Johannesburg: Ponte Tower Tour & 51st Floor City Views

Summary

View Johannesburg from Ponte Tower’s heights then glimpse its hidden heart

You’ll stand high above Johannesburg on Ponte Tower’s 51st floor with city views stretching for miles, then step inside its hollow core for an unexpected new perspective. A local guide shares stories and history as you move through this iconic building—there’s something quietly powerful about seeing both its heights and depths.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I’d only seen Ponte Tower in photos before, that big hollow ring on the skyline. Didn’t expect to actually go inside, let alone up to the 51st floor. Our guide, Thabo, met us out front and just started chatting like we were old friends. He pointed out some graffiti tags on the concrete as we entered — “those are from the early ’90s,” he said, “when things were… complicated.” There was this echo in the lobby that made every footstep sound twice as loud. I remember thinking it smelled faintly like dust and something metallic, almost like a train station but quieter.

The elevator ride up felt weirdly long (or maybe I was just nervous?). When those doors opened at the top, though — wow. Johannesburg spread out in every direction. The windows weren’t spotless but honestly it made it feel more real. Thabo started telling us about how Ponte was once the tallest residential building in Africa — 173 meters tall — and you could kind of feel that history pressing in around you. He showed us Hillbrow below and told a story about his cousin growing up here. The city looked both huge and strangely close, all at once.

Then came the part I didn’t expect: we went right down into the core of the building. It’s open in the middle — hollow, like a giant concrete cylinder. The air changed; it got cooler and there was this echoey silence that made me whisper without really knowing why. Someone dropped their phone (don’t worry, just a few feet) and everyone laughed nervously. It wasn’t scary exactly, but definitely not what you’d get on a regular city tour.

I still think about standing there in that strange quiet space, looking up through all those floors stacked above me. If you want to see Johannesburg from an angle most people never do — literally and figuratively — this Ponte Tower tour is worth it. Plus Thabo knows everyone in the building; he waved at three different people on our way out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ponte Tower and its history

• View Johannesburg from 51st floor
• Listen to building history
• Explore the building's hollow core

Top questions

Is the Ponte Tower tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible during the tour.

How tall is Ponte Tower?

Ponte Tower is 173 meters tall and was Africa’s tallest residential building from 1975 to 2017.

Does the tour include entry to the core of Ponte Tower?

Yes, you’ll visit both the 51st floor for city views and descend into the building’s hollow core.

Is there a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a knowledgeable local guide leads your experience through Ponte Tower.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can join using a pram or stroller if needed.

Are service animals permitted on this tour?

Service animals are allowed throughout all areas of Ponte Tower during your visit.

Is this suitable for travelers with poor cardiovascular health?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes guided access to Ponte Tower’s upper floors and inner core with a friendly local expert; wheelchair users are welcome throughout all spaces; infants can join in prams or strollers; service animals are permitted too—just bring your curiosity along for this unique Johannesburg perspective.