9 places to discover Mandela's legacy in Johannesburg

This humble home at 8115 Vilakazi Street is where Mandela lived before and after his imprisonment. Now a museum, Mandela House is filled with photographs, memorabilia, and powerful reminders of his family life and activism. Vilakazi Street is also the only street in the world that has housed two Nobel Prize winners, Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Time Out Tip: Pair your visit with a walk to the Hector Pieterson Memorial nearby for a deeper Soweto experience.

Address: Vilakazi Street, Soweto

Mandela was imprisoned at Constitution Hill, at the Old Fort Prison, twice in his lifetime, alongside many other political activists. Apart from his time spent in this space as a prisoner, he also frequented the grounds in his professional capacity as a lawyer to many others he represented, including his then-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.  Today, it's home to South Africa’s Constitutional Court and serves as a powerful reminder of the journey from oppression to democracy.

Time Out Tip: Constitution Hill offers a range of tours and immersive experiences. To get the inside scoop on Mandela’s time there, book the Walk with Madiba Tour.

Address: 11 Kotze Street, Johannesburg

Once a safe house for anti-apartheid leaders, Liliesleaf Farm was the site of the infamous 1963 raid that led to Mandela’s arrest and the Rivonia Trial. It’s a vast space to explore with informative exhibits covering a range of topics on the country’s resistance movement against Apartheid. It's a must-visit for those interested in the inner workings of the liberation movement.

Time Out Tip: Make sure you set aside enough time for a visit to Liliesleaf because there is a lot to read.   

Address: 7 George Avenue, Rivonia

This restored building is a popular stop on tours exploring the city and with good reason. It housed the first Black law firm in South Africa, Mandela and Tambo Attorneys. The law firm was established in 1952 by Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo. Today, it’s an open-air museum with exhibits that include documents, letters, and previously unseen photographs on display in the ground-floor windows.

Time Out tip: Snap a pic with the “Shadow Boxer” statue. Created by Johannesburg-born artist Marco Cianfanelli, this six-meter-tall sculpture of Nelson Mandela was inspired by a famous 1950s photo of him shadow boxing.

Address: Fox St, Ferreiras Dorp

If you really want to immerse yourself in the Madiba experience, spend the night at Sanctuary Mandela. This is the re-envisioned home of former president Nelson Mandela. What makes this boutique hotel unique, besides the obvious, is that it features perfectly curated spaces and exhibits that pay tribute to Madiba and encourage a sense of healing and reflection. Every room is named after the late president, with a name given to him or associated with him.

Time Out Tip: While you’re there, order a glass of Boschendal Vin D’Or Natural Late Harvest, which was Nelson Mandela’s favourite wine, and imagine you’re having a drink with the former president in his home.

Address: 4 13th Ave, Houghton Estate

If an overnight stay is out of the question, a visit to Insights restaurant inside Sanctuary Mandela allows you to experience the space and dine like Madiba. Much of the menu at Insights is curated by Nelson Mandela’s long-time personal chef, Xoliswa Ndoyiya, to include dishes that were some of Mandela’s favourites, adding to the authenticity of the overall experience at the hotel.

Time Out Tip: Make sure you come hungry because the portions are big and the food is really good.

Address: 4 13th Ave, Houghton Estate

Tucked away in Houghton, this lesser-known but powerful site is home to Madiba’s post-presidential office and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory serves as a public archive and memory centre preserving his legacy through documents, photographs, and interactive exhibits. The space feels intimate; you can even see Mandela’s original office preserved as it was, complete with his books, desk, and gifts from global dignitaries.

Time Out Tip: Visits are by appointment only, so be sure to book in advance. It’s quieter than other stops and offers a more reflective, behind-the-scenes view of Mandela’s later life and values.

Address: 107 Central Street, Houghton Estate

Mandela’s legacy and his role in the fight against the Apartheid regime are inextricably linked. While not Mandela-specific, the Apartheid Museum offers a comprehensive and emotional journey through apartheid, with a dedicated Mandela exhibit detailing his life, philosophy, and presidency, making it a must-do activity for those seeking to understand the former president.

Time Out Tip: Give yourself at least 2–3 hours to take it all in.

Address: Northern Parkway, Gold Reef Road, Ormonde

Located in the upscale Sandton City precinct, Nelson Mandela Square blends commerce and commemoration. At its centre stands a six-metre bronze statue of Madiba, one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. Unveiled in 2004, the statue was designed to honour Mandela's spirit of inclusivity, peace, and optimism. While the square is surrounded by designer stores, hotels, and restaurants, it offers a striking contrast: a reminder of how far South Africa has come, right in the middle of its financial capital.

Time Out Tip: Time your visit for golden hour, the statue glows in the late afternoon light and makes for a perfect photo opportunity. Grab a coffee or a bite from one of the nearby cafés for a reflective pause.

Address: 5th Street, Sandown, Sandton