So, I just got back from Johannesburg, and wow, what a whirlwind. I went in thinking I'd just graze the surface, you know? A couple of touristy spots, maybe check out the nightlife, and call it a day. But, honestly, I found some of the best things to do in Johannesburg not in the guidebooks but in the messy, unexpected moments that stitched my trip together.
This spot? Total surprise.
Let me start with my first day. I had this ambitious plan—or what I thought was ambitious—to hit up the Apartheid Museum and then head to Vilakazi Street. But after a couple of hours wandering the museum, absorbing the weight of history, I stepped outside and felt utterly overwhelmed. It was a lot to take in, and for a second, I thought, “What am I even doing here?”
But then, I took a detour. I wandered into this little café nearby called the Salvation Café. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. Just a quick bite and maybe a moment to catch my breath. But, oh boy, was I surprised. Their menu looked like something out of a hipster Instagram post, and I ended up ordering their beetroot and feta salad. It sounds simple, but the flavors just exploded in my mouth! Somewhere in the bustle of sharing space with other diners, I realized how nourishing and alive that moment felt—like I was truly connecting with the heartbeat of the city.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Then, later that afternoon, a friend I made at the café—yes, there I was connecting like a local—suggested taking a walk through Maboneng Precinct. Now, I'd heard of Maboneng but thought it was just another trendy spot trying too hard. Boy, did I stand corrected!
As we strolled along the streets, it just felt like art and life collided everywhere. Colorful murals, street vendors, funky shops. We ducked into a little gallery showcasing local artists, and I couldn't help but feel this incredible energy buzzing all around me. It was kind of magical, really. Everything popped, from the music to the conversations.
And then, unplanned, we found this pop-up food market. There was this woman selling homemade bunny chow—a traditional South African dish that I'd read about but didn't plan to try. I didn't know what to expect, but I took a chance. It was this hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry, and oh man, it didn't just hit the spot; it gave my taste buds a wake-up call! Eating it while surrounded by cheerful chatter and laughter—now that was a moment that changed my whole mood.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Look, let's talk about directions for a second—because wow, I have the worst sense of direction. I had my heart set on visiting the Cradle of Humankind, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. I thought it would be a simple bus ride, but my lack of navigation skills got me on the wrong bus entirely.
I ended up miles away, staring at a totally different landscape. However, instead of spiraling into frustration, I decided to embrace the moment. I started chatting with a couple of locals at a nearby coffee shop, and they told me about how the area had its own unique history. If I hadn't taken that wrong turn, I would have never met them!
Eventually, I managed to get on the right bus to the Cradle of Humankind. Despite my detour, when I finally arrived there, it felt even more special, like a little treasure waiting for me. Standing there among the ancient fossils and the insights into our evolutionary history? Well, that just took my breath away. I think I was smiling like an idiot the entire time, totally captivated by everything.
A meal that lingers in my mind
Now, let me tell you about the meal that stuck with me. I was wandering around the trendy 44 Stanley area one night, and I've heard whispers about a place called The Whippet. I almost didn't go because I was stuffed from snacking all day. But curiosity tugged me, and I figured, “What's the harm in checking it out?”
Walking in was like stepping into another world. It was cozy, slightly eclectic, with the kind of vibe that made you want to settle in for hours. I'd settled on the lamb shank, which came drizzled with this rich, flavorful sauce. You ever have one of those meals where each bite takes you deeper into culinary bliss? That was it! Each mouthful was like a hug. By the end of it, I was so full that I almost regretted my decision, but no regrets, right?
I could've just pulled out my phone and snapped photos to document what I'd eaten, but I chose to sit back and soak in the ambiance—the soft chatter, the clinking of glasses. It wasn't just a meal; it was an experience, a moment that lingered long after I had left the table.
A funny little twist
And, oh, before I forget, there was this hilarious moment when I went to visit Soweto. I had planned to take a guided tour but ended up getting so sidetracked by the local vendors selling everything from fridge magnets to traditional attire that I lost track of time. Rather than being annoyed, I ended up meeting a group of locals who encouraged me to join in on a spontaneous dance party happening just off the main street. Can you imagine? I, the clumsy tourist, trying to keep up with the rhythm.
Admittedly, I felt like a fish out of water, but it shook off any lingering hesitations I had from earlier in the day. Dancing in the middle of Soweto, surrounded by laughter and joy—it made me feel alive. Moments like these are what travel is all about, right?
Honestly, I went to Johannesburg expecting to tick boxes, not to create connections or discover hidden gems, but it turns out that was just what I needed. It was a messy, delightful, and transformative experience. When I was on the plane ride home, I couldn't help but think that I didn't just visit Johannesburg; I felt it, lived it, danced it.
And now I'm just sitting here, sipping my coffee and letting the memories wash over me. Some of the best things to do in Johannesburg aren't found in travel guides; they're found in those unexpected moments that make your heart swell.
