See art performances and dine at Nelson Mandela Square. Get an overview of contemporary history at Johannesburg's Constitution Hill or journey back to prehistoric times at the Cradle of Humankind paleontological World Heritage Site. Shoppers love Johannesburg's first-class malls in Sandton. If you're fascinated by the natural world, take a break from Johannesburg city centre and visit the nearby game reserves.
Head to the north-western arty suburb of Melville, where Johannesburg's trendsetters flock for its wide choice of restaurants and cafes. If you fancy Chinese food on your city break, go to Cyrildene, Johannesburg's Chinatown. Sample the city's finest French cuisine in Sandton and babotie mince casserole in Newtown, in Johannesburg's city centre.
If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing on your Johannesburg city break, book a hotel in or around Newtown, home to several of Johannesburg's cultural attractions. For a more leisurely city break, Johannesburg's northern neighbourhoods and their concentration of boutique hotels, restaurants and shops are a good choice. Stay in a Melville B&B to join in Johannesburg's trendy coffee culture and all-night parties.
Uncover the Apartheid years on your Johannesburg city break at Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial and at Constitution Hill, where atrocities took place at the former Old Fort. Afterwards, experience the new South Africa at Johannesburg's Newtown Cultural Precinct, which hosts performing arts from dance to music. For late-night action, head to the Rivonia district to go clubbing. During the day, take a break from sightseeing at the shopping malls in Sandton. Get a last-minute wildlife snap at Johannesburg Zoo or extend your city break to include a nature reserve trip in the regions surrounding Johannesburg.
