Taking the red tourist bus for a safe and fun sightseeing experience

Johannesburg, South Africa Travel Guide Safety Tips: Johannesburg, one of South Africa's capitals, is often mentioned by locals and travelers as a city where extra caution is needed. Despite its reputation for high crime rates, I spent three days and two nights here without any issues. Here are some tips for a safe and enjoyable trip: Transportation: Use Uber or Bolt for rides within the city. Bolt is generally cheaper and accepts both cash and card payments. For example, a ride from Park Station to Norwood costs around 40 Rand (about 16 USD), and to the airport costs around 130 Rand (about 52 USD). City Exploration: To efficiently and safely explore Johannesburg's core attractions, consider taking the red tourist bus. A one-day ticket costs 299 Rand (about 120 USD), which is comparable to the cost of individual taxi rides. The bus covers more ground and offers historical commentary. 🚶Citywalk Highlights: 📍Apartheid Museum: A must-visit for understanding South Africa's modern history of racial segregation. The museum is entirely in English. Admission is 170 Rand (about 68 USD), and you can spend 2-3 hours here. This was the only stop where I got off the bus. 📍Constitution Hill: Home to the prison where Mandela was once held, along with many historical buildings. You can join guided tours to learn more about the area's history. Be cautious of the neighborhood's safety. 🚌Getting Around: 1⃣️Within the City: Use Uber or Bolt for rides. Bolt is generally cheaper and accepts both cash and card payments. From Park Station to Norwood: approximately 40 Rand (about 16 USD). To the airport: approximately 130 Rand (about 52 USD). 2⃣️From Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg: Purchase bus tickets online. I recommend Intercape or APM. I took the APM bus at 16:00, which cost 340 Rand (about 136 USD) and took 15 hours. Boarding point in Port Elizabeth: PE Railway Station side parking lot. Taxi from the hotel to the station: 40 Rand (about 16 USD). Departure at 16:30, arrival in Johannesburg at 07:30 the next day. The drop-off point is Johannesburg's Park Station. A taxi to Norwood costs around 60 Rand (about 24 USD). 🏡Accommodation: Charlie's Spot Norwood: A clean and comfortable room with a private bathroom. The room rate was 425 Rand (about 170 USD) without breakfast. The host lives on the premises, so the kitchen and living room are not available for guests. The neighborhood is safe, and it's close to restaurants and supermarkets. 🥘Eating and Drinking: 📍Bootlegger Norwood: The coffee beans are of decent quality. The Americano has a wine-like flavor when cold. The steak with brown rice is 138 Rand (about 55 USD) and quite tasty, though the steak was a bit tough. I recommend trying the chicken instead. 📍PROUD MARY: The ambiance is great, but the prices are on the higher side. A 350g steak costs 345 Rand (about 138 USD), and a glass of wine is 108 Rand (about 43 USD). The beef was a bit chewy even at medium-rare, making it more suitable for group dining but with average value for money. 📍Seattle Coffee Company: The coffee is well-made with a balanced acidity and sweetness. A cappuccino costs 38 Rand (about 15 USD) and has a noticeable sweetness. However, the croissants are not particularly good. #OffTheBeatenPath #SouthAfrica #SouthAfricaTravel #SouthAfricaTravelTips