Gauteng has a number of urban treats for travellers.

Bars and pubs

Gauteng boasts a number of great bars, pubs and shebeens (taverns) in its cities and townships. Some hotels have iconic bars that attract the 'It' crowd, which are usually the best places to see and be seen while enjoying a South African beer or cocktail. Township shebeens are great places to meet and interact with the locals; here you can often sample locally brewed traditional beers. Please advise your clients, though, that it's best to visit townships with a guide.

Townships

A visit to a Gauteng township can make for an amazing experience. A large number of South Africans live in townships and visitors are encouraged to interact with locals and see what township life is all about.

Soweto is South Africa’s most iconic township – apart from its historical significance, it offers restaurants, shebeens (taverns) and outdoor activities.

Of particular interest is Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize winners (Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu) have lived.

Also worth a visit is the Hector Pietersen Museum and Memorial, which pays tribute to the Struggle against apartheid, and Regina Mundi, an enormous Catholic church.

The township also has some great options for adrenaline junkies, including zipping around on a quad bikes or taking a 30-minute speedboat ride around the Orlando Towers Dam. Or how about bungee jumping 33 storeys off the famous Orlando Towers?

Soweto is also home to the famous Wandie’s Place, a restaurant where many international celebrities have dined.

Atteridgeville Park in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, is a popular spot for jazz get-togethers.

Malls

Some of the best shopping malls in Africa are to be found in Johannesburg, Pretoria and their surrounds. There’s Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Rosebank Mall and Hyde Park Corner in Johannesburg, and Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria, to mention a few. Shops offer everything from international clothing, cosmetics, jewellery and shoe brands to the latest techno gadgets. But these malls are not just about shopping – visitors are able to combine shopping with the finest dining, cinemas and theatres, and even amusement parks.

Casinos

South Africa has a large number of casinos and entertainment complexes. Popular gaming destination Gold Reef City in Johannesburg pays tribute to the gold mining days. There’s also Carnival City in Brakpan, Silverstar Casino in Krugersdorp, Emperors Palace in Kempton Park and Montecasino in Fourways. These complexes typically include hotels, restaurants, bars and huge entertainment complexes.

The Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto is the one of the largest hospitals in the world.