Under $100: Johannesburg, South Africa

You can do a lot in Johannesburg with R1485 in our pocket. The city is South Africa’s economic capital, offering plenty to do in a single day. Jo’burg is a car city, so public transportation won’t be reliable for getting around. Taxis are also rare and overpriced, so your best bet as a visitor is to rent a car.

Gandhi Square, Johannesburg, South Africa © Mirko Vitali | Dreamstime

Another option is going on one a sightseeing bus, of which there are many options. It may seem touristy, but Red City Tour’s hop-on, hop-off busses are a convenient way to get around and learn about the city at the same time. Tickets costs R150 for a single day, and you’ll get the opportunity to see sites like the Carlton Centre, Gandhi Square and the Apartheid Museum. If you prefer walking, PAST Experiences offers an offbeat tour on foot that takes you to parts of the urban sprawl most tourists don’t see, priced at R120–400.

The Sheds, Maboneng © South Africa Tourism | Flickr

If you’re in the Central Business District around lunchtime, consider taking a stroll through the Maboneng Precinct. The formerly undeveloped area is now a mixed-use neighborhood filled with shops, galleries and restaurants, almost like the South African version of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A large variety of innovative restaurants in the area include Blackanese, a fusion of sushi and African cuisine. If you’re there on a Tuesday, stop by for unlimited sushi priced at R120.

Orlando Towers © Nagarjun Kandukuru | Flickr

The nearby Soweto used to be a separate town but has become part of greater Johannesburg. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Orlando Towers complex, offering several adrenaline-packed activities like SCAD diving, paintball and rock climbing. Prices range from R30–500 so budget wisely, as Maboneng’s nightlife can get pricey.