Things to do in Johannesburg during a layover
Stuck on a layover in Johannesburg? Here are five great things to do inside and outside OR Tambo – for singles, couples and families.
Whether your layover is short or generous, Johannesburg offers a mix of airport and city experiences. These five options cater to families, couples and solo travellers and lets you use your time meaningfully.
1. Explore inside OR Tambo: lounges, shopping and viewing decks
If your layover is under five hours, staying inside might be safest. OR Tambo boasts several premium lounges where for a fee you can enjoy food, showers, WiFi and a quiet seat.
(Johannesburg Airport lists five premium lounges plus two “slow lounges” for weary travellers.)
Wander the airport’s retail options – from duty-free to African crafts – or visit the observation decks to watch aircraft.
2. Ride the Gautrain to Sandton or central Johannesburg
Just outside the airport, the Gautrain station connects you to Sandton in about 20 minutes. Culture Trip notes that this is one of the fastest ways to reach key city attractions.
From Sandton you can stroll the mall, enjoy trendy cafés or head toward Rosebank and its galleries.
3. Visit historic and cultural spots: Soweto or Constitution Hill
If your layover gives you five to six hours free, booking a guided tour is worthwhile. South Africa Adventures offers a Soweto half-day experience including Mandela’s house, the Hector Pieterson Memorial and the Kliptown Open Air Museum.
Or head to Constitution Hill in Braamfontein to explore South Africa’s justice history and prison cells used during the apartheid era.
Culture Trip highlights this as a central, compelling attraction..
4. Enjoy nature and wildlife: Johannesburg Zoo or Lion Park
For families or animal lovers, the Johannesburg Zoo offers a green escape inside the city, with more than 2 000 animals over 55 ha.
If you prefer something closer to OR Tambo, Lion Park lies about 45 minutes by car and allows you to see lions, zebras and giraffes up close.
Iconic Africa recommends it for layovers long enough to allow for travel and return.
5. Relax at Emperor’s Palace – shopping, theatre and spa
Just minutes from the airport, Emperor’s Palace Casino & Entertainment Resort offers dining, spa treatments, theatre shows and a shopping promenade.
Iconic Africa suggests it as a perfect near-airport escape for couples, families or solo travellers needing time off their feet.
How to pick what to do
When choosing, consider:
- Layover duration: Shorter stops lean toward airport options; longer ones allow city trips
- Transport time: Johannesburg’s traffic can be unpredictable, so allot buffer time
- Interests: History, nature, shopping or rest – choose what recharges you
- Safety and luggage: If venturing out, use trusted transport and keep valuables secure
No matter how brief your layover, one of these options will help you stretch your time and leave with a memorable taste of Johannesburg.
Pick the option that suits your schedule and make your layover count instead of watching the clock.