Unfortunately, this hectic metropolis is infamous for violent crime, and there aren’t many typical tourist attractions in the city centre. It’s recommended that visitors be especially vigilant whenever travelling around or through the city. The surrounding area has a lot to offer though; and if you hire a car or engage the services of a good tour guide, there’s a lot to be seen. A number of the suburbs have a good selection of cafes and restaurants, and galleries and shops specialising in contemporary African art and design. The townships, found just outside the city, provide a fascinating insight into the local social and cultural history: guided tours are available and popular. If you’re a sports fan, you won’t want to miss Ellis Park, the site of South Africa’s victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup – and home to the Gauteng Lions. The nearby athletics stadium hosted the 1999 IAAF World Cup; and Soweto’s FNB soccer stadium is also a principal venue for rugby matches. In the eastern suburbs there are many bars, clubs and other nightlife venues, but this is not an area that’s safe for tourists to visit – nor are the inner-city suburbs of Berea and Hillbrow. The best area to spend time in, where you can feel secure and enjoy yourself, is the northern suburban area – which boasts a large concentration of restaurants, shopping malls and accommodation options. If you’re making connections at the Johannesburg airport and need to stay overnight, or are just passing through, you’ll find a good range of hotel options near the airport. If you’re staying longer, and looking for accommodation options outside the city, the popular suburb Melville is a choice worth considering, as it offers the best of a small-town ambience with a vibrant nightlife and excellent dining choices. In addition to hotels, there are quite a few bed-and-breakfast inns here that couples and also families will find appealing. | 
