G20 in Jozi: Luxury, culture and history await the world’s elite

While the world leaders and other elites are wrapped in high-profile engagements at the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit at The Johannesburg Expo Centre this weekend, a vibrant array of social and cultural experiences also awaits attendees.

From world-class amenities to cultural hotspots and scenic sites, Johannesburg is proud to showcase what draws millions of tourists to the city each year.

The elite experience combines high security and exclusivity, with sensitive traffic management and restricted access ensuring VIPs operate within a carefully controlled “bubble.” 

Luxury also meets diplomacy as elite-level gatherings seamlessly fuse business, high-end hospitality, and networking opportunities.

The summit also serves as a platform for soft power, allowing civil society to contribute to the broader agenda through the Social Summit and related engagements. VIPs will navigate between policy sessions and curated social events, creating high-value networking opportunities.

Hosting the G20 for the first time on African soil leaves local officials hoping to cement a legacy impact, with infrastructure and security investments potentially influencing how Johannesburg is perceived globally in the long term.

With this in mind, here are the top spots in Johannesburg for G20 guests to enjoy during their downtime this weekend:

Nasrec Expo Centre

As South Africa’s largest purpose-built exhibition and events venue, the Johannesburg Expo Centre will host all official summit proceedings. Located in the south of the city, near landmarks like the Apartheid Museum and Soweto, Nasrec is renowned for accommodating large-scale events, including major entertainment gatherings.

This weekend, its many conference rooms, facilities and event spaces will host high-level sessions where delegates will discuss sustainable economic growth, climate change, and other global priorities.

Sandton

This region in northern Joburg - widely referred to as “Africa’s richest square mile” - is a bustling centre for corporate headquarters, high-end retail and luxury living. 

Many VIPs are expected to stay in luxury hotels here, taking advantage of the area’s renowned fine dining and social venues.

Sandton will also serve as a hub for elite networking, as delegates mingle in stylish restaurants, lounges and curated social events, blending business and leisure in a cosmopolitan setting.

Soweto

If time permits, delegates may visit Soweto, gaining insight into South Africa’s rich history and ongoing transformation. Key landmarks include the Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum, commemorating the struggles of the past, and Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world that has been home to two Nobel Peace Prize laureates- Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

These visits offer VIPs a meaningful glimpse of Johannesburg’s heritage, complementing the summit’s modern, high-profile proceedings with cultural depth.