Said to be the entertainment capital of South Africa, Johannesburg is home to some of the most prestigious and trendy nightclubs in Africa.

Whether you’re looking to take it easy and sip on a few cocktails after work or you’re raring to hit the dance floor, Jol’burg has it all. And lucky for you, we’ve got the top clubs, bars, pubs and lounges listed for you right here!

Don’t forget to check out the latest events happening in Johannesburg today

Take a look at the very best nightlife that Jol'burg has to offer. You won't be disappointed.

Sandton

Because Sandton is its very own melting pot of entertainment, we decided to give it its very own article.

• Click here to take a look at the most comprehensive list of clubs, pubs, lounges and bars in Sandton

Harem

Said to be one of Africa’s finest clubbing venues, Harem caters specifically to Johannesburg's sophisticates. With more VIP space, more refinement and more elegance, Harem prides itself on keeping up with international design and entertainment trends.

The venue is fitted with a state-of-the-art sound system and it has different tiers to cater to the clubbing needs of top celebrities from around the globe.

• When:
  • Thursday - Saturday: 10pm - 4am
• Contact Number: 011 447 0203
• Address: 160 Jan Smuts Ave, Corner 7th Ave & Design District
• More Info: Website

Carfax

Said to be one of the best inner city clubs in Joburg, Carfax is a cultural studio and event hub. This spot has been host to handfuls of performers, fine artists, DJs and musicians and holds true to the dynamic and diverse history of the venue. If you’re looking for more than just a good night out, Carfax promises to enrich your experience with unmatched creativity and diversity.

The venue is available for booking for other creative disciplines such as workshops, birthday parties and theatre productions.

• When:
  • Subject to event type
• Contact Number: 011 834 9187
• Address: 39 Gwigwi Mrwebi St, Newtown
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: Carfax

Truth

Situated at the old snake park in Midrand, Truth is Joburg’s ultimate dance club if you’re craving a night of rhythm and dance. At Truth, you can experience a wide range of electronic music, featuring top local and international DJs.

There are multiple dance floors and parties go on until the early hours of the morning. It’s a cornerstone of the Johannesburg clubbing scene.

• When:
  • Saturdays: 10pm- 6am
• Contact Number: 011 315 9295
• Address: Old Pretoria Rd, Midrand
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: Truth

Madison Avenue Rivonia

Madison Avenue is one of the best clubs in Johannesburg. They play mostly house and commercial music and offer a safe place to party the night away.

• When:
  • Thursday - Saturday: 8pm - 2am
• Contact Number: 011 234 4484
• Address: 19 Wessel Rd, Johannesburg
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: Madison Avenue Rivonia

Hush

Hush is your one stop destination for opulence in a nightclub. It’s the ideal venue for those of you who enjoy swaying along to SA top DJs. Hush invites you to come relax and unwind with Johannesburg elite; truly a social hub and gathering spot.

• When:
  • Thursday - Saturday: 9pm-Late
• Contact Number: 011 447 1082
• Address: 160 Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg
• More Info: Website

Kong

Kong is your ultimate music showcasing venue of the latest tracks spun by the best DJs. Friday nights are dedicated to Urban music whereas Saturdays have an electro dance feel. Owner Stephane Cohen has years of experience in the nightclub industry and owns other popular venues in JHB. If you ask any local where to party they are sure to mention Kong.

• When:
  • Friday - Saturday: 9pm-5am
• Contact Number: 011 447 0993
• Address: Cedar Road and Willow Road, Fourways
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: Kong

Randlords

One of the few nightclubs that are open during the day, Randlords comes alive at night. With ample safe secure parking you can party the night away knowing your belongings are safe. Boasting 360 degree views of the city below this venue stands 22 floors above sea level, overlooking the city below. A glass to glass walled venue, providing a floating in the clouds feel.

• When:
  • Subject to event type
• Contact Number: 011 087 7200
• Address: 22nd floor South Point Towers, 41 de Korte St, Braamfontein
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: Randlords

The Manhattan Club

This multi-level venue boasts eclectic DJ sets and a state of the art sound system that promises an unforgettable clubbing experience. The design is elegant and slick with a touch of class and sensuality. From current hits to old time classics, a night out at Manhattan will leave your foot tapping all week.

• When:
  • Thursday - Saturday: 8pm - 4am
• Contact Number: 011 803 7085
• Address: 19 Wessels Road, Rivonia
• More Info: Website

Great Dane

This quirky, non-commercial, party bar is a favourite in the Braamfontein nightlife scene! It offers good food (particularly the gourmet hot dogs), good drinks and most importantly, a good vibe.

With floors paved in coins and DJ booths made out of old briefcases, a night out at Great Dane will have you lapping up the good times!

• When:
  • Wednesday: 7pm - 4am
  • Thursday - Saturday: 12pm - 4am
• Contact Number: 011 403 1136
• Address: 5 De Beer St, Braamfontein
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: Great Dane

E.S.P Night Club

E.S.P is one of SA’s longest running nightclubs and a pioneer in the global and local dance/electronic music scene. This club is without a doubt the largest importer of international DJ talent to South Africa, having brought out many International DJs to our beautiful country including new generation’s music (house and trance music) in 1996.

• When:
  • Saturdays 10pm till late
• Contact Number: 078 601 1787
• Address: 84 Oxford Street, Ferndale
• More Info: Website

Keen for more of a chilled night out? Then take your pick on the bars, pubs and lounges on offer.

The Orbit - Jazz Bar

Braamfontein is a booming and dynamic part of Johannesburg that is home to The Orbit. This bar is a venue for jazz musicians to show off their skill while customers enjoy a drink or bite to eat.

• When:
  • Sun-Thurs, 7pm - 2am
  • Fri-Sat, 5pm - 2am
• Contact Number: 011 339 6645
• Address: 81 De Korte St, Braamfontein
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: The Orbit

Good Luck Bar - Live Music

The Good Luck Bar is a live music and food venue. They have some of the best local and international acts performing and have become a local hangout for the open-minded liberal crowd. A night at the Good Luck Bar promises good food, good music and good fun.

• When:
  • Monday - Saturday: 10am - 12am
  • Sunday: 10am - 6pm
• Contact Number: 084 683 4413
• Address: 1 Fox St, Johannesburg
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: Good Luck Bar

Kitchener's Pub

Local pub by day and party hotspot by night, Kitchener’s progressive and varied music policy means that you get to experience performances by some of the best local and international DJs right here in Jo’burg. It is also an audiophile's heaven as the venue boasts one of the best sound systems anywhere in South Africa! Come for a night of excellent booming music.

• When:
  • Monday - Thursday: 10am - 2am
  • Friday - Saturday: 10am - 4am
  • Sunday: 10am - 12am
• Contact Number: 011 403 0166
• Address: 71 Juta St, Johannesburg
• More Info: Website

Ace and Pearl

In the upmarket neighbourhood of Craighall, you will find Ace + Pearl wine bar. The venue sports exposed brick interiors and minimalist design, drawing focus to the wines which are interesting, unusual and change regularly. With exquisite tasting menus and top-tier wines sold by the glass or bottle, this venue caters to the more discerning wine lover.

• When:
  • Tuesday - Thursday: 5pm-10pm
  • Friday: 3pm-11pm
  • Saturday: 2pm-10pm
• Address: Albans Square, Randburg
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: Ace and Pearl

Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar

The Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar in Rosebank, unsurprisingly, offers cocktails and drinks of the bubbly kind. Housed in the Tsogo Sun Hotel, it's a funky place to enjoy modern bar snacks, great views of Johannesburg and, of course, a well-earned drink.

• When:
  • Breakfast: 6:30am-10:30am
  • Lunch: 12pm-3pm
  • Dinner: 6pm-10pm
  • Closure: 12am
• Contact Number: (011) 344 8442
• Address: 4th Floor, 54 Bath Street, Rosebank
• More Info: Website

The Landmark

The Landmark cocktail bar in Bryanston is inspired by landmarks throughout Johannesburg from the Rissik Street post office to the famous Vilakazi Street. Their menu focuses on classic cocktails, but also includes an extensive wine list and focused beer list.

• When:
  • Tuesday - Saturday: 12pm-2am
  • Sunday: 12pm-7pm
• Contact Number: 011 463 5081
• Address: Bryanston Shopping Centre, Sandton
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: The Landmark

Hell's Kitchen

If mainstream isn’t your vibe, Hell’s Kitchen in Melville might just be. Borrowing from the 1920s New York speakeasy, with easy jazz and epic rock music, Hell’s Kitchen is a getaway from the masses.

Live music on the weekends, a saloon-style menu, an impressive selection of wines, whiskeys and cocktails, plus a secret poker room behind a conveniently placed bookcase all adds to the allure of this sought-after destination.

• When:
  • Daily 12pm-11pm
• Contact Number: 079 980 9591
• Address: 4 7th Street, Johannesburg
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: Hell’s Kitchen

Churchills Bar

Bringing the ambience and vibe of an upmarket British bar, Churchills welcomes people from all walks of life to enjoy their spot. With its stylish British décor, and commitment to quality food and service, Churchills attracts the trendsetters and on-the-rise go getters of Johannesburg's thriving upmarket scene.

With an array of the finest cigars, one of the largest selections of single Malts, Premium Whiskeys and Champagnes, connoisseurs will not be disappointed.

• When:
  • Tuesday - Sunday: 3pm till late
• Contact Number: 011 684 1040
• Address: Shop 52 upper level, Galleria Piazza, Melrose Arch
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: Churchhills Bar

Rumours Lounge

Rumours Lounge is one of the most renowned premier live entertainment venues in the North West Rand. From Rock n' Roll, Blues to Metal and Contemporary Music.

They exist to promote Great South African music and musicians. The Lounge provides a comfortable environment for patrons to enjoy great food and drinks at the best prices.

• When:
  • Daily from 4pm
• Contact Number: 079 825 7995
• Address: Corner Weltervreden Road & Valley Lane
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: Rumours Lounge

Chicago’s Piano Bar

Chicago's is a 1920s themed wine-dine-and-dance venue for the +21 age group. Sundays are family days where they offer great pub lunch specials. This quirky venue specialises in bachelorettes, 30ths, 40ths, 50ths, 60ths and corporate functions.

The Piano Bar is situated downstairs- with a stage, fireplace, dance floor and themed bar. Al Capone's Cigar bar: (located upstairs) is complete with pool tables, big screens and slot machines. All areas have been designed to cater to dine parties, dance parties or cocktail parties.

• When:
  • Daily
  • Live entertainment: Tuesday - Saturday night; Sunday afternoon
• Contact Number: 011 794 3383
• Address: Honey Crest shopping Centre Cnr Beyers Naude and Duiker st
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: Chicago’s Piano Bar

Bohemian Pool and Pizza Bar

The Bohemian is one of the oldest live music venues in Jo’burg! Home to the more non-traditional lifestyle of students, artists, writers, musicians and actors - “The Bo” is nothing less than an institution to the Johannesburg entertainment scene.

• When:
  • Daily
• Contact Number: 011 482 1725
• Address: 167 Perth Road, Westdene
• More Info: Facebook

SIX Cocktail Bar

Set in the heart of Melville lies this trendy restaurant and cocktail bar that offers a 7 hour long happy hour! With over 60 cocktails and an array of tasty meals to choose from, SIX always offers a good time in a vibey atmosphere.

• When:
  • Daily from 12pm - 2am
• Contact Number: 083 623 7950
• Address: 57th Street Melville
• More Info: Website

Milk Bar

Located in the heart of Kamerville, lies this quaint coffee shop that turns into a bar in the evenings .The venue is cozy, quirky and offers you the chance to escape the bustle of the city into a quiet fairy lit sanctuary. This old school spot is full of character and is a definite must see!

• When:
  • Monday- Friday: 6:30am - 8pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: 8:30am - 3pm
• Contact Number: 072 641 8977
• Address: 6 Desmond Street, Kamerville
• More Info: Facebook
• Latest Events: Milk Bar

Katy’s Palace Bar

Drawing inspiration from the great palaces of India and the towers and turrets of the Sandton Skyline, Katy’s Palace is one of Joburg’s foremost attractions catering to the urban royalty, fashionable courtiers and aristocrats of fun. Keeping with tradition, the hall and well-appointed guest area play host to parties, weddings, private functions, exhibitions and markets.

The Sir James Van Der Merwe Bar is open every Wednesday Night from 4pm and boasts a concoction of old time charm infused with laid back sophistication with a hint of Joburg.

• When:
  • Subject to Event
  • Saturday & Sunday: 8:30am - 3pm
• Contact Number: 072 607 4235
• Address: 6 Desmond Street, Kamerville
• More Info: Website
• Latest Events: Katy’s Palace Bar

Joburg is your comprehensive entertainment venue. With a nightlife that boasts class, variety and opulence, a night out on the town in Jozi never fails to disappoint!

Our vision at Vibescout is to provide the most relevant, current, and comprehensive information.

If you feel we've missed something amazing or have any suggestions regarding our system, we would love to hear from you! Contact: info (at) vibescout.com