48 Hours in Johannesburg: An Immersive Journey Through the City of Gold

Johannesburg, affectionately known as the “City of Gold,” is often seen as a gateway rather than a destination. But those who linger, even just 48 hours, discover a city alive with art, culture, history, and nature that rivals any global metropolis. At Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, perched high above the treetops of the world’s largest urban forest, guests are invited to experience Johannesburg as locals know and love it: complex, creative, and unforgettable.

“While there are exceptional parts of South Africa to explore, Johannesburg deserves more than a passing glance,” says Willem du Toit, Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. “We’ve curated experiences that reveal the depth, the energy, and the artistry of this city, offering guests a chance to connect with its fabric, and leave with a fresh perspective.”

Here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in Johannesburg, with Four Seasons as your guide.

Day 1: Art, History, and Urban Energy

• 7:00 am – Breakfast with a view at the hotel’s Flames restaurant

Begin your day at the lush Flames terrace at Four Seasons, where you can watch the morning mist lift from Johannesburg’s canopy while enjoying a beautifully crafted breakfast.

• 10:30 am – An artistic journey

Embark on a guided tour through Johannesburg’s thriving contemporary art scene. Start at Rosebank’s Keyes Art Mile and Circa Gallery, where international-calibre exhibitions unfold. On weekdays, continue to the Johannesburg Contemporary Art Foundation and the Roger Ballen Inside Out Centre for the Arts, both just minutes from the hotel before stopping at the country's apex-court, the Constitutional Court of South Africa, which houses more than 200 publicly accessible 200 artworks from the country's leading artist, such as Gerard Sekoto, William Kentridge, and Cecil Skotnes among others. Constitution Hill is a former prison turned living museum that honours the resilience of Mandela, Gandhi, and countless others.

• 1:00 pm – Lunch in Soweto

Soweto is the place where South Africa’s turbulent past and vibrant present meet. Dine on authentic township cuisine on Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world that housed two Nobel Laureates.  Meander and enjoy the street performers or spend some time visiting the various museums paying homage to the turbulent struggle that defined change, and the fight for democracy the world over.

• 3:00 pm – Johannesburg’s history revealed

With the context of the vibrant Soweto complete and to understand the context of what led to the change a must-see attraction is a visit to the Apartheid Museum, a sobering yet essential exploration of the country’s journey to democracy.

Day 2: Origins, Nature, and Adventure

• 8:00 am – Walk through time

After breakfast at the Hotel, set out for the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside the city. Led by an expert anthropologist, you’ll explore ancient caves where the oldest known hominid fossils were discovered, a journey back to humanity’s beginnings.

• 12:00 noon – Botanical beauty

Return to the city and stroll through The Wilds, a serene and beautifully maintained public park in Johannesburg, and home to dozens of iconic wildlife sculptures by James Delaney, a South African painter and sculptor. Nestled on the slopes of Houghton, The Wilds offers lush indigenous gardens, winding walking trails, and stunning views of the city.

• 1:30 pm – Lunch at Victoria Yards

Head to Victoria Yards, an industrial complex reborn as a creative hub. Here, studios, markets, and murals redefine African art for a global audience. Settle in for a light, artful lunch, before exploring the many artist studios, from painting, to ceramics, beadwork and fashion.

• 5:00 pm – Sundowners above the trees

Back at the Hotel, toast your 48 hours in Johannesburg with sundowners overlooking the world's largest urban forest, knowing you’ve only begun to scratch the surface of its beauty and depth.

Beyond a Stopover

“Johannesburg is so much more than a stopover,” du Toit explains. “It’s a city of contrasts, of gold and green, history and hope, art and adventure, and we’re here to help guests discover its layers.”

At Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, every experience is tailored to each guest’s interests and time, with curated itineraries themed around Art, Anthropology, Apartheid, and Adventure. The Hotel’s concierge team works with local experts to deliver unforgettable journeys into the city’s soul.

Whether you have two days or two weeks, Johannesburg promises to surprise, challenge, and inspire.