Johannesburg Pictures

A true metropolis, Johannesburg boasts tons of towering skyscrapers in its skyline. GalloImagesCLOSED Getty Images

There are multiple areas throughout the city that honor the late Nelson Mandela. In addition to a square that's named in his honor, the spirit of Madiba is seen in places like the Mandela House and outside his former Jo'burg law office, where a boxer-like statue of the leader stands as a reminder of his fighting spirit. Christine Smith/USNWR

For a glimpse of some African wildlife without leaving Jo'burg, plan to visit the Johannesburg Zoo. Everything from common species like African elephants and zebras to endangered African animals like white rhinos and gorillas can be seen here. Max Paddler Getty Images

Powerful exhibits – including race-specific entrances, a series of hanging nooses and seven exterior pillars representative of South Africa's post-apartheid constitution – paint a picture of the country's past at Johannesburg's Apartheid Museum. André-Pierre du Plessis Flickr

Built in 2012 to minimize road congestion between South Africa's major cities, Gautrain's high-speed rail system features 10 stations and traveling speeds of up to 99 mph. THEGIFT777 Getty Images

After Nelson Mandela's passing in 2013, visitors gathered from all over the country and world to honor the late South African president outside of his home in Houghton, Johannesburg. As part of South African culture, mourners left decorated rocks to honor the anti-apartheid leader. Christine Smith/USNWR

While this wildlife attraction does have its share of reptiles and small mammals, it's all about the birds at Montecasino Bird Gardens. More than 60 avian species can be found here, including scarlet ibises, Nicobar pigeons and rainbow lorikeets. Andy G Flickr

Bright textiles, animal sculptures made out of soda cans, telephone wire baskets and other unique items can be found throughout Johannesburg craft markets like the Rosebank African Craft Market and the Panorama Flea Market. ManoAfrica Getty Images

FNB Stadium – the largest soccer stadium in Africa – not only stands out because of its role as the site of 2010's FIFA World Cup Final, but also because of its unique circular shape. The structure is said to look like a calabash, an African pot that's made from a hollowed and dried calabash fruit. Nicole Castanheira Flickr

For a glimpse of South Africa's past alongside its political future, check out Johannesburg's Constitution Hill. Located less than 2 miles north of downtown Jozi, this must-see attraction includes an old fort once used as a prison and the Constitutional Court, South Africa's equivalent of the U.S. Supreme Court. Christine Smith/USNWR

For a larger-than-life depiction of Madiba, head to Nelson Mandela Square, where a towering bronze statue of the leader watches over one of South Africa's largest public squares. Julian Schroeder Flickr

Although many know about Nelson Mandela's legacy in South Africa, another famous leader once called Johannesburg home as well. Before peacefully leading multiple independence movements in India, Mohandas Gandhi lived in the Satyagraha House while working as a lawyer in Jozi. AFP/Stringer Getty Images

Offering a stark contrast to the adjacent Apartheid Museum, Gold Reef City, a gold mining-themed amusement park, includes attractions like a runaway train rollercoaster, a mine shaft freefall ride and a gold panning experience. Xander Buys Flickr

To experience the funkier side of Jo'burg, visit Maboneng Precinct. This trendy downtown neighborhood – which means "Place of Light" in the Sotho language – features an array of art galleries, restaurants and fashion boutiques. henkcoetzee Flickr

Even though much of Johannesburg has developed and stabilized since apartheid ended in 1994, income inequality is still evident in parts of the city, including Soweto, where permanent, multiroom homes sit within view of makeshift shanty towns. Christine Smith/USNWR

At night, Nelson Mandela Bridge illuminates the Johannesburg skyline with its vivid red, purple, green and white lights. THEGIFT777 Getty Images

Military enthusiasts cannot miss the South African National Museum of Military History, which features a military vehicles and aircraft collection, a small firearms display and exhibits dedicated to the Anglo-Boer War and World War I. Alan Wilson Flickr

Evidence of South Africa's gold mining prominence can be seen throughout the surrounding Jo'burg landscape. bucky_za Getty Images

Just 34 miles north of Johannesburg is Pretoria's Freedom Park, a national memorial dedicated to all who died during South Africa's liberation struggles. Inside, travelers can visit the Wall of Names, //hapo museum and the Garden of Remembrance, a meditation space that features a boulder, plants and soil from each South African province. Christine Smith/USNWR

Nelson Mandela and his family lived in this home on and off for 50 years. The Mandela House now sits as a public heritage site and museum for those eager to learn more about the former president's life before his imprisonment at Robben Island. South African Tourism Flickr

Located in Jozi's central business district, Gandhi Square and its bronze sculpture of revolutionary leader Mohandas Gandhi lies adjacent to the city's first court building, where Gandhi fought cases. Carsten aus Bonn Flickr