Walking tours in Johannesburg cut straight to the heart of South Africa’s largest city.
Tours through historic Soweto bring the anti-apartheid struggle to life, with stops at the former homes of Nelson Mandela.
The revitalized Maboneng district showcases impressive street art and modern galleries, while downtown routes feature classic colonial architecture mixed with contemporary builds.
I especially love the Soweto tours for their powerful storytelling and authentic local connections.
The food tours are another standout, offering a true taste of African flavors in family-run spots you’d never find alone.
These are our favorite walking tours for experiencing the real Johannesburg:
Key Points
The Soweto Walking Tour with Lunch is a highly recommended 5-star experience that highlights Nelson Mandela’s house and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.
The Johannesburg City Walking Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historical and cultural sites, with a South African braai lunch included.
The JoburgPlaces Understanding Joburg Walking Tour provides an in-depth look at the evolution of Johannesburg’s original Central Business District, with a focus on history and architecture.
The Johannesburg: Local Food Tasting Guided Walking Tour allows visitors to sample a variety of local and international African dishes, with optional beer tastings.
The Johannesburg’s Downtown Walking Tour offers an engaging exploration of the city’s architectural gems, with a maximum group size of 30 and accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers.
Soweto Walking Tour With Lunch
Often regarded as one of the best walking tours in Johannesburg, the Soweto Walking Tour with Lunch provides an immersive glimpse into the vibrant history and culture of this renowned township.
Priced from $39.29 per person, the tour includes a local burger lunch, bottled water, and transportation. Highly praised for its knowledgeable guides, the experience offers insight into Soweto’s key sites, including Nelson Mandela’s house and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.
With 258 reviews and a 98% traveler recommendation, this 5.0-rated tour is an informative and humbling journey for visitors of all ages, emphasizing respectful engagement with the local community.
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Soweto by – Bike, Walking or E-scooter
For travelers seeking a more dynamic and interactive exploration of Soweto, the Soweto & Johannesburg Tour offers a diverse range of options.
Visitors can choose from walking, biking, or even e-scooter tours, providing a unique and immersive experience. The tour includes a local guide, private transportation, and museum entrance fees, ensuring a well-rounded and informative journey.
With a maximum of 10 participants, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience. Travelers can enjoy bottled water, a delicious lunch, and the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
This tour is highly recommended, with 100% of previous participants endorsing it as a “Must Do!!!”
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Innercity Walking Tour
Immersed within the bustling heart of Johannesburg, the Innercity Walking Tour offers travelers a captivating glimpse into the city’s lesser-known cultural and historical tapestry.
With a 97% traveler recommendation and rave reviews, this guided tour explores the city on foot, providing an intimate experience. Priced at $48.83 with a lowest price guarantee, the tour includes transportation, fees, and a provided lunch.
Catering to a maximum of 20 travelers, the experience requires a moderate fitness level and doesn’t accommodate wheelchairs.
Exploring neighborhoods like Maboneng and appreciating street art, the knowledgeable guide brings Johannesburg’s vibrant heritage to life, making this a must-do for any visitor.
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Johannesburg Down Town Walking Tour – Maboneng to Newtown
Embarking on the Johannesburg: Downtown Walking Tour, travelers explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Maboneng and Newtown.
This 5-star rated tour accommodates up to 20 guests, offering private transportation, bottled water, lunch, and entrance to the iconic Ponte Building.
Pickup is available from the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice in Melrose Arch. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with nearby public transportation options.
Priced at €47.92 per person, the experience features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a “Reserve Now, Pay Later” option.
Exploring this dynamic urban landscape, travelers discover Johannesburg’s rich history and contemporary cultural renaissance.
Read our full review: Johannesburg Down Town Walking Tour – Maboneng to Newtown Review
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Johannesburg City Walking Tour
Travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of Johannesburg’s vibrant city center can embark on the 5-star rated Johannesburg City Walking Tour.
This highly recommended 99%-rated experience guides visitors through key historical and cultural sites, including Chancellor House, the Workers Museum, Gandhi Square, and the Maboneng Precinct.
Knowledgeable and friendly guides, like Mathapelo and Tebogo, provide rich historical context and insightful cultural commentary.
The tour includes a delicious South African braai (BBQ) lunch with plant-based options, allowing travelers to savor local flavors.
Flexible in duration and limited to 10 travelers, this walking tour offers a safe and engaging way to understand Johannesburg’s past and present.
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JoburgPlaces Understanding Joburg Walking Tour
The LocalPlaces Understanding Johannesburg Walking Tour takes visitors on an in-depth exploration of the city’s original Central Business District (CBD).
This highly-rated 5-star tour offers an excellent opportunity to learn about Johannesburg’s history, architecture, and urban culture. The tour explores notable sights, including the abandoned stock exchange with its stained glass windows.
The meeting point is at the Foyer of the JSE Newtown building, and the tour returns to the same location. With a maximum of 20 participants, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome.
Priced at $36.48 per person, this tour provides a comprehensive understanding of Johannesburg’s vibrant and evolving city center.
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Johannesburgs Downtown Walking Tour
Johannesburg’s downtown core comes alive on this captivating walking tour, where participants explore the city’s vibrant past and present.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour explores the heart of Johannesburg, showcasing its architectural gems and cultural diversity.
Travelers can expect an engaging experience, with a maximum group size of 30 and convenient accessibility for wheelchair users and those with strollers.
The tour includes a tasty lunch, bottled water, and even alcoholic beverages, ensuring a well-rounded outing.
With a 94% traveler recommendation and a free cancellation policy, this tour offers an excellent way to discover the dynamic essence of Johannesburg’s downtown.
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Johannesburg: Walking Tour of Hillbrow With Lunch
This two-hour walking tour invites you to explore the vibrant and dynamic Hillbrow neighborhood of Johannesburg. Provided by the acclaimed tour operator Dlala Nje, the tour offers an immersive experience, complete with a classic Hillbrow street fare lunch.
Led by engaging local guides, you’ll gain insightful historical perspectives on this often misunderstood community. Highlights include a visit to the iconic Ponte City Apartment’s rooftop cafe and an inside look at the area’s community-driven initiatives.
With 115 glowing reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this tour promises to challenge perceptions and provide a unique window into Johannesburg’s diverse urban landscape. Priced at €42.59 per person, the experience is both affordable and socially responsible, with 60% of proceeds supporting local children’s programs.
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Johannesburg Street Art & Museum Walking or E-scooter Tour
Enjoy the vibrant street art and renowned museums of Johannesburg on this captivating walking or e-scooter tour. Recommended by 90% of travelers, the experience starts at the Cell Care Centre in Newtown Junction, where you’ll enjoy a coffee or tea before exploring the city’s dynamic art scene and visiting top cultural institutions.
Zip around on a Segway, or stroll the streets – either way, you’ll gain insight into Johannesburg’s rich history and modern-day significance. The tour culminates at the Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of this fascinating city.
With convenient inclusions and accessibility, it’s an ideal outing for travelers of all interests and abilities.
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JoburgPlaces Welcome Joburg Walking Tour
Embark on an engaging exploration of Johannesburg’s vibrant history and culture with the JoburgPlaces Welcome Joburg Walking Tour. This 4-star rated tour welcomes up to 15 travelers to discover the city’s top sights.
Beginning at Gandhi Square, you’ll follow your knowledgeable guide through the streets, learning about Johannesburg’s past while enjoying complimentary coffee or tea.
The tour concludes at the Johannesburg Central Magistrates Court, where you’ll see the Impala Stampede sculpture. Accessible for wheelchair users and stroller-friendly, this tour is a fantastic way to experience the city on foot.
With rave reviews praising the guide’s expertise, the JoburgPlaces Welcome Joburg Walking Tour is a must for visitors to Johannesburg.
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Private Guided Walking Tour in Johannesburg
For those seeking a personalized exploration of Johannesburg’s vibrant history and culture, the Private Guided Walking Tour offers a tailored experience.
Travelers can customize the itinerary based on their preferences, with a local guide leading the way. The tour includes a drink or food break, and the guide can pick up at the hotel or meet at a central location.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers and is near public transportation.
Priced from $75.19 per person, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and offers a pay-later option.
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Joburgplaces East Town Is Alive Walking Tour
Visitors can explore the bustling East Town neighborhood of Johannesburg on the LocalPlaces East Town Alive Walking Tour. Rated 5.0 stars, this 2-hour walking tour takes participants through the vibrant streets, showcasing the area’s rich history and cultural offerings.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, attendees can expect to savor local snacks and learn about the neighborhood’s unique charm. The tour starts at the JoburgPlaces Hub in Newtown and concludes at the Bertrand Café in Jeppestown.
With a moderate fitness level required, this private tour is perfect for those seeking an immersive experience in Johannesburg’s East Town. Confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
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Half-Day Walking Tour in Soweto
The Soweto Half-Day Walking Tour invites travelers to enjoy the vibrant and historic township. Recommended by 100% of previous participants, this walking tour departs from the Soweto Hotel & Conference Centre, where a guide will welcome guests.
The tour includes snacks, WiFi, and accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers. Most travelers can participate, with a maximum of 60 per tour. Infants can join, sitting on laps.
Guests can enjoy a hassle-free experience, with confirmation upon booking, free cancellation, and a lowest price guarantee. With 19 five-star reviews, this walking tour promises an engaging exploration of Soweto’s rich culture and heritage.
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Soweto: Walking Tour With a Local Guide and Lunch
Exploring Soweto’s vibrant culture and history comes alive on the Soweto Walking Tour with a Local Guide and Lunch. This immersive 4-hour experience costs $38.31 per person and includes an authentic tour led by a Sowetan native.
Highlights include visiting the Hector Pieterson Memorial, Nelson Mandela’s house, and Desmond Tutu’s home. Participants will also enjoy a minibus taxi ride to Soweto Towers and a street food tasting at a local shop.
With an overall 4.9/5 rating from 267 reviews, the tour’s knowledgeable, passionate guide, Maweza, provides deep insights into Soweto’s past and present.
Comfortable shoes, cash, and an openness to engage with the local community are recommended.
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Johannesburg: Local Food Tasting Guided Walking Tour
This 3-hour Local Food Tasting Guided Walking Tour in Johannesburg offers an immersive culinary adventure through the vibrant neighborhoods of Yeoville or Maboneng.
Priced from $57.46 per person, the tour includes sampling a variety of local and international African dishes, with the option to add African beer tastings.
Guests will explore the rich, diverse food scene, guided by knowledgeable English and French-speaking locals.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the ability to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides a hassle-free way to discover Johannesburg’s captivating food culture.
Reviewers praise the tour’s adaptability to dietary preferences and the engaging cultural insights provided by the guides.
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Johannesburg : City Centre Walking Tour
Situated in the heart of Johannesburg’s bustling city center, the City Centre Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of the metropolis’ rich history and diverse cultural landmarks.
Priced at €41.05 per person, the 3-hour tour takes visitors through key sites like the Carlton Centre, High Court, and Beyers Naude Square.
Highlights include discovering Nelson Mandela’s former law firm and the Workers Museum, as well as enjoying scenic views from the Nelson Mandela Bridge.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required, this wheelchair-accessible tour provides an excellent value for money, earning a 4.6/5 rating from 100 reviews.
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Johannesburg City Walking Excursion
The Johannesburg City Walking Excursion takes visitors on a captivating 3.5-hour journey through the heart of the metropolis. Priced from CZK789 per person, this English-language tour departs from The Wing Republic in Braamfontein.
Highlights include exploring the Nelson Mandela Bridge, Mary Fitzgerald Square, and Gandhi Square, as well as visiting the Carlton Centre and enjoying a local lunch in Maboneng.
Guests will learn about South Africa’s history, culture, and demographics, while discovering street art and the legacies of Nelson Mandela and OR Tambo.
With a 5/5 rating based on 7 reviews, this tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and safe, interesting experiences.
Comfortable attire and sun protection are recommended.
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Johannesburg: Maboneng Walking Tour
Delving into the vibrant neighborhood of Maboneng, this 2-hour walking tour offers a captivating exploration of Johannesburg’s dynamic transformation. Priced at $40.22 per person, the tour showcases the city’s creative hub, including the elegant heritage building The Cosmopolitan and the Drivelines Development’s upcycled shipping containers.
Participants can browse the Kwa Mai-Mai Traditional Healers Market, discover the largest second-hand bookstore in the southern hemisphere, and experience Agog’s art scene.
While the tour generally receives positive reviews, some feedback suggests the need for clearer descriptions of the included activities. This walking excursion provides an immersive glimpse into Johannesburg’s flourishing entrepreneurial and cultural landscape.
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Johannesburg: Downtown Walking Tour Including Ponte Building
This downtown walking tour in Johannesburg provides an immersive exploration of the city’s rich history and evolving landscape. Priced from $49.25 per person, the 2-3 hour English and French tour offers free cancellation and pickup services.
Highlights include a guided visit to the iconic Ponte City Apartments, the Telkom Tower, and the culturally diverse Hillbrow neighborhood. Along the way, a local expert shares personal stories and historical insights, giving travelers a unique perspective on the area’s migration history and transformation during the gold rush era.
With an overall 5/5 rating based on 8 reviews, this walking tour promises an enriching and secure experience for visitors.
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Johannesburg: Walking Tour
On this comprehensive 4-hour walking tour, visitors explore Johannesburg’s most captivating sights and hidden gems with an expert local guide.
The tour covers the vibrant Maboneng Precinct, the Kwa Mai-Mai Traditional Market, the largest second-hand bookstore in the Southern Hemisphere, and the towering Carlton Centre for panoramic city views.
Along the way, guests learn about Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy in South Africa and admire landmarks like the Shadow Boxing statue of Nelson Mandela.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and travelers can expect an engaging, informative experience filled with cultural insights.
With a 4.9/5 rating, this walking tour is a must for visitors seeking an authentic introduction to Johannesburg.
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Break Down
Johannesburg offers a variety of walking tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse neighborhoods. From the iconic Soweto township to the revitalized Maboneng precinct, these tours provide an immersive experience and a unique perspective on the city. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply experiencing the local way of life, Johannesburg’s walking tours are a fantastic way to discover the city.