Welcome to Jo’burg!

Posted on 22. Mar, 2010 by admin in Johannesburg

The city of Johannesburg in South Africa’s central Gauteng province promises to be an excellent host for fans travelling to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. World Cup games in Johannesburg will be held at the city’s two main stadiums, Ellis Park and Soccer City, and getting to Johannesburg stadiums on match days should be a doddle, as a brand-new transport system has been put in place to deal with the large numbers of international fans. For up-to-date information on match day travel in Johannesburg, click here. (more…)

Hotels and guesthouses in Johannesburg – bed & breakfasts

Posted on 21. Mar, 2010 by admin in Johannesburg

When staying in Johannesburg JF recommends that you organise a hotel or guesthouse in a safe neighbourhood where you can relax. This is a city with an extremely high crime rate and so this choosing the correct Johannesburg hotel can make the difference between a pleasant stay and a nightmare one.

With Soccer City out in the Soweto township suburbs, there are only a handful of appropriate places to stay nearby for football fans attending World Cup matches. And with Ellis park only 15 minutes stroll from the city centre, both stadiums are easy to access from all parts meaning there a large variety of hotels in Johannesburg. (more…)

Johannesburg restaurants – curry, steaks & fine dining

Posted on 21. Mar, 2010 by admin in Johannesburg

There are restaurants in Johannesburg for every possible taste and budget ranging from streetside snack stalls to the plushest fine dining. Many Jo’burg eateries specialise in game and meat with some exceptionally exotic species gracing the tables here. There is also some seafood available at Johannesburg restaurants but these tend to be more expensive and less fresh than at the coast. (more…)

Activities in Johannesburg – spas, golf, hiking

Posted on 21. Mar, 2010 by admin in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a city of great contrast, with wonderfully lavish and peaceful areas and horribly hectic ones to match. There are a number of fun things to do in Johannesburg, however, in order to get away from it all. Why not take a township tour, indulge in a round of golf, browse the flea markets or relax in a soothing spa? So check out the comprehensive JF guide to activities in Jo’burg. (more…)

Johannesburg attractions – museums, landmarks, gardens

Posted on 20. Mar, 2010 by admin in Johannesburg

There are enough superb attractions in Johannesburg to keep all types of visitor entertained for days. Nature lovers will love the zoo and botanical gardens while there are plenty of museums and galleries for the culture vultures amongst us. Make sure you don’t miss Nelson Mandela’s house for the full story of how this remarkable man rose to become one of the most iconic figures in world politics. (more…)

Johannesburg entertainment – cinemas, theatre, live music & events

Posted on 20. Mar, 2010 by admin in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is not short of this to do when the football is not drawing your attention. From cinemas to theatres and cultural shows, the people of Jo’burg know great entertainment when the see it. There is plenty of live shows in Johannesburg, from festivals to concerts. Have a look at the latest Hollywood movies in 3D at some of the city’s cineplexes or visit the theatre for some of the latest Broadway productions. If you have a short attention span you will no doubt be able to find a different amusement in Johannesburg for every night of the week. (more…)

Shopping in Johannesburg – malls, markets & souvenirs

Posted on 20. Mar, 2010 by Crystal in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a shopaholics’ paradise with its countless malls, boutique stalls and bustling craft and flea markets. Children become mall-rats from very young ages here and shopping in Jo’burg is a very popular pastime. There are markets and malls in every part of the city, selling everything from designer handbags to African curios. If you have some money to spend while away, you are sure to find the shops in Johannesburg accommodating. Check out Johnny Foreigner’s advice to the best shopping in Jo’burg for the complete buyers’ guide (more…)

Getting to Johannesburg – transport, bus, train & car hire

Posted on 19. Mar, 2010 by admin in Johannesburg

Let’s not pretend that Jo’burg is the easiest place in the country to navigate. There’s terrible traffic and security in public transport depots can be a problem. That said, there are a  few tips that can make getting around the city a much easier task and lessen the risk of anything bad happening en route. Wandering around town with a map in your hand can attract unwanted attention from petty criminals so it’s a good idea to plan any journey way in advance and ask trusted local advice before setting out. (more…)

Johannesburg nightlife – pubs, clubs & bars

Posted on 16. Mar, 2010 by Crystal in Johannesburg

Nightlife in Johannesburg is particularly buzzing and varied with the party scene here renowned as some of the liveliest in the country. Johannesburg bars span the spectrum with everything from down-to-earth traditional pubs to chic champagne lounges. Many Johannesburg bars also have their own African and international kitchens and serve great grub into the night. Clubs in Johannesburg are also more plentiful than in other South African cities and you can find somewhere to dance your socks off every night of the week. (more…)

Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg

Posted on 16. Mar, 2010 by admin in Johannesburg

With a grand history including being the site of South Africa’s famous Rugby World Cup victory against the All Blacks in 1995, Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium is never going to be intimidated by its larger cousin to the south-west. Ellis Park Stadium is situated slap bang in the middle of Jo’burg and so is easy to reach from any part of town. Historically a rugby venue, Ellis Park has begun to host many important football matches such as the Confederations Cup final in 2009 between the USA and Brazil. (more…)

Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg

Posted on 16. Mar, 2010 by admin in Johannesburg

It is little wonder why Soccer City in Johannesburg was chosen to host the 2010 World Cup final, Without doubt one of the most aesthetically-pleasing football venues in the world, this 90,000 seater Goliath is quite rightly the focus for this year’s tournament. The design of Soccer City in Jo’burg is modelled on the iconic African cooking pot called a calabash, and it will certainly become a caldron of atmosphere on June 11 when the hosts face Mexico in the opening match. (more…)