If you’re on a strict budget, there are still some great things to do under R150 in Johannesburg. Here at What’s on in Joburg, we know there are bargains to be found if you know where to look in our beautiful city. It’s true: you can plan a night out, do a day trip, and much more with a little more than the change in your pocket.
Cheap things to do in Johannesburg
Shows at the Wits Digital Dome
The Wits Anglo Digital Dome offers a 360° immersive experience for visitors of all ages, with a variety of weekly shows for young and old. It also serves as a modern teaching venue and a collaborative research space where scientists and students can visualise their work – be it in big data, astrophysics, the digital arts, artificial medicine, microbiology, or precision medicine.
Cost: R45pp for kids, students and pensioners, R75pp for adults. Book via Webtickets
Where: Digital Dome, East Campus, University of the Witwatersrand, Yale Rd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
See the show schedule
Ster Kinekor Throwback Cinema
There’s no better way to enjoy a movie than by appreciating the classics.
Ster Kinekor‘s Throwback Cinema features classic films returning to the big screen for just R50 a ticket. Each film screens for a week, Friday to Thursday, giving movie lovers the chance to relive timeless favourites at an unbeatable price.
Cost: R50pp, book online.
When: Various times
Where: Ster Kinekr: Sandton, Mall of Africa, Eastgate, Cresta and Rosebank Nouveau in Johannesburg; Irene and The Grove in Tshwane; Vaal in Vanderbijlpark
The Ferris Wheel at Waterfall City
The Ferris Wheel is a beacon of fun and a great activity option when the weather is good. Enjoy stunning city sights of the Waterfall area from the top of the wheel. Standing at an incredible height, this observation wheel is now permanently positioned in the space with 26 gondolas that seat up to 6 people. Multiple rides on offer will keep the little ones busy such as the Crazy Wave, Bus, Tilt a Whirl, Carousel, Mini Ferris Wheel, Teacups, Candy Train, and many more.
Cost: 1 ticket costs R20pp. Small Rides at the park require 1 ticket, big rides require 2 tickets, Dodgens 3 tickets per car, and the Giant Ferris Wheel costs 3 tickets. Full Day Passes are available at R250 per person. Tickets can only be bought at the gate
When: Summer months: Thursday and Friday from 2pm to 8pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 8pm | Winter months: Thursday and Friday from 2pm to 7pm | Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 7pm | School and public holidays: Every day from 10am
Where: Waterfall Park, Cnr Karkloof Cres & Lisbon Ln Entrance 26, Mall of Africa, Waterfall City, Midrand
Website: waterfallcity.co.za/play/venture-outside | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 072 376 9667
RollEgoli Roller Rink
RollEgoli Roller Rink Bryanston is a roller rink in Johannesburg that offers unlimited skating throughout the day. The owner’s love for roller skating inspired the opening RollEgoli in 2015.
Beginner skaters can regularly make use of skatemates (marshalls) to help them around the rink and provide support and confidence until they can skate unsupported. Rollerbladers can rent skates. The sizes range from junior size 10 up to adult size 13, including adjustable rollerblades that range from a junior size 9 to an adult size 9.
In addition to the roller rink, the garden is equipped with a wooden jungle gym, a trampoline, and a smoother scooter track, providing an enjoyable experience for all ages. The roller-skating entry fee includes all the activities in the rink and outside in the garden.
Cost: Entry fee R110pp, skate rental R50. No booking is required, pay at the entrance
When: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 6pm. Friday & Saturday, 9am to 9pm. Sunday, 9am to 6pm
Where: RollEgoli, 296 Main Rd, Bryanston, Sandton
Website: rollegoli.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 083 232 9861
Visit the Johannesburg Zoo
The Johannesburg Zoo is one of the top things to do in Joburg for nature lovers, families, and anyone interested in wildlife. This green lung offers visitors an immersive and educational experience with a diverse range of animal species. Established in 1904 and spanning 55 hectares, the zoo is home to over 320 species, including rare and endangered animals.
Beyond the animals, Johannesburg Zoo plays a vital role in conservation, education, and research while providing a family-friendly environment with exciting activities and events. A range of encounters is available from guided tours and night safaris to picnic areas and recreational spaces. Whether you’re looking to learn about animal conservation, explore scenic walking trails, or simply enjoy a day out, the zoo offers something for everyone. Here’s what you need to know.
Cost: R132pp for adults, R78pp for kids, see the full breakdown of rates here. Tickets can only be purchased at the entrance
When: Daily, from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Last entry 4:00pm
Where: Johannesburg Zoo, and Shop U 30 Keyes, Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg
Website: jhbcityparksandzoo.com | Tel: 011 646 2000
Adventure Golf
Experience the challenge of Adventure Golf in tranquil surroundings with caves, water features, magnificent greens as well as professionally laid out putting courses. This family-run activity in Johannesburg brings the ultimate putt-putt experience at each of their four venues in Stoneridge, Randburg, Hillfox and Fourways.
Each of the venues boasts well-maintained courses, maintained and hands-on staff to make sure our experience is effortless. And all venues form ideal places to entertain clients, do team-building activities or arrange kids’ birthday parties.
Cost: R150pp for Adults | R120pp for Students and kids | R80pp for Under 7s & Pensioners
When: Monday to Thursday from 9am to 9pm. Friday and Saturday from 9am to 10pm. Sunday from 9am to 7pm
Where: Randburg, Fourways, Stoneridge and Hillfox. Refer here for addresses
Website: adventuregolf.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 442 9600
Air360 Rooftop Skate Park
Joburg entrepreneurs continue to think out of the box when it comes to repurposing urban spaces for unique experiences, Air360’s skate park on the rooftop of Eastgate Shopping Centre in Bedfordview is proof.
The space is safe with a range of exciting, action-packed activities for adults and youth. From a stunning pump track, various ramps, and a skate shop, there’s something for skateboarders and bike riders of all levels.
They’re open from Tuesday to Sunday, and day passes are going at R100pp.
Cost: From R100pp, pay at venue
When: Tuesday to Sunday | Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 6pm. Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm
Where: Rooftop at Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston, Johannesburg
Website: air360.co.za | Tel: 076 833 2770 | Email: [email protected]
Montecasino Bird Gardens
The bird and wildlife park at Montecasino is an ideal spot for a memorable family outing in Johannesburg. Wander along enchanted garden walkways and marvel at the variety of colourful birds, mammals, reptiles and unusual animals from around the world.
In your walk-through Aviary, you’ll find over 60 species of birds, including Scarlet Ibises and Nicobar pigeons, reptiles and small mammals, with smaller antelope wandering freely in the undergrowth. There’s also a bird show running on selected days and public holidays.
Cost: R130pp for adults, R85pp for pensioners and kids 2-12yrs, R60pp for hotel guests. Pay at the venue
When: Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Bird demonstrations are at 11am and 3pm
Where: Montecasino Bird Gardens, Cnr William Nicol Dr and Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg
Website: tsogosun.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 511 1864
Plan a picnic in Johannesburg’s parks and gardens
There’s a beautiful range of botanical gardens and parks to explore, regardless of the season. Joburg is known as a city of art lovers, a buzzy nightlife, and popular neighbourhood locals, but sometimes you want a little break from all the noise and to fill your lungs with fresh air and your eyes with the sight of some gorgeous greenery. When you’re craving a little Mother Nature, head to one of these lush urban oases.
Click here to see our full guide to gardens and parks in Johannesburg
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is a world-class science centre that supports maths, science and technology education with innovative, dynamic learning experiences that contribute to building South Africa’s science, engineering and technology capacity.
With events, school programmes, live experimentation and high-tech displays, it aims to create an interactive learning experience that develops an interest and understanding of how science translates into our daily lives.
Cost: R60pp for adults, R40pp for children 3-16 years, Children u/3 enter free. Excludes climbing wall rates
When: Monday to Saturday and Public Holidays from 9am to 4.30pm. Sundays from 9am to 3.30pm
Where: Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Cnr Miriam Makeba & President St, Joburg
Website: sci-bono.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 639 8400
Head out to one of the many food markets in Johannesburg
To some, markets are a means of catching up with friends, trying different craft beers, or spotting local musicians and makers. To others, it is a reminder of being in primary school and setting up a stall to sell your parents’ homemade sweets, cotton candy, or bits and bobs of undesirables you need to get rid of. Take a look at some of these markets in Johannesburg to find the next best local product.
Click here to see our weekend market guide
Friends of Kloofendal guided nature walks
Friends of Kloofendal have increased their popular walks and excursions at Kloofendal Nature Reserve to help keen hikers and nature lovers explore our environment and its weird and wonderful creatures.
A number of walks are scheduled each weekend where hikers can get an opportunity to ask questions on the subjects of venomous animals, envenomation, conservation, and our collective values and beliefs towards venomous animals.
Karin Spottiswoode spotlights some of our many indigenous plants and interesting facts about them, as well as a variety of alien invasive species of plants that are a threat to indigenous plants for the Conservation Leadership Walk. Spottiswoode also touches on the work being done in Kloofendal to remove these problematic plants. See here for the full list of walks.
Cost: Starting from 90pp. Book via Quicket
When: Saturday and Sunday, various times
Where: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, Kloofendal
Website: kloofendalfriends.org.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 079 693-5608
The Fun Company
Located at multiple locations in Gauteng, The Fun Company is a family entertainment centre offering a range of arcade games, tenpin bowling, bumper car rides, a 4D theatre and even a sports bar. The venue is all set to hold your children’s birthday party event on-site.
Cost: From R20pp
When: Monday to Thursday, 11am to 10pm; Friday to Saturday, 10am to 11pm, Sunday, 10am to 10pm
Where: Venues are in Fourways, Rosebank, Greenstone, Nelspruit, Pretoria, and Vanderbijlpark. See full details here
Website: thefuncompany.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 061 561 6882
Bounce INC
With so many fitness activities in Johannesburg, it’s hard to find one that kids and teens can genuinely enjoy and want to partake in. Not simply because you feel as though you need to keep fit, but rather because you have fun whilst exercising. Bounce Inc. is exactly the sort of venue that caters to this desire.
Their venues in Midrand and Fourways feature 3000 square meters of interconnected trampolines surrounded by padding and airbags, and additional adventure features placed around the playground.
Whether you come to perfect your backflip, learn new skills, get silly and have fun, or simply hang out with friends and family, it’s the ideal venue to ‘get a taste of Freestyle.’
Cost: From R120 per adult. Concessions apply for students and children, book online
When: Fourways Mall – Monday to Friday, 12pm to 8pm. Saturday, 9am to 8pm. Sunday, 9am to 7pm | Mall of Africa – Monday to Sunday, 9am to 8pm | Menlyn Maine – Monday to Friday, 12pm to 6pm. Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 6pm
Where: Fourways Mall – Lower Level, Cnr William Nicol & Fourways Bvd, Fourways, Johannesburg | Mall of Africa – Shop 2025, Mall of Africa, Lone Creek Crescent and Magwa Crescent, Waterfall City, Midrand | Menlyn Maine, Amarand Ave, Central Square, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Website: bounceinc.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 517 2500
The Bioscope
Previously based in Maboneng, The Bioscope is Joburg’s very own independent cinema, currently situated at 44 Stanley. Watch a range of curated cult classics, local film productions, and new releases at this intimate cinema.
The Bioscope isn’t limited to one purpose, though. It also acts as a stage for stand-up comedians every Sunday night from 6:30pm, live music, and inspirational or educational talks. We recommend following their Instagram page to remain clued up on the latest news, events and gatherings happening throughout the months to come.
Cost: R100pp, book online
When: Dependent on screening times
Where: 44 Stanley Ave, Milpark, Johannesburg
Website: thebioscope.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 061 900 4457
Take on one of Johannesburg’s hiking trails
Many are not aware of the great hiking trails that can be found within a short driving distance from Johannesburg. On offer is everything from easy walks where you can take beginners or the kids along to rugged, challenging hikes that will take you through peaks and troughs for a proper workout. All of them offer gorgeous views of our country’s epic attractions.
Click here to see our full guide to hiking trails in and around Johannesburg
Affordable food and drink experiences
Try fruit picking in Johannesburg and surrounds
There are a few spots for fruit picking in Johannesburg that are suited to keep both kids and adults entertained. Plus, you don’t need to drive too far out of town and pick your own berries and other fruits at urban farms in Gauteng.
Click here to see our full guide to fruit picking in Johannesburg
Wine tasting at Eighteen13 Wine Shop and Tasting Room
Based in Fourways, Eighteen13 Wine Shop and Tasting Room is passionately growing wine tourism in South Africa through its tailor-made, world-class wine offerings. The Eighteen13 team has a passion for wine and is considered one of the top experts in Joburg.
They host daily wine tastings in Johannesburg as well as weekly events. The aim is to provide enough information, without the pretentious elements wine sometimes brings along with it. Instead, they want clients to have a fun, relaxed experience.
The wine selection on offer is the best boutique, non-commercial wines South Africa has to offer, and products are priced to allow the consumer to hold on to a luxury experience that will not break the bank.
Tastings must be booked at least 24 hours in advance on their website – no walk-ins are accepted.
Cost: Tasting sessions start from R100pp for a Standard Wine Tasting and R150pp for a Cheese and Wine tasting, book online
When: Monday and Tuesday, 10am to 7pm | Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 9pm | Sunday, 10am to 3pm
Where: Cedar Square Shopping Centre, Cnr Cedar & Willow Rds, Fourways, Johannesburg
Go for waffles and coffee at Crispy Waffles
This gem of a cafe in Randburg dishes up the most impressive-looking and yummiest waffles in Johannesburg. And their prices are easy on the wallet, too. Whether you prefer your waffles basic with cinnamon sugar and cream or drizzled in Nutella and sprinkled with flaked almonds and all the works, you can’t go wrong with Crispy Waffles!
Cost: Waffle bases start from R30
When: Tuesday to Thursday, 9.30am to 5.30pm | Friday, 9.30am to 6.30pm | Saturday, 8.30am to 5.30pm | Sunday, 8.30am to 5pm
Where: Greenroots, 1159 John Vorster Rd, Randpark Ridge, Randburg
Website: crispywaffles.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 079 709 4772
Harvest table at the Fresh Earth Cafe
At Fresh Earth, creating a new understanding of health and sustainability so that a fresher earth becomes our reality is the desire that drives the business.
The menu at Fresh Earth Cafe is created, tried, and tested by owner and nutritional chef Matthew Ballenden, who loves to create the best quality meals from scratch. The team believes that food in its purest form, untainted by artificial additives, sweeteners, colourants, and preservatives, is the best-tasting and most nutritious food there is.
They serve a daily harvest table from 11:30am with fresh wholesome bakes, healthy curries, wild rice, beautiful salads, fritters and sides.
Cost: R149pp for a buffet-style harvest table
When: Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5pm. Saturday, 7am to 5pm. Sunday, 7am to 3pm | Harvest Table is served daily at 11.30am
Where: Fresh Earth Food Store, 74 Hillcrest Ave, Blairgowrie, Randburg
Website: freshearth.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 646 4404
