We can all do with a bit of money saving, especially with the petrol prices at present. But don’t let that curb your enthusiasm for fun! Check out our list of fun things to do in Joburg for just R100 or less. Talk about cheap thrills!
Shazmin’s Luxe Patisserie
Visit one of Joburg’s most Instagrammable French cafés, located in Nelson Mandela Square! Take a few selfies and Insta-worthy pictures and indulge in something sweet. There are a few options that cost under R100. We highly suggest that you try their Ice Cream Macarons. They’re amazing! But be sure to take a look at their menu to see what else this beautiful destination has to offer.
Details: www.shazmins.co.za | 064 511 2658 | [email protected] | 5th Street, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandown, Sandton, Johannesburg.
The Living Room in Maboneng
The perfect perch for weekend thrills, The Living Room in Maboneng is the place to be if you’re keen on epic city views, great people, fab music and just all-round awesome vibes. Don’t miss their Saturdays/Sundays in the Living Room events, which will cost you R40 per person entry before 14:00 and R50 per person thereafter. That saves you a few bucks to grab a drink to enjoy while admiring the rooftop views of the Joburg skyline. Click here to view their upcoming events.
Cost: Between R40 – R50 per person
The Montecasino Bird Gardens
Enjoy the Joburg sunshine while viewing beautiful feathered creatures at the Montecasino Bird Gardens in Fourways. Wander along the garden’s enchanted walkways and marvel at an array of colourful birds, small mammals, scaly reptiles and unusual creatures from across the globe. A must-visit is the walk-through Aviary, where you’ll find over 60 species of birds such as Scarlet Ibises and Nicobar pigeons. This is the perfect day out without having to spend a fortune.
Cost: R75 per adult | R60 per person for pensioners and children | R45 per person for hotel guests | FREE entry for children under the age of 2
Goddess Café
Another sweet treat that won’t cost you a pretty penny! Head to the café that’s all pretty in pink – Goddess Café. And here, on Mondays, join them for some tea and a slice of cake for R75*. Take about a lovely pick-me-up that’s affordable and oh-so delicious. This spot is also an Instagram favourite, so be sure to visit and take a few pictures while indulging in something decadent. You can find a cafe in Waterkloof, Southdowns, Linden and Rietondale.
Details: goddesscafe.co.za
Soweto Towers
Don’t worry, you don’t have to jump off the Soweto Towers or do a freefall! For under R100, you can head up the side of the Western Cooling Tower in the lift and get a breathtaking panoramic view of Soweto from the viewing platform. Or enjoy a little bit of climbing at their 25m wall. This is perfect opportunity to challenge your abilities from many different angles, plus, it’s plenty of fun for just a few bucks.
Cost: R80 per person for Soweto Tower View | R48 per person for Climbing
Wits Origins Centre
Opened by President Thabo Mbeki in 2006, the Wits Origins Centre is a world-class museum dedicated to exploring and celebrating the history of modern humankind, telling the story of the emergence of human beings and humanity in southern Africa. Here, you’ll get to view an extensive collection of rock art, the earliest images made by humans, found in South Africa. Also, take a look at a vast array of palaeoanthropological, archaeological and genetic materials, which includes ancient tools, artefacts of spiritual significance, and more.
Cost: From R60 per person. Visit Webtickets to get your tickets.
The Northgate Ice Rink
Northgate has one of the last ice skating rinks in the city and remains a popular attraction for visitors of all ages. Strictly speaking, you’ll be paying R145 per person to get in as entrance is R100 and skate hire is R45. But… if you have your own skates, it’s only R100, so we’ve decided to still add this on our list! But we will admit, it is definitely worth the extra R45 over our R100 budget. Also, you can take advantage of their Sunday Night Madness, where entry is R85 per person.
Cost: Entrance: R100 per person | Skates hire: R45 per person
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Why not spend the day outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, taking in nature and stretching your legs at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden? Situated in Roodepoort, this is a hidden gem where waters cascade and eagles soar. There’s an abundance of wildlife, including about 240 bird species on site. Also, a breeding pair of Verreaux’s Eagles nest near the waterfall on the cliff’s edge.
Cost: R80 per person | R45 per student | Pensioner: Free entry on Tuesdays | R25 per child
R100 or Less: Hennops Hiking Trail
Spend the day getting back in touch with nature and doing some hiking to get your steps in for the day. The Hennops Hiking Trail is one of the best hiking trails in Gauteng, and is most certainly worth a visit if you’re looking to marvel at the nature and wildlife, admire the views, and be active. The Hennops hiking trail consists of three trails. These trails meanders along the Hennops River before veering into the surrounding mountains. Two unique features on the trail are the river crossings – a suspension bridge and a cable car. There are also interesting historical sites along the way, including an underground cave, traces of old settlements, and the old dolomite mines.
Cost: R100 per adult | R50 for schoolchildren
