Johannesburg, however you want it

Welcome to the vibrant and ever-changing city of Johannesburg! This multi-faceted destination offers a unique contrast at every turn. As you stroll down the tree-lined streets, you'll notice the manicured gardens and pristine blue swimming pools hidden behind high white walls. However, miles of shacks tell the story of the apartheid years, which are still being overcome. Despite its history, Johannesburg is a city that vibrates with music and buzzes with business. Its stylish restaurants, elegant shops, art galleries, and theatres are sure to delight any international visitor. Cosmopolitan Johannesburg (also known as Jo'burg or Jozi) sprawls for miles, with upper-income suburbs sprouting up like satellite towns. One of the most sophisticated suburbs is Sandton, which is the business and economic capital of South Africa. To the southwest lies Soweto, home to most of Johannesburg's black population. This 20 square km conglomeration of townships is a fascinating mix of millionaire mansions, neat middle-income housing, and tin shacks of squatter camps. The city's landmark yellow mine dumps have been recycled and replaced by high-rise buildings and glitzy shopping malls. Plus, its recent apartheid history is remembered in superb new museums.