Although many people simply pass through Johannesburg on their way to safaris or nature reserves, there are many things of interest if you take the time to explore the city. Joining a tour group is a very good way to see the major sights.

Apartheid Museum
South Africa’s tumultuous history of apartheid is well showcased in this museum, which offers galleries of old identification cards used for racial profiling. Some of the most interesting displays include a photograph of an all-white race classification board. The museum houses excellent photographs, detailed text, and emotional video footage. There are even examples of tiny solitary confinement cells.

Constitution Hill
This building houses South Africa's Constitutional Court and visitors here can see the many artworks or even attend court hearings. This is the site of an old prison, the infamous 19^th century Old Fort, where brutalities took place in the name of apartheid. Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were at one time detainees here.

Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum
This monument was set up in memory of the 1976 student protest that left around 500 Sowetan schoolchildren dead. The museum contains video footage of the event as well as photographs including one of Hector Pieterson, a schoolboy who died on that day.

Johannesburg Art Gallery
This was the city’s first ever art gallery. It contains excellent Flemish and Dutch collections as well as the Brenthurst Collection of African Art and later collections of traditional southern African artworks. The gallery also houses sculptures by Venda artist Jackson Hlungwani, along with paintings by Helen Sebidi, Alfred Toba and Gerard Sekoto, who are all well known South African artists.

Soweto
This is South Africa’s biggest township and almost everyone who visits Johannesburg will take a trip here. In 1933, the government declared the Slums Clearance Act and forcibly evicted blacks from the inner cities into townships such as this. When it was created, Soweto (an acronym for South Western Township) had no roads, no shops, no parks, no electricity and no running water. Today, Soweto is home to between up to four million people and offers many of the modern amenities that can be found in any large town throughout the country. Have a guide is highly recommended.

Top of Africa
You will find spectacular panoramic views from the 50^th floor of the Carlton Centre, dubbed the ‘Top of Africa’. Many people choose to visit the centre in time for a sunset and enjoy the views while sipping a cocktail from the bar.

Sample the Nightlife
If you like theatre, you won’t want to miss the Market Theatre in Newtown (tel +27 11 832 1641), which showcases local talent. One of the best theatres in South Africa is the Johannesburg Civic Theatre (tel +27 11 877 6800, www.showbusiness.co.za), where you’ll find plenty of good musicals, operas, dance and classical music performances. Bar-hoppers can take a trip to the Melrose Arch, where the rich and famous spend their evenings. There are plenty of trendy restaurants and bars lined up along one street and lots of safe parking. Melville suburb also offers good restaurants and bars which are all within walking distance of each other and can be found along 7^th Street and Main Avenue.

See the Stars
Spend a romantic afternoon or evening of star-gazing at the Johannesburg Planetarium. Scheduled shows are every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, although calling to confirm opening times is advisable. The planetarium also offers astronomy courses for beginners. For more details, Contact: +27 11 717 1392

Visit an Amusement Park
Sun City is ideal for all of the family and offers a good choice of attractions. The infamous Valley of the Waves is a man-made beach with a wave machine producing 2-metre high waves that crash onto the sand. Horseback riding is also a favourite as is quad biking and archery. For more information, Sun City can be contacted on: +27 14 557 1000. Golf Reef City provides rides perfect for thrill-seekers. It offers some of the best roller coasters in the whole of South Africa, and while your children are keeping themselves amused, you may have time to enjoy the live music and casino at Back O' The Moon Restaurant. For more information on the park, telephone: +27 11 248 6800 or visit: www.goldreefcity.co.za.

Take a hike through the surrounding scenery
There plenty of excellent hiking trails offering 5 to 10km walks. Melville Koppies is a favoured destination with both tourists and locals looking for a stroll. You’ll find a stunning botanical garden on the northeast corner of this nature reserve, as well as the largest rose garden in all of Africa. For more information, call: +27 11 788 7571 and for guided tours, call tel. +27 11 482 4797.

Visit a Township
Learn about living in apartheid Africa. South Africa’s largest township is Soweto and is popular with almost every tourist who visits Johannesburg. The majority of the residents are however extremely friendly and while you should take caution and visit with a tour guide, do not be afraid to talk with the locals.