Whether you’re making the big bucks or constantly scraping your cents together at the end of the month, these days we can all do with some entertainment that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. We know the struggle is real, so TravelGround scoured the Joburg area and jotted down some fun activities you can enjoy for less than R100.
Carlton Centre
Towering 223 m above the ground, this building offers a bird’s-eye view of Johannesburg. The Carlton Centre, also known as the Top of Africa, is the tallest building in Africa and was once the tallest building in the southern hemisphere! Take the lift to the 50th floor where you will be awarded with the best view in Johannesburg.
Admission: R15
Opening hours: Weekdays: 09:00 – 18:00, Saturday: 09:00 – 17:00 and Sunday: 09:00 – 14:00
Address: 150 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg
Neighbourgoods Market
At the Neighbourgoods Market, they strive to support and showcase small local producers with their fingerlicking good foods and interesting goods. Be a Jozi local for a day and be inspired by the energy of the big city!
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Saturdays from 09:00 – 15:00
Address: 73 Juta Street, corner of De Beer and Juta Street, Johannesburg
James Hall Museum of Transport
This museum is the largest and most comprehensive museum of land transport in South Africa. Bring the kids along to see how their grandparents and great-grandparents got around the city in the olden days.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 09:00 – 16:30, and weekends: 09:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:30
Address: Pioneers’ Park, Rosettenville Road, La Rochelle, Johannesburg
Zoo Lake Swimming Bath
Built in the 1930s and still boasting its original features, the historic Zoo Lake Swimming Bath is a favourite among the locals. The most unique thing about this pool is probably its shape ─ 30 meters by 30 meters!
Admission: R9
Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:45 (usually from September to April)
Address: Corner of Prince of Wales and Lower Park Drive, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Origins Centre
The Origins Centre is dedicated to exploring and celebrating the history of modern humankind. Visitors can admire ancient stone tools, artefacts of symbolic and spiritual significance, and examples of the region’s visually striking rock art.
Admission: R80
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Address: Origins Centre, Corner of Yale and Enoch Sontonga, Wits University, Johannesburg
Apartheid Museum
A visit is fundamental for anyone who wants to learn more about Apartheid. The museum is a beacon of hope showing the world how South Africa is coming to terms with its oppressive past and working towards a future that all South Africans can call their own.
Admission: R85
Opening hours: Weekdays: 09:00 – 17:00
Address: Northern Parkway and Gold Reef Road, Ormonde, Johannesburg
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
This Botanical Garden was founded in 1982, but has been a popular venue for outings since the 1800s, so bring your picnic basket, enjoy the tranquillity and admire the beautiful surroundings and indigenous plants and animals.
Admission: R50
Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00
Address: Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort, Johannesburg
Sundays in the Living Room
Sundays in the Living Room has become a place for great music and awesome people ─ an electric mix of musicians playing funky, upbeat music throughout the day ensures a good vibe. Seating is limited, so be sure to come early!
Admission: R60 online and R80 at the door
Opening hours: Sundays from 11:00 – 19:00
Address: 5th Floor Main Change Building, 20 Kruger Street, Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg
Melville Koppies Nature Reserve
Join the hikers at Melville Koppies Nature Reserve on Sundays and remember your hiking boots, hat, sun block, water and a snack. If you’re in the mood for something a little less challenging, there is also a dog walk on the first Saturday of every month.
Admission: Hike – R60 and Dog walk – R30
Opening hours: Starts at 08:00
Address: 4 Judith Road, Emmarentia, Randburg, Johannesburg
Market On Main
Market On Main is a weekly upmarket market that trades in regional foods and local design. The goal is to encourage inner city lifestyle, and provide a relaxed and creative space for makers to trade, and for locals and visitors to spend their weekend leisure time.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Sundays from 10:00 – 15:00
Address: Arts on Main, 264 Fox Street, Johannesburg
Hennops Hiking Trail
In the heart of busy Gauteng, hikers can now experience one of the few unspoiled nature areas. There are three trails of different lengths meandering along the Hennops River before veering away into the surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for the zebras, impalas and kudus!
Admission: R70
Opening hours: Weekdays from 08:00 – 17:00 and weekends from 07:00 – 17:00
Address: Road R511 Hennopsriver Schurveberg, Pretoria
Comedy at Kitcheners
If you’re in the mood for a laugh, check out the comedy night at Kitcheners every Tuesday. It’s a one-of-a-kind show that gives seasoned professionals a chance to try out some new material on an open-minded, comedy-loving crowd.
Admission: R20
Opening hours: Starts at 20:00
Address: Kitcheners Carvery Bar, 5 De Beer Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is an extraordinary family destination in the vibrant precinct of Newtown. In addition to more than 350 interactive maths, science and technology exhibits, it also offers a wide range of leisure and educational activities and events.
Admission: R48
Opening hours: Weekdays from 09:00 – 17:00 and weekends from 09:00 – 16:30
Address: Corner of Miriam Makeba and Helen Joseph Streets, Newtown, Johannesburg
Locrate Market in Soweto
This is the first lifestyle market in Soweto where young entrepreneurs can showcase and sell their products, make connections and get the exposure they need in order to expand their businesses. Come enjoy the tasty treats and admire the fashion, local art, accessories and more.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Every first Sunday of the month from 11:00 – 18:00
Address: Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers, 10823A Pooe Street, Soweto, Johannesburg
e-tuktuk
Do yourself a favour and book a trip on one of these little guys! e-tuktuk is a taxi service like no other. The three-wheeled tuk tuks are full of character and offer more than a safe and affordable door-to-door taxi service – it offers a unique and fun experience you won’t easily forget!
Admission: Depends on the distance. Starts at R20 per trip and increases according to distance up to R50 per trip.
Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00
Address: 66, 4th Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg
Montecasino Bird Gardens
Bring the little rascals along for some great family entertainment and take a stroll through the gardens featuring colourful birds, mammals, reptiles and other exotic animals. It is the only bird park of its kind in Africa and its Joburg’s best kept secret!
Admission: R75
Opening hours: Everyday from 08:30 – 17:00
Address: Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Sandton, Johannesburg
Rosebank Sunday Market
Every Sunday the rooftop parking space at Rosebank Mall transforms into a world-class market. The market celebrates its diversity by offering something for everyone ─ a selection of craft stalls, live music, kids entertainment and gourmet food traders.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Sundays from 09:00 – 16:00
Address: 50 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Orlando Towers
Those of you who don’t have a fear of heights can visit the Orlando Towers and travel up the side of the Western Cooling Tower in a lift to see the 360º view of Soweto, or challenge your abilities on the 25 m climbing wall from different angles!
Admission: View – R80 and Climb – R80
Opening hours: Thursdays from 12:00 – 17:00 and weekends and public holidays from 10:00 – 18:00
Address: Chris Hani Road, Klipspruit 318-Iq, Johannesburg
The Northgate Ice Rink
The Northgate Ice Rink is open to the public, so come hire some skates and give us a twirl on the ice!
Admission: Sunday evenings – R65 for entrance and skates, and Tuesday evenings – half price
Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00 and 19:30 – 22:00
Address: Northgate Shopping Centre, Entrance 6, Northumberland Avenue, North Riding, Johannesburg
Museum of Military History
If you are a military history boffin, this activity is for you! This museum is a memorial for all South Africans who have died as a result of military actions and preserves our nation’s military history for future generations. It’s also an unusual but popular venue for functions.
Admission: R40
Opening hours: 09:00 – 16:30
Address: 22 Erlswold Way, Saxonwold, Johannesburg
What are you waiting for? Book a stay in the city and go paint Johannesburg red with just R100 in your pocket!
Feature image: “North Johannesburg Panorama” by Chris Eason (flickr)
