Gandhi Square, Johannesburg - Landscape of Rua da Imprensa, Maputo, Mozambique
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Gandhi Square Johannesburg

4.2
·12k reviews·Johannesburg, South Africa

A historic hub in Johannesburg's CBD, featuring a statue of Mahatma Gandhi and vibrant urban art.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Less crowded, vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Gandhi Square, Johannesburg - Landscape of Rua da Imprensa, Maputo, Mozambique

Gandhi Square Johannesburg

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Less crowded, vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic hub in Johannesburg's CBD, featuring a statue of Mahatma Gandhi and vibrant urban art.

4.2
(12k reviews)

"A gem in the CBD, Gandhi Square offers history and art, but stay aware of your surroundings."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Use the Red Bus

Safest & easiest way to see Joburg CBD. Offers great views of Gandhi Square and beyond! :bus:

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Precinct

Don't miss the 'I ❤️ Jozi' artwork and vibrant street art in the Gandhi Square precinct. :art:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gandhi Statue

Gandhi Statue

Center of Gandhi Square

The iconic statue of Mahatma Gandhi, a focal point of the square and a symbol of historical significance.

Gandhi Square Precinct

Gandhi Square Precinct

Marshalltown, Johannesburg CBD

A vibrant area featuring 'I ❤️ Jozi' artwork and a glimpse into the city's dynamic urban art scene.

Historical Significance

Historical Significance

Gandhi Square and surrounding CBD

Explore the history of this area, once a hub for political activists and a reminder of South Africa's past.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Gandhi Square

Gandhi Square is a key transport hub and historical site in Johannesburg's CBD. While efforts are made to keep it clean and safe, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when exploring beyond the immediate square. Consider using the Hop-On Hop-Off Red Bus for a guided and secure overview of the inner city.

Understanding Gandhi's Legacy

Gandhi Square honors Mahatma Gandhi's time in South Africa. While many older South Africans view him positively for his non-violent advocacy, some younger generations have mixed feelings due to newly publicized views. The square and its statue remain significant historical landmarks.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Less crowded, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Local art and street life
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

🎯 Use the Red Bus

Safest & easiest way to see Joburg CBD. Offers great views of Gandhi Square and beyond! :bus: TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Precinct

Don't miss the 'I ❤️ Jozi' artwork and vibrant street art in the Gandhi Square precinct. :art: Instagram

Best of #Johannesburg with DJ @DESIREE (RSA) !!! Desiree’s Johannesburg Picks: Neighborhood: The Parks — Parktown North, Parkview, Parkhurst, Ivory Park. Restaurants: Blockman, Kwai Mai Mai. Date Spot: NIROX Sculpture Park. Bar: Neighbarhood, Sin+Tax. Dancing: Club A.M. Parties: Kunye, MMINO. DJs: Shamiso, DJ Lag, Sfarzo. Artist: Tyla,Black Coffee, Major League DJz, Shimza. Clothing Store: Thebe M...
@isaaclikes_
16.2K likes • 181.7K views
Walking tour of Gandhi Square,Johannesburg #southafrica #tour #travel #gandhisquare #johannesburg #walkingtour #mzanzi #worldclassafricancity #cityofjohannesburg #citytour #africa #africancity
the.townwalk
6 likes • 1.1K views

🛡️ Stay Aware

While parts of Gandhi Square are clean and safe, remain aware of your surroundings in the wider CBD. :eyes: Reddit

📸 Capture the Art

The 'I ❤️ Jozi' artwork is a popular photo spot. Capture the urban vibe! :camera: Instagram

Happy Friday! Tourists spotted exploring the streets of Gandhi Square, catching a glimpse for our “I ❤️‍🔥 Jozi” artwork! Check out more on our feed! 😁😁 #Egoli #gandhisquareprecinct #johannesburg 🚌
gandhi_square_precinct
20 likes • 682 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Use the Red Bus

Safest & easiest way to see Joburg CBD. Offers great views of Gandhi Square and beyond! :bus: TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Precinct

Don't miss the 'I ❤️ Jozi' artwork and vibrant street art in the Gandhi Square precinct. :art: Instagram

🛡️ Stay Aware

While parts of Gandhi Square are clean and safe, remain aware of your surroundings in the wider CBD. :eyes: Reddit

📸 Capture the Art

The 'I ❤️ Jozi' artwork is a popular photo spot. Capture the urban vibe! :camera: Instagram

🏛️ Learn the History

Understand Gandhi's complex legacy and the historical importance of this area. :books: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(12k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Gandhi Square is recognized as a historically significant and relatively clean area within Johannesburg's CBD, often praised for its statue and vibrant street art precinct. While it serves as a vital transport hub, visitors are advised to remain aware of their surroundings in the broader downtown area.

"The best time to visit this part of town is definitely on a Sunday when everything is at a stand still from the norm for Johannesburg so quiet so peaceful and so safe without having to worry about much. A lot of eating places to chill out in as well as a shopping mall near by which isn't bad at all for shopping. You also have a few banks around as well as a pharmacy just in case.......a few lovely hotels around and not to mentions a few pubs too lol lovely part of down town Johannesbwhich you just got to love XOXO"

ChiShamiso ChaShe Jangara (Goddess Gaia)

"Great place neat and doesn't smell of urine like town used to in certain places. Seems to be safer too. Saw lots of metro cops and wardens patrolling"

Claire Klassen

"Johannesburg
Jozi Ghandi Square is very beautiful a world class African city indeed"

dikonketso mosoma

What People Like

Historical significance
Vibrant street art
Central transport hub

What People Dislike

Broader CBD safety concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gandhi Square is a major bus terminus in the Johannesburg CBD, making it accessible by public transport. Many local bus routes converge here. For a comprehensive and safe tour of the inner city, including Gandhi Square, consider using the Hop-On Hop-Off Red Bus. TikTok

While Gandhi Square itself is often described as clean and a gem in the CBD, it's important to be aware of your surroundings in the wider Johannesburg CBD. Travelers recommend staying vigilant. Reddit

The Johannesburg Red Bus is highly recommended for tourists wanting to explore the CBD safely and easily. It provides excellent views and commentary on the city's landmarks, including Gandhi Square. TikTok

Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off at Gandhi Square. It's a central point in the CBD, so most drivers will be familiar with it. Instagram

Absolutely! Gandhi Square is a historically significant area and a major transport hub, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the Johannesburg CBD and its attractions. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Gandhi Square is a public space and a bus terminus, so there are no tickets required to enter or walk around the square itself. Instagram

As a public transport hub and open square, Gandhi Square does not have specific opening or closing hours. However, it is most active during daylight hours. Instagram

No, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Gandhi Square is a public monument and can be viewed freely. Instagram

For tours that include Gandhi Square, such as the Johannesburg Red Bus, tickets can typically be purchased online in advance or directly from the bus operators at designated points. TikTok

The Gandhi Square Precinct is an area known for its vibrant street art, including the 'I ❤️ Jozi' artwork. It's an open area to explore. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

At Gandhi Square, you can see the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, observe the bustling bus terminus, and explore the surrounding precinct with its street art like the 'I ❤️ Jozi' artwork. It's a hub of activity and historical significance. Instagram+1

Yes, Gandhi Square offers opportunities for photography, from the historical statue to the vibrant street art in the precinct. It captures the essence of Johannesburg's CBD. Instagram

Gandhi Square is named after Mahatma Gandhi, who lived in South Africa for over 20 years. The square and its statue commemorate his time and advocacy in the country, reflecting a complex historical legacy. Reddit

Yes, guided walking tours of the Johannesburg CBD often include Gandhi Square, highlighting its history and the surrounding urban landscape. The Johannesburg Red Bus also passes through the area. TikTokInstagram

You can expect a lively atmosphere due to it being a major bus terminus. The precinct also adds a creative and artistic vibe with its street art. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Gandhi Square itself is primarily a bus terminus and historical site. However, the surrounding Johannesburg CBD and the Gandhi Square Precinct have numerous eateries, cafes, and restaurants offering diverse culinary options. Instagram

Near Gandhi Square, you can find a variety of food options, from local South African cuisine to international flavors. Many cafes and restaurants are located within walking distance in the CBD. Instagram

While the square itself is a transport hub, you'll find coffee shops and cafes in the nearby buildings and within the Gandhi Square Precinct, perfect for a break. Instagram

It's generally recommended to explore the eateries in the surrounding buildings or the Gandhi Square Precinct for a wider selection and a more relaxed dining experience. Instagram

Specific popular spots can vary, but exploring the Marshalltown area near Gandhi Square will reveal various cafes and eateries catering to the CBD crowd. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The statue of Mahatma Gandhi is a primary subject. The 'I ❤️ Jozi' artwork in the precinct and the general urban landscape of the CBD offer great photographic potential. Instagram+1

It is generally safe to take photos in Gandhi Square, especially during the day. However, as with any busy urban area, be mindful of your surroundings and belongings. Reddit

Morning light can be good for capturing the statue and the square's activity. Late afternoon can offer interesting light for the urban landscape and street art. Instagram

The 'I ❤️ Jozi' artwork is a popular and colorful spot for photos. The architecture surrounding the square also provides interesting backdrops. Instagram

Drone photography regulations can be strict in urban areas. It's advisable to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Gandhi Square or the Johannesburg CBD. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Gandhi Square itself is more of a historical and transport hub, so direct family entertainment might be limited. However, the Johannesburg Red Bus is a fantastic option for families, offering a safe and engaging way to see the CBD, including Gandhi Square, with commentary that can be interesting for older children. TikTok

Consider combining a visit to Gandhi Square with other family-friendly attractions in Johannesburg. The precinct's street art can be visually stimulating for kids, and the historical context of Gandhi's time in South Africa can be a learning opportunity. Always prioritize safety and keep a close eye on children in busy urban environments. Instagram

🚶 Budget Travelers

Gandhi Square is an excellent destination for budget travelers as it's a public space with no entry fees. The Johannesburg Red Bus offers a cost-effective way to see multiple sights in the CBD, including Gandhi Square, compared to individual taxi fares. TikTok

Exploring the Gandhi Square Precinct to admire the street art is also a free activity. For affordable meals, look for local eateries and cafes in the surrounding CBD buildings rather than tourist-focused restaurants. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Gandhi Square offers a blend of historical monuments and vibrant urban art. The statue of Mahatma Gandhi provides a classic subject, while the 'I ❤️ Jozi' artwork and other murals in the precinct offer colorful and dynamic compositions. Instagram+1

Experiment with different times of day to capture varying light conditions. The bustling activity of the bus terminus can also add an interesting element to your shots. Remember to be aware of your surroundings while focusing on capturing the essence of this unique Johannesburg location. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Complex Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa

Gandhi Square is named in honor of Mahatma Gandhi's significant period spent in South Africa. He lived in the country for over two decades, developing his philosophy of non-violent resistance, or Satyagraha, during this time. His early experiences in South Africa profoundly shaped his activism and later his leadership in India's independence movement. The statue in Gandhi Square serves as a constant reminder of this historical connection. Reddit

However, Gandhi's legacy in South Africa is not without its complexities. Recent discussions and historical research have brought to light some of his views and writings from his time in South Africa that are considered by some to be racially insensitive towards Africans. This has led to a more nuanced public perception, particularly among younger generations, who are increasingly aware of these less popular aspects of his history. Reddit

Despite these evolving perspectives, Gandhi Square remains a vital historical landmark and a busy transport hub in Johannesburg's CBD. It represents a significant chapter in South African history, prompting reflection on the multifaceted nature of historical figures and their impact. InstagramReddit

Exploring the Gandhi Square Precinct and Urban Art

The area around Gandhi Square, particularly the precinct in Marshalltown, has become a canvas for vibrant urban art. The 'I ❤️ Jozi' artwork is a prominent feature, symbolizing the city's spirit and attracting visitors and locals alike. This transformation of public spaces into art installations adds a dynamic and modern layer to the historical significance of the area. Instagram+1

These street art initiatives contribute to the revitalization of the Johannesburg CBD, making areas like Gandhi Square more engaging and visually appealing. They offer a stark contrast to the historical narratives, showcasing the city's contemporary culture and creativity. Walking through the precinct allows visitors to experience the blend of history and modern urban expression. Instagram

For photographers and art enthusiasts, the Gandhi Square Precinct offers numerous opportunities to capture unique shots. The colorful murals and graffiti provide a lively backdrop, reflecting the energy of Johannesburg. It’s a testament to how public spaces can be reimagined to foster community pride and artistic expression. Instagram+1

Navigating Johannesburg's CBD Safely

While Gandhi Square is often highlighted as a relatively clean and important part of the Johannesburg CBD, travelers advise caution when exploring the wider downtown area. It's crucial to be aware of your surroundings and take sensible precautions to ensure a safe visit. Reddit

One of the most recommended methods for tourists to safely experience the CBD is by utilizing the Johannesburg Red Bus. This hop-on hop-off service provides a secure and informative way to see the city's landmarks, including Gandhi Square, without the direct exposure of navigating potentially less secure streets on foot. TikTok

When exploring on foot, it's advisable to stick to well-trafficked areas, especially during daylight hours. Avoid displaying expensive items openly and be mindful of your personal belongings. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure, it's always best to seek out more populated areas or consider using guided tours or the Red Bus. Reddit

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