Things To Do
in Springs
Springs is an industrial town on the East Rand of Gauteng province, historically built around mining and manufacturing with a working-class character and wide streets. It sits about 50 km east of central Johannesburg and serves as a commuter and service centre for surrounding communities. The town mixes residential suburbs, small shopping centres, parks and remnants of old mine infrastructure, offering a glimpse of everyday South African life outside the big-city tourist circuit.
Visitors will find practical amenities, friendly neighbourhoods and access to nearby reserves and cultural sites rather than an abundance of high-end tourism facilities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Springs Art Gallery, where you can immerse yourself in local art and culture. Afterward, stroll through the historic streets and admire the architecture, including the beautiful St. John's Anglican Church. Stop by a local café for a traditional South African breakfast to fuel your day.
Spend your afternoon visiting the Springs Museum, where you can learn about the rich history of this mining town. After the museum, take a leisurely walk through the scenic parks, such as the Springs Park, where you can enjoy a peaceful environment. Grab a light lunch at a nearby eatery, sampling some local specialties.
As the sun sets, head to one of the local restaurants for dinner, where you can indulge in South African cuisine. Experience the vibrant nightlife by visiting a local bar or pub, enjoying live music or engaging with the friendly locals. Conclude your day by taking a leisurely walk through the town, soaking in the ambiance of Springs at night.
Start your day early with a trip to the nearby Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, famous for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Take a guided walking tour to spot wildlife such as antelope and various bird species while enjoying the fresh morning air. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning natural scenery.
After your nature tour, enjoy a packed picnic lunch in the reserve, surrounded by the tranquility of nature. Spend the afternoon hiking along one of the many trails, discovering the unique flora and fauna that South Africa has to offer. As you walk, take time to appreciate the serene environment and the sounds of nature around you.
Return to Springs and freshen up before heading out for dinner at a local steakhouse known for its deliciously grilled meats. Share stories of your day with fellow travelers or new friends at the restaurant, relishing the flavors of traditional South African braai. As the evening unfolds, consider a nightcap at a nearby bar, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-10 |
| ☕️Coffee (café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-share | $3-8 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $30-60 |
| 🛒Grocery shopping (basic weekly) | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic everyday South African town with friendly local character
- Good access to nearby nature reserves and Johannesburg attractions
- Affordable prices and practical amenities
- Less touristy—good for cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path experiences
- Limited high-end tourist infrastructure and boutique accommodation
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with Johannesburg
- Typical urban safety concerns—need for vigilance in some areas
- Public transport options are informal and can be less convenient for visitors
- "Howzit" - Informal greeting: How are you? / Hello
- "Dankie" - Thank you (Afrikaans)
- "Baie dankie" - Thank you very much (Afrikaans)
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you (Zulu)
- "Asseblief" - Please / You're welcome (Afrikaans)
Places to Visit in Springs
Visit one of these nice places.
A peaceful urban park with water features, walking paths and birdlife—great for sunrise and candid local scenes.
Weathered industrial buildings, mine shafts and machinery provide gritty, authentic East Rand industrial photography—ask permission before entering private areas.
Streets, market stalls and occasional murals capture everyday life, colorful produce, and street portraits—ideal for documentary-style photography.
Rolling hills, wildflowers in season and wide vistas offer landscape and wildlife shots within a reasonable drive of Springs.
Food in Springs
Springs Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A South African barbecue tradition—expect boerewors (coiled beef/pork sausage), steaks and chops; local pubs and guesthouses often host braais, and municipal parks sometimes have community braai spots.
Must-Try!
Stiff maize porridge (pap) served with spicy vegetable relish (chakalaka); common as an accompaniment to meat dishes and available at home-style eateries and local canteens.
Hollowed-out loaf filled with curry—an Indian-South African classic widely sold by takeaway spots and informal eateries in the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly markets and craft markets in suburbs nearby sell home-cooked foods, sweets, vetkoek (fried dough) and grilled snacks. These are the best places to try authentic local street food and meet producers.
Expect vendors selling roasted corn, samosas, and warm pies around transport hubs and shopping centres—perfect for a quick affordable bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite 'Hello' or 'Howzit' and making eye contact is common—Afrikaans speakers may say 'Goeie dag' and many locals appreciate a brief, respectful greeting.
Dress modestly in conservative settings, ask permission before photographing people (especially in informal settlements) and avoid discussing highly charged political topics unless invited.
If invited to a home, bringing a small gift (sweets, fruit or wine) is appreciated; accept offers of food and drink graciously.
Safety
Tipping in Springs
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: around 10–15% at restaurants for good service; small amounts (R5–R20) for porters, petrol attendants, and helpful guides. Cash is commonly used for small tips; credit card tips are accepted in many restaurants but check first.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted at supermarkets, larger shops and restaurants; cash (rand) is useful for markets, taxis and small vendors. Mobile payment apps and bank transfers are increasingly common; carry some cash for rural or informal purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
(November–February) Hot with afternoon thunderstorms; temperatures commonly 25–35°C. Dress in light clothing, carry sun protection and expect occasional heavy short storms that may disrupt outdoor plans.
March–May brings milder, comfortable temperatures and clearer skies—excellent for hiking and outdoor photography as vegetation begins to dry and colours change.
June–August are dry and cool to cold, with crisp mornings and potential fog—daytime highs around 15–20°C but chilly nights that can drop to near freezing; bring layers and a warm jacket.
September–October sees warming temperatures and wildflowers in nearby reserves; pleasant for outdoor activities but still changeable weather—carry a light jacket for mornings.
Springs at Night
Hiking in Springs
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Approximately a 30–60 minute drive southeast (depending on start point); offers a network of trails across rolling hills and grasslands, good for day hikes, wildflower displays in spring and scenic vistas.
Within an hour’s drive: smaller reserves and koppies offering short trails, birdwatching and views over suburban Johannesburg plains—suitable for half-day walks.
Easy, family-friendly loops and birdwatching paths inside Springs for relaxed walking without long drives—ideal for mornings and sunset strolls.
Airports
How to reach Springs by plane.
The major international airport serving Johannesburg—about 40–60 km west of Springs depending on route; frequent domestic and international flights and the main gateway for travellers. Ground transfers via taxi, shuttle or car take around 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
A smaller general aviation airport near Germiston used for flight training, charters and private flights—closer than OR Tambo for some light-aircraft services and scenic flights.
A secondary airport northwest of Johannesburg offering some domestic and regional flights; further away than OR Tambo but convenient for certain carriers and lower congestion.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in the area, comprising diverse ethnicities and language groups (including Zulu, Sotho and Xhosa speakers) engaged in a wide range of community life and commerce.
Established Afrikaans- and English-speaking communities with roots in local industry, retail and services.
Smaller but culturally significant groups contributing to Springs’ multicultural social and culinary landscape.
A dynamic population of commuters working in Johannesburg and migrants from other provinces, contributing to the town’s workforce and community diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Highly popular at community and youth levels—local clubs and school teams are active and matches are widely followed.
A major sport in many Gauteng communities with strong amateur and school participation; match days attract local supporters.
Played in the summer months at club and school level; community grounds host weekend matches and training.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Springs.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited compared with larger cities; look for pap with vegetable stews, salads, and some Indian restaurants offering vegetable curries. Calling ahead to small restaurants helps, and supermarkets stock vegetarian-friendly ready meals.
Availability is patchy—vegans and gluten-free travellers should bring snacks, use larger supermarkets in the East Rand or Johannesburg for specialty products, and confirm ingredients when ordering.
Halal food is available at selected eateries and many butchers; Kosher options are limited locally—seek services in larger Johannesburg suburbs or plan ahead.