Landmark
Vilakazi Street
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Vilakazi Street in Soweto is the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. This iconic landmark is a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand South Africa's journey from apartheid to democracy. The street buzzes with energy, lined with restaurants serving traditional dishes like pap and chakalaka, craft markets selling beadwork and art, and shebeens (informal pubs) where local music plays. Visitors can tour the Mandela House museum, a modest brick home where Mandela lived before his imprisonment, and the nearby Tutu House. The street's atmosphere is celebratory and welcoming, with locals eager to share stories. Graffiti murals and street art depict the struggle and triumph of Soweto's people. It's a place of profound historical significance, yet also a lively, everyday community space where you can eat, shop, and connect with the spirit of South Africa.
Don't miss
- Tour Mandela House, the former home of Nelson Mandela
- Visit the Desmond Tutu House and learn about his legacy
- Sample authentic Sowetan cuisine at local restaurants like Sakhumzi
- Browse street vendors for handmade crafts, beadwork, and art
- Enjoy live music at a shebeen and mingle with locals
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Vilakazi Street
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Vilakazi Street with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inJohannesburg Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour with Soweto Option4.6★ · 871 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$19 per personSee dates →
Best full daySoweto /Johannesburg and Apartheid Museum Guided Full Day Tour4.8★ · 1,069 travelers8–9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$120 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleMandela House Soweto Apartheid museum Joburg, Constitutional Hill5★ · 18 travelers~7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$94 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Carry cash for street vendors and small eateries; some places accept cards but not all.
- Ask permission before photographing locals; it's respectful and often welcomed.
- Try a 'Soweto burger' (a bun filled with grilled meat and relish) from a street stall.
- Join a walking tour for deeper historical context; guides are knowledgeable and friendly.
A bit of history
Vilakazi Street was named after poet Benedict Wallet Vilakazi. In the 1940s-1960s, it became home to Nelson Mandela and later Desmond Tutu. During apartheid, Soweto was a center of resistance, and the 1976 Soweto Uprising began nearby. Today, the street is a symbol of reconciliation and cultural pride.
Common questions
Is Vilakazi Street safe for tourists?
Yes, it's a popular tourist destination with a visible police presence. Use common sense and avoid walking alone at night.
Can I visit Mandela House without a tour?
Yes, you can buy tickets on-site, but booking online is recommended to skip queues.
What is the best time of year to visit?
South African winter (May-August) offers mild, dry weather; summer (November-February) can be hot with afternoon thunderstorms.
Are there guided tours available?
Yes, many Soweto tour operators include Vilakazi Street. You can also hire a local guide on the street.
What food should I try?
Sample pap and chakalaka, boerewors rolls, and umqombothi (traditional beer) at a shebeen.
How far is it from Johannesburg city center?
About 20 km (12 miles); a taxi ride takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
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