The Johannesburg tourism industry is booming and for good reason. It is a city of contrasts that offers from exhilarating adventure sport opportunities to five star dining, superb accommodation and a lively entertainment scene.
Gautrain
One reason for the growth in the Johannesburg tourism industry is the Gautrain, a high speed up-market train that transports passengers to and from the O.R. Tambo Airport in Kempton Park to Sandton, Midrand, Rosebank and Parktown. Passengers can make use of the Gautrain bus system to get to linked destinations.
Although the Gautrain has certainly added to the tourism industry growth in Johannesburg, one can still explore the city best with the self drive method. Some of the main attractions and hotspots are not a direct bus route and as such vehicle rental is recommended.
Johannesburg Tourist Facts and Tips
The city is home to the largest and busiest airport in Africa and was a major host of the World Cup Soccer 2010 event. It also boasts some of the largest conference centres in the country. The annual NAG Rage LAN event is held in the city when thousands of gamers compete against each other over a three day period.
Main Attractions Offered By the City
The top attractions in the city include that of Gold Reef City, renowned for its authentic gold age buildings, museums and restaurants as well as family theme park. Next door is the Apartheids Museum where visitors can get a glimpse into the recent history of South Africa. Further south is the Soweto Cooling Towers where daring adventurers bungee jump. To the north near Park Town is the Zoo, housing a wide range of indigenous and foreign animals.
The Wits Planetarium has regular shows and is located on campus of Wits University while Melville is the artistic suburb where jazz music fills the air in little jazz clubs. The Melrose Arch Precinct is home to some of the best upmarket restaurants while a trip to the Johannesburg Art Gallery in Joubert Park is a must for art lovers. The Newtown market and the Oriental Plaza offer some unusual central shopping experiences. Rosebank has the weekly Sunday Roof Market where tourists can browse for gifts.
Self Drive is Recommended
Johannesburg tourism is not yet at the level of Cape Town’s industry, but as a city that is exceptionally busy, it offers a unique blend of cultures. Whether you prefer shopping in Sandton known for its elegant shops and hotels, or want to try out cable ski in Midrand near Johannesburg, you will be able to see and do more when driving your own car.
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Tags: tourist, tourism, south africa