Costs nothing · Johannesburg, South Africa
14 Free Things to Do in Johannesburg
Johannesburg without spending: 14 places with confirmed free entry, ranked by the travelers who went.
Only places with a confirmed free-entry policy make this list. Ranked by traveler review volume. Updated monthly.
Maboneng Precinct
NeighborhoodLocated just east of Johannesburg's city center, Maboneng Precinct is a shining example of urban renewal.
Read our full guide →African Craft Market of Rosebank
MuseumThe African Craft Market of Rosebank is a bustling open-air market located in the upscale Johannesburg suburb of Rosebank.
Read our full guide →Arts on Main
LandmarkArts on Main is a dynamic cultural complex located in the Maboneng Precinct, one of Johannesburg's most creative neighborhoods.
Read our full guide →Rosebank Sunday Market
MarketRosebank Sunday Market is a bustling weekly event held in the heart of Johannesburg, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Read our full guide →Zoo Lake Park
Park & natureZoo Lake Park is a beloved green space in the Forest Town neighborhood of Johannesburg, centered around a large lake that attracts both locals and visitors.
Read our full guide →Melrose Arch
MarketMelrose Arch is a stylish urban development in the affluent suburb of Melrose, Johannesburg, designed as a pedestrian-friendly 'city within a city'.
Read our full guide →The Wilds Nature Reserve
Park & natureThe Wilds Nature Reserve is a serene green space located in Houghton Estate, Johannesburg. Spanning several hectares, it features well-maintained walking trails that wind through indigenous vegetation, rocky outcrops, and small streams.
Read our full guide →Melville Koppies
Park & natureMelville Koppies is a 50-hectare nature reserve nestled in the heart of Johannesburg, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle.
Read our full guide →Spurwing Tourism Services
Park & natureSpurwing Tourism Services is a nature-oriented park and tour operator nestled in the leafy suburb of Linden, Johannesburg.
Read our full guide →27Boxes
Market27Boxes is a unique shopping and cultural destination in Johannesburg's trendy Melville area, built entirely from repurposed shipping containers.
Read our full guide →Everard Read Gallery
MuseumThe Everard Read Gallery is a premier art museum located in the vibrant Rosebank area of Johannesburg.
Read our full guide →Hyde Park Corner
MarketHyde Park Corner is a premier shopping destination in Johannesburg, South Africa, located at the intersection of Jan Smuts Avenue and William Nicol Drive.
Read our full guide →Pulse Africa
Park & naturePulse Africa is a unique park and nature space located on the second floor of a building in Hyde Square, Johannesburg.
Read our full guide →Goodman Gallery
MuseumGoodman Gallery is a leading contemporary art museum located at 163 Jan Smuts Avenue in the upscale Rosebank neighborhood of Johannesburg.
Read our full guide →
How we pick these
Every place here is genuinely free to enter. We filter the 56 Johannesburg places we track down to those with no admission charge, then rank them by traveler reviews. Updated monthly.
Good to know
A few museums are free only on set days — check opening info before you go.
Entry is free, but transport, snacks and lockers in Johannesburg still add up.
Free attractions draw crowds; mornings are usually the calmest.
Common questions
What can you do for free in Johannesburg?+
This list ranks the best no-cost things to do in Johannesburg, from parks and viewpoints to museums with free entry.
Are there free museums in Johannesburg?+
Some museums are free all the time and others on specific days. The verified-free ones are included above.
Is Johannesburg expensive to visit?+
You can see a lot of Johannesburg on a tight budget by leaning on the free attractions here and eating where locals do.
Rather have a human do the planning? A Local Friend can build this day for you, at local prices.