Top 10 Free Things to do in Joburg
If you’re in town and are looking for some things to do in Johannesburg (affectionately known as Joburg to locals), here are a few ideas that will inspire you. The best part is that they are all free of charge! Take your family, your partner and some friends over to these places to have a good time.
Visit the Goodman Gallery
If you are a fan of contemporary art, or just art in general, then take a drive out to the Goodman Gallery in Parkwood. Housing artworks from artists such as David Goldblatt and William Kentridge, you can spend the day viewing some exquisite artwork, and maybe even learn a thing or two about art.
Details: Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday – 09:30 to 17:30; Saturday – 09:30 to 16:00 | 163 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg | Tel: (011) 788 1113
Visit the Circa on Jellicoe
With exhibitions such as Anthea Pokroy’s “I collect Gingers” (17 January to 2 March 2013) and the upcoming “Beautiful Boats” exhibition (9 February to 30 March), view and enjoy some South African contemporary art and marvel in the exquisite architecture of the Circa on Jellicoe, which represents a celebration of art within our beloved city.
Details: Opening times: Monday to Friday – 09:00 to 18:00; Saturday – 09:00 to 13:00 | 2 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg | Tel: (011) 788 4805
Hop on down to the Bunny Park
Enjoy a day out in the sunshine with family and friends at the Bunny Park in Benoni. Bring along some veggies, or buy some at the kiosk available, and hand-feed the tame bunnies and other animals like goats, cows and donkeys. And to make the day even more relaxing, pack a lovely picnic filled with snacks and enjoy the great outdoors while the little ones track down bunnies, see peacocks show off their flamboyant feathers or—when available—go on camel rides.
Details: Opening times: Daily from 07:00 to 17:00 | Pretoria Road, Benoni, Johannesburg | Tel: (011) 422 3651
Nan Hua Buddhist Temple
Take a drive to the scenic temple of Nan Hua Buddhist Temple (the South African branch for the Humanistic Buddhist Order) to marvel at the divine architecture. Take the time to walk through the museum and view their large collection of Chinese artefacts. Visit the white Temple Lions (not real ones, obviously) that protect the temple, or admire a set of impressive antique Han Dynasty Chinese Palace gongs that date back 2000 years, which are the exact replica of the originals.
Details: Opening times: 09:00 to 17:00 daily except Monday | 27 Nan Hua Road, Cultura Park, Bronkhorstspruit, Johannesburg | Tel: (013) 931 0009
Photo credit: Nicole Castanheira
Adler Museum of Medicine
If, like me, you are a fan of anything medical, take some time to browse through the history of medicine and developments in the medical world. Visit the Adler Museum of Medicine where you can see interesting collections representing the medical, dental, and pharmaceutical history through the ages. With hundreds of historical medical items, documents, philatelic and medallion collections and a library housing rare books, you can enjoy a day of browsing and learning. Regular public lectures, tours, film shows and exhibitions are on show at the Museum.
Details: Opening times: Monday to Friday – 09:30 to 16:00; Saturdays on request | Wits Medical School, Corner York and Carse O’ Gowrie Roads, Parktown, Johannesburg| Tel: (011) 717 2081
James Hall Museum of Transport
The James Hall Museum of Transport is the largest and the most comprehensive museum of land transport in South Africa. You can view transport collections which include animal-drawn vehicles (1870-1910), bicycles and motorcycles (1786 – 1960), buses and coaches, motor cars (1900 – 1980) and trams and trolley buses (1896 – 1986). There are also interesting memorabilia, artefacts and an extremely rare steam vehicle collection. This is definitely the place for car or transport enthusiasts!
Details: Opening times: Tuesday to Friday – 09:00 to 17:00; closed every third weekend of the month | Pioneer’s Park, Rosettenville Road, La Rochelle | Tel: (011) 435 9718 or (011) 435 9485/6/7
The Peacemakers Museum
The Peacemakers Museum in Nelson Mandela Square gives you an opportunity to know more about the Nobel laureates who devoted their lives to making the world a better place for everyone. This exhibition celebrates Nobel Peace Prize winners, but mainly focuses on the South African laureates such as Albert Luthuli, FW de Klerk, Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.
Details: Opening times: Monday to Friday – 11:00 to 19:00; Saturday and Sunday – 11:00 to 18:00 | Nelson Mandela Square, 8 Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg | Cell: 079 545 2703
Browse around the Rosebank Rooftop Fleamarket
Browse through more than 600 stalls that offer numerous items such as handcrafts, antiquities, collectibles, clothing and stock for hobby enthusiasts. It’s free to browse, but if you wish, you can do a little bit of shopping. And if you get a bit peckish in between shopping, there is a selection of foods available at the International Food court and Deli.
Details: Opening times: Sundays – 09:00 to 17:00 | Corner of Cradock Avenue and Baker Street, Rosebank, Johannesburg | Tel: (011) 442 3387
Absa Money Museum
Take a trip down to the only money and banking museum to see the most complete collection of South African numismatic items in the world. The museum’s history stretches as far back as to the beginnings of trading in Johannesburg and shows many displays of ‘early money’, from Cowrie Shells to Venetian glass beads. Remember to bring along your ID for entry into the building!
Details: Opening times: Monday to Friday – 08:30 to 16:00 | 15 Troye Street, Johannesburg | Tel: (011) 350 4167
Take a walk through a Park
With large, open gardens and the popular dam, enjoy a day at the park with family, friends, and your four-legged companions at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens at Emmarentia Dam. Pack yourself a picnic basket filled with delicious delights, a blanket and enjoy the fresh air while people watching. This is the perfect spot to have a relaxing day out in the sun, give your four-legged friend some exercise and fun, and spend some quality time with family.
Details: Olifants Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg | Tel: (011) 782 7064
By Sébastien Charrieras
