Things to See in Johannesburg

The Johannesburg Zoo has a reasonable array of the fierce and the furry. It seems rather bizarre going to a zoo in Africa but it has a particularly interesting wild-dog enclosure and kids love it. There are also night tours (around 60) three times a week (no children); book through the zoo.

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.

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.

The Oppenheimer Tower was erected in gratitude to the Chairman of the Anglo-American Corporation, Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, who in 1956 organised a loan from the Chamber of Mines to build 14,000 homes, improving living standards for thousands of Sowetans.

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.

This jazzy Japanese place attracts Norwood's young trendies with its fashionable styling and authentic cooking. If you have had enough red meat, the sushi offers welcome reprieve from the braai, and it's the best in town at these prices. Try the all-you-can-eat sushi platter (R110).

The only place for a hardcore meat feast, this upmarket steakhouse serves sublime aged cuts in modern surrounds. It also claims to cater for vegetarians.

This cheery cafe is popular with the local bohemian set, who flock here for coffee and breakfast - there is a huge, varied selection. They have an extensive menu of salads and though the food is still inexpensive, the scene factor probably makes it a tad dearer than it should be.

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.

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.

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.