With exciting, friendly people, incredibly innovative thinking, an electric atmosphere and a pinch of natural beauty thrown into the mix, Johannesburg is a city which is full of flavour and intrigue. With the unique nature of the vibrant city, you don’t need to bend your bank account to take advantage of the rich entertainment on offer. In this, we explore five easy ways to enjoy Jo’burg on a budget.
- Connect with creators at the LoCrate Market in Soweto
The LoCrate Market in Soweto boasts everything from food trucks and live music to craft beer and bike tours. Designed as space for creatives to showcase their products and engage with other like-minded individuals, the market is a hub for collaborations with new up-and-coming creatives and connect with innovative thinkers.
On top of this, it’s a great place to treat yourself to something tasty – whether it’s food, new trendy fashion to bolster your wardrobe or a cheeky drink in the summer sun – without spending too much. The market is held on the first Sunday of every month in summer (from February to November from 10 am to 5 pm.
- Take a tour on the Red Bus
One of the most rewarding ways to explore Johannesburg on a budget is on top of a big shiny red double-decker bus.
The Red Bus tours offer a fantastic way to sightsee, with Hop-on and Hop-off giving you the choice to spend your time however you want. You get the best views, entertainment and informative commentary with an itinerary fit for a local or a tourist. From R99 per tour, the Red Bus is a budget-friendly way to spend the day exploring over 20 attractions in Johannesburg.
- Head through to Hell’s Kitchen
Based in Melville, Hell’s Kitchen is Johannesburg’s celebrated speakeasy with food, drink, music and mayhem on the menu. With a “secret” room behind the bookcase, the restaurant has an electric environment ranging from easy jazz to epic rock music. At Hell’s Kitchen, you can expect to dine on excellent food and enjoy an impressive selection of wines, whiskeys, cocktails, and drinks.
- Cure coffee cravings at Bean There Coffee Company
Found in the Stanley area, the Bean There Coffee Company is a stylish spot for the coffee connoisseur to enjoy a brilliant brew in-house or on the go. As the first coffee roaster with a Fairtrade certification in South Africa, the single-origin coffee company boasts beans which are full of flavour and economic and environmental sustainability as a value.
- Cool your adrenaline jets at the Orlando Towers
Get your adrenaline fix at the site of the world’s first cooling tower bungee jump. Not only are the towers an impressive (and iconic) site in the country, but they also offer a number of different exciting activities. From only R60 per person, the adventurous can hit the 25-metre rock climbing course and get a taste of the thrilling scenes on a low budget. If you’re up for something more (both in adventure and cost), the Bungee Jump itself will set you back R550.
With Live Easy apartments, it’s easy to take your time exploring and enjoying Johannesburg without worrying about expensive accommodation. Young professionals can take advantage of the comfortable, affordable smart apartments with easy access to the city’s best sights while discovering the secret wonders of South Africa’s industry hub.