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Soweto

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Landmark
—°9
Soweto (South Africa)

Weather…

Soweto is an urban complex of staggering historical importance, representing both the struggle against apartheid and the lively spirit of modern South Africa. Visitors are drawn to walk Vilakazi Street, the only one in the world to house two Nobel laureates, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. The Hector Pieterson Memorial provides a sobering look into the nation's past, while the colorful Orlando Towers now serve as a landmark for adrenaline seekers and bungee jumping. Beyond its history, Soweto is a hub of contemporary African culture, from its bustling markets to its legendary jazz venues and shebeens. The local gastronomy is an adventure featuring traditional 'shisa nyama' (braaied meat) and 'chakalaka'. Soweto is easily accessible from Johannesburg via guided tours or local rail networks. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn months (September to November and March to May) when the weather is mild, first-rate for exploring the outdoor memorials and street life.

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Soweto is a historic township open to visitors. You can explore Vilakazi Street, the Mandela House museum, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.
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Typical hours
Most museums and attractions in Soweto are typically open from 9:00 to 17:00, though hours may vary on weekends and public holidays.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at most sites, but always ask permission before taking photos of people. No flash in some museum areas.
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Time needed
Allow at least a half day to visit the main sights. A full day gives you time to explore more neighborhoods and the local markets.
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Combine with
Combine Soweto with a visit to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, or the Gold Reef City theme park. Also consider a guided cycling tour.
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Getting there
Soweto is easily reached from Johannesburg by car (30 minutes) or by guided tour. Public transport options include the Rea Vaya bus rapid transit system.
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Insider tip
For an authentic experience, take a walking or cycling tour with a local guide who can share personal stories about the township's history.

Geography

Population
1,695,047 (2012)
Coordinates
-26.26778, 27.85861

Facts

  • Vilakazi Street housed two Nobel Prize winners.
  • The name stands for South Western Townships.
  • Crucial site in the fight against apartheid.
  • Orlando Towers are now a bungee jumping site.
  • Home to one of the world's largest hospitals.
  • Hector Pieterson Memorial commemorates 1976.
  • Nelson Mandela's former house is now a museum.
  • Vibrant local jazz and street food culture.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Hector Pieterson MemorialHector Pieterson Memorial6 km · NEExplore →
FNB StadiumFNB Stadium13 km · EExplore →
Apartheid Museum ComplexApartheid Museum Complex15 km · EExplore →
Sentech TowerSentech Tower17 km · NEExplore →
Nelson Mandela BridgeNelson Mandela Bridge19 km · NEExplore →
Walter Sisulu Botanical GardensWalter Sisulu Botanical Gardens19 km · NEExplore →
JohannesburgJohannesburg20 km · EExplore →
Hillbrow TowerHillbrow Tower21 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Soweto (9)

Oppenheimer Tower🌿 nature

The Oppenheimer Tower is a monument built from ashes and bricks of demolished homes, offering sweeping views across Soweto.

Freedom Towers🏺 historical

The Freedom Towers, erected in 2005, stand as striking architectural monuments symbolizing South Africa's journey to democracy.

Freedom Charter🏺 historical

This monument in Soweto honors the historic Freedom Charter, a foundational document outlining the vision for a non-racial South Africa.

Jameson Raid Monument🏺 historical

The Jameson Raid Monument commemorates the fallen men of the 1895 botched raid that inflamed tensions before the Second Boer War.

Olifantsvlei Nature Reserve🌿 nature

The Olifantsvlei Nature Reserve is a vast wetland ecosystem providing a crucial habitat for diverse bird species on the edge of Soweto.

Fun Valley🎡 recreation

Fun Valley in Soweto is a lively water park featuring swimming pools and large picnic areas for weekend family outings.

Regina Mundi Roman Catholic Church⛪ religious

The Regina Mundi Roman Catholic Church served as a significant sanctuary and clandestine meeting place for anti-apartheid activists in Soweto.

Vanwyksrust Fort and Prison🛡️ fortress

Built in 1899, the Vanwyksrust Fort and Prison are stark stone remnants reflecting the military fortifications of the Anglo-Boer War.

Soweto Theatre🎭 culture

The Soweto Theatre stands out with its brightly colored, curved exterior and acts as the premier hub for contemporary township arts.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Soweto: where is it located?
Soweto is located in South Africa.
Soweto: what is there to see?
Highlights include Oppenheimer Tower, Freedom Towers, Freedom Charter.
Soweto: why is it worth visiting?
Soweto is an urban complex of staggering historical importance, representing both the struggle against apartheid and the lively spirit of modern South Africa.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
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Nearby cities

Johannesburg — Soweto (South Africa)
Johannesburg
The country's largest city emerged during a gold rush and is today the economic hub of Africa.
Pretoria — Soweto (South Africa)
Pretoria
The executive capital of the country is famous for the thousands of Jacaranda trees that bloom purple in spring.

History & landmarks

Ponte City — Soweto (South Africa)
Ponte City
A cylindrical skyscraper in Johannesburg and the tallest residential building in Africa.
Pretoria City Hall — Soweto (South Africa)
Pretoria City Hall
A monumental historical building in Pretoria featuring a large clock tower and 32 bells.
FNB Stadium — Soweto (South Africa)
FNB Stadium
The largest stadium in Africa and venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final.
Sentech Tower — Soweto (South Africa)
Sentech Tower
A 237-meter-tall television and radio broadcasting tower in Johannesburg.
Nelson Mandela Bridge — Soweto (South Africa)
Nelson Mandela Bridge
A striking cable-stayed bridge linking the central business district of Johannesburg with Braamfontein.
11 Diagonal Street — Soweto (South Africa)
11 Diagonal Street
A distinctive skyscraper in Johannesburg designed to look like a diamond.
Carlton Centre — Soweto (South Africa)
Carlton Centre
A skyscraper and shopping center that was the tallest building in Africa for decades.
Hillbrow Tower — Soweto (South Africa)
Hillbrow Tower
A tall telecommunications tower dominating the skyline of Johannesburg.

More places

Hector Pieterson Memorial — Soweto (South Africa)
Hector Pieterson Memorial
The memorial honors the young student Hector Pieterson and the students who died during the 1976 Soweto Uprising.
Apartheid Museum Complex — Soweto (South Africa)
Apartheid Museum Complex
The complex illustrates 20th century South African history, showing the rise and fall of the state-sponsored racial apartheid system.
Constitution Hill — Soweto (South Africa)
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill in Johannesburg is a former prison complex that is now the seat of the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
South Deep Gold Mine — Soweto (South Africa)
South Deep Gold Mine
One of the largest gold mines globally by reserves, utilizing highly mechanized mining techniques.
Sterkfontein Caves — Soweto (South Africa)
Sterkfontein Caves
The Sterkfontein Caves, part of the Cradle of Humankind, are globally renowned for their rich fossil finds, particularly of early hominids.
Cradle of Humankind — Soweto (South Africa)
Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage site housing some of the oldest hominid fossils in the world.
Mponeng Gold Mine — Soweto (South Africa)
Mponeng Gold Mine
The deepest gold mine in the world, stretching over 4 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface.
Voortrekker Monument — Soweto (South Africa)
Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument is a massive granite structure in Pretoria commemorating the Boer pioneers who left the Cape Colony.