We run Bridge Books and the African Book Trust. We're based in an underground literary hub, surrounded by 70 booksellers. Our work has been featured in The New York Times and, BBC. We focus on African literature and changing perceptions of South African reading habits. We partner with the Johannesburg Development Agency to rebrand as the Literary District.
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
4.9, · 59 reviews
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, · 3 days ago
A beautiful morning tour through the inner city, full of hidden gems. We wandered among many local book vendors, explored stunning historic buildings, and learned fascinating stories about the city. The time flew by—it was over before we knew it.
Babette
, · January 2025
We had a great time on the underground booksellers tour through the inner city! We learned a lot, not only about the bookselling industry in Johannesburg, but also about the history and current developments in the city. Can really recommend this tour!
Camille
, · December 2024
Our guide was very knowledgeable. Unfortunately we went during the holiday season so some of the booksellers were closed, but overall the tour was interesting and informative.
La-Vaughnda
Alexandria, VA
, · November 2024
This was a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting morning. Thando was a fabulous, warm and engaging host and made our tour extra awesome. We all felt safe and comfortable in a very clean and pleasant down town Johannesburg, I was taken aback by the lovely atmosphere and would love to experience more of Johannesburg away from the bubble of suburbia. I highly recommend this tour to locals and foreigners.
Susan
South Africa
, · September 2024
If you want to discover the bookish aspects of Joburg, this is the tour to take! Wandering around the neighborhood while learning more about second hand bookshops as well as historical facts and architecture, I had a great couple of hours in the city :)
Laura
, · July 2024
An incredible morning! The bookstores are the most varied, each with its own "soul", and Griffin knows both the bookstores and the city very well. Overall experience absolutely recommended.
Rachele
Some reviews have been automatically translated.
Things to know
Guest requirements
Guests ages 2 and up can attend.
Activity level
The activity level for this experience is light and the skill level is beginner.
What to bring
Small amounts of cash, to buy books on the street, Sunblock, Comfortable shoes
Accessibility
Access provider supported
Cancellation policy
Cancel at least 1 day before the start time for a full refund.
Art workshops are vetted for quality
Art workshops are led by artists, sculptors, and other experts, and showcase what makes the city unique. Learn more
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From $36 / guest
From $36 / guest
Free cancellation
Explore Johannesburg's underground book scene
4.9 · 59 reviews
What you’ll do
Meet at Bridge Books
Receive an overview of our work and the walk's plan
See religious seller
Visit where spiritual texts are sold in the neighborhood.
Explore site
Stand where the original Central News Agency building stood.
Explore markets
Discover books in vibrant, informal street markets.
City library
Learn about library's renovation and history (weekdays only)
2 hr 30 min experience in English
Where we’ll meet
28 Harrison St, by the indoor waterfall
Johannesburg, Gauteng 2001
About me
Bookseller and founder
We run Bridge Books and the African Book Trust. We're based in an underground literary hub, surrounded by 70 booksellers. Our work has been featured in The New York Times and, BBC. We focus on African literature and changing perceptions of South African reading habits. We partner with the Johannesburg Development Agency to rebrand as the Literary District.
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
Explore Johannesburg's underground book scene
Discover the vibrant, hidden world of street booksellers and it's literary history.
A beautiful morning tour through the inner city, full of hidden gems. We wandered among many local book vendors, explored stunning historic buildings, and learned fascinating stories about the city. The time flew by—it was over before we knew it.
Babette
, · January 2025
We had a great time on the underground booksellers tour through the inner city! We learned a lot, not only about the bookselling industry in Johannesburg, but also about the history and current developments in the city. Can really recommend this tour!
Camille
, · December 2024
Our guide was very knowledgeable. Unfortunately we went during the holiday season so some of the booksellers were closed, but overall the tour was interesting and informative.
La-Vaughnda
Alexandria, VA
, · November 2024
This was a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting morning. Thando was a fabulous, warm and engaging host and made our tour extra awesome. We all felt safe and comfortable in a very clean and pleasant down town Johannesburg, I was taken aback by the lovely atmosphere and would love to experience more of Johannesburg away from the bubble of suburbia. I highly recommend this tour to locals and foreigners.
Susan
South Africa
, · September 2024
If you want to discover the bookish aspects of Joburg, this is the tour to take! Wandering around the neighborhood while learning more about second hand bookshops as well as historical facts and architecture, I had a great couple of hours in the city :)
Laura
, · July 2024
An incredible morning! The bookstores are the most varied, each with its own "soul", and Griffin knows both the bookstores and the city very well. Overall experience absolutely recommended.
Rachele
Some reviews have been automatically translated.
Things to know
Guest requirements
Guests ages 2 and up can attend.
Activity level
The activity level for this experience is light and the skill level is beginner.
What to bring
Small amounts of cash, to buy books on the street, Sunblock, Comfortable shoes
Accessibility
Access provider supported
Cancellation policy
Cancel at least 1 day before the start time for a full refund.
Art workshops are vetted for quality
Art workshops are led by artists, sculptors, and other experts, and showcase what makes the city unique. Learn more