Soweto Travel Guide

Johannesburg

The famous vibrant painted towers in Soweto.
Taking a tour of Soweto Township in South Africa is a must do when you’re in Johannesburg. Not only is it worthwhile to understand the life and history for over 5 million people who live there, but it brings much needed tourist money to help combat Jo’burg’s 42% unemployment rate.
A view of the Soweto Towers from the Hector Pieterson Memorial. The towers were recently painted with advertisements, against many in the community’s wishes.
House of Nelson Mandela in Soweto. Visited when in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.
Repurposed decommissioned coal power plant in Soweto and now prominent landmark and as you can see art installation.

Popular places to visit

Mandela House which includes signage and a city

Mandela's House

Visit the former home of Nelson Mandela to find artifacts and memorabilia relating to the life of South Africa’s most famous public figure.

Mandela's House
A view of the Soweto Towers from the Hector Pieterson Memorial. The towers were recently painted with advertisements, against many in the community’s wishes.

Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial during your trip to Johannesburg. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial
Orlando Towers showing outdoor art and art

Orlando Towers

Dabble in an array of exciting extreme sports at this landmark location, which once served as the cooling towers of a power station.

Orlando Towers

Maponya Mall

During your trip to Johannesburg, you can enjoy retail therapy at Maponya Mall. Discover the area's coral reefs and seek out the safari tours.

Maponya Mall

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

If Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Moroka.

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital

If Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Johannesburg.

Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital

Things to do

Cradle of human kind maropeng and sterkfontein Day Tours

Cradle of human kind maropeng and sterkfontein Day Tours

Rp1.662.500
per adult
Cradle of human kind maropeng and sterkfontein Day Tours
Soweto,Johannesburg and Apartheid Museum tour

Apartheid museum, Joburg and Soweto guided

Rp1.585.312
per adult
Apartheid museum, Joburg and Soweto guided
Cullinan diamond mine tou

Cullinan diamond mine tour(surface tour)

Rp1.841.008
per adult
Cullinan diamond mine tour(surface tour)
Soweto: Guided Bicycle Tour with Lunch

Soweto: Guided Bicycle Tour with Lunch

Rp869.365
per adult
Soweto: Guided Bicycle Tour with Lunch
Former President Nelson Mandela statue at union Building

Pretoria half-day Cultural Tour

Rp2.250.121
per adult
Pretoria half-day Cultural Tour
Grace Bible Church Soweto

Visit Gospel service with additional Bicycle Tour of Soweto

Rp818.541
per adult
Visit Gospel service with additional Bicycle Tour of Soweto
See all activities in Johannesburg

Top hotels in Soweto

Southern Sun O.R Tambo

Southern Sun O.R Tambo

4 out of 5
Airport Grounds, Jones Road, / Kempton Park Gauteng
The price is Rp1.678.704 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
Rp1.678.704
Rp1.930.510 total
1 Apr - 2 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kempton Park. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a free airport shuttle and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,623 reviews)
Just a good place to stay

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026

Southern Sun O.R Tambo
Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport by IHG

4 out of 5
O.R. Tambo Airport Johannesburg Boksburg Gauteng
The price is Rp1.056.587 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
Rp1.056.587
Rp1.227.226 total
11 Apr - 12 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boksburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (848 reviews)
Chosen because of the proximity to the airport, but wish we had gone elsewhere. Staff at check-in were unhelpful and unsmiling, rooms were small and although recently painted, it hadn't been particularly well done. Only good thing was the soundproofing. Young guy in bar area was nice, but it felt ...

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Johannesburg Airport by IHG
Garden Court Sandton City

Garden Court Sandton City

3 out of 5
Cnr West and Maude Street Sandton Gauteng
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.260.857 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
Rp1.260.857
Rp1.462.591 total
31 Mar - 1 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and free train station pick-up. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Dirty, old room. Windows didnt close well. AC very loud. Very old furnishment. Pool water wasnt clean. You cant see the bottom. Staff anyway was very friendly. You get what you pay for…

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2026

Garden Court Sandton City
Sandton Sun & Towers

Sandton Sun & Towers

5 out of 5
Cnr. Fith And Alice Streets Johannesburg Gauteng
The price is Rp3.281.771 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
Rp3.281.771
Rp3.806.853 total
23 Mar - 24 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room service ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (583 reviews)
Amazing stay. Great staff and great amenities.

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026

Sandton Sun & Towers
Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square

Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square

5 out of 5
2 Maude Street, Corner of 5th Street Sandton Gauteng
The price is Rp3.291.145 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
Rp3.291.145
Rp3.784.817 total
4 Apr - 5 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (777 reviews)
very ckean and spotless.

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026

Davinci Hotel And Suites On Nelson Mandela Square
54 On Bath

54 On Bath

5 out of 5
54 Bath Avenue, Rosebank, 54 Johannesburg Gauteng
The price is Rp3.323.624 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
Rp3.323.624
Rp3.822.173 total
27 Mar - 28 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Johannesburg. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free valet parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (244 reviews)
The room was outstanding. The breakfast was excellent.

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2026

54 On Bath
See all 2,370 properties in Soweto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Soweto

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Orlando East

While Orlando East isn't home to many top sights, Mandela's House and Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial are some notable places to visit nearby.

Orlando East
Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens featuring a park as well as a small group of people

Roodepoort

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Roodepoort. You might want to make time for a stop at Clearwater Mall or Ruimsig Country Club.

Roodepoort
Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg in the daytime. Looks even neater in the night with lights on.

Johannesburg South

You'll enjoy the mountain views and museums in Johannesburg South. You might want to make time for a stop at Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve or Southgate Mall.

Johannesburg South
Johannesburg Botanical Garden showing a garden

Randburg

Unique features of Randburg include the golf courses and gardens. Make a stop by Emmarentia Dam or Johannesburg Botanical Garden while you're exploring the area.

Randburg
Trendy Maboneng in Johannesburg.. Love the street art all over the city. #MeetSouthAfrica #TheTinyTaster

Johannesburg CBD

While you're in Johannesburg CBD, take in top sights like Johannesburg City Hall and jump on the metro at Ellis Park Station to see more of the city.

Johannesburg CBD
Downtown Johannesburg showing heritage architecture and outdoor art

Downtown Johannesburg

4/5(2 area reviews)

Well liked for its museums and architecture, Downtown Johannesburg is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Johannesburg Art Gallery and Ellis Park Stadium, and jump on the metro at Ellis Park Station to get around the city.

Downtown Johannesburg

Soweto Travel Guide