Johannsburg’s history is varied and notorious in equal measure. Until fairly recent times the city was a mere gold rush settlement, and up to the 1980s lived under the oppression of apartheid, which saw black people excluded from living outside of deprived townships such as Soweto. But with the abolition of these antiquated laws, Johannesburg has grown rapidly into a vibrant, pulsating city, as well as the economic powerhouse of sub-Saharan Africa.
Today it is a fascinating blend of old and new, with Victorian and Edwardian architecture sharing the same urban spaces as concrete, chrome and glass skyscrapers and a modern highway. Meanwhile the return of black people to the city has ensured that Johannesburg once more exudes an African feel, most notably in its bustling street life.
Johannesburg's airport is located 19km east of the city centre. Various shuttle bus services operate to and from the airport including the Magic Bus and Airport Link that will take visitors into the city centre.
If you haven't booked a shuttle in advance, the desks of these companies are in the Parkade Centre opposite the domestic terminal.
Johannesburg enjoys a largely dry, sunny climate which makes it a superb all-year-round destination. It benefits from its high position, 1,750 metres above sea-level, which ensures that the city never gets too hot or humid.
The summer season runs from mid-October to mid-February, while winter is from May to July. Between October and April, the city experiences heavy afternoon thunderstorms. However, these always disappear as quickly as they arrive, and will hardly inconvenience your visit.
The only month when Johannesburg truly loses its desirability is August, when strong winds blow over the broad, grassy plateau of Highveld and the loose sands engulf the city in a yellow haze of dust.
Johannesburg is a safe city providing you take all the usual precautions whilst in unfamiliar territory. However, there is no escaping the fact that the crime rate is high, and if you don't have your own transport, there are dozens of tour operators that offer a range of city tours.
The Constitution Hill Museum opened in 2004 and is on the site of a notorious old prison complex commonly referred to as Number Four. The prison was only closed in 1983 and during the height of apartheid up to 3,000 black prisoners passed through the complex each day.
Gold Reef City is a large amusement park with a range of activities and attractions including the largest rollercoaster in the Southern Hemisphere and a 60-table casino. The park, which was designed in the theme of Johannesburg during the gold rush, also offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s fascinating past.
The city is home to an array of flea markets, including Bruma Market World, which boasts over 600 stalls. The African Craft Market offers live performances by local bands and is extremely popular with tourists.
The activity is centered around specific districts, with Melville being one of the most popular areas. Here along Seventh Street and the neighbouring roads, dozens of little bars spill out on the street. The northern suburbs of Rosebank, Norwood, Rivonia and Orange Grove are favoured by more affluent crowds, while in the Central Business District, Newtown is popular after dark.
The Market Theatre is a cultural complex located on Margaret Mcingana Street. The venue offers theatre, music, dance and other artistic performances, with regular shows by new and established names from the entertainments world.
The Cradle of Humankind is a vast heritage site, whose starting point lays 35km northwest of central Johannesburg though it then extends for another 20km. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it consists of dozens of limestone caverns and has produced several remarkable findings over the years, including a 3.3 million-year-old skeleton. The area also encompasses the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, as well as hiking and horse trails, craft centres, country markets and restaurants.