Heritage Month offers an excuse to explore the history of our beautiful country and what makes Johannesburg quintessentially South African. While there are some heritage “staples” most people already know about, there are other special treasures equally deserving of a visit. Here are some top spots to add to your itinerary the next time you’re in the City of Gold, handpicked by the staff at AtholPlace Hotel & Villa.

The well-known must-sees

1. Constitution Hill

11 Kotze Street, Johannesburg

The Visitor’s Centre is open 7 days a week from 08h45 – 17h00

Arguably the most important heritage site in Johannesburg, Constitution Hill is a former prison complex that now serves as a human rights precinct. Notable figures, including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, were once incarcerated here. It houses the Constitutional Court and offers tours and exhibitions that showcase South Africa’s journey to democracy (including an hourly highlights tour and two full site tours each day at 10h00 and 13h00). Bonus fact: Constitution Hill briefly served as a military fort during the Anglo-Boer War.

2. Apartheid Museum

Cnr Northern Parkway & Gold Reef Roads, Ormonde, Johannesburg

Wednesday to Sunday (incl. public holidays) from 09h00 – 17h00

The Apartheid Museum tells the layered stories of South Africa’s apartheid era. It features exhibits such as the Mandela Exhibition and the Tutu Exhibition, documenting the struggles and injustices faced by people of colour during this time. The Permanent Exhibition is the most notable, taking you on a full-circle journey of this era. Bonus fact: You’ll encounter two distinct gates labelled “White” and “Non-White” when entering the museum, which immediately sends shockwaves through your system and sets the tone for the journey that lies ahead.

3. Mandela House

8115 Vilakazi St, Orlando West, Soweto, Johannesburg

Open 7 days a week from 09h00 – 16h45

Mandela House is Nelson Mandela’s former residence, where he lived from 1946 until 1962. Today, it’s a museum that preserves Mandela’s legacy and offers a glimpse into his life and the historical context of his activism. It’s also located on Soweto’s legendary Vilakazi Street, so there’s plenty more to explore during your visit. Bonus fact: The house has bullet holes in the walls and scorch marks on the façade from attacks with Molotov cocktails during apartheid – a powerful reminder of the violence the Mandela family endured.

4. Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum

8287 Khumalo Rd, Orlando, Soweto, Johannesburg

Open Tuesday – Sunday from 10h00 – 17h00

This memorial commemorates the role of students in the struggle against apartheid – particularly the events surrounding the 1976 Soweto Uprising. The museum provides a poignant narrative of the youth’s resistance and sacrifices during this turbulent time in South African history. Bonus fact: Hector Pieterson, the 12-year-old boy who became an iconic symbol of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, was born and raised in Soweto. He was the only son of Vivian Pieterson and Dorothy Molefi and had four stepsisters, including Antoinette Sithole, who was running alongside him when he was shot.

5. Maboneng Precinct

Fox St & Kruger St, City and Suburban, Johannesburg     

The Maboneng Precinct is a trend-setting neighbourhood and creative hub celebrated for its culture of “thinkers and makers”. Here, you’ll find galleries, eateries, and unique shops. Local favourites include The Bioscope (an independent cinema known for showing South African films and hosting special cultural events), and Market on Main (a weekly market taking place every Sunday at Arts on Main from 10h00, considered Johannesburg’s leading urban food and design market). Bonus fact: The precinct has a mix of old and new architecture, with buildings like the Drivelines student housing made from shipping containers – an example of the neighbourhood’s innovative urban living solutions.

Off-the-beaten-path treasures

Adler Museum of Medicine

University of the Witwatersrand’s Medical School Campus, York Rd & Carse O'Gowrie Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg

Open weekdays from 09h30 – 16h00

The Adler Museum of Medicine is home to a fascinating collection of medical instruments and historical documents. It’s where you can explore the evolution of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy in South Africa. Bonus fact: The museum contains reconstructions of historical medical settings, including an African herb shop, a patient consulting a sangoma (traditional healer), and a 20^th-century Johannesburg pharmacy.

Lindfield Victorian House Museum

72 Richmond Ave, Auckland Park, Johannesburg

Open by appointment only, with tours available between 10h00 and 17h00.

This beautifully preserved Victorian home, built in 1910, takes you back in time to discover what life looked like for a typical Johannesburg family during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum is full of period furniture and décor, and guided tours are available to take you deeper into the history of the house and its inhabitants. Bonus fact: Katherine Love, who has lived in the house since 1967, maintains the house and gives guided tours dressed in period clothing for a more realistic experience (which includes personal anecdotes and detailed insights into Victorian customs and daily life).

Johannesburg Trades Hall

63 Rissik Street, Johannesburg

The Johannesburg Trades Hall is one of the oldest Edwardian buildings in the city and is significant for its role in South Africa’s labour movement. While it’s not possible to enter the building, the architecture is well worth admiring and photographing. Bonus fact: The Trades Hall is the only remaining example of the work done by the pioneering architectural firm Aburrow & Treeby.

The Living Room

5th Floor, Main Change Building, 20 Kruger St, Maboneng, Johannesburg   

Open Saturday from 11h00 – 22h00 (if not hosting a private event) and Sunday from 11h00 – 21h30

The Living Room is a place of modern heritage and a rooftop jungle, allowing you to enjoy sprawling views of the city while surrounded by flourishing greenery. It reflects Jo’burg’s urban regeneration efforts – striking that balance between nature and city life. The venue also often hosts events celebrating local culture and art. Bonus fact: The Living Room’s menu includes eclectic tapas, signature cocktails and smoothies, making it the ultimate spot for Sunday sundowners. So, whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for an insightful learning experience, Johannesburg has something to offer everyone this Heritage Month. Our team at AtholPlace Hotel & Villa will take care of all the rest while you get out there and explore!