Johannesburg contains the largest population of any city in South Africa and with so many mouths to feed and people to excite, the city excels in all relevant departments. Make no mistake, Jo’burg is a very large city and one can often get lost in the fervour and splendour of the place. That is why we have compiled a list of top 10 must do’s that will truly enrich your experience as a student and for an affordable price at that.

1.)

Tour and Sundowners at SAB. South African Breweries is perfectly situated in the centre of town, close to the Rand Club (A stellar experience in itself). For under R60, experience a guided tour of the tastes and aromas of South Africa’s finest beer. Learn how the beer is brewed and discover all the wonderful nuances of the beer process throughout the ages in South Africa. Once you have completed your tour, take the time out (and time it well), with a beer in hand, to watch the sunset glow red over the Johannesburg CBD skyline. Definitely a must see in the heart of the city.

2.)

Breakfast at Neighbourgood’s Market. No matter the weather, traffic or anything that can get you down in the morning, Neighbourgood’s Market is bound to cheer you up without fail. Every Saturday morning from 09h00, located in the Braamfontein area of town, the Market offers customers the chance to indulge in cuisine, both South African and International that leaves you wanting more and more. If not for anything else but the truly Johannesburg vibe, this represents the cousin to the Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town while maintaining the flavour unique to the Gauteng region.

3.)

Gold-reef City and the Apartheid Museum. Although prices have hiked in recent times, this is without a doubt still a must. Gold-Reef City not only offers the chance for students to let loose on all the amusement park rides situated within the area but for the more adventurous soul, an opportunity to venture into the heart of a Johannesburg mine, with tours frequently offered. The Casino also offers a glamorous experience for the young gambler; however the Casino Theatre provides perhaps an even more desirable venue as the shows and performances offered here are world-class in stature and presentation.

The Apartheid Museum provides an in-depth and highly emotive account of South Africa pre-1994. Critically acclaimed, the museum offers an interactive experience that represents a truly insightful representation of the events which dominated South African headlines for so long in the Apartheid era. A must visit.

4.)

Watch a sporting-event or concert at any of Johannesburg’s prestigious stadia. Johannesburg is home to some of the most fascinating pieces of architecture in South Africa; however it is the stadia of Johannesburg which truly capture the imagination. Ellis Park, Wanderers Cricket Stadium and perhaps the most captivating of all, Soccer-City (FNB Stadium) have played host to the most famous of sporting-events and international concerts. Not only are they particularly memorable occasions for the shows and entertainment witnessed, the sheer magnitude of the occasion is often enough for a life-time of memories.

5.)

Picnic away at Zoo Lake. Set in the heart of Johannesburg lays the pristine setting of Zoo Lake. Located within walking distance of both the Johannesburg Zoo and the War Memorial, Zoo Lake provides students the opportunity to relax at no cost and enjoy peaceful serenity personified. You can hire a paddling boat to extend this calm feeling to the centre of the lake, where bird-life will greet you and the stress of varsity seems a distant memory.  If hunger for South African cuisine does seem to overwhelm you, head on over to Moyo’s, a brilliantly clad restaurant, touching the shores of the lake to amazing effect.  Whip out your braai kit, bring a ball or two and a whole lot of company and escape to one of Jo’burg’s finest student spots.

6.)

Discover the madness that is Newtown. Deep in the heart of the Johannesburg CBD, accompanied by the soft thud of an African Beat, Newtown is waiting to welcome any adventurous student. Newtown is not just any one place; it is an assortment of markets, party venues, theatres, bars and clubs which will have you telling the most vibrant of stories, sprinkled with the flavour of a Johannesburg experience. From Jazz evenings at the Cats Pyjama’s to Town Hall’s live events and parties; the Market theatre’s uncanny ability to produce superlative plays and general shopping in the flea market with an amazing assortment of clothing and accessories , this is the fashion and music hub of Johannesburg and will leave you with an unquenchable thirst for more.

7.)  

A Night Out at Art on Main. Pulsating, animated and full of life, another reason to love Johannesburg as a student and a fashion and food guru. Art on Main showcases Johannesburg’s up and coming artists whilst maintaining a brilliantly “hipster” atmosphere and ambiance. The rooftop markets and eateries present ensure an extremely memorable time out with friends and family with plenty shopping to be done and food and drink to be consumed. Without a doubt, Art on Main represents what Johannesburg is all about and for anyone daring enough to witness the magic that takes place once a month; this will provide all the sights and sounds one could wish for in a night.

8.)  

Become a Lion-whisperer at the Lion-Park.  Situated close to Lanseria Airport and Fourways crossing, the Johannesburg Lion-Park has been chosen by Newsweek as one of the top 100 destinations in the World. This esteemed honour is well deserved by an unassuming tourist destination which offers visitors the chance of interaction with some of Africa’s most majestic beasts second to none.  Get to walk paw in paw with Cheetah’s on the Cheetah walk, enjoy self-drives through the park or make time for a night drive organised by the park itself. This is a truly unique experience and offers so much more than your average Zoo, even rivalling the likes of the Kruger Park for animal experience. Given its incredible location and condition, the Lion Park is a rare opportunity for any student to truly get out of their comfort zone and venture into the realm of Johannesburg’s wild-side.

9.)

Laugh your head off at Parker’s Comedy Club – Monte Casino. Kick back, relax and literally laugh until you cry at Monte Casino’s Parker’s Comedy Club. Nationally renowned comedians take to the stage while you are able to relax and enjoy a fantastic night out. For a few quid extra, indulge in the fantastic food options available. Bookings can be made online and are well worth the cash forked out.

10.)  

Champagne at Westcliffe Hotel. Johannesburg provides some of the most picturesque sunsets in all of Africa, none more so than at the Westcliffe Hotel. This 5 star resort is located on the koppies of Westcliffe, overlooking the Northern suburbs and with a view as far as the Maggaliesburg mountain-range. Ranked as one of the best boutique hotels in South Africa and certainly in Johannesburg, a casual bottle of Sauvignon Blanc accompanies the setting perfectly as the sun sets on your Johannesburg adventure.

Of course, Johannesburg is so vast a place that to minimize the experience to a mere 10 options is harsh on not only the student but the experiences and memories to be had. For more on the sights and sounds of Johannesburg, stay tuned for our Social Series.

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