The best things in life are free, but it’s always a mission to find something to do in the city that doesn’t cost you a cent. Well, look no further! We went on the search for some free activities for you, your family and friends to do in Joburg that won’t break the bank. From leisurely strolls in the park to viewing beautiful South African art, here are our Top Free Things to do in Joburg.
The Wilds Nature Reserve
The Wilds Nature Reserve is located on the outskirts of Houghton, set against rolling koppies and indigenous gardens. Here, you can explore the hillsides with views of the city surround with stunning evergreen fauna and flora. There are also running waterfalls and fountains, offer visitors a little be of tranquility within the city. At the peak of The Wilds is a sundial that marks a wonderful city skyline view. And best of all, entry is free.
Details: www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com | 011 643 2313 | Houghton Drive, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg.
WAM - The Wits Art Museum
WAM. That's all... WAM. The Wits Art Museum, just three blocks from Nelson Mandela Bridge is filled with some of the best artwork the country has to offer. WAM is in the hip, regenerating area of Braamfontein, which is also home to many students, interesting shops, and cool places to eat. The art museum is home to an extraordinary collection of 1 5000 artworks, including historical, modern and contemporary African artworks, as well as the Jack Ginsberg Centre for the Book Arts. Entry is FREE.
Details: www.wits.ac.za | 011 717 1365 | [email protected] | Wits Art Museum, corner Jorissen and Bertha Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Visit The Goodman Gallery
If you are a fan of contemporary art or just art in general, then take a drive out to the Goodman Gallery in Parkwood. It's definitely one of the most cultural free things to do in Joburg. Housing artworks from artists such as David Goldblatt and William Kentridge, you can spend the day viewing some exquisite artwork, and maybe even learn a thing or two about art.
Details: Opening hours: Monday and Sunday: Closed; Tuesday to Friday: 09:30 – 17:30, Saturday: 09:30 – 16:00 | 163 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 788 1113
Visit CIRCA On Jellicoe
CIRCA is a stunning gallery. In fact, it's a work of art itself. Check it out to see stunning exhibitions. CIRCA aims to showcase highly important contemporary artworks. CIRCA's curators also arrange installations concerned with technology. Musical events and lectures also take place at this gallery, so be sure to keep an eye out to stay in the loop! For more information, click here.
Details: Opening times: Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 18:00, Saturday: 09:00 – 13:00 | 02 and 06 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 788 4805
Take A Stroll At Delta Park
Take a stroll, get some fresh air and reconnect with nature at Delta Park. Enjoying nature if definitely one of the top free things to do in Joburg. This park is considered to be Joburg's biggest green lungs and an ambler's paradise, offering 104 hectares of grassland and woodland to explore. Sometimes we just need to get away from the noise of the city and be one with nature. This is just the place to go to when you want to take long walks on the walking trails, which link three beautiful tree-lined dams. It's also a great place to let the doggos run off some energy. For more information, click here.
Or Emmarentia Dam
With large, open gardens and the popular dam, enjoy a day at the park with family, friends and your four-legged companions at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens at Emmarentia Dam. Pack yourself a picnic basket filled with delicious delights, a blanket and enjoy the fresh air while ‘people-watching’. This is the perfect spot to have a relaxing day out in the sun, give your four-legged friend some exercise and fun and spend some quality time with family.
Details: Olifants Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg | Tel: (011) 782 7064
Hop On Down To The Bokkie Park
Enjoy a day out in the sunshine with family and friends at the Bokkie Park in Boksburg. Bring along some veggies, or buy some at the kiosk available, and hand-feed the tame bunnies, goats, cows and donkeys. Pack a lovely picnic filled with snacks and enjoy the great outdoors while the little ones track down bunnies. See peacocks show off their flamboyant feathers or (when available) go on pony rides. And every first Saturday of the month, there's a Craft Market.
Details: Opening times: Daily from 08:00 to 17:30 | 38 Southvale Road, Leeuwpoort 113-Ir, Boksburg, Johannesburg | Tel: 011 999 5254
Visit The Nan Hua Buddhist Temple
This one isn't in Joburg, we know. But it's definitely worth the drive! Visit the scenic Nan Hua Buddhist Temple to marvel at the divine architecture. Take the time to walk through the museum and view their large collection of Chinese artefacts. Check out the White Temple Lions that protect the temple. Or view a set of impressive antique Han Dynasty Chinese Palace gongs, which are the exact replica of the originals.
Details: Opening times: Monday: Closed. Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00 | 27 Nan Hua Road, Cultura Park, Bronkhorstspruit, Johannesburg | Tel: 013 931 0009
Adler Museum Of Medicine
If you're a fan of anything medical, then take some time to browse through the history of medicine and its developments. The Adler Museum of Medicine allows you to see interesting collections representing the medical, dental and pharmaceutical history. View hundreds of historical medical items, documents, philatelic and medallion collections and a library housing rare books. Regular public lectures, tours, film shows and exhibitions are on show at the museum.
Details: Opening times: Monday to Friday: 09:30 – 16:00, Saturdays on request | Wits Medical School, Corner York and Carse O’ Gowrie Roads, Parktown, Johannesburg | Tel: 011 717 2081
James Hall Museum Of Transport
Being the largest and most comprehensive museum of land transport in South Africa, visit the James Hall Museum of Transport. View many transport collections which include animal-drawn vehicles, bicycles and motorcycles, buses and coaches, motor cars and trams and trolley busses. There's also interesting memorabilia, artefacts and special interest and extremely rare steam vehicle collections. This is definitely the place for car or transport enthusiasts!
Details: Opening times: Tuesday to Friday: 09:00 – 17:00; closed every third weekend of the month | Pioneer’s Park, Rosettenville Road, La Rochelle | Tel: 011 435 9718 or 011 435 9485/6/7
Absa Money Museum
Take a trip down to the only money and banking museum and most complete collection of South African numismatic items in the world. The museum’s history stretches as far back as to the beginnings of trading in Johannesburg. And it shows many displays of ‘early money’, from Cowrie Shells to Venetian glass beads. Remember to bring along your ID for entry into the building! For more information, click here.
Details: Opening times: Monday to Friday – 08:30 to 16:00 | 15 Troye Street, Johannesburg | Tel: 011 350 4167
The Rosebank Sunday Market
In terms of free things to do in Joburg, a market is always a good one. Browse through all kinds of stalls and find anything and everything from crafts and antiquities to clothing and food at the Rosebank Sunday Market. It’s free to browse but, if you wish, you can do a little bit of shopping. And if you get a bit peckish in-between shopping, there's plenty of food available.
Details: Opening times: Sundays: 09:00 – 16:00 | Corner of Cradock Avenue and Baker Street, Rosebank, Johannesburg | Tel: 011 442 3387
The Prison Break Market
Prison Break Market is the perfect place to break out of your daily routine and enjoy some free thrills! Smell the aromas of all the delicious food. Take a look at what their stalls have to offer. Enjoy the entertainment. Or just take in the atmosphere and ambiance. This is a cool place to be.
Details: www.prisonbreakmarket.co.za | Tel: 082 522 1739 | Email: [email protected] | 10 MacMillan Road, Glenferness, Midrand, Johannesburg.
