Johannesburg, known as the City of Gold, with its rich history & cultural diversity, offers a range of activities for couples seeking a day of fun and exploration. I spent a day in Johannesburg when in transit, but I made the most of my time and headed straight out to experience some of the fun things to do in the city. Whether you’re looking for things to do for a day trip or just passing through, here’s a curated guide to help you make the most of your time in Johannesburg. Let’s dive into the excitement and discover the best activities for couples in this dynamic city.
1. A Morning Stroll at the Johannesburg Botanical Garden
Located in the suburb of Emmarentia, Johannesburg Botanical Garden is a fun couple’s activity in Johannesburg as this lush oasis offers a serene setting for a leisurely morning stroll. It’s free to enter and there are paved paths making it easy to walk around. If you’ve only got a day in Johannesburg and want to get some fresh air and see a range of both local birdlife and seven distinct gardens it’s a lovely place to visit.
Olifants Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg, 2195, South Africa
2. Explore Maboneng Township Art Experience
Maboneng Township Art Experience is great thing for couples to do in Johannesburg, especially for art lovers. The project started as a way for local artists to showcase their work without the expense of travelling to galleries further away, but it has transformed into a vibrant urban hub that pulsates with creativity and artistic energy. Houses, pubs and even street areas are also public galleries with art on displayed for the public to view or purchase. I spent the morning in Alexandra Township visiting some of the artists and learning about their inspirations and work. Click here to learn more about the programme and the galleries.
4. Take a tuk tuk tour of Soweto
Definitely one of the most fun things to do in Johannesburg – I loved exploring the vibrant township of Soweto by tuktuk. I went with MoAfrika Tours who gave us a private tour taking in the sights, personal stories and information about one of the city’s biggest townships. Whilst you could fit three people in the back of the tuktuk, ideally space wise you’d do it as a pair, making it one of the best things to do in Johannesburg for couples.
5. Have a tasty lunch at Lebo’s Backpackers Soweto
Offering a safe, clean and cool environment to stay in, Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers was the first site of it’s kind in the area. It is integrated with the and in their words – ‘We invite day as well as overnight guests to be part of our vibrant township’. I visited at lunch time and enjoyed a traditional African meal the outdoor restaurant whilst overlooking the atmosphere in the community park.
The generous lunch was home cooked and served around the fire and included numerous meats and BBQ options, as well as potatoes & other starches and vegetable dishes. Beers and soft drinks are also available to purchase. There were a number of couples as well as small groups and local ladies celebrating a birthday when I visited. We also timed it lucky as some local musicians performed during our lunch which was one of the most fun things we experienced in Johannesburg.
https://www.sowetobackpackers.com
10823 Pooe St, Orlando West, Johannesburg, 1804, South Africa
6. Dine in the trendy Rosebank area
Rosebank is a clean and trendy commercial area perfect for couples looking for a nice place to dine in Johannesburg. We ate at the Grillhouse Rosebank, which has a couple of other locations around the city and loved the atmosphere and generous portions. Also check out ‘The Firs’ a gated dining and shopping area that stays open late and has outside seating for a romantic meal or fun thing to do with friends when visiting Johannesburg.
1, The Firs, Hyatt Centre, Oxford Road & Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg
7. Bungee Jump at Soweto Towers
If you’re a thrill seeker then bungee jumping at the famous Soweto Towers / Orlando Towers is a must. They don’t offer tandem jumps but it’s definitely a great couples activity in Johannesburg as there are some great viewing areas for you to watch your loved one do the 100m freefall.
Even if you don’t fancy jumping then it’s a really fun thing to do in Johannesburg as the towers are an icon of the area and definitely worth visiting just to take in the colours and vibrant decoration.
https://sowetotowers.co.za/bungee-jump/
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Johannesburg, with its blend of history, culture, and contemporary charm, offers a diverse range of activities for couples. From cultural explorations to thrilling adventures, the city has something to suit every taste. So, the next time you find yourself wondering what to do in Johannesburg for a day, refer to this guide and make the most of your time in this dynamic metropolis.
