Top Things to Do in Soweto, South Africa
Places to Visit in Soweto
Popular things to do
- Half-day Tours
- Historical Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Day Trips & Excursions
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- Sporting Events
- Multi-day & Extended Tours
- Walking Tours
- Top Picks
- Luxury & Special Occasions
- Food, Wine & Nightlife
- Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours
- Airport & Hotel Transfers
- Museum Tickets & Passes
- Special Offers
- Likely to Sell Out
- Ports of Call Tours
- Family Friendly
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Soweto.
Top Attractions in Soweto
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Historic Sites • Shopping Malls
Department Stores
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City Tours • Cultural Tours
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Private Tours
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Game & Entertainment Centres
Cultural Tours • Sightseeing Tours
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Multi-day Tours • Day Trips
City Tours • Cultural Tours
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Multi-day Tours • Private Tours
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What travellers are saying
- cathydJekyll Island, GA2,043 contributionsThis was a stop as part of our tour. We had a guide who walked us around. There are lots of old photos of Mandela and stories about his time here. Very touristy area; you will bothered by people selling stuff and entertainers looking for tips.Written 1 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- elizarennChattanooga, TN391 contributionsThe museum is well done with many artifacts to memorialize not just Pieterson, but also the other children who disappeared during the Apartheid era. There’s a lot of reading and a few interactive exhibits, including some videos that show the violence during those times. An hour is sufficient for this visit.Written 21 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- CRLsrating677 contributionsThe memorial is very compelling. It was helpful to have a guide who was able to explain the meaning of the running water. A humbling place.Written 13 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- PinkPantheaJohannesburg, South Africa215 contributionsWalk from Tutu's house to Mandela's house and experience this historical street. There's a lot of poverty still in Soweto, and it's sad that for many, not much has changed since democracy has come :(Written 29 March 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Sarah CGloucester, UK793 contributionsHad a 30 min stop here on an organised tour. The guide, who had lived through the creation of Soweto, the time of the riots etc was interesting and entertaining and interacted with members of the group in a unique way! recommended if you are in the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit.Written 10 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Michael F19 contributionsI would describe it as a beer adventure with yummy food.
It’s not a 5 star experience it is so much better. This is as local as you can get with knowledgeable staff who are cheerful and happy to help you make decisions if your not sure.
We did the beer tasting which I recommend before buying a full glass of something. Try something new.
I’d also suggest calling before you go to check if there are any events they where preparing for an all nighter party when we went so we had some DJ music to go with our experience. I loved it.
Secure car parking also available.
A bit of a drive but worth the experience.
Outdoor seating only, so check the weather.Written 8 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - KatielouAustraliaHobart, Australia1,606 contributionsThis is the site where the Freedom Charter was signed so whilst the square is a bit rundown it is an important historical place with great significance for the townships.Written 14 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Rya-Mari MRoodepoort, South Africa1,751 contributionsWe attended a conference at the theatre - there's a restaurant on-site where food and drinks can be bought. Safe, on-site, parking is available.
There is also a jungle gym on the premises for families to enjoy the environmentWritten 18 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - tonykJ9442AMJohannesburg/Gaborone21 contributionsA good place to relax and have a picnic if you so wish, also catch up on cultural aspects that the African population practices and put forward by the famous Credo Mutwa himself.Written 29 July 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- BeautifulSalisbury, NC33 contributionsThis was truly a once in a lifetime experience/opportunity. Mama Lindi (Koko) was very warm and welcoming, and she made me feel at home. The food was delicious and specially prepared by Koko herself. I would recommend everyone book this personalized experience, you won't regret it!!Written 13 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Wilson JMiami, FL409 contributionsSo this was my third time visiting to South Africa and prior to my third time coming I discovered that there was a library built in Soweto in honor of Rosa Parks. I actually google it and watch a YouTube video. This library was built when President Barack Obama was in office, it is an average size library with a few computers and lots of books. This library is guarded by a security guard. I wasn't there for a long time but it was one of my must see. Lol. So I highly recommend taking Uber to this library, it's not really a great choice to take public transportation or to be walking through Soweto especially if you are not familiar with the area. Lol. I actually was on the Sightseeing bus in Johannesburg and I paid for the Soweto extension which give you a short tour of Soweto. The Soweto extension tour allow you to hop off and on at certain key points in Soweto where staff is at. I let the staff know what my party wanted to do and they gave us a time to be back at the location to take the next shuttle. From that location we took an Uber to the library, about an 10 minute ride. The staff let us tour the library and he gave us a brief detail and history of the building. After our walk around we took an Uber to the return location and finish our tour. Great experience, no problem.Written 8 April 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- johnmJ2594PNCalgary186 contributionsThis is not just a cycle tour but an experience. This allowed us to see parts of Soweto off the tourist track and also enjoy some culture and some local cuisine.Written 24 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- PierrejoburgambassadorRandburg, South Africa190 contributionsThis mall is trying to cater for the entire South African demographic. They have succeeded in this however, it turns out to be the same as just about any other mall making for a rather mediocre experience. Not sure if I would travel all the way there again because sadly it's bland and nothing outstanding. If they really want the likes of me to return it needs a one of a kind restaurant or shop.Written 5 November 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Fabio KWinterthur, Switzerland1 contributionThe Museum is a great place to get to know more about South African culture. With her inspiring project, Mandy gives kids from Soweto a chance to bring their own creativity to life and to be proud of their own culture. A very inspiring museum made in an extremely refreshing way with such a great attention to detail - definitely a must see when visiting Soweto. Make sure you get to know Mandy who will tell you a lot of interesting stories about her life in Soweto.Written 13 June 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- StevieCCDLeigh-on Sea, UK98 contributionsThe Box Shop is an outlet for new entrepreneurs and designers. It also has a neat cafe with a good view out over Soweto.
If you like new and innovative designs - cloths, sun glasses - all sorts - you will like Box Shop.Written 29 January 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Soweto
- The top attractions to visit in Soweto are:
- Mandela House
- Hector Pieterson Museum and Memorial
- Hector Pieterson Memorial
- Vilakazi Street
- Regina Mundi
- The best outdoor activities in Soweto according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Soweto on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Soweto according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Soweto and Johannesburg Guided Day Tour
- Half-Day Tour of Soweto Tour
- Soweto & Apartheid Museum Cultural Tour incl Nelson Mandela House Visit
- Soweto - an authentic, true & bespoke day with locals
- Johannesburg and Soweto tour
- The most popular things to do in Soweto with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Hector Pieterson Memorial
- Township Travel
- Vilakazi Street
- Soweto Visits and Beyond
- Usizo Lwenkosi Soweto Tours