Gauteng is the dynamite in a small package. The smallest province in South Africa offers a lot for those looking for something exciting, unique, or different.
If you’re in Gauteng, these 20 places to visit will have you rescheduling your weekend plans.
1. Sorcery
Picture: Sorcery
The Sorcery Ruins are slowly becoming an iconic spot in Pretoria, that looks out over the city. The views will give you something to stare at while you enjoy your delicious coffee and fresh cake. This restaurant also scores brownie points for being pet-friendly.
READ: The rise of pet-friendly restaurants in South Africa
2. Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
A waterfall, 240 different bird species, and indigenous plants make the Botanical Gardens a perfect place to relax outside, enjoy the fresh air, and be in nature.
3. Gold Reef City
If you’re looking for a rush of adrenaline in Gauteng, then you need to add Gold Reef City to your list of places to visit. Rides, movies, and candy to give you a stomach ache will add to an exciting weekend outing.
4. Rosemary Hill
Get out and about at Rosemary Hill and enjoy a tasty breakfast, a leisurely stroll around the farm with your furry friend, or a cycle along the cycle trails.
READ: 5 trails in South Africa for beginner hikers
5. Melrose Arch
Fine dining and wining at the gorgeous Melrose Arch when in Gauteng. Try out one restaurant for drinks, another for dinner, and one more for coffee and dessert when visiting this classy spot.
6. Nkwe Pleasure Resort
Pack the cooler box with drinks and meat, bring your costume and towel, and prepare to spend your day braaing and lazing beneath the trees at Nkwe Pleasure Resort. There are also beautiful trails to walk if you’re in need of stretching your legs.
7. Montecasino
Whether you’re in the mood to hit the slots or eat at one of the multiple classy websites, Montecasino is a great place to visit when in Gauteng. You can also watch a movie or call out your inner child and take on your friends at laser tag.
8. Cradle of Humankind
Learn something new about the humans of old at the Cradle of Humankind. With some of the oldest fossils found at this World Heritage Site, this is definitely one of the places you should visit when in Gauteng.
9. Father Coffee
This artisanal coffee shop in Rosebank serves an amazing cappuccino and delectable baked goods, with a cosy and vibrant atmosphere. One of those places where the indoor plants make you feel like you’re outside and the baristas are your best friends.
10. Cullinan
Picture: GettyImages
Take a walk along the streets of Cullinan, stopping at each antique store and candy shop as you go. There are also several quaint and homey restaurants and cafes that you can visit for a bite to eat while you’re there.
11. Plato
Another coffee shop gem in Garsfontein, Pretoria where the baristas write messages on your cup to brighten up your day. The modern and simple design is perfect for an aesthetically pleasing Instagram post.
12. Voortrekker Monument
Picture: GettyImages
Another one of Gauteng’s historical places to visit for when you feel like something interactive and educational. Walk through the monument and enjoy the museum that showcases the Voortrekkers’ journey hundreds of years ago.
13. Nelson Mandela Square
Picture: GettyImages
‘Joburg’s finest dining destination,’ Nelson Mandela Square pays tribute to the great man himself. An iconic statue of Mandela stands in the centre of the square, and there are all types of shopping and eating experiences to try.
14. Johannesburg Art Gallery
Keep an eye out for events and exhibitions that may be happening at the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG). The gallery boasts the largest collection of contemporary and modern art in Africa’s sub-Saharan region, so definitely add this to your list of places to visit in Gauteng.
15. Big Red Barn
Start your day with a walk along one of Big Red Barn’s walking/ running trails, make use of their cycle tracks, or test whether you’re actually scared of heights or not at Acrobranch. Grab a pizza at the restaurant after all that exercise.
16. Salvation Cafe
A restful brunch spot for when you want to break away from the city hustle and bustle. Award-winning meals with global and fresh flavours will have you dreaming of your next meal at Salvation Café. What makes this spot even better is that it’s dog-friendly.
17. Blu Saffron
For a classy affair and delicious meals, visit the Blu Saffron in Pretoria. This restaurant looks over a golf course and feels spacious and comfortable for a day of filling your stomach to the brim.
18. Maboneng Precinct
Maboneng Precinct or the ‘Place of Light’ is a vibey spot to park off and take advantage of your Saturday. Old manufacturing buildings converted into retail outlets, artist studios, and commercial workspaces make up this unique place in Johannesburg.
19. Wolwespruit
Another great spot to take the dogs for a walk, lie on the grass with a coffee or try your hand at crockery design at the onsite Clay Cafe. This is perfect for a family outing or a day spent with friends.
20. Boeremark
Picture: GettyImages
What’s a visit to Gauteng without a morning stop at the local farmer’s market? Locals arrive before the sun rises to get their farm fresh eggs, but if you’d like to sleep in a bit, there are always pancakes and melkkos no matter what time you arrive.
Pictures: Getaway Gallery
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