Free Walking Tours in Johannesburg
Often referred to as the ‘City of Gold’, Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and serves as the country's main financial and industrial hub. Whether you’re visiting Johannesburg for business or pleasure, don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the city’s unique variety of attractions. Joining a free walking tour in Johannesburg provides the perfect way to see the city from an insider's perspective and discover its hidden gems. Immerse yourself in South Africa’s vibrant culture and connect with friendly locals as you take the road less traveled.
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Often referred to as the ‘City of Gold’, Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and serves as the country's main financial and industrial hub. Whether you’re visiting Johannesburg for business or pleasure, don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the city’s unique variety of attractions.
Joining a free walking tour in Johannesburg provides the perfect way to see the city from an insider's perspective and discover its hidden gems. Immerse yourself in South Africa’s vibrant culture and connect with friendly locals as you take the road less traveled.
Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing tours in Johannesburg.
How do free walking tours work?
Free walking tours in Johannesburg have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.
These tours differ from standard walking tours in that they are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.
How much should you tip?
When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.
Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.
What are the best free walking tours in Johannesburg?
Soweto free walking tour in Johannesburg
Soweto, famous for many significant political events, is a township that is buzzing with color and culture. Explore this special part of Johannesburg with an enthusiastic local guide who can’t wait to show you the very best of what Soweto has to offer.
Your excursion begins at the Soweto Theater, the creative hub of the township. From here you’ll make your way to the June 16 Memorial Acre, which is a tribute to the youth who fought for their education rights.
Next, you’ll explore Vilakazi Street where you’ll see the former homes of both Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Both of these incredible men were Nobel Peace Prize laureates and played significant roles in shaping the new South Africa.
Your guide, who is with you every step of the way, provides valuable insight into South African history, politics, tradition and culture. At the end of the tour, you’ll have a much deeper appreciation for Soweto and the people who call this township home.
Johannesburg downtown free walking tour
Downtown Johannesburg is one of the most busy and vibrant areas in the city. Walking through the CBD will allow you to experience an interesting mixture of local music, street art, architecture and culture.
You’ll meet your local guide at the centrally-located Newtown Junction and begin walking through downtown Johannesburg. Within the tour’s 2-hour duration, you’ll explore four different neighborhoods with your guide and see a variety of landmarks and attractions.
Not only will you get to see some of the most iconic spots in the metropolis, but your guide will also fill you in on local history and culture — providing you with valuable insight that will stay with you for life.
After your free walking tour has come to an end, you’ll part ways with your guide, but not before they provide you advice on what to see and do during the rest of your stay in Johannesburg.
Street art free walking tour in Johannesburg
Over the past decade or so, street art and graffiti have really taken off and as you walk through the city’s colorful streets, you’ll notice stunning murals and innovative street art. Johannesburg is known as the New York City of Africa so prepare to be impressed!
Meet your guide in downtown Johannesburg and begin exploring the brick-and-mortar that local artists have used as their canvas on this street art tour. While some works are politically motivated and have underlying messages, others are simply aesthetically pleasing.
Through admiring street art, you’ll soon see how talented and innovative the artists of "Jozi" are and you’ll gain a new appreciation for local culture. Your guide is very knowledgeable in this arena and is more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
A few artists’ names to look out for during your walk include CHOW MEIN, MOTEL7, MARS and DRAKE among others.
Johannesburg free art gallery hopping experience
If you’re an art lover visiting the City of Gold, you should not miss out on the opportunity to participate in this free art gallery-hopping experience. Johannesburg is known for its incredible galleries, which host a variety of works by both local and international artists.
The tour begins at the Zone Shopping Mall, where you’ll meet your guide and get acquainted with the rest of the tour participants before making your way to the first gallery on the itinerary. Most of the galleries you’ll visit are located in Rosebank or in the city center.
Your guide will provide context and background about the works you’ll view during the excursion, allowing you to familiarize yourself with South African culture through the country’s top creatives.
This excursion provides an affordable and enjoyable way to visit some of the city’s top galleries and gain an introduction to the South African art scene.
In which languages is it operated?
Free tours in Johannesburg are all operated in English, but some tour operators also offer walking tours in other languages such as French, Spanish and Portuguese. Remember to check which language your preferred time slot is operated in before making a booking.
Where does it start?
Free walking tours in Johannesburg begin at easy-to-locate landmarks in the city like the Zone Shopping Mall, Soweto Theater and Newton Junction. Aim to arrive at least 5-10 minutes before your walking tour’s starting time, so that you don’t keep anyone waiting.
Make sure you work out how you’ll get to the meeting point ahead of time. Johannesburg is a large, spread-out city and getting from your hotel to your walking tour’s starting point may take some time, depending on traffic and where you are staying.
How long does it last?
The typical duration of free walking tours in Johannesburg is usually between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on the specific tour you choose. This gives you more than enough time to explore the city with your knowledgeable local guide.
Just remember to wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be on your feet for most of the tour’s duration.
Is it wheelchair friendly?
Free walking tours in Johannesburg are all wheelchair friendly and provide a safe and suitable sightseeing experience for wheelchair users. Just keep in mind that wheelchair users will need to find wheelchair-friendly transport to get them to the meeting point.
When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Johannesburg?
The best time for a free walking tour in Johannesburg is in Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May). Cooler temperatures and less rain make this an ideal time for exploring the city outdoors.
Should you book tickets online?
Booking free walking tours in Johannesburg online ensures your participation in the tour, as they are popular and get booked up very quickly. These tours also have limited spots available to ensure the quality of the tour— with some maximum capacities being limited to as few as 10 people.
Reserving your spot on a tour is completely free and can be done with a few simple clicks through the online booking platform. Arrive in Johannesburg with your tour already booked and make the most out of your time.