Johannesburg Hotels

Museum Africa
At the heart of the cultural precinct, Museum Africa is housed in the impressive old Bree St fruit market, next to the Market Theatre complex. The superb exhibition on the Treason Trials (1956-61), which featured most of the important figures in the 'new' South Africa, is a must-see for anyone looking for a better understanding of the country's more recent history.

Trance Sky
The pun itself deserves a few brownie points, but the whirly decor and trance-style tunes set the pace at this lively, late-night restaurant-cum-club. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays draw the crowds, packing the dancefloor to its seams.

Cranks
Still going after almost 20 years, Cranks was one of the first Thai-Vietnamese places in Jo'burg. Among the tried-and-tested favourites is fish fillet with lemongrass (R45).

Moyo's
Oozing chi-chi African charm, this busy chain offers a wide range of contemporary African eats. Each has a stylish cigar bar and fresh, herb-packed cooking forms the backbone of the innovative menu. There's also a top-notch wine list for vinophiles. Thanks to its waterside setting, our favourite is the Zoo Lake branch (though it's not open for dinner).

Roxy's
This clubbing stalwart is one of the oldest and best-known venues in Jo'burg for pop and hard rock on the weekends. It's the local clubbing multiplex, in fact, with multiple bars and dancefloors that fill up with a younger crowd of mostly university students. During the week, nights vary from comedy to theme parties to karaoke.

Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum details South Africa's era of segregation with chilling accuracy. With plenty of attention to detail and an unsparing emphasis on the inhuman philosophy of apartheid - visitors are handed a card stating their race when they arrive and are required to enter the exhibit through their allotted gate - this remains one of South Africa's most evocative museums.

Six
They haven't pulled out many stops decorating this place - the generous might call it 'industrial chic' - but it stays open later than most during the week, there are some decent cocktails on show, and punters come for the vibrant, unpretentious atmosphere.

Constitution Hill
Inspiring, impressive Constitution Hill is slowly becoming one of the city's - if not the country's - chief tourist attractions. Built within the ramparts of the Old Fort, which dates from 1892 and was once a notorious prison, the development focuses on South Africa's new Constitutional Court. Ruling on constitutional and human-rights matters, the court itself is a very real symbol of the changing South Africa.

SAB Centenary Centre
The SAB Centenary Centre delves into that other great South African pursuit: beer drinking. It unlocks the secrets of the country's brewing industries and there is a re-creation of a 1965 Soweto shebeen (unlicensed bar), which is all heavenly for appreciators of liquid amber.

Soulsa
Funky décor, differing day and night menus featuring fusion South African cooking, and outdoor sofas have made Soulsa a Melville favourite among media types. Breakfast is served on weekends.

Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City has one foot in the past, providing a light-hearted and reasonably rip-roaring take on gold-rush Jo'burg. Ninety per cent Disneyland clone, this theme park only offers a token nod to historical authenticity, but provides ample means for filling a spare afternoon, especially if you have kids in tow.