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Johannesburg 101 Tidbits To Expand Your Knowledge When Visiting South Africa

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Johannesburg, South Africa's sprawling economic and cultural hub, is a city brimming with captivating history, diverse cultures, and modern allure. Embark on a journey to uncover 101 enthralling tidbits about Johannesburg that will illuminate your visit and enrich your understanding of this vibrant metropolis.

Johannesburg 101 tidbits to expand your knowledge when visiting South Africa

by Erin Hunter

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The City of Gold: Johannesburg's origins are entwined with the discovery of gold in 1886, transforming it from a quiet mining settlement to a burgeoning metropolis known as the "City of Gold."
Apartheid Legacy: Johannesburg played a pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid, with iconic landmarks such as the Apartheid Museum and Soweto bearing witness to the city's past.
Vibrant Arts Scene: Johannesburg boasts a thriving arts scene, with world-renowned museums, galleries, theaters, and performance venues showcasing diverse local and international talent.
Maboneng Precinct: Once a neglected industrial area, Maboneng Precinct has been revitalized into a trendy urban hub, featuring restored warehouses, hip cafes, and art galleries.
Constitution Hill: This historic site houses the Constitutional Court, South Africa's highest court, and the infamous Old Fort Prison, where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were once incarcerated.
Carlton Centre: As the tallest building in Africa, Carlton Centre offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its rooftop observation deck.
Origins of Mandela's Name: Mandela's birth name was Rolihlahla, which means "tree shaker" in his native Xhosa language. The name "Nelson" was given to him by a teacher at his missionary school.
The "Blue Train": The luxurious Blue Train, known as "the world's most luxurious train," offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
FNB Stadium: The iconic FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City, was the main venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and can accommodate over 94,000 spectators.
Cradle of Humankind: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located approximately 30 miles northwest of Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind is renowned for its fossil discoveries, including those of Australopithecus africanus.
Soccer Enthusiasm: Johannesburg is home to some of South Africa's most passionate soccer fans, with the city's two major teams, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, enjoying a fierce rivalry.
Johannesburg Zoo: One of the largest zoos in Africa, Johannesburg Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals representing over 350 species.
"Egoli": The Zulu name for Johannesburg, "Egoli," translates to "place of gold."
"Jozi": A popular nickname for Johannesburg, "Jozi," is a shortened version of the city's former name, Johannesburg-Zion.
Randburg: A wealthy suburb of Johannesburg, Randburg is known for its high-end shopping centers, luxury homes, and leafy streets.
Turbine Hall: The Turbine Hall, located in the Maboneng Precinct, is a former power station that has been converted into an innovative arts and cultural space.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden: Located on the northern outskirts of Johannesburg, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden features over 600 hectares of indigenous vegetation.
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit: A historic motorsport venue, Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit hosted Formula One races in the 1970s and 1980s and has recently undergone renovations.
Apartheid Museum: One of Johannesburg's most visited museums, the Apartheid Museum provides a comprehensive overview of the apartheid era and its impact on South African society.
Gold Reef City: A theme park located on the site of an old gold mine, Gold Reef City offers a blend of history, entertainment, and mining-themed attractions.
Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra: Founded in 1947, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra is considered one of South Africa's leading classical music ensembles.
Sandton: The financial and business hub of Johannesburg, Sandton is home to sleek skyscrapers, upscale shopping malls, and trendy restaurants.
Nelson Mandela Square: Named after South Africa's first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela Square is a bustling public square located in the heart of Sandton.
Johannesburg Art Gallery: Established in 1910, the Johannesburg Art Gallery houses a significant collection of South African and international art.
Hector Pieterson Museum: Dedicated to the memory of the 13-year-old Hector Pieterson, who was killed during the Soweto Uprising, this museum tells the story of the struggle against apartheid.
Soweto: The largest township in South Africa, Soweto is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and political activism, and was once home to Nelson Mandela.
Vilakazi Street: Located in Soweto, Vilakazi Street is the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize laureates, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Orlando Towers: These iconic cooling towers, once part of a power station, have been transformed into a bungee jumping and zip-lining adventure destination.
Lesedi Cultural Village: Located on the outskirts of Johannesburg, Lesedi Cultural Village offers an immersive experience into different South African cultures through live performances and traditional cuisine.
James Hall Transport Museum: This museum showcases the history of transportation in South Africa, with a collection of vintage cars, locomotives, and airplanes.
Johannesburg Botanical Garden: Established in 1892, the Johannesburg Botanical Garden features a diverse collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including a rose garden and Japanese garden.
Brixton Market Theatre: A vibrant cultural hub in the Brixton neighborhood, the Brixton Market Theatre is known for its innovative and socially conscious productions.
Rosebank: A trendy shopping and entertainment district, Rosebank offers a mix of high-end boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.
Gauteng: Johannesburg is the capital city of Gauteng, South Africa's most populous province, also known as the "economic powerhouse" of the country.
City of Lights: During the gold rush era, Johannesburg earned the nickname "City of Lights" due to the abundance of electric lights illuminating the bustling city.
Mining Museum: The Mining Museum, located in the Maboneng Precinct, offers a glimpse into the gold mining history of Johannesburg and the lives of the miners.
Soccer City: The official name of FNB Stadium, Soccer City was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and has a capacity of over 94,000 spectators.
The Wilds: A private nature reserve located within the city limits, The Wilds provides a sanctuary for wildlife such as lions, leopards, and giraffe.
Johannesburg Stock Exchange: As the largest stock exchange in Africa, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange plays a vital role in the South African economy.
Metro Centre: Located in the heart of Braamfontein, Metro Centre is a multi-purpose venue that hosts conferences, exhibitions, and entertainment events.
SAB World of Beer: A popular tourist attraction, SAB World of Beer offers guided tours of the South African Breweries plant and interactive exhibits on the history and production of beer.
Emmarentia Dam: This artificial lake is a popular spot for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and birdwatching.
Rand Steam Engine Museum: Located in Ormonde, the Rand Steam Engine Museum showcases a collection of historic steam engines and locomotives.
Ellis Park Stadium: A historic sports venue, Ellis Park Stadium has hosted numerous rugby and soccer matches, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup final.
Wits University: The University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits, is a leading research and teaching institution in South Africa.
The Star Newspaper: The Star