South Africa’s most famous township, Soweto made world headlines in June 1976 when its youth rose up against apartheid. Today, the centre of Soweto tourism is the walkable Vilakazi Street, once home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. It was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is a vibrant and energetic space where you’ll find a melting pot of the commercial, the traditional, and the contemporary. Neon signs light up behind tribal dancers, while hawkers sell beadwork and Struggle T-shirts. Fanning out from this famous street is a whole host of other activities for you to enjoy. From outdoor adventures to historic sites, a thriving music scene and incredible stories, Soweto has it all.
1. Vilakazi Street
A historically significant place and a tribute to authentic South African culture, Vilakazi Street is home to a variety of activities. Enjoy traditional buffet fare at Sakhumzi Restaurant, a Soweto institution, or savour fine-dining-meets-township flavours at 1947. No visit is complete without a stop at Mandela House Museum, or if you're in the mood to shop, you can pick up cool streetwear and accessories at Hectic 7 and Soweto_ism. While you're there, don’t forget to pop into Match Box Street Art Gallery next door.
2. Eyethu Heritage Hall
Immerse yourself in Soweto’s rich and colourful history at Eyethu Heritage Hall, located on the first floor of Eyethu Lifestyle Centre on Machaba Drive in the heart of Soweto. Embrace the township's legacy by exploring the exhibits, grabbing a kota, and enjoying some local shopping.
Open Mon – Tue, 09:00 – 15:00. Guided tours cost R100 per person, and self-guided tours are R60 per person. Discounts will be given to South African residents, students, scholars, and pensioners. Contact +27 78 605 0810 for more info.
3. Credo Mutwa Cultural Village
Soak in a spiritual view at the open-air Credo Mutwa Cultural Village, where folklore is showcased using impressive sculptures and architecture. Officially known as Kwa Khaya Lendaba, the museum is located at 991 Bochabela Street, and it showcases African folklore through impressive sculptures and architecture. Built by the traditional healer, Credo Mutwa, this must-see attraction perfectly blends mythology, spirituality, and history, and it remains a powerful tribute to African heritage and creativity.
Open 07:00 – 19:00 in summer (Sep – Mar) and 08:00 – 18:00 in winter (Apr – Aug). Entrance fee is R100 per person; discounts are offered for South African residents and children. Contact +27 78 810 2664 or visit www.facebook.com/kwa.khaya.lendaba for more info.
4. Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum and June 16 Memorial Acre
Pay tribute to Hector Pieterson, a 12-year-old boy who was killed during the 1976 Soweto Uprising, as well as the youth who stood up against apartheid at Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum and June 16 Memorial Acre. Both are located near the site of Pieterson's death at 8287 Khumalo Street in Orlando West, and symbolise the role of the South African youth in the country's struggle for freedom. These places of remembrance and education tell the story of sacrifice and courage. Pop over to the nearby Art and Craft Fair, or enjoy a hot beverage at the coffee shop next door.
Open Tue – Sat, 10:00 – 17:00 and Sun, 10:00 – 16:30. Entrance fee is R100 per person; discounts will be given to South African residents, students, scholars, and pensioners. Visit www.joburg.co.za for more info.
5. Native Rebels
With live DJs, music performances, and a fresh take on township cuisine, it doesn’t get better than Native Rebels on Kadebe Street. Grab a seat on the wraparound balcony and enjoy magwinya (vetkoek) with mince, pap, and morogo, or one of their generous braai platters. All made with locally-sourced ingredients, Native Rebels is great for anyone looking for an authentic Soweto experience.
Open Tue – Sun, 11:00 – 22:00. Meal prices range from R80 – R300.
6. Meet & Meat
Discover a carnivore’s delight at Meet & Meat at 5976 Skota Street in Orlando East. Winners of the 2018 Windhoek SA's Best Shisanyama Search, this is a vibrant restaurant where you can "buy and braai" by choosing your cut of meat from the butchery and having it prepared in the restaurant. Enjoy it with sides of pap and chakalaka, and soak in South African culture at its best.
Open Mon – Sun, 08:00 – 20:00. Contact +27 83 292 9555 or visit meatmeet.co.za for more info.
7. Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication and Kliptown Youth Program
Visit the iconic Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown where the historic Freedom Charter was adopted in 1955. At the same time, you can experience the heart of community upliftment at the longest-running empowerment programme, the Kliptown Youth Program. Discover a place where hope, education, and entrepreneurship thrive.
Open daily, 10:00 – 16:00. Entrance is free. Contact +27 11 528 8670 or visit https://www.kliptownyouthprogram.org.za/ for more info.
8. Lebo's Soweto Backpackers
Enjoy a cycling tour, ride in a tuk tuk, or take a walk with the team at Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers, the pioneers of tourism in Soweto, at 10823A Pooe Street in Orlando West. Afterward, enjoy an authentic township lunch made with fresh produce from their gardens, or stay for dinner and a storytelling session around the bonfire in their open-air restaurant.
Open Mon – Sun, 07:30 – 22:00. Tour prices range from R600 – R1,720 per person; discounts are offered to overnight guests. Contact +27 11 936 3444 or +27 81 524 2918, email them at lebo@sowetobackpackers.com, or visit www.sowetobackpackers.com for more info.
9. Soweto Ndofaya Hike
Step off the beaten path and uncover the hidden history of Soweto’s gold mining past with the unique Soweto Ndofaya Hike. Taking place every Saturday from 44B Ordendaal Road, these guided hikes take visitors through the abandoned gold mines and industrial ruins that once powered Johannesburg’s rise. Complete with stories of the Gold Rush Era and panoramic views of the township, it’s raw, real, and unlike anything you've ever experienced. A must for adventurous souls and urban explorers.
Hikes take place every Sat, and prices start at R200 per person. Contact +27 82 717 4816 or email them at lebele.masike@gmail.com for more info.
10. The House Soweto
Visit an authentic Four Room House – a small homes built for families forcibly removed from Sophiatown during apartheid – at The House Soweto at 7104 Khuele Street in Orlando West. This immersive stop offers a powerful glimpse into township life, resilience, and the close-knit communities that shaped Soweto’s identity. Afterward, head to Match-Box Street Art Gallery just around the corner.
Open Mon – Sun, 10:00 – 20:00. Entrance is free. Contact +27 69 212 8901 for more info.
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