Trip Planner:   Africa  /  South Africa  /  Gauteng  /  Greater Johannesburg  /  Johannesburg  /  South Western Townships

South Western Townships, Johannesburg

4.3
#7 of 311 in Things to do in Johannesburg
Landmark · Tourist Spot
Explore South Western Townships, or "Soweto" as it's commonly called, to discover a number of landmark buildings, especially from the apartheid era, and to experience the region's dynamic culture and atmosphere. Famous for its 1976 uprising, the township remains a region of extremes, from areas riddled with poverty to upscale, exclusive neighborhoods. Check out the local dining scene, which features everything from fine dining to street food stalls, or take a guided tour of the township's historic sites and museums. Entertainment options abound, as the area boasts a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Use our Johannesburg trip builder site to arrange your visit to South Western Townships and other attractions in Johannesburg.
Create an itinerary including South Western Townships
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Tours to South Western Townships

FROM $270 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Johannesburg Full Day Tour Incl Soweto & Cultural Experience
4.5
Duration: 10 hours
Tours from $270 »

South Western Townships reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
977 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By chrispC2489CX
    Really enjoyed my 2 hour Red Bus Tour into Soweto. Our guides were good and informative and took us on an excellent route to get an overview of living here. Plenty of time for pics etc. I never went.....  more »
  • By SamMac17
    Went here over 15 years ago - without the street dancers , stalls bars and street traders, and general commercialisation so for us its lost some of its impact but as part of a tour its still worth a....  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »

Plan your trip to Johannesburg

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Johannesburg

Apartheid Museum ©
Specialty Museum
Apartheid Museum
4.5
Duration: 3 hours
©
Safari
Safaris
4.8
Duration: 8 hours
Gold Reef City ©
Casino
Gold Reef City
4.0
Duration: 8 hours
South African National Museum of Military History ©
Military Museum
South African National Museum of Military History
4.5
Duration: 6 hours

Side trips from Johannesburg

Montecasino ©
Casino
Montecasino
Sandton
4.3
Duration: 3 hours
Emperors Palace ©
Casino
Emperors Palace
Kempton Park
4.0
Duration: 4 hours
Lion and Safari Park ©
Nature / Park
Lion and Safari Park
Broederstroom
4.2
Duration: 2h 30 min
Ukutula Conservation Center ©
Nature / Park
Ukutula Conservation Center
Brits
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min

Hidden gems in Johannesburg

Lindfield Victorian House Museum ©
Specialty Museum
Lindfield Victorian House Museum
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min
©
Photography Tour
Photography Tours
4.9
Duration: 1 hour
©
Nature / Wildlife Tour
Nature & Wildlife Tours
5.0
Duration: 8 hours
Johannesburg Botanical Garden ©
Garden
Johannesburg Botanical Garden
4.0
Duration: 2h 30 min

Museums in Johannesburg

Hector Pieterson Museum ©
History Museum
Hector Pieterson Museum
Soweto
4.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
SAB World of Beer ©
Specialty Museum
SAB World of Beer
4.2
Duration: 1h 30 min
Satyagraha House ©
Specialty Museum
Satyagraha House
4.5
Duration: 2h 30 min
Kim Sacks Gallery ©
Art Gallery
Kim Sacks Gallery
4.8
Duration: 2h 30 min

Shopping in Johannesburg

Neighbourgoods Market ©
Flea Market
Neighbourgoods Market
4.5
Duration: 2h 30 min
Finders Keepers Market
Gift & Specialty Shop
Finders Keepers Market
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Market on Main ©
Flea Market
Market on Main
4.6
Duration: 1h 30 min
The Mall of Rosebank ©
Shopping Mall
The Mall of Rosebank
4.1
Duration: 2h 30 min

Nearby attractions in Johannesburg

Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct ©
Historic Site
Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct
4.4
Duration: 2 hours
Felleng Tours ©
Safari
Felleng Tours
5.0
Duration: 8 hours
Mandela House ©
Historic Site
Mandela House
Soweto
4.1
Duration: 1 hour
City Sightseeing Joburg ©
Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
City Sightseeing Joburg
4.3
Duration: 2h 30 min

Featured attractions

Puri Thai Massage ©
Spa
Puri Thai Massage
3.9
Duration: 1h 30 min
Lindfield Victorian House Museum ©
Specialty Museum
Lindfield Victorian House Museum
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min
Soweto & Other Townships - Daily tours through the eyes of a photojournalist ©
Photography Tour
Soweto & Other Townships - Daily tours through the eyes of a photojournalist
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
Ndebele Tours And Travel ©
Historical Tour
Ndebele Tours And Travel
Soweto
3.7
Duration: 4 hours

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to South Western Townships by other users

46 days in Cape Town & Johannesburg BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM Cape Town Johannesburg 13 days in Johannesburg BY A USER FROM NIGERIA Safaris The Cradle of Humankind Lion and Safari Park 47 days in South Africa, Ezulwini & Maseru BY A USER FROM LATVIA Johannesburg Kruger National Park Ezulwini 58 days in South Africa BY A USER FROM SOUTH AFRICA Potchefstroom Pretoria Durban 9 days in Johannesburg BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Safaris Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct Johannesburg Zoo 10 days in Greater Johannesburg BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Johannesburg