SAB World of Beer Newtown Johannesburg
Discover beer's global journey and South Africa's brewing legacy through immersive tours and tastings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
SAB World of Beer Newtown Johannesburg
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover beer's global journey and South Africa's brewing legacy through immersive tours and tastings.
"A world-class experience, even better than some international brewery tours!"
🎯 Value for Money Tour
The 90-minute tour offers great value with immersive displays and tastings included. :ticket:
🚗 Secure On-Site Parking
There's secure parking available, but follow signs carefully as the area can be tricky to navigate. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Immersive Brewing History Tour
Exhibition Halls
Journey through beer's global history and South Africa's brewing evolution with 3D effects and reconstructions.
Interactive Beer Tasting
Tasting Area
Sample a variety of SAB beers and traditional African home brews, learning about their unique characteristics.
Period Pub & Speakeasy
Reconstructed Environments
Step back in time in the authentically recreated historical pub and speakeasy settings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Consider Your Transportation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Value for Money Tour
The 90-minute tour offers great value with immersive displays and tastings included. :ticket:
🚗 Secure On-Site Parking
There's secure parking available, but follow signs carefully as the area can be tricky to navigate. :car:
🍻 Don't Miss the Tasting
The beer tasting is a highlight, offering a chance to sample diverse brews and learn about them. :beer:
🚶♂️ Explore Newtown's Vibe
While the immediate area around the museum might not be ideal for walking, explore Newtown's cultural spots. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Value for Money Tour
The 90-minute tour offers great value with immersive displays and tastings included. :ticket:
🚗 Secure On-Site Parking
There's secure parking available, but follow signs carefully as the area can be tricky to navigate. :car:
🍻 Don't Miss the Tasting
The beer tasting is a highlight, offering a chance to sample diverse brews and learn about them. :beer:
🚶♂️ Explore Newtown's Vibe
While the immediate area around the museum might not be ideal for walking, explore Newtown's cultural spots. :walking:
📸 Capture the History
The exhibits offer great photo opportunities, especially the reconstructed historical settings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the SAB World of Beer for its immersive and informative 90-minute tour, highlighting the engaging 3D effects, historical reconstructions, and the enjoyable beer tasting. Many consider it a world-class experience offering excellent value for money, with knowledgeable guides enhancing the visit. While the immediate surroundings might not be ideal for walking, the venue itself is well-maintained with secure parking.
"Lot of effort put into the 90minute tour. Good value for money - 3D effects, reconstructions, opportunities to smell and taste different things from various stages of the brewing process etc. Joburgers and tourists alike should do it at least once! Plus you get a free glass!"
Tshego Joshua Sehoole
"Interesting... They obviously spent a lot of money on this exhibition. It was very informative and you could spend a lot of time in here. Lots of visuals. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable.
So the weird part: We were the only people there. It was kind of like a ghost town. The intro video was super trippy. It was all kind of surreal.
Bonus: Lots of samples included. Didn't do the tasting but got to try 4 different beers plus the traditional African home brew. Really enjoyed the period pub and speak easy that you walk through a well.
There's secure parking on site through a gate but not a really great area to walk around. I think a bus goes right there too. I would recommend giving it a go if you have time and like beer."
Erin Bart
"What an awesome museum tour. This is truly a world class experience. Even better than the Heineken tour I did in Amsterdam. Honestly, the Heineken tour was a bit of an advertising campaign compared to this. SAB is the single largest manufacturer of beer in the world, they don't even need to advertise. The SAB tour took you into the history of beer from ancient cultures all around the world and then the development of beer through the ages. The transformation of the beer industry in South Africa was very well put together. The tour guide was very well learned, great guy too. Finally the beer tasting was brilliant. I learnt so much about something I experience all the time. This tour is a must. The building is very well set up and maintained. The parking is safe and secure. The pub lunch was good. Absolutely no complaints here. Well done. The tour made me proud to be a South African. Love it!"
Hamresin Archary
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
SAB World of Beer is located in Newtown, Johannesburg. Visitors can drive and utilize the secure on-site parking, though some find it a bit tricky to locate. Alternatively, consider using a bus tour that stops nearby for convenient access.
While specific details on direct public transport routes can vary, many visitors opt for bus tours that include a stop at or near the World of Beer, making it an accessible option for exploring downtown Joburg.
While the World of Beer itself has secure parking, the immediate area around Newtown might not be the most pedestrian-friendly for extensive exploration. It's generally recommended to stick to organized tours or use transport to get to and from the venue.
Yes, ride-sharing services and taxis are readily available in Johannesburg and can take you directly to the SAB World of Beer. It's a convenient option if you prefer not to drive. :taxi:
SAB World of Beer is situated in the Newtown cultural precinct, which hosts other attractions like the Market Theatre and the Museum Africa, making it a good starting point for exploring the area. :world_map:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The tour typically costs around R127 per person, which includes the immersive experience and two beer tastings. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website or book in advance.
It's highly recommended to book your tour tickets in advance, especially if you're visiting with a group or during peak times, to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can vary, but the museum is generally open during weekdays and Saturdays. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. :clock1:
Yes, the tour includes a friendly and knowledgeable guide who leads you through the exhibits, sharing insights into beer history and the brewing process.
Admission typically includes the 90-minute guided tour, access to the historical exhibits, and a beer tasting session featuring several SAB brews. Some packages might also include a complimentary glass.
🎫 🍺 Beer & Tastings
You can expect to taste a selection of SAB's popular beers, as well as traditional African home brews. The tasting is a key part of the immersive experience.
While the focus is on beer, some adjacent cafes might offer non-alcoholic beverages. It's worth inquiring at the venue upon arrival.
Yes, they often offer pub lunches or food pairings that complement the beer tasting experience. This can be a great way to extend your visit.
While the tasting is part of the tour, you might be able to purchase specific beers or merchandise at the venue's shop or adjacent cafe. :shopping_cart:
The tasting is designed for adults. If you prefer not to taste alcohol, you can still enjoy the historical exhibits and the experience.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the museum, allowing you to capture the historical exhibits and your tasting experience.
The main guided tour at SAB World of Beer is approximately 90 minutes long, offering a comprehensive look at beer history and brewing.
While the historical exhibits can be interesting, the beer tasting component is for adults. It might be more suitable for older teens or adults interested in beer culture. :child:
The tour is praised for its immersive 3D effects, historical reconstructions, and the opportunity to smell and taste different elements of the brewing process, making it a world-class experience.
The venue sometimes hosts special events, such as vinyl sessions or beer-pairing lunches, so it's worth checking their schedule for unique experiences.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🍻 Beer Enthusiasts
✈️ Tourists Exploring Johannesburg
🧑🤝🧑 Groups and Friends
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Immersive Tour Experience
Guides are described as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the learning experience. The tour covers the global origins of beer, its evolution through the ages, and specifically, the significant development of the beer industry within South Africa. This comprehensive approach aims to make visitors proud of their heritage and knowledgeable about a beverage they consume regularly.
Some visitors have noted that the experience can feel a bit surreal, especially if they are among the few people there, likening it to a 'ghost town' at times. However, the quality of the audio-visual displays and the overall presentation are consistently praised, making it a memorable and informative journey.
Beer Tasting and Culinary Pairings
Beyond the tasting, the venue occasionally hosts beer-pairing lunches or offers food options that are designed to complement the beers. These culinary experiences can elevate the visit, providing a more complete understanding of how food and beer interact. It's a chance to savor local flavors alongside expertly chosen brews.
While the primary focus is on alcoholic beverages, it's worth noting that some adjacent cafes might offer non-alcoholic options, catering to a broader range of preferences.
The tasting is a well-integrated part of the tour, offering a satisfying conclusion to the historical exploration. Navigating Newtown and Accessibility
For those driving, the on-site parking is a plus, though directions can sometimes be a bit tricky to follow. Ride-sharing services and taxis are also readily available and provide a straightforward way to reach the destination.
Some visitors have noted that the World of Beer itself was reportedly closed for a period, with visitors being directed to adjacent cafes for non-alcoholic options.
It's always a good idea to verify current operating status and tour availability before your visit to ensure a smooth experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit