• 2 Unique Boutique Hotels in Johannesburg
• Africa's Best Museums
• Johannesburg attracts business travel events worth in excess of US$ 28.5

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There is an old saying in South Africa, which goes like this: "Life starts and ends in Johannesburg, the city of gold and happiness." Johannesburg, positioned in the very heart of South Africa, because of its location draws many people together, making it one of the most vibrant cities of the world where many different cultures mix, offering a very wonderfully varied experience for any tourist. It has the best of theatres, fashionable boutiques, arts and crafts markets, and live-music sites.

Day one

Take a stroll

Go for a leisurely walk through downtown Joburg. Get going with the farmhouses of local Boer landowners, the Guildhall Pub (possibly the city's oldest drinking hole), then off to the Rissik Street Post Office, one of Joburg's grand landmarks, and the old Park Station. Walk in the proximity of the city's original centre in Ferreirasdorp and Marshalltown and view its impressive mix of architecture, including art deco buildings and more modernist styles. Cross over the Nelson Mandela Bridge and explore Constitution Hill, a former prison and now home to the country's Constitutional Court.

Have lunch

Moyo at Zoo Lake (www.moyo.co.za) is a trendy restaurant that dishes up delicacies from across the continent. The menu is quite varied, including dishes from almost the whole of continent, like sweet-smelling North African stews, East African fish curries and massive Mozambique prawns. Do not miss the unusual African desserts, like sweet potato and chocolate pudding.

Cultural afternoon

Inhabitants of Johannesburg take great pride in their city, so it will be worth getting acquainted with its history. Start off with a trip to Gold Reef City (www.goldreefcity.co.za), a living museum that takes you back to the wild days when they first discovered gold here. You may like to witness the dark side of this glitter? Apartheid for the most part was prompted by the need for cheap labor for the mining industry. To enable you to appreciate the industry’s chaotic past, the authorities conduct a half or full-day Struggle Tour that takes you to Constitution Hill, where many of the liberation heroes were imprisoned, the Apartheid Museum, and Soweto.

Chill out

Watch one of the shows at the Market Theatre (www.markettheater.co.za), known as South Africa's "Theatre of the Struggle", which aggressively challenged the apartheid regime, convinced that culture could change society. Presently, the theatre boasts of hosting the country's best old and new artists in the field of drama, music and dance.

And, before you retire for the night experience a bit of nightlife that the place has to offer in its fashionable suburb of Melville in the western part of town. Choose one of the coffee shops or restaurants of which you’ll find plenty. Buzz 9 is among the most popular restaurants cum cocktail bars in Melville, but if you are in mood for some delicious salmon, oxtail and lamb visit the Mezzaluna restaurant.

Day 2

Enjoy breakfast

Visit the Courtyard Cafe at 44 Stanley, one of the city's best-kept secrets for the choice of Portuguese pastries and coffees.