Worth getting out of bed for...

Viewpoint

The Polo Lounge at the Westcliff Hotel on Jan Smuts Avenue has fantastic views over the city and the wealthy suburbs of Westcliff. The bar itself is also very good, and popular with the movers and shakers of Johannesburg’s commercial and political scene. Enjoy a daiquiri to the sound of the big cats in the zoo on the slopes below. You can also get a great view from the 50th floor of the Carlton Centre in the central business district.

Arts and culture

The Apartheid Museum gives a fascinating look at South Africa’s troubled history. Visitors are randomly assigned white and non-white status and proceed to different entrances at the start of this poignant exhibition (www.apartheidmuseum.org). Constitution Hill in the city centre houses the Consitutional Court and the Old Fort Prison Complex where both Mandela and Ghandi were once incarcerated. The Market Theatre is an arts complex in the regenerated Newtown area, and stages excellent performances. Go on a Saturday when there’s also a market.

Something for nothing

Muti shops are run by traditional African healers and stock all kinds of ingredients, from plants and herbs to animal parts. The shops are a great spectacle, where time-honoured rituals are performed. There are several shops in Diagonal Street in the city centre, including KwaZulu Muti Shop and the Museum of Man and Science (which incidentally isn’t a museum).

Shopping

Johannesburg is a city where shopping malls take centre stage. The vast Sandton City and the neighbouring Mandela Square is a gargantuan complex of boutiques, department stores, restaurants and cinemas. Rosebank Mall is notable for the African craft market outside; it’s a good place to pick up some souvenirs and Afro-chic outfits. There’s a separate craft market on Sundays held on the rooftop. Amatuli Fine Art on Corlett Drive in Bramley is a wonderfully chaotic art gallery with a mixture of African and Asian artefacts for sale, collected by the owners on their extensive travels. On 7th Avenue in Parktown North there are several good lifestyle and homewares shops.

Daytripper

Sun City is a brash resort that's part Vegas casino, part Disneyland and totally over the top. There are shuttle transfers available from Johannesburg airport, and from several locations in the city itself (www.suncity.co.za).

Activities

You can enjoy a early morning balloon ride above the Magalies River Valley with Bill Harrop (www.balloon.co.za). The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is within easy reach of the city and has – you guessed it – lions and rhinos, as well as lots of other game (www.rhinolion.co.za). Johannesburg is the sporting capital of South Africa: The Wanderers Cricket Ground on the way out to Pretoria is a beautiful pitch, and even if the game is a total mystery to you, the setting, the passion of the crowd and the ability to enjoy a barbecue as you watch the game, make this a great way to spend a day (or five). South Africans follow rugby with equal fervour at the Ellis Park stadium just to the east of the city centre.

And

Although much safer than it used to be, it’s best not to travel around the city with any expensive jewellery or watches. Always be vigilant and cautious, and take note of the advice from your hotel. A local guide will ensure you avoid any difficulties and get the most out of your visit.