Cape Town vs Johannesburg: Am Honest Comparison To Help You Choose!

Johannesburg: A Quick Overview

Johannesburg, also known as Joburg or Jozi to locals, is the biggest city in South Africa. It has a massive population of more than 6.7 million people, with over 11 million in the full metropolitan area. It’s located inland, in the northeast part of the country, and it’s a vast, sprawling metropolis, feeling even busier and livelier than Cape Town in many respects.

The history of Johannesburg goes all the way back to 1886, and the city has a fascinating origin story. It was originally quite a barren and deserted place. Then, gold was discovered in the area. That led to an event known as the Witwatersrand Gold Rush, with thousands of people flocking to the newly-formed city, which underwent rapid development.

In the years since then, Johannesburg has continued to grow and evolve. It serves as the seat of South Africa’s Constitutional Court, as well as being the home city of many of the nation’s biggest businesses and banks. But, despite being an economic powerhouse, this city also has plenty to offer for tourists and travelers.

As a diverse and lively place, Johannesburg pulses with excitement and energy, making it a dream destination for big city explorers. It’s packed full of museums, galleries, cafés, bars, restaurants, stores, and historic landmarks, too, with lots of diverse districts and vibrant neighborhoods to uncover.

Which Has The Best Weather?

There are around 800 miles separating Johannesburg and Cape Town, and they’re essentially at opposite ends of the country to one another. Cape Town is also on the coast, while Joburg sits inland, and all of that means that these two cities have notably different weather conditions throughout the year.

In general, conditions tend to be more extreme and diverse in Johannesburg, with slightly warmer summers than Cape Town and significantly cooler winters. Both cities can also get quite rainy, with Cape Town being drier in the summer and Johannesburg drier in the winter months. There is no longer a water crisis in Cape Town as water levels were restored to 95% in 2020. Given its coastal location, Cape Town is also notably windier than Joburg.

Ultimately, it all depends on when you plan to visit and what kind of weather you prefer. Johannesburg has wetter but warmer summers and is a little more unpredictable. Cape Town is a little cooler for summer trips, but less rainy.

Which Is Best For Activities?

One of the joys of visiting South Africa is that this country is home to so many exciting activities that you simply wouldn’t find in many other parts of the world. There are lots of fun ways to spend your time, especially in the big cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, but they offer very contrasting experiences, with Cape Town more oriented around beaches and outdoor fun, with Joburg being more about history and culture.

Cape Town: The Activities

There’s an awful lot to do in Cape Town, and many of the best activities allow you to spend time outdoors, soaking up the sun and diving headfirst into nature. A trip up Table Mountain is a terrific way to get started, and you can enjoy some truly spectacular views of the cityscape from the mountaintop.

If you prefer to stay within the inner city, head down to the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront, easily Cape Town’s most famous and beloved manmade landmark. It’s a buzzing, vibrant hotspot where you can do everything from shopping to people-watching, or even hop on a boat and set off on a whale-watching tour or day trip over to Robben Island.

Of course, since Cape Town is on the coast, it’s also a dreamy beach destination. Head to places like Camps Bay or Boulders Beach to enjoy soft sands, peaceful coves, or even an encounter with the area’s famous African Penguins. Or, if you’re in the mood for flora over fauna, head to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, home of over 7,000 native species.

Of course, there might be times when Cape Town’s rainy and windy days force you inside. Fortunately, the city also has a series of fun indoor attractions to visit, like the fascinating District Six Museum, which charts the city’s apartheid past. The Two Oceans Aquarium is another nice place to spend time on rainier days, along with the 17th century Castle of Good Hope, one of the oldest structures in the city.

Johannesburg: The Activities

Compared to Cape Town, Johannesburg has a lot more indoor attractions, and the Apartheid Museum is one of the best places to spend some time. It charts the history of apartheid in South Africa, with an extraordinary collection of educational artifacts, old film footage, and personal stories from those who lived through that troubled time.

Other museums and cultural landmarks to visit in and around Joburg include Mandela House, where the famous former president lived for many years, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum. The Lindfield Victorian House Museum is another intriguing place to spend a day, letting you dive back into the Victorian era, with wonderfully-preserved decorative interiors to admire.

Constitution Hill, the Wits Art Museum, and the South African Museum of Military History can add even more historic and cultural value to your stay in the big city, and there are lots of rich, diverse neighborhoods to explore across Johannesburg. The recently revitalized Maboneng Precinct, for example, is a thriving hub of galleries, cafés, restaurants, and shops.

Which Is Better For Outdoor Adventures? 

Of course, one of the big reasons why so many people head to South Africa is because they want to spend time outdoors enjoying the nation’s stunning scenery and admiring some of the most amazing animals on the planet. But which city is best if you want to have the very best outdoor experiences?

Well, Cape Town just about has the edge in this category, for several reasons. Firstly, it’s got a great location, with beaches and mountains within the city itself, just short drives or bus rides from the center. It’s also rated as one of South Africa’s premier outdoor havens, offering everything from surfing to swimming, hiking, mountain climbing, and more.

At the same time, even though Johannesburg is more built-up and urban, it shouldn’t be ignored by nature lovers. Some of South Africa’s biggest and best national parks and wildlife preserves are just short drives out of this city, and it’s an ideal place for safari-style experiences. If you want to see all the big highlights of African wildlife, like lions and elephants, this is the place to be.

Overall, Cape Town offers more accessible outdoor fun and is generally the more appealing destination for hiking and similar activities. But, if wildlife is what you want, Johannesburg may be better-suited to you.

Which Is Better For Nightlife? 

Cape Town and Johannesburg have plenty of ways to fill your days, but they’re also very exciting places to be at night. With millions of inhabitants and huge numbers of tourists, these cities both have lots of bars, clubs, and night time hangout spots.

In Johannesburg, the nightlife scene is impressively diverse. There are so many different styles of clubs and bars to spend your time at, from raw, underground dance spots to trendy jazz bars and upscale, exclusive nightclubs. The only downside is that certain parts of the city can be a little seedy and unsafe after dark, so you have to be careful, especially as a solo traveler.

Cape Town, meanwhile, is rated as one of, if not the best city for nightlife in all of Africa, right up there alongside the likes of Marrakech and Nairobi. A great thing about this city’s nightlife is that so many of the best bars and clubs are conveniently situated in the city center, all within walking distance of one another. Head to spots like Long Street and Bree Street for the wildest experiences.

Overall, Cape Town is the better and safer place to spend your nights, and it’s a little easier for mingling with other travelers, too.

Which Is Best For Families? 

For families, a trip to South Africa can be a memorable, magical adventure, and there are benefits to both Cape Town and Johannesburg. Johannesburg, for instance, has fun family attractions like the Gold Reef City theme park and exciting Sterkfontein Caves, as well as all the local nature reserves and safari expeditions where kids can see lions in the wild.

Cape Town, meanwhile, has the advantage of multiple sandy beaches and lots of parks and play areas, perfect for kids to have fun and stay entertained. Places like Table Mountain and Robben Island provide lots of ways to have happy days in the sun, with wonderful whale watching and hiking opportunities galore.

Overall, Cape Town will probably be more appealing to most families. It has a safer, more kid-friendly vibe, along with so many super places to have time with little ones. Teens, too, will enjoy the city’s vibrant feel and super shopping scene.

Which Is Best For Couples? 

Couples seeking romance and adventure can also hesitate between Cape Town and Johannesburg. However, Cape Town is once again the better option for most people, with much more of a romantic and scenic vibe. Whether you’re sipping drinks at the waterfront or relaxing on the beach, there are lots of ways to have special moments with your partner in this city.

Johannesburg can also appeal to couples. It’s not quite as romantic, but it can be a fine place to spend time if you and your partner are eager to wander around museums and learn all about the history and culture of South Africa. It’s perfect, too, for couples in search of thrilling safaris and wildlife expeditions.

Overall, Cape Town tends to be the better of the two destinations for couples of all ages, but Johannesburg may be more to your taste if you prefer culture and history over beaches and outdoor fun.

Which Is Best For Backpackers? 

South Africa often features on backpacking bucket lists, and it’s easy to see why. With such awesome cities, wild nature, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences on offer, this nation is a big draw for adventurers of all ages. But where will you have the better backpacking experience – Cape Town or Johannesburg?

Well, Cape Town pretty much comes out on top in this category. It’s a little more expensive than Johannesburg, which is a downside. But, apart from that, it’s a backpacker’s paradise. It’s the safest of the two cities, and it has so many exciting outdoor activities to enjoy, combined with the beautiful beaches and thrilling nightlife scene.

Johannesburg isn’t a bad place to backpack, either. It’s great for those who want to see a rawer side of South Africa and enjoy more traditional food and cultural experiences, as well as those looking to learn about the country’s past. However, it’s not as safe and can be a little tricky to get around, meaning that solo backpackers could feel a little overwhelmed in this city.

Which Is Cheaper? 

Price-wise, it’s Johannesburg that comes out on top. In general, you can expect to spend less on pretty much everything in Joburg. That includes accommodation, food, and touristic activities, too. So, if you’re heading to South Africa with a pretty strict, limited budget, Johannesburg may be the best place to go.

Cape Town is notably more expensive, mainly due to the fact that it’s such a touristic hotspot and has more of a European vibe, compared to the more authentically African ambiance of Joburg. Food and hotels cost more, and it can be a little trickier to plan out a budget-friendly travel itinerary.