If you’re looking for fun things to do in Johannesburg city sightseeing tours are a great way of seeing Joburg safety. The easiest way to travel between the best attractions is on the Hop on hop off Johannesburg sightseeing bus.
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It’s no secret that the city has its problems and that certain areas are not the safest for tourists to visit. However, Johannesburg has a lot to offer and by taking some sensible precautions, its no more dangerous than many other cities around the world.
The main ticket office for the Johannesburg bus tour is at Rosebank which you can get to either on the Gautrain or by Uber.
However, its easier to purchase your tickets online, so that you can hop on the Johannesburg city sightseeing bus at a stop that’s convenient to your hotel.
This post has all the information you need to plan a fabulous trip around the city of Johannesburg on the sightseeing bus.
Ticket information for the Johannesburg City Sightseeing South Africa Bus
There are several types of tickets which include a one-day Johannesburg city tour or a two-day ticket.
You can also purchase a city hop on hop off ticket which includes a tour of Soweto.
At certain stops, there are free guided tours which are led by locals. Although it’s not compulsory its an excellent idea to bring some loose change with you to offer them a small tip for their services. They are very professional, and the tips that tourists provide are often their only source of income.
Departure Times of the Hop On Hop Off Johannesburg Bus
The sightseeing bus day tours depart every day, and the first bus leaves at 9 am. If you book your tickets in advance online, it is cheaper than at the ticket office. Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email and you can either print it off or show it to the driver.
Directions to Hop on Hop Off Rosebank Stop
From Rosebank, Gautrain station take the North exit and turn right at the top of the escalators. You should see KFC at the top of the escalators if not you’ve made the wrong exit.
You can walk through the mall, but it’s quicker to go back into the station and take the other exit.
The bus stop at Rosebank is on Cradock Avenue between Baker Street and Arnold Road. The hop on hop off bus stop is easy to spot as they are bright red.
From the Gautrain station walk past the ticket office and turn left at the First National Bank. Continue through the Cradock Avenue pedestrian zone past the Rosebank Mall on your right-hand side. On the left, you’ll see the car park and on the right, there’s a covered pathway.
When you get to Baker Street, which is the main road, cross over, and the bus stop is on the right. If you prefer to be accompanied head to the ticket office and a member of staff will escort you.
Free Hotel Shuttle Bus
If you book your tickets in advance there’s a free shuttle service to the city tour Johannesburg bus at the following times.
Hotel Pickups in Sandton
| HOTEL | PICKUP TIME |
| The Holiday Inn | 08.45 am and 10.15 am |
| The Maslow | 08.53 am and 10.23 am |
| The Hilton | 08.57 am and 10.27 am |
| Radisson Blue Gautrain | 09.04 am and 10.33 am |
| Sandton Convention Centre | 09.09an and 10.38 am |
| Da Vinci Hotel | 09.12 am and 10.41 am |
At the end of your city sightseeing Joburg bus tour a complimentary shuttle drops off at the above hotels in Sandton and Melrose Arch at 3.15 pm, 4.15 pm and 6.15 pm.
Whats the bus like on the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours Johannesburg?
The open-top double-decker bus is spacious and wheelchair friendly. You’ll be given a pair of headphones as there is a running commentary throughout the tour.
All points of interest in Johannesburg are mentioned, and there are some exciting facts given along the journey. The sockets for the headphones are on the left-hand side of each pair of seats, and the commentary is available in 15 different languages. There’s also a kids channel to keep children entertained.
Facilities onboard
There are no toilet facilities on board, nor can you purchase anything to eat and drink. There are such facilities at various stops, and you can buy drinks and snacks at the ticket counter in Rosebank.
You are given a hop on hop off Johannesburg timetable before you depart or you can download it at this link. There’s also a map for the Johannesburg hop on hop off bus route on the back of the timetable.
Routes for the Hop-On bus Johannesburg
The city sightseeing Johannesburg bus has three routes, and it’s worth planning your journey and what you would like to see in advance. You can purchase either a ticket for the green and red route or a pass that includes the Soweto bus tour as well.
Given the distances between the best things to do in Johannesburg, I would recommend purchasing a two-day ticket. This way you’ll get to make the most of the activities to do in Johannesburg at each stop.
Johannesburg Hop On Hop Off Bus Route Map
There is 16 hop on hop off bus Johannesburg stops to enjoy, and it’s unlikely that even with a two-day ticket you’ll be able to explore them all.
The Green Route
The green route includes the following Joburg attractions. Rosebank, Zoo Lake, Johannesburg Zoo, The Military Museum and Constitution Hill.
At Constitution Hill, you can change from the green route to the red loop.
The Red City Tour
The Johannesburg sites along the red route include the Mining District, Carlton Centre, Gold Reef Casino, Apartheid Museum and Newton.
If you have bought a ticket that provides for the hop on hop off Soweto tour, you will need to change at the Gold Reef Casino Stop.
Timings to help plan what to do in Johannesburg
The Jozi tour bus frequents each stop every 30 minutes so it’s worth making sure you know what time the next one is so that you can get back to the bus stop in time.
Journey times vary depending on traffic, but the following times provide a rough guide.
Rosbank to Constitution Hill – 40 minutes
To travel the full length of the green route without getting off takes approximately one hour. The red bus connects with the green coach at Constitution Hill, and there’s a 5-minute window to change courses.
You can usually step off one bus and straight onto the next one at Constitution Hill, although it’s worth stretching your legs and catching a later bus as Constitution Hill is one of the places of interest in Johannesburg.
Constitution Hill to Gold Reef Casino – 45 minutes
If you are taking the Soweto tour, make sure you study the departure times carefully as they’re not as frequent. Last time I took the trip, I made the mistake of getting there an hour to early, which is not enough time to see the theme park. I ended up having a drink in the Casino, which was fine but it was not top of my list of things to see in Johannesburg.
The Soweto tour bus leaves at 10.05 am, 11.10 am, 12.10 pm, 1.10 pm, 2.10 pm and 3.20 pm, which is the last one of the day.
It’s also worth noting that if you take the last Soweto tour the Hector Pietersen museum will be closed and the trip tends to be a bit shorter as the bus has to get passengers back to the Gold Reef Casino in time for the last red route bus.
Suggested itinerary for what to do in Johannesburg in one day
I have included the most popular Johannesburg places to visit on this suggested itinerary.
Catch the bus at 9 am from Rosebank and head straight to Constitution Hill
Take the tour which lasts for one hour and enjoy a walk up the Hill to see the spectacular vistas of the city. Entrance tickets for Constitution Hill can be purchased on arrival and you get a discount with your red bus ticket.
Take the 10.45 red route bus to Gold Reef Casino to join the Soweto bus tour
Grab yourself a quick drink at the Casino before catching the 12.10 Soweto bus.
When you return after the Soweto tour walk to the Apartheid Museum, which is just across the road from the Gold Reef Casino Car Park. You’ll see the massive pillars outside the entrance.
You can then get one of the last buses (4.18 pm, 4.48 pm or 5.25 pm) back to Constitution Hill.
At Constitution Hill, you can transfer onto the green route which will take you back to Rosebank. The last bus from here departs at 6 pm, and it takes approximately 20 minutes to get back to Rosebank.
Scenic Views from the Open Bus Tour Johannesburg
The commentary on the bus is excellent, and Johannesburg points of interest are brought up along the route. Even if you don’t get off and visit the places to see in Johannesburg, there are plenty of views to admire along the journey.
One of the cities best features is the street art which can be seen in numerous parts although Maboneng is probably one of the best.
Lookout to the left as you approach Constitution Hill as there are some great works of art on the outer perimeter wall.
There are also some fabulous works near the Wits Art Museum and in the trendy suburb of Braamfontein.
Johannesburg also has some beautiful statues dotted around the city, many of which you pass on the city sightseeing bus. The Miner’s monument by sculptor David McGregor is a celebration of the men who were central to Joburg’s wealth and prosperity.
As the hop on hop off bus enters Gandhi’s square lookout for the statue of the man himself. Gandhi came to Johannesburg in 1893 as a lawyer and had close connections to the anti-apartheid movement. He spent time in the Constitutional Hill Prison and of course was an inspirational world leader.
The bus route passes through some interesting places in Johannesburg, and while there is not always a bus stop for you to hop off at, the reality of cities troubled past is still very much evident today.
Johannesburg is divided by wealth, and the tour doesn’t avoid some of the poorest parts of town. When passing through the city, it’s difficult not to notice the once prestigious buildings which are now crumbling around the edges and the depilated shop fronts that sit amongst them.
Since the financial hub of the city is now at Sandton, the central business district is now showing signs of rapid deterioration and its a shame that more isn’t being done to protect the heritage buildings.
Things to do in Joburg on the Hop on Hop off Johannesburg Bus
Rosebank
Rosebank is one of the starting points for the red sightseeing Johannesburg tour bus. The main ticket office is opposite KFC, and a member of staff will escort you down to the bus stop.
Rosebank itself is a large modern shopping complex which is safe to walk around. You’ll find a mix of high street shops, high-end brands and local names such as I was shot in Johannesburg.
There’s several restaurants and coffee shops to enjoy and recuperate after going on a spending spree.
Its a popular place in the city of Joburg to visit on a Sunday when the rooftop market takes place.
Stalls sell an exciting selection of artisan crafts and its a fabulous place to pick up some local souvenirs. There’s also plenty of African fabrics and soft furnishings to buy as well as more quirky items such as picture frames and jewellery.
There’s often live music and street entertainers and its one of the fun places in Johannesburg to visit.
Zoo Lake
Zoo Lake has some of the best picnic spots in Johannesburg, and as such it’s popular with locals at the weekend. You can stretch your legs on a long walk around the lake or spend some time relaxing on the grass.
JHB Zoo
While a visit to a zoo may not be for everyone, if you are looking for what to do in Johannesburg with kids, it’s worth hopping off the Johannesburg sightseeing bus and spending a few hours here.
The zoo is home to the big five and is involved in several conservation projects to protect animals such as the black rhino, African wild dogs and the Cape Vulture.
If you want to see the big 5 in their natural environment, why not plan a self-drive safari to Pilanesburg.
In the farmyard section, children and of course adults can pet animals such as sheep, and in the Madagascar section, you can get a close look at some of the endemic lemurs. There’s plenty of places to enjoy a picnic, and all the animal enclosures are spacious and clean.
Military Museum
Shortly after the stop at Johannesburg Zoo, the hop on hop off Joburg sightseeing bus arrives at the Military Museum. Even if you are not planning on getting off here, have your camera ready as the memorial arch is a stunning monument that you can capture as the bus departs the stop.
For travellers who are interested in weaponry and military artefacts, it’s worth visiting the museum. There’s an excellent collection of military weapons on display including some of the first heavy artillery guns that soldiers used in the Anglo-Boer Wars.
Other artefacts on display include rifles, tanks, uniforms, and medals from the first and second world wars. The collection of aircraft is unique, and there are also some interesting documents from the conflicts during the apartheid era.
The entrance fee is 35 rand, and the museum is open between 9 am and 4.30 pm every day.
Constitution Hill
At Constitution Hill the hop on hop off Johannesburg routes crossover, so most people will disembark, change buses and continue on the Johannesburg city tour, however, it’s well worth spending some time here.
Constitution Hill is another of the places in Johannesburg that has a tragic history behind it, but its also home to the new constitutional court which strives to bring justice and equality to all South Africans.
The site is a former prison renowned for its terrible conditions and atrocities that took place until 1983. Constitution Hill is now a National Heritage site, preserved to ensure that we never forget the past. In many ways, I found it a more chilling experience than my visit to the Apartheid museum.
The museum has intentionally done little to change the small cells, open toilet blocks and grim surroundings. As you walk around, you get a cold shiver running through your spine as you experience the injustice, cruel punishments and challenging conditions that the prisoners experienced.
The exhibitions are very informative and well presented. There’s far less to read here than at the Apartheid museum but what’s on display has perhaps more of a profound and real effect. There are several sites that you can visit at Constitution Hill, and the one hour guided is highly recommended. The tour is excellent, and the guides provide you with an insight into what daily life was like in prison.
The cells are tiny, and when you learn how many prisoners were housed there, it hard to believe that Constitution Hill was still operating in the 1980s. Black prisoners were treated far worse than the whites. They were held in Block number 4, which you can visit.
The cells are small and intimidating, with little daylight. Woollen blankets are on display and the creative objects that the prisoners made from them.
Every week prisoners would be asked to decorate their cells as part of a competition. The winning cell would be offered a piece of bread as the prize. As the daily food was rotten fish, the game was taken seriously by the inmates, and their creativity is astounding given the torrid conditions of their surroundings.
The isolation units are truly horrific at the end of block 4. Prisoners could spend months in these units, and many were murdered there by the guards. Others would go mad, and those that managed to survive have left harrowing words etched into the prison walls which are still there today. The awaiting trial blocks are also a poignant feature of the complex.
Today only four staircases remain as the building was demolished in 2001. The bricks were recycled to build the new constitutional court. Thankfully today’s court serves to uphold the rights of all South Africans regardless of whether you’re black or white, but the bricks are a poignant and symbolic reminder of the countries past.
The modern building is designed to reflect the main objectives of the constitution, transparency and openness. The huge wooden doors are beautifully carved with depictions of the Bill, which includes the 27 rights. The entrance foyer is unlike any other that I’ve seen in that the lighting and shadows that they cast represent the tree of justice.
There’s also a contemporary art gallery inside which is free to visit. The works and sculptures are a unique collection which brings together South African and international heritage.
Mining District
Stop number 10 on the hop on hop off bus Johannesburg is the mining district which was home to the cities stock exchange. Some of the old buildings in this area are beautiful, but sadly not all of them are well kept.
Few people get off here on the city bus tour Johannesburg and its best only to do so between Monday and Friday. Sadly the hub of the city is not one of the safest areas to visit. On a walk around the neighbourhood, there are a few statues to see and of course the large mine’s headgear, which you pass anyway on the red sightseeing bus.
You can also visit the mine-shaft museum at the Standard Bank head office on Simmonds Street. The bank discovered the entrance to the mine shaft in the 1980s, and you can visit it as part of the museum, which is open between 7 am and 6 pm daily.
For a bit of culture, the Standard Bank Art Gallery is also worth visiting. The gallery regularly hosts international exhibitions although it is closed from 1 pm on Saturday till Monday morning.
Carlton Centre
The Carlton Centre is currently the tallest building in Africa, although a new tower will soon beat it in Sandton. The Carlton Hotel was part of this building, but it is no longer.
Today tourists flock here to get the best views over the city of Johannesburg. The top of Africa experience offers 360-degree panoramic views of Johannesburg for just 30 ZAR per person.
The tower is open between 9 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday, 9 am till 5 pm on Saturday, and 9 am till 1 pm on Sunday.
From the Johannesburg hop on-off bus, a member of staff will escort you from the bus stop through the shopping to the lifts.
James Hall Transport Museum
From animal-drawn vehicles, motorbikes, cars, trams and emergency vehicles, the James Transport Museum has the most extensive collection in South Africa.
There are six exhibition areas which display all modes of transport that people have been using in South Africa over the centuries. Most things on display are from the 20th century and include an exceptional array of classic sports cars, but there are also some older exhibits such as rickshaws and horse-drawn trams.
The museum is free to visit, but there is a donation box. It’s open every day of the week except Monday between 9 am and 4.30 pm. However, at the weekend it closes for lunch between 12 noon and 1 pm. You can get around the museum quickly, but it’s advisable to plan an hour or more for your visit.
Gold Reef City Casino
The Casino is the stop on the red route Johannesburg sightseeing tour to depart at if you’re taking the Soweto bus tour. As you leave the bus a member of staff will guide you in the right direction.
The Gold Reef Casino is another stop if you are looking for family outings in Johannesburg. Next door to the Casino is the Gold Reef theme park with rides and attractions that will keep the kids entertained all day.
The Casino is not for everyone, and inside you’ll find plenty of gaming machines and an area dedicated to kids.
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum is one of the top places to visit in Johannesburg. As the name suggests, you’ll learn all about the Apartheid era. The experience includes living conditions, how the government implemented segregation, and the journey towards democracy.
To say the museum gives a comprehensive insight into the Apartheid is an understatement, the curators omitted no piece of this torrid part of history. You could easily spend the best part of the day here and depending upon how much information you wish to read; you should plan to spend between 2-4 hours.
There’s film footage including that of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, artefacts including the decommissioned weapons that authorities used during the conflicts. There are also documents, text panels, photographs and harrowing stories to help you understand the inequalities and oppression that have led to today’s problems in South Africa.
Unlike many of Johannesburg attractions, the museum is exceedingly well laid out. A series of 22 exhibition sections tell of what sanctions, based on racial discrimination were put in place by the government and the lengthy battle through several decades to overturn these.
As the city sightseeing bus arrives at the museum, you can’t miss the seven massive pillars that mark the entrance. Each post represents a significant aspect of the present constitution that was drawn up by South Africa’s first democratic government, between 1994 and 1996.
Democracy, Equality, Reconciliation, Diversity, Responsibility, Respect and Freedom.
To highlight the reality of segregation, the entrance to the museum is both poignant and memorable. There are two gates one for whites and one for non-whites. When you reach the end of the exhibitions, there’s a space for you to reflect and the garden area provides a further area of contemplation.
Of all the tourist attractions in Johannesburg which relate to the Apartheid era the message here is crystal clear. There aim “to encourage visitors to empower themselves with the knowledge to prevent such horrors from happening again” is certainly accomplished in this outstanding, thought-provoking and engaging museum.
Newton
If you love beer, a visit to SAB World of Beer is one of the activities in Johannesburg not to miss. The tour gives a fascinating insight into the history of beer and how beer is made. Of course, there’s the opportunity at the end of the visit to sample some of SAB’s beers.
The staff will fill you in on the different aroma’s and flavours as well as provide you with information on the brewing process that each beer undergoes to balance the complex array of flavours. SAB produce five well-known brands of lager, and in the tasting session, you’ll get to taste them all.
Castle Lager is a popular choice due to its harmonious balance of sweet and bitter tones. Castle Lite has a clean and crisp taste which is lighter and less bitter than the lager. Castle Milk Stout has a creamy head and a smooth, rich texture. There’s also Black Label and Hansa Pilsener, plus a white elephant (one international brand)to try and compare.
The SAB World of Beer is open seven days a week between 10 am and 6 pm. The last tour which enables you to include the beer tasting is at 3 pm. Entrance is 130 Rand, and you get 5 ZAR off if you present your Joburg tour bus ticket.
If you want to taste the beer, make sure you get the tour and tasting combined ticket which costs 200 ZAR. You can relax in the world of beer taproom afterwards which does sell pub-style food, and you’ll get a souvenir glass to take away with you.
Science Bono Discovery Centre
The science Bono is one of the best places to go in Johannesburg with kids. There are approximately 400 permanent exhibits, most of which are interactive.
The ethos behind the Science-Bono is to raise awareness and interest in subjects such as mathematics, engineering, science and technology. The centre works closely with schools and helps implement the strategies for teaching these subjects within the Gauteng region.
The discovery centre is opposite the SAB world of beer and its open to visitors between 9-5 pm on Mondays to Friday and 9.30 am to 4.30 pm on Saturdays and Sunday.
How safe is Johannesburg Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Bus?
The hop on hop off Johannesburg city sightseeing bus is one of the safest ways to explore the city. At the bus stops in the downtown city of Jhb, there’s always a member of staff who will escort to attractions like the Carlton Tower. Members of the team are also there to assist you when changing routes and at Rosebank shopping mall they will walk with you to the bus stop.
Make sure you don’t miss out on seeing the highlights of Johannesburg. Click here to book your Hop On Hop Off Johannesburg Sightseeing Bus Tickets.
If you are planning to visit Cape Town, don’t miss out on the best things to do at the waterfront and make sure you plan a trip to Franschhoek for some fabulous wine tasting.
Hi, I’m Fiona Berry- I live in Lancashire in the North of England, but my job as an instrumental music examiner takes me all over the world. Travel has enriched my life in so many ways and allowed me to experience different cultures, make new friends and see extraordinary sights. Through this blog, I share my knowledge and expertise so that my readers have all the resources they require to ensure their travels provide unique and unforgettable memories to destinations that are beyond the ordinary.
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