7 Ways to Experience Johannesburg Like a Local

Last updated on February 9th, 2024 at 08:58 pm

Situated on the southernmost tip of Africa, South Africa is a country rich in culture, cuisine, history, and natural beauty. As a first-time visitor to the country (and continent), I was in awe at every interaction with the people, food, lifestyle, and wildlife from the minute our plane touched down in Johannesburg. For even the most experienced of travelers, visiting a new continent can be both exhilarating and extremely nerve-wracking.

Thankfully, I was accompanied by two locals who were eager to dive right into the comforts of being back at home.

To help you uncover a different side to Joburg, here are some ways to experience the city and its surrounding areas like a true local! (For my fellow foodies, you’ll appreciate these tips probably more than most).

Keep in mind that this site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact my honest reviews and comparisons. I only make recommendations based on personal experience(s), in order to help you make the best decisions while traveling!

1. Get brunch at Tasha’s – Today, with over 18 locations across the country, the original Tasha’s opened in 2005 at Attholl Square, Johannesburg. Serving café classics, the food can be described as simple, fresh, and consistent. Same goes for the service you receive. When you arrive at each location, you’ll be handed two menus:
The Classic menu – which is offered at all locations
The Inspired By menu – featuring dishes specific to each location

We ordered the classic breakfast and scrambled sweetcorn with avocado! South Africa definitely takes the cake with their portions of avocado!!!

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2. Visit a nature reserve – If you’re strapped for time and can’t make the trek out to Kruger National Park on your visit to Johannesburg, opting for a nearby game reserve is a wonderful way to pass the time and see the native animals of Africa! This is also a great option for those with little ones as there’s plenty to see without straying too far from the city. Dinokeng Game Reserve is the closest game reserve (about an hour north of Johannesburg) that is home to the Big Five! They offer everything from guided and self-game drives to walking tours of the bush. There is also the Lion & Safari Park which is a guaranteed way to see the animals.

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3. Pick up pounds of biltong and droëwors – If there’s one thing South Africans love…it’s their high quality and extremely reasonably priced meat. Biltong and Droëwors are two forms of dried meat that are usually seasoned with vinegar and spices such as black pepper and coriander. Unlike American beef jerky, Biltong and Droëwors don’t contain any added sugar or a bunch of preservatives. It’s the perfect healthy and high protein snack to keep you energized while you’re out and about!

You can pretty much find this at any grocery store in South Africa but there are also dedicated biltong shops that sell different types of meat (ie. ostrich, kudu, etc) and are spiced with fun unique flavors!

4. Have a traditional South African Braai – A braai, also known as a BBQ, is the ultimate way to get a true sense of South African culture. Braai’s are an essential way of bringing together family and friends for celebration or just for the sake of enjoying each other’s company!

What makes a braai different from a traditional bbq? The fire and the meat.
Instead of using gas, guests will use wood or charcoal to cook the meat. The meat will undoubtedly be the star of any braai, especially because no animal is off limits. You’ll find a wide variety of meat ranging from lamb and beef to ostrich, kudu, and boerewors (African sausage).

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5. Play and eat inside Montecasino – Also known as Monte to locals, Montecasino is a large casino complex in Sandton, Johannesburg. Inside, you’ll find over 30 restaurants/bars, a massive entertainment zone for kids, a movie theatre, and over 20 different specialty stores to shop from – there’s truly something here for everyone. There’s also a large outdoor piazza with water structures and even more fantastic dining options to choose from!

We dined at Fireroom where they (you guessed it) – lit our sushi and steak on fire for an unbelievable dinner experience!

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6. Indulge in shopping at Melrose Arch – An incredibly safe and enclosed open-air shopping center with European vibes, Melrose Arch is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants, shops, art galleries, and more to check out! For a taste of Europe in South Africa, head to PAUL for decadent french biscuits and pastries.

7. Knock back an infamous Don Pedro – A wildly popular dessert cocktail made from Amarula (cream liqueur) and vanilla ice cream – a Don Pedro is the perfect nightcap after dinner in Johannesburg. You can order this delicious adult version of a milkshake pretty much anywhere in the country. Amarula (similar to Bailey’s or Kahlua) is made from the African marula tree, also known as the Elephant Tree because elephants love the taste of the fruit.

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After reading all the tips from above, it’s not surprising to learn that Johannesburg is also known as the foodie capital of South Africa. The city itself is an economic powerhouse which attracts residents and unique cuisines from all over the world. In Joburg, you’re guaranteed to find everything from the best fast food of your life (Nando’s) to high end fine dining (Marble Restaurant) in the most populous city in South Africa.

Visiting other parts of South Africa?

Check out my other travel guides here.

Or, check out this perfectly curated list of things to do in Johannesburg!