Vilakazi Street Johannesburg
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Vilakazi Street Johannesburg

4.5
·140 reviews·Soweto, South Africa

Vilakazi Street: the world's only street home to two Nobel laureates, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and local life in Soweto.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Vilakazi Street Johannesburg

Vilakazi Street Johannesburg

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Vilakazi Street: the world's only street home to two Nobel laureates, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and local life in Soweto.

4.5
(140 reviews)

"A must-visit for understanding South Africa's history and experiencing vibrant Soweto culture."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book a Guided Tour

Enhance your understanding with local insights and ensure safety. Many tours are organized by Soweto locals.

🎟️ Mandela House Tickets

Foreigners pay R60, locals R40. Kids, students, and seniors get discounts.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mandela House Museum

Mandela House Museum

8115 Vilakazi Street

Step into the former home of Nelson Mandela, a poignant journey through his life and legacy.

Instagram+1
Vilakazi Street Atmosphere

Vilakazi Street Atmosphere

The entire street

Experience the unique energy of the world's only street with two Nobel laureates' homes.

Instagram
Local Eateries and Cafes

Local Eateries and Cafes

Various locations on Vilakazi Street

Savor authentic South African cuisine and soak in the local vibe at charming restaurants.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Vilakazi Street

Vilakazi Street in Soweto is a vibrant hub, but planning is key. Consider guided tours for context and safety, especially if you're new to the area. Many visitors opt for organized trips that combine Vilakazi Street with other Soweto attractions. Reddit

Embrace the History

This street is steeped in history, being the only one globally to house two Nobel Peace Prize winners. Allow ample time to absorb the significance of Nelson Mandela's former home and the surrounding cultural sites. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, street performers
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Taking the Joburg Red Bus is one of the safest, cheapest, and easiest ways to see inner city Johannesburg’s CBD as a tourist 🇿🇦🌧️🚍 #johannesburg #joburg #southafrica #joburgcbd #visitsouthafrica #sightseeing
@alexrawlangs
49.8K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Book a Guided Tour

Enhance your understanding with local insights and ensure safety. Many tours are organized by Soweto locals. TikTokReddit

🎟️ Mandela House Tickets

Foreigners pay R60, locals R40. Kids, students, and seniors get discounts. Instagram

🇿🇦The Nelson Mandela National Museum🇿🇦 🏠 Conocido también como ”Mandela House”. Es la número 8115 de la Vilakazi Street, Orlando West en la zona de Soweto, Johannesburgo y donde Mandela residió entre los años 1946 hasta 1962 cuando fue encarcelado tras su liberación en 1990 regresaría a ella para estar por 11 días para luego mudarse. 🙋🏿‍♂️En su autobiografía, Nelson Mandela escribió que esa ca...
mochileros.viajeros
229 likes • 7.6K views
At about 21:00 hours on the 15th of September, I departed London Heathrow for Johannesburg South Africa and visited the popular Mandela house on 8115 Vilakazi Street, Orlando West, Soweto. It was great!
salasy4_
25 likes • 433 views

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of exploring on foot, so comfortable shoes are a must! Reddit

📸 Capture the Moments

Don't forget your camera to document this historically significant and vibrant street. Instagram

Har i dag været på besøg i Soweto. South Western Township i Johannesburg i Sydafrika. Her ligger en lille gade - Vilakazi Street, hvor to fantastiske nobelprismodtagere har boet: Nelson Mandela og Desmond Tutu. Det gjorde indtryk. #soweto #joburg #johannesburg
jettethom
355 likes • 4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book a Guided Tour

Enhance your understanding with local insights and ensure safety. Many tours are organized by Soweto locals. TikTokReddit

🎟️ Mandela House Tickets

Foreigners pay R60, locals R40. Kids, students, and seniors get discounts. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of exploring on foot, so comfortable shoes are a must! Reddit

📸 Capture the Moments

Don't forget your camera to document this historically significant and vibrant street. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(140 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Vilakazi Street for its profound historical significance, particularly the Mandela House, and its vibrant cultural atmosphere. The street offers a unique opportunity to connect with South Africa's past and present, with many appreciating the local eateries and the chance to support Soweto-owned businesses. Some find tours to be essential for context, while others enjoy independent exploration.

"Beautiful experience!!! Make sure you have cash when you go there. There's alot of local talent"

Andile Langa

"It was a nice experience , visited the place on 16 th of June & wow the people , the atmosphere & the history of the place is still relevant to this day."

Jonnym Tilodi

"Very historic and very important to know your history. Must see"

Darian De Oliveira

What People Like

Historical significance
Mandela House experience
Vibrant street atmosphere

What People Dislike

Tour costs can be high
Can feel crowded at times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Vilakazi Street is located in Soweto. You can reach it via guided tours, which are highly recommended for context and safety. Reddit Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing services or taxis. The Johannesburg Red Bus hop-on-hop-off tour also offers access to Soweto. TikTok

Vilakazi Street is considered a safe tourist area, especially when visiting specific attractions and sticking to main roads. Guided tours provide an added layer of security and local knowledge. Reddit

Yes, you can drive to Vilakazi Street. Parking is available, but it can get busy, especially on weekends. Using a guided tour or ride-sharing service might be more convenient. Reddit

Many visitors combine a visit to Vilakazi Street with other Soweto attractions like the Hector Pieterson Memorial. Guided tours often cover multiple sites efficiently. Reddit

Vilakazi Street is located in Soweto, which is a district of Johannesburg. Travel time can vary depending on traffic, but it's typically around a 30-60 minute drive from the city center. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for Mandela House is R60 for foreign individuals, R40 for African Union residents, and R20 for children over 6, students, and pensioners. Children under 6 are R5. Instagram+1

For Mandela House, it's advisable to check their official website for booking information, though walk-ins are often accommodated. Restaurants on Vilakazi Street generally do not require advance bookings unless for large groups. Instagram

While Mandela House and other museums have entrance fees, simply walking down Vilakazi Street, experiencing the atmosphere, and seeing the exterior of the Nobel laureates' homes is free. Instagram

Mandela House is typically open daily from 9 am to 4:45 pm. It's always a good idea to verify current hours before your visit. Instagram

Some tour operators offer combo packages that include visits to Vilakazi Street, Mandela House, and other Soweto landmarks, which can be more cost-effective. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Vilakazi Street offers a diverse culinary scene, from traditional South African dishes at local eateries like Chez Alina Instagram to international cuisine. You can find everything from hearty stews to grilled meats and local snacks. Reddit

Yes, many restaurants on Vilakazi Street are family-friendly and offer a welcoming atmosphere. Some places provide outdoor seating, which can be great for kids. Instagram

Chez Alina is a popular choice for home-cooked meals. Instagram Other establishments offer a range of dining experiences, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, often featuring live music or performances. Instagram

Prices can vary, but many restaurants offer reasonably priced meals, especially considering the unique cultural experience. You can find options to suit different budgets. Reddit

While traditional South African cuisine can be meat-heavy, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's best to inquire with the restaurant staff about their specific offerings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The iconic Mandela House exterior, street art, vibrant murals, and the general street life offer fantastic photo opportunities. The unique street signs are also popular. Instagram

It's always respectful to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially locals. Street scenes and general ambiance can be photographed freely. TikTok

Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing details. Afternoons can be lively with more activity, offering dynamic shots. Instagram

Photography inside Mandela House may be restricted or incur an additional fee. It's best to check the museum's specific rules upon arrival. Instagram

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both street scenes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the overall streetscape. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Vilakazi Street offers an educational and engaging experience for families. The Mandela House Museum provides a valuable history lesson in an accessible format. Instagram Many restaurants on the street are family-friendly, offering diverse menus that can cater to younger palates. Instagram Consider a guided tour that can make the historical context more digestible and exciting for children. Reddit Ensure children wear comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While some tours can be pricey, exploring Vilakazi Street independently is possible. You can focus on visiting the exterior of Mandela House and soaking in the street's atmosphere for free. Instagram Look for local eateries that offer more affordable meal options. Reddit Consider using ride-sharing services strategically or joining a group tour to split costs. TikTok

🏛️ History Buffs

Vilakazi Street is a pilgrimage site for anyone interested in South Africa's apartheid history and the struggle for freedom. Dedicate ample time to the Mandela House Museum and consider booking a tour that delves deeper into the historical context of Soweto. Reddit The Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum is another essential stop to understand the pivotal events of 1976. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of Vilakazi Street

Vilakazi Street in Soweto holds immense historical and cultural importance, famously known as the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Instagram Mandela lived at number 8115 from 1946 to 1962, a period that saw him become a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement. Instagram+1 The street has transformed from a residential area into a vibrant tourist destination, preserving its heritage while embracing modern life. Reddit

Visiting Vilakazi Street offers a profound glimpse into South Africa's past and its journey towards democracy. The Mandela House Museum is a must-visit, providing an intimate look at the life of the iconic leader. Instagram+1 Beyond the historical homes, the street buzzes with local energy, featuring art galleries, craft markets, and a variety of restaurants and cafes that showcase Soweto's rich culture and culinary traditions. Instagram It's a place where history is palpable, and the spirit of resilience and hope is ever-present. Instagram

Exploring Soweto Beyond Vilakazi Street

While Vilakazi Street is a major draw, Soweto offers a wealth of other significant sites. The Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum is a crucial stop, commemorating the Soweto Uprising of 1976 and the young lives lost. Reddit For the adventurous, the Orlando Towers offer bungee jumping and abseiling with panoramic views of Soweto. Reddit

Soweto's vibrant street art scene is also worth exploring, with colorful murals adorning many buildings, telling stories of the community and its history. Instagram Consider taking a guided tour that can take you through different neighborhoods, offering insights into the township's development, its challenges, and its triumphs. Reddit Many tours are organized by locals, ensuring that your visit directly benefits the Soweto community. Reddit

Culinary Delights on Vilakazi Street

Vilakazi Street is not just a historical landmark; it's also a culinary hotspot. The street is lined with restaurants and cafes offering a taste of authentic South African cuisine. Reddit Chez Alina is frequently recommended for its delicious home-cooked meals, providing a warm and inviting dining experience. Instagram Visitors can savor traditional dishes like 'pap' (maize porridge), 'boerewors' (sausage), and various stews, often accompanied by local music and performances. Instagram

Beyond the traditional fare, you'll find a range of dining options catering to diverse palates. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a relaxed coffee break, or a more formal dinner, Vilakazi Street has something to offer. Instagram The vibrant atmosphere, combined with the flavorful food, makes dining on Vilakazi Street a memorable part of the Soweto experience. Reddit

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