The 7 best unique things to do in Johannesburg

A visit to this museum is a journey into a meticulously preserved piece of the past. The Lindfield Victorian House Museum in Auckland Park is a fully furnished living museum that showcases the life of a typical wealthy Johannesburg family from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries.

Why it's unique: Unlike sterile, glass-cased displays, Lindfield invites you into an authentic Victorian home, complete with period furniture, clothing, and artefacts. The guided tours often feature the owner sharing the home's fascinating history, making the experience feel deeply personal and utterly charming.

Hidden in the quiet suburb of Northcliff, the Dandelion Cocktail Bar is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of high-quality drinks. This venue elevates the cocktail experience, focusing on artistry, unique flavour combinations, and expert service.

Why it's unique: Forget standard drinks, Dandelion is known for its one-of-a-kind creations, crafted by knowledgeable bartenders who treat mixology as a science and an art. The upscale, cosy atmosphere makes it the perfect sophisticated spot to unwind away from the city centre bustle.

While its exact current public status and name can be fluid, the Mineshaft Museum, also known as the Ferreira Mine Stope, is one of the best-kept secrets in Johannesburg. It’s a preserved gold mine site located beneath Standard Bank in the CBD, offering a powerful glimpse into the very foundation of Johannesburg. The city exists because of gold, and this location highlights that legacy.

Why it's unique: It offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s economic and geological heart. It provides a deeper understanding of the gold rush that gave birth to Joburg, transforming a barren ridge into a bustling metropolis in a matter of decades. Also, it sits underneath a bank that still operates today. Does it get any cooler?

The Sterkfontein Caves are some of the most popular caves in Johannesburg, but they’re not the only caves in the Cradle of Humankind. A short drive outside the city centre, the Bothongo Wonder Caves are a stunning natural spectacle located within the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve. Descend 220 feet below the surface to explore one of the country's oldest dolomite caves.

Why it's unique: It’s an adventure that reveals the region's ancient geological history. The enormous chamber, filled with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, is illuminated to showcase its 1.5-million-year-old formations, a truly awe-inspiring sight. It also has a formation that resembles the Virgin Mary, depending on the lighting.

This sweet stop is worth pulling over for in Randpark Ridge. Situated at Eagle’s Landing, The Crêpe Van serves up a sugar-fuelled adventure with something for everyone from golden crêpes and fluffy waffles to soft-serve sundaes piled high with toppings. Whether you’re after a midweek treat or a weekend indulgence, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth and try something new. The apple strudel crepe is a winner, and if you’re in the mood to pig out, try the strawberry and Nutella crepe.

Why it's unique: It’s a taste of European street food culture brought to an unassuming Joburg suburb.

In the heart of Braamfontein, directly opposite Wits University, Indwe Park is a four-hectare urban green lung developed to promote tranquillity and holistic wellness. It’s a stark, beautiful contrast to the surrounding concrete jungle. Created by artist James Delaney in collaboration with architect Edmund Batley, this multi-layered park invites visitors to wander along winding pathways, discover public art and water features, and take in striking views of the city’s modernist skyline.

Why it's unique: More than just a park, it features a reflexology walkway, indigenous gardens, and even an 'earthing mound' designed to connect people with the ground. Indwe Park blends education, ecology, and design into a living artwork that celebrates Joburg’s past and present in equal measure. It’s a remarkable example of urban rejuvenation, providing a much-needed space for quiet reflection in the inner city.

Nestled within the leafy expanses of Delta Park, Theatre in the Park is one of Johannesburg’s most charming performance venues. From thought-provoking plays to lively musical performances, the theatre brings local talent and vibrant productions to life against a backdrop of greenery and open space. The night always begins with food and drinks under a canopy of trees and fairy lights, and then moves indoors into the 200-seater theatre. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy live entertainment and experience Joburg’s thriving arts scene in a relaxed, natural setting.

Why it's unique: The indoor-outdoor vibe strips away the formality of the traditional stage, creating an intimate, communal, and uniquely African theatrical event.