Johannesburg, the city with captivating contrasts, is the largest city in South Africa. Soaring skyscrapers define its metropolitan persona whereas an array of historical attractions portray the turbulent past. Today, the colourful aura of this world class city comprises of cosmopolitan lifestyle blended with an elegant traditional culture and lush natural surroundings in addition to numerous museums and art galleries.
JohannesburgJohannesburg holiday packages are incomplete without prominent attractions such as Constitution Hill, Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City and Johannesburg Art Gallery. Wildlife lovers planning holidays to this vibrant region can choose to visit Lion Park and Montecasino Bird Gardens.
Climate & Best Time to VisitSubtropical highland climate of Johannesburg make for an impressive destination where holidays can be planned all through the year. Summers are stretched from October to April and feature sunny days and cool evenings whereas winters, from May to September, are dry and colder nights. Most of the travellers buy holiday packages for December and January which is the peak season. September and October is the most pleasant time and the shoulder season as well to save money on package holidays.
Eating OutGastronomic extravaganza in Johannesburg offers the most delightful experience to epicureans vacationing in the largest city of South Africa. The Grillhouse, Assagi and Bellagio are few upscale restaurants that have become an integral part of luxury packages for Jo'burg. Love for Asian fare brings foodies to Fordburg and Cyrildene, the areas renowned for serving delicacies from India and China respectively. Aromas and scrumptious menus of food joints at Grant Avenue and Queen's Street, Kensington are also quite popular.
ShoppingThis flamboyant metropolis is home to numerous shopping malls and tourists often make a beeline for the popular ones such as Sandton City, Northgate, Cresta Mall, 44 Stanley and Fourways Mall. However, the shopping scenario in Jo'burg does not only revolve around swanky arcades. Flea markets at Mai Mai, Rosebank, Panorama and Bruma Lake are apt escape tourists with extraordinary haggling skills. There is no place better than African Craft Market to buy holiday memorabilia.
Popular HotelsA wide range of accommodation options in the capital city of Gauteng ranges from top notch luxury properties to budget lodes and hostels. Unmatched hospitality at plush establishments such as Radisson Blu Sandton Hotel, Mount Grace Country House & Spa, Hyatt Regency and 54 on Bath remain at the top of the priority list of the travellers booking luxury packages for Jozi. Mid-range hotels and lodges cater to budget holidaymakers with decent amenities.
Tips and AdviceThe City of Gold is notorious for high crime rate. Although tourists are victims in rare cases, they should avoid roaming around late in the night. Check with the hotel staff before visiting a lesser known area. Berea, Alexandra and Hillbrow are two areas that one should refrain from, if not accompanied by a guide or travelling in a group. Besides safety measures, always drink bottled water and carry sun cream, if buying holiday packages for summers.
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