For a long time, Johannesburg's bad boy image has kept tourists away, but times are a-changing.
The City of Gold has taken first place in the Rough Guides' Top 10 Cities for 2015.
The reputable international travel guidebook selected "good places to explore". And Johannesburg - once known for crime, uninspiring museums and mine dumps - is its top place to visit.
Johannesburg bested other cities like Malaga in Spain, New Orleans in the US and Salta in Argentina.
Jeroen van Marle, one of the authors of the travel guide, said Johannesburg had undergone a number of recent changes that make it a great destination.
Said Van Marle: "There's the slow but steady transformation of the city centre, with better security, new parks, hotels, hostels, museums, monuments, walking and bike tours, and newly revived neighbourhoods with the lively markets in Maboneng and Braamfontein."
He added that the 2010 Fifa World Cup had helped to change perceptions about the city.
Perhaps the most important change, he said, was the revolution in public transport.
Van Marle said the Gautrain and Rea Vaya buses promote places and events along their routes.
While tourism offices have become better, the "increasing number of proud locals who blog about sights, events and food in the city" have provided excellent word-of-mouth advertising.
Said Van Marle: "I'm convinced that Johannesburg offers interested and well-informed visitors a unique experience; staying in the many characterful and good-value guesthouses rather than the business hotels."
He added that it was now easier than ever before to see the sights, buy some art and experience African culture on Johannesburg's busy streets.
Jozi is not the only unusual choice: The guide also recommends Iran, which has reported a 200% increase in tourist traffic from Europe, for its mountain scenery, bazaars and minarets.
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