11 Cool & Cultural Things To Do In Jozi For Free & Under R200

Travelstart has found cool, contemporary and cultural activities for you to do in the city of Johannesburg.
You are spoiled for choice with all the amazing options; ranging from museum visits, outdoor markets and beer adventures. Jozi’s charm is definitely the friendly people and we have got plenty of fun and affordable ways for you to get to know this great city.

“Top of Africa” – The second tallest building in Africa

Courtesy of @gophari via Instagram

Prepare to be wowed at the “Top of Africa” with a 360-degree view. Oversee the golden city of South Africa at the Carlton Centre skyscraper. It was the tallest building in Africa from 1973 to 2019, boasting 50 floors. You can see it on stop #11 on the City Sightseeing Tour.

Entrance is R30 per person, R20 per person for groups.

Do the world-famous SAB Brewery tour and end with a cold one and a great view

This informative tour shows you the ins and outs of the history, development and manufacturing of SA’s favourite beers.

The beer tour for adults is only R125 and it is R115 for pensioners and students (bring your student card). Children under the age of 18 are R45.

The beer tasting costs R115 but if you get the tour and beer tasting package, then it’s only R195.

If you want to go for lunch in the Tap Room, the entrance fee is R50 which includes two complimentary drinks vouchers.

The SAB World of Beer is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Their last tour is at 5 pm, except on Sundays and Mondays when the last tour begins at 4 pm. There are tours every hour on the hour, however, bookings are essential.

The last tour with a tasting included begins at 3 pm every day.

Take in the rooftop garden at Living Room

Courtesy of the Living Room’s website (https://www.livingroomjozi.co.za/)

Johannesburg has the largest urban forest in the world with over six million trees. Be sure to visit the vibey Living Room in Maboneng for drinks, music and chill in an urban rooftop garden oasis.

It’s important to plan in advance and look at their calendar (https://bit.ly/3oN7rMR) to see what times they are open to the public. 

20 Kruger Street

084 529 9006 or 082 370 9284

Courtesy of the Living Room’s website (https://www.livingroomjozi.co.za/)

Engulf yourself in art museums on First Thursdays

The event is as much about socialising as it is about admiring artistic masterpieces. It’s a great opportunity to experience Johannesburg’s established and dynamic art scene whilst mingling with a great glass of grapes in hand. This no-cost event in Braamfontein occurs on the evening of the first Thursday of every month, where you get the opportunity to share unique and artistic perspectives.

Check what’s on here. 

Courtesy of @african_art_stories via Instagram

Boutique Wine Tasting Experience in Johannesburg

Indulge in and learn about some of the best South African boutique wines in Jozi’s hustle and bustle atmosphere, for only R150! You will learn the fascinating history of the famous wine brewing in South Africa. A wine expert will host the tasting which consists of at least 5 different wines. How divine!

It is open from Monday to Thursday, from 10:30 am to 6 pm. 

You can buy tickets here: https://bit.ly/3d1sIQn 

Attend a reading at one of Jozi’s best bookstores, Bridge Books

Courtesy of Bridge Books via Facebook

Bridge Books is a must for book lovers and anyone interested in meeting some of the brightest literary minds on the continent. There are books available in all 11 local languages. They also host writing workshops and story time for kids every Saturday. To find events go to their events page: https://bit.ly/3QfGsFc 

98 Commissioner Street

079 618 9280

Experience South Africa’s Military History

Image of Johannesburg’s Military Museum from their website (https://militarymuseum.co.za/main.htm)

At the Museum you can view and learn about various types of Medals, Aircraft, Armoured Fighting Vehicles, Badges, Uniforms, guns, aircrafts and much more. There is also naval hardware which you can see, this includes a Molch, one man submarine which was used by the Germans in World War Two. There are sometimes also events and shows which you can intend so keep an eye out!
The entrance fee is R22 for adults and R11 for pensioners, students and children. However, on weekends, it’s R50 for all.

Spend Saturdays at Neighbourgoods and Sundays at Market On Main

Courtesy of @thembi_veto via Instagram

Do some killer shopping and enjoy the best brunch in town, an array of options of delicious dishes at the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein (on Saturdays) and Market on Main in Maboneng. 

Joburg has many mouth-watering options for foodies like the Jozi Food Market at the Sheds@1Fox; the Blubird Wholefood Market; the Bryanston Organic Market and the Fourways Farmers Market. 

Courtesy of @marketonmain via Instagram

Explore the most extra milkshakes at the Craft Restaurant

Courtesy of @craftrestaurant via Instagram

Try creations like the Candy Carnival, Sourgreen monster or the Salted Caramel Delights at the Craft restaurant. Here you will find the most creative and delicious milkshakes just be sure to take along your appetite! There are healthy options too for those without a sweet tooth. 

Call: 011 788 7111

33 4th Avenue Parkhurst

Have a picnic at Johannesburg botanical gardens

These beautiful and diverse gardens were voted by its residents as the best passive recreational space in the city. It is home to a variety of indigenous and exotic trees, such as Californian Redwoods, silver birches and English oaks. There are various sections including the Shakespeare Garden and the Rose garden, surrounded by flowering Japanese cherries. At these scenic gardens, you can do bird watching, canoeing, sailing, kayaking and fishing. There are also many botanical and horticultural societies hosted here. At times, there are events such as the Malibongwe, a tribute to women on women’s day. 

Entrance into the gardens is free, however, you have the opportunity to make a donation.

There are Summer Sunset Concerts played at the botanical gardens, featuring various local and international artists. These events attract crowds from all over and are dubbed the ‘weekly humdinger of a party.’

Emmerentia lake, situated in the Johannesburg botanical gardens outside the city centre.

Constitution Hill and the Apartheid Museum

Courtesy of @raquelmilk via Instagram

Learn about SA’s most challenging period and our path of perseverance to achieve democracy at the living museum, Constitution Hill. This former prison held political prisoners and is now home to the Constitutional Court. Constitution Hill has hourly tours (below R200) from 9 am to 5 pm every day. If you’re visiting on a Red Bus City Sightseeing tour you’re entitled to a 25% discount on your ticket. Entrance is R100 for adults, R50 for children and R65 for pensioners and students. Admission is free on: Human Rights Day, Freedom Day, Women’s Day, Youth Day, Heritage Day, International Human Rights Day and Day of Conciliation. Be sure to check closure times before you go: https://bit.ly/3d2tCvJ.

The Apartheid Museum offers important historical insight into past atrocities and is the world authority on this chapter in our nation’s history. There are affordable tours available. It is open Thursday to Sunday and public holidays, except on Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The entrance fee is R150 for adults and R100 for pensioners, university students and children.

Aerial view of Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, South Africa

We’d love to hear your favourite things to do in Jozi in the comments below!