Chante JVR

Johannesburg has a way of turning a simple trip into a whirlwind of unforgettable moments, and my recent visit was no exception. From history lessons to quiz night victories, immersive cinema to thrilling escape rooms, every day was packed with adventure.

Wednesday: A Journey Through History and Trivia Triumphs

As soon as I landed, we wasted no time and headed straight to GetBird for bagels. Not only was the food delicious, but the staff also surprised us by drawing our faces on the takeaway bag—a fun and unexpected touch that set the tone for the rest of the trip.

Once we’d eaten, we headed to the Apartheid Museum which has been on my bucket list for years. Walking through the exhibits was a sobering and necessary reminder of South Africa’s past, making me reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go.

That evening, we switched gears and headed to Railways Café for quiz night. The competition was fierce, but our team held its own, securing a solid second-place finish and a R500 voucher! Not bad for our first night in town.

Thursday: A Cinematic Experience

The evening was reserved for something special: a visit to The Bioscope to watch Mickey 17. I’m a big fan of The Video Store Podcast and the independent cinema’s charm and cozy atmosphere made it the perfect place to immerse ourselves in the film, adding a unique touch to our Joburg experience.

Friday: Mini Golf & Unexpected Detours

On Human Rights Day, we took a lighter approach to competition and played a round of mini golf at The 19th Hole Putt-Putt in Menlyn. Laughter, missed shots, and a few lucky hole-in-ones made for a fantastic afternoon. After an abysmal loss for yours truly and a tie for the top contenders, we contemplated what to do next.

Of course, our Railways Café voucher was burning a hole in our pockets, so we made our way back to enjoy some well-earned drinks and food. Just when we thought the night was winding down, we got talked into visiting ETC Pub—because, when in Joburg, spontaneous plans are always the best ones!

Saturday: Games & Good Vibes

Our Saturday evening kicked off with a games night filled with friendly rivalry and a lot of laughter. As the night progressed, we found ourselves at Babylon the Joburg Bar once again, because some places are just too good to visit only once. Even though Babs left a bit of a sour taste in our mouths when our friend’s phone got stolen, we were still determined to dance the night away.

Sunday: A Feast to Remember

Sunday was all about unwinding, and we took it slow before heading to dinner at Saigon Suzy. My friend and I opted for the set menu, which turned out to be the best decision—every dish was incredible, making it the standout meal of the trip.

Monday: Escape Room Madness & Farewell to Joburg

Our last day started with brunch at The Crêpe Republic at The Zone, where we fuelled up for what was about to be a high-stakes adventure at The Gr8 Escape. First up was their ‘Haunted’ escape room, which we managed to conquer with just two minutes to spare. Feeling confident, we decided to take on ‘Basement,’ their most difficult room. While we didn’t make it out in time, the thrill of the challenge was so worth it.

With one escape room win under our belt and another to conquer in the future, we made our way back to the airport, waving goodbye to Johannesburg and already planning our next visit.

From historical insights to quirky cafes, thrilling games to delicious meals, this trip was packed with everything that makes travel so exciting. Thank you for having us, Joburg. Until next time!