We recently traded our desks (June 2025) for the streets of Soweto, and while the air was crisp, the neighbourhood brought the warmth. From taking a whistle-stop tour of local artists' studios with Thabo The Tourist to enjoying a satisfying meal on the terrace of Native Rebels and witnessing the street corners bursting with culture, we quickly realised that what we squeezed into one day could easily fill a 48-hour itinerary.
Although we didn’t visit the most famous tourist attractions, just being in Soweto is a powerful reminder that its history isn’t only found in museums, monuments, or memorials – it is woven into everyday life. You feel it in the streets: in the houses people live in, the bold colours in which they are painted, the hand-painted adverts and murals on their walls. It’s in the buzz of street vendors selling food and other household items, offering alterations, or running makeshift hair salons on the corner. Energy pulses through the neighbourhood.
So, whether you’re planning your very first visit to South Africa's most famous township or are returning to dive a little deeper, we've put together a guide to some must-visit Soweto stops. There's art, fashion, great food, history, heritage, and a whole lot of community love.
Must-sees for art and culture
1. CREDO MUTWA CULTURAL VILLAGE
Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
The characterful Credo Mutwa Cultural Village, located inside Oppenheimer Park in Jabavu Central, is a unique representation of African mythology. Built in the 1970s by the Zulu sangoma (traditional healer), artist, and author Credo Mutwa, it is now looked after by a passionate caretaker Lebohang Sello, who, along with other guides, will happily explain the complex meanings behind Mutwa's mystical and prophetic sculptures. You'll want to take your time exploring here; it is bigger than it looks – with a surprise around each corner. Despite its location amidst Soweto's day-to-day bustle, it feels set apart and sacred. Fans of Helen Martins' Owl House in Nieu-Bethesda and other so-called "outsider artists" will especially enjoy this. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the entire township by climbing the Oppenheimer Tower in the park, built in 1957 by Ernest Oppenheimer. Its 49 steps were made using bricks made from the ashes of the houses destroyed to build the township, and each represents a different Soweto suburb.
For more information about the Credo Mutwa Cultural Village or to book a tour, contact Lebohang Sello on +27 78 810 2664.
991 Bochabela St, Jabavu Central, Soweto.
2. THABO THE TOURIST'S SOWETO ART TOUR
Discover Soweto’s on-the-ground art scene with Thabo the Tourist on a three-hour Soweto Art Tour. It's an experience packed with creativity, colour, and local flair that takes you into the homes and studios of unique practitioners. We loved meeting the quirky Lerato Motau in her fabric-focused art space, visiting the home studio of renowned artist Senzo Nhlapo – whose murals you will spot all around Soweto – and getting a glimpse into the process of the legendary Kenny Nkosi, who transforms recycled materials into sculptural masterpieces at Mofolo Arts Centre.
The tour starts at Lebo's Soweto Backpackers, with an optional pick-up and drop-off. The R1,300 fee per person includes lunch. Visit touratraveltherapy.com for more information and to make a booking.
Historical and heritage sites in Soweto
3. EYETHU HERITAGE HALL
When we visited, we were lucky to be shown around by Lerato Tshabalala-Mini, the couple’s granddaughter, who is actively involved in running the space alongside other family members. Hearing her first-hand stories about Ephraim and Caroline gave us a heartfelt, intimate glimpse into the lives behind the legacy.
Today, the Hall serves as a dynamic venue for exhibitions, community gatherings, award ceremonies, and more. You can also visit with Thabo the Tourist on his Soweto Art Tour.
Book a tour via email at info@eyethuheritage.co.za or WhatsApp on +27 76 546 6599.
First floor of Eyethu Shopping Centre, Machaba Dr, Mofolo Central, Soweto
4. HECTOR PIETERSON MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM
Photo: Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum.
Pay tribute to Hector Pieterson, the 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. Located near the site of Pieterson's death at 8287 Khumalo Street in Orlando West, the memorial and museum powerfully mark the role of South African youth in the country's struggle for freedom. These places of remembrance and education tell the story of sacrifice and courage.
8287 Khumalo St, Orlando West, Soweto
5. MANDELA HOUSE MUSEUM
Former president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, lived in this humble 'matchbox' house with his second wife, Winnie Madikizela Mandela, in the late 1950s and early 1960s. To convert it from a house into the Mandela House Museum, the garden was cemented over and photos and text added to the walls, while the garage has become the ticket hall. Inside, the small rooms are now filled with memorabilia belonging to the pair, including letters, gifts, and awards, as well as some original items of furniture. A small museum, the visit will not take much more than 20 minutes.
8115 Vilakazi St, Orlando West, Soweto
Soweto fashion and streetwear
6. HECTIC7
Born from the hustle and powered by the mantra "Life is hectic 7 days a week," every item at Hectic7 is designed from scratch, creating bold, ready-to-wear gear for those chasing goals around the clock. Whether you’re grinding in the boardroom or the studio, their pieces span kids’ and adult clothing, plus accessories. We especially liked their colourful knit beanies, perfect for turning heads (and keeping yours warm) year-round.
8120 Ngakane Street Orlando West, Soweto
7. SOWETO_ISM
Soweto_ism is an artist movement and concept store founded by street artist Rasik Green, also known as Mr. Ekse, located on the iconic Vilakazi Street in Soweto. Part gallery, part thrift shop, this creative space celebrates township pride through bold graphic T-shirts, street-style tracksuits, and art prints that fuse activism and everyday life in Soweto.
6875 Vilakazi St, Orlando West, Soweto
8. THESIS LIFESTYLE
This trailblazing store deep in Mofolo, Soweto, has been championing its own streetwear brand, Thesis Lifestyle, since 2008. Inspired by Soweto street culture, their signature slogan T-shirts and iconic bucket hats are firm favourites among fans. Their standout bestseller? A bold tee printed with 'Phiri, Mapetla, Zola & Mndeni' – a stylish homage to Tokollo “Magesh” Tshabalala’s legendary kwaito anthem that celebrates the spirit of Soweto’s neighbourhoods. The Thesis collective doesn’t just sell clothes – they build community, even hosting the popular local running club, Thesis Run Cru.
173 Machaba Dr, Mofolo, Soweto
Where to stay in Soweto
9. LEBO'S SOWETO BACKPACKERS
Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers in Orlando West isn't merely a place to rest your head – it’s a gateway to authentic local life and adventure. This legendary spot offers a variety of accommodation options, from cosy backpacker lodgings and self-catering guesthouses to a one-of-a-kind hillside campsite known as Leboland. Whether you're cycling through Soweto on one of their popular bike or tuk-tuk tours or soaking up the music in their laid-back, beach bar-style restaurant courtyard (complete with a rooftop pool table), Lebo’s is all about community, culture, and connecting with locals and fellow travellers alike, making it a great base for your weekend adventures. Visit sowetobackpackers.com for more information and to make a booking.
10823A Pooe St, cnr Ramushu St, Orlando West, Soweto
Hang – and eat – with the locals
10. NATIVE REBELS
Overlooking the historic Morris Isaacson High School, Native Rebels is one of Soweto’s best-kept secrets. Open daily, this eclectic café-bar and restaurant serves up smashed avocado breakfasts, crispy beer-battered fish and chips, and sticky ribs so good they should come with a warning. Expect a fun mix of vintage décor, reclaimed furniture, and 70s posters, plus a soundtrack that swings from old-school soul to fresh local grooves. Whether you're jamming with friends on the balcony or digging into a gourmet burger, Native Rebels is where Soweto’s cool crowd hangs, grooves, and chills beyond the usual tourist trails. Read more about Native Rebels in our review.
1345 Kadebe St, Jabavu, Soweto
If you’re around Soweto for the weekend, don’t miss the chance to try something from the local street vendors – just follow your nose. From kotas and vetkoek to grilled mielies, braaied meat, and homemade ginger beer, there’s always something sizzling nearby.
Why you should visit Soweto
After just one whirlwind day in Soweto, one thing is clear – a single visit simply isn’t enough. This is where history meets hustle, culture meets comfort, and every stop tells a story. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of legends and struggle heroes, getting to know local creatives, or shopping for streetwear, a weekend here is a cultural deep dive into one of South Africa’s most fascinating places. Soweto invites you to linger longer, look closer, and come back. Consider this your sign to plan that weekend escape – Soweto is calling.
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