandton City / Nelson Mandela Square – choose a Sandton hotel
• Near casinos or entertainment – Emperors Palace / Peermont hotels
• Close to museums / constitutional hill – stay in central or Braamfontein hotel
• Near botanical gardens, parks, or suburbs – Westcliff / Parktown hotels
• If your first or last flight timing is critical – airport hotels Johannesburg in Kempton Park / OR Tambo clusters

Budget Hotels in Johannesburg

If you’re saving your rands for safari or steaks, there are plenty of cheap hotels in Johannesburg that are clean, comfy, and well-located. Look for 2 star hotel Johannesburg options around inner-city neighborhoods like Braamfontein, Melville, or Kensington. You’ll also find hotel apartments in Johannesburg that offer great value, especially for longer stays. Bonus: some budget spots even throw in breakfast! Just check reviews and transport access before booking.

Johannesburg Hotels by Star Rating

• 5 star hotels in Johannesburg / Johannesburg 5 star hotel: full luxury: spa, gourmet restaurants, concierge, flawless design (Sandton, Westcliff, The Saxon).
• 4 star hotels in Johannesburg: solid comfort, good amenities, often in business zones or nice suburbs.
• 3 star / boutique / mid-tier: balance between cost and comfort; many hotel apartments in Johannesburg fall here.
• 2 star hotel Johannesburg: basic rooms, clean, minimal services. Good for crash & go or short stays.
• Cheapest hotel in Johannesburg: hostels, budget guesthouses, not many frills, but sometimes perfect location is the win.

When doing a Johannesburg hotel prize or Johannesburg hotel price comparison, always check whether breakfast, parking, and transport are included, these little extras shift value a lot.

Best Hotels in Johannesburg based on Location

Location is everything in Jozi! For business trips or luxury shopping, you can’t go wrong with hotels in Johannesburg based in Sandton, it’s the glitzy heart of the city. Rosebank is perfect for artsy travelers and weekend market hoppers. Want nature with your room service? Westcliff and Parktown have leafy vibes and boutique comfort. For quick airport access, pick from top-rated Johannesburg airport hotels in Kempton Park. Location decides your city experience, choose wisely.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Johannesburg 

Traveling with kids? Look for family-friendly hotels in Johannesburg with space, safety, and fun extras. Many hotels in Johannesburg offer family suites, kiddie pools, or even babysitting services. Suburbs like Rosebank, Westcliff, or Fourways have great family amenities and parks nearby. Some luxury hotels in Johannesburg also cater surprisingly well to kids, think welcome packs, kids’ menus, and plenty of green space. Bonus tip: check if the hotel’s near the zoo or a mall with indoor play areas.

Johannesburg Hotels Tariff

• Cheapest hotel in Johannesburg / 2 star hotel Johannesburg: can start from low budgets (varies by suburb & season)
• Mid-range / 3–4 star: often in range of modest comfort
• Luxury / 5 star hotels in Johannesburg: high end, might jump steeply in peak times
• Evening rates, weekends, holiday seasons push tariffs up
• Always consider extras: parking, wifi, breakfast, airport shuttle — what looks cheap sometimes hides charges

If you run a Johannesburg hotel price comparison across booking sites, you’ll see the same hotel showing big swings in rate depending on day, room type, view.

Johannesburg Travel Tips

1. Book Your Flight Early: Johannesburg flight tickets can vary wildly in price depending on the season and airline. To snag the best fares, it’s smart to book cheap flights to Johannesburg well in advance, especially if you’re flying in for a holiday or major event.
2. Always Use Registered Taxis or Ride-Hailing Apps: Stick to Uber, Bolt, or hotel-arranged transport. Avoid hailing random taxis on the street, it’s not the safest move here.
3. Don’t Flash Valuables: Johannesburg is vibrant but has its share of petty crime. Keep your camera, phone, and jewelry low-key, especially in crowded or unfamiliar areas.
4. Learn a Few Local Words: South Africa has 11 official languages, but a few phrases in Zulu or even local slang like “howzit” (how’s it going?) can open hearts and doors.
5. Tap Water? Yes, You Can Drink It (Mostly): In most urban parts of Joburg, the tap water is safe to drink. But if you’re unsure or have a sensitive stomach, bottled water is cheap and everywhere.
6. Plan Your Transport, Don’t Just Wing It: Public transport here isn’t tourist-friendly. Use apps or hotel shuttles, and avoid walking long distances unless you know the area well.
7. Tipping is a Thing: 10–15% is the norm at restaurants. Parking guards and petrol attendants (yes, they pump your gas for you!) also appreciate a small tip.
8. Layer Up As Weather Changes Fast: Jozi can go from sunny and blazing to chilly and rainy in an hour. Pack a light jacket even in summer, and always wear sunscreen because the African sun is strong!
9. Avoid Peak Traffic Hours: From 6:30–9:00 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM, the roads are packed. If you’re driving or Ubering, plan around rush hour or you’ll be inhaling fumes, not fresh air.
10. Carry Some Cash: While cards are widely accepted, some small vendors or taxi drivers prefer cash, especially at markets or roadside stops.
11. Explore Beyond the Malls: Yes, the malls here are enormous and shiny, but don’t miss the street art in Maboneng, the hustle of Soweto, or the café vibes of Melville.
12. Visit the Apartheid Museum First: It’s heavy, moving, and incredibly important. Understanding the city’s past makes the present come alive in a deeper, more respectful way.
13. Be Street Smart, Not Scared: Jozi has a rep for being dangerous, but with common sense and local insight, you’ll likely have an amazing time. Don’t isolate yourself out of fear, explore, but wisely.
14. Try Local Foods, Just Not in a Rush: From bunny chow to boerewors rolls, the food is wild and wonderful. Street food is worth trying, but pick busy stalls for freshness and turnover.
15. Travel Insurance Isn’t Optional, It’s Essential: Things go wrong, flights get missed, and bags vanish. Johannesburg is a big city, and having coverage gives peace of mind so you can actually relax.

You can easily apply for your South Africa visa online through Akbar Travels for a hassle-free and smooth application process from the comfort of your home.