Nightlife in Johannesburg - 24 Things to Do at Night

The city of Johannesburg is the epicentre of history, culture, and ideas, born and nurtured for decades. Thriving the test of time, it has bloomed and become a hotspot for travellers from all around to explore the culture of South Africa by living in Johannesburg. Needless to say, the happening nightlife of Johannesburg, from hopping from one bar to another club, experiencing lavish dinner nights to watching magical theatre shows - your time in this city is going to be glorious, 

Bars, Clubs, and Restaurants in Johannesburg

1. Living Room 

The living room bar is an urban oasis tucked away amid Johannesburg's picturesque splendour for all nature lovers. This rooftop café bar features a green setting and a spectacular 360-degree view of the metropolitan skyline. Along with a selection of traditional drinks like the margarita, mojito, living room sunset, whiskey sours, and sours, there is a wide variety of unique beers, including the black label, castle light, flying fish, and devil's peak lager. It offers a variety of beverages as well as foods like burgers, ice cream, homemade falafel balls, and stir-fried vegetables. The DJ and the crowd make Sunday nights in the living room even more enjoyable.

Location - 20 Kruger Street 5th Floor, Main Change Building, Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
Timings - 
Sunday - 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Monday to Wednesday - 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday to Saturday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Approx price for each - ZAR 150 

2. Six Cocktail Bar

The Six Cocktail Bar, located in Melbourne Joannesburg, is a longtime favourite and is entirely furnished with modern art. This pub attracts a wide range of customers, from young people to senior citizens, and is renowned for its various cocktails and vintage hip-hop and R&B music. The Excitabull, a blend of Red Bull, Stroh, and the traditional Six in the City namesake cocktail, is the most popular beverage. Along with magical pizzas and spaghetti, other must-have beverages include Legendary Long Island, Palindrome, or the classic margarita. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the pub by attending a free Monday night comedy show, a jazz performance on Wednesday with renowned local musicians, or a happy hour on Saturday.

Location - 7th Street, Melville at 3rd Avenue 2092 Johannesburg
Timings - 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Approx price for each - ZAR 150-200

3. Kitchener's Carvery Bar

Visit Kitchener's Carvery Bar, a century-old landmark located at 71 Juda Street in Johannesburg. The furnishings in this historic bar are entirely original, and it takes great pride in having the city's best DJs and a fantastic music policy. Thursday and Saturday nights are prime times for great live performances. Enjoy a ZAR 300 bottle of the renowned Lourensford Merlot or a ZAR 99 Robertson Chapel White. For about R 350, try the Graham Back Brut NV if you enjoy champagne. Only from Wednesday through Saturday, starting at 7:00 PM, do entry fees apply.

Location - 71 Juta St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
Timings - 12:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Approx price for each - ZAR 500

4. Pata Pata

Try the best south African cuisine from Pata Pata. The restaurant Pata Pata in Johannesburg is named after the famous Miriam Makeba song Pata Pata. The warmly lit ambience with live South African music will make your dinner even better. There is the delicious Pata Pata Burger with melted cheese and bacon, the chicken prego with red wine, coconut crema, bay leaf in a Portuguese roll, and a delicious seafood platter. If you want to try something light but tasty, jump in the salad bar comprising roast chicken salad, Caprese salad, greek salad, and whatnot. There is an unending list of curries, grills, and ribs to engage in the best flavours. Conclude your dinner with a classic African Brownie dream dipped in Amarula ice cream or the Oreo Peppermint Crisp Sundae.

Address - 286 Fox St, Jeppestown, Johannesburg, 2094, South Africa
Timings - 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Phone: +27 73 036 9031

5. Great Dane

The Great Dane bar in Braamfontein deserves special notice for its exquisitely crafted, 5-cent copper floor. The entire floor is built of five pennies, and there is a lively bar and courtyard across the way. A live DJ is spinning to keep you entertained, and a 1980s power ballad is playing in the background. Drinks like the Fruity Fix with Vodka, Long Island Iced Tea, Moscow Mule, Frozen Margarita, and many more are included in the extensive list. The house specialities are the bloody Mary and the Cuba Libra, made with dark rum cola and loads of lemons.

Location - 5 De Beer St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
Timings - 
Wednesday - 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM,
Thursday to Saturday - 12:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Approx price for each - ZAR 100

6. Alto234

From its 57th floor, the rooftop bar Alto234 offers an incredible view of Johannesburg. The Leonardo in Sandton, where this upscale bar in Johannesburg is situated, offers the city's best vantage point. At Alto234, savour the opulent Tapas menu and selection of speciality beverages, including cocktails, gin, whiskey, champagne, red wine, rum, rose wine, and white wine. The expanded lounge suite and dining sections are two of the bar's seven divisions. The Afternoon Experience runs from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, the Sunset Experience runs from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, and the Night Light Experience runs from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. It features a beautiful experience portion. There is a smart casual dress code.

Location - 75 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton, 2031, South Africa
Timings - 12:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Approx price for each - Entry Fee - ZAR 300 each

7. Marabi Club

From the exotic interiors to the exquisite fine dining menu, everything is fresh at the Marabi Club in Johannesbrug. Enter the club and get the vibe of the 1920s through its face-brick walls, art deco furniture, and historical images pinned in the walls. Marabi refers to the then-emerging urban culture in the slums of Joburg. Listen to some fantastic jazz beats and savour the fresh burrata served with Salva marcha. To add to the entertainment, there is a long bar featuring classic cocktails, and the restaurant can host up to 100 at a time. Do try the Marabi Kit Kat with homemade orange ice cream. A fine dinner at the Marabi club makes your Johannesburg experience worthwhile.

Address - Maboneng Precinct, 54 Siemert Rd, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2094, South Africa
Timings  -Thursday to Saturday - 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Phone: +27 10 591 2879

8. C4 Grill Lounge

The C4 Grill Lounge, located in the southern part of Johannesburg, gives you an exceptional experience with an endless selection of drinks right in the city's heart. The lounge bar's wild and captivating atmosphere is ideal for unwinding and enjoying the special DJ nights while sipping cocktails. There are numerous father alternatives in gin, vodka, brandy, and whisky, as well as the well-known Graham Beck Bliss Demi Sec NV and Krone Night Nectar at ZAR 300 and Sunkissed Natural Sweet White wine at ZAR 120. For only ZAR 60, you can receive a Mogodu Monday, a few beverages, and some meat platters.

Location - 18 Crownwood St, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, 2091
Timings - 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Approx price for each - ZAR 150

9. Sir James van der Merwe

Sir James van der Merwe is located in Kramerville and is part of Katy's Palace Bar. This venue was invented in Johannesburg with the sole quest of finding a perfect place to enjoy drinks. This converted warehouse space is decorated in a retro theme. Enjoy the buffet-style snack boards, the billiard table, and some local twists on the list of cocktails. One of the most looked-after events spaces in sandstone, a Wednesday night from 4 PM onwards at Sir James with the breathtaking view of the Sandstone Skyline is a must-experience.

Location - 6 Desmond Street, Johannesburg 2090, South Africa
Timings - Only on Wednesday from 4:00 PM onwards
Approx price for each - ZAR 200

Theatres in Johannesburg

Jump into the city's culture by enjoying some world shows at some of the largest theatres in the world located here in Johannesburg.

10. Johannesburg Theatre

Anybody visiting Johannesburg should know about the famous Joburg Theatre. It is located in Braamfontein and was established in 1962. This group of four theatres is situated here and is famous for hosting Broadway musicals and other homegrown productions. It also has six 5-star venues available for private bookings as well. From hosting Janice Honeyman's shows to classic children's production, an evening in the Joburg Theatre will be memorable for a long time.

Address - 163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
Phone: +27 11 877 6800

11. The Market Theatre

Founded in 1976 by Mannie Manim and Berney Simon, the Market Theatre is also known as the Lab. This theatre played a significant role during the apartheid and helped South Africa develop culturally. Often regarded as the Theatre of Struggle, it has hosted major plays such as Bopha Sophiatown, Born in RSA, and the Black Dog. Experience the essence of South Africa through exceptional performance in the Market Theatre.

Address - 56 Margaret Mcingana St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
Phone: +27 11 832 1641

12. Lyric Theatre

Have an experience of the luxurious Lyric Theatre in the heart of Johannesburg in the Gold Reef City Casino in Ormonde. Enter this grand theatre decorated with absolute luxury, which hosts out-of-the-world ballets, musical performances, comedy shows, and much more. This theatre has an 1100 seating capacity and is one of the best entertainment venues in Johannesburg. You can buy the tickets online or at the Box Office. It is open to families and kids. However, check prior as there can be restrictions on some shows for kids.

Address - Northern Park Way, Gold Reef City Casino, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2091
Phone - +27 11 248 5168 (Box Office) , +27 11 248 5229 (Box Office) , +27 11 248 5000 (Box Office)

13. Teatro in Montecasino

Get the best perception of the theatrical industry of Johannesburg by enjoying a show at the Teatro in Montecasino. Teatro organizes some of the most popular and world-class productions of all time, be it in music, dance, comedy, drama, or theatre itself. It was established in 2007 with the famous The Lion King performance, which ran for an uninterrupted stretch of 36 weeks. It has also organized famous productions like The Musical, Phantom of the Opera, War Horse, Sound of Music, and much more. It has a seating capacity of 1870 people and is one of 10 largest theatres worldwide. Please note that once the show starts, you cannot enter between. The doors open up to half an hour before the play.

Address - Montecasino, Teatro Road, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2055, South Africa
Phone: +27 11 510 7472
Timings -  Closed Monday, operational Tuesday to Sunday during show performances in evenings and weekends only

14. Roodepoort Theatre

Located in Florida Park, this theatre was earlier named the Promusica Theatre, boosting its rich history and heritage. It is the largest theatre venue in West Rand and has a seating capacity of approximately 100 people in the basement theatre and 330 in the main theatre. See the local Johannesburg culture and enigma through dance, drama, comedy, and musicals. The young audience keeps the spirit even more alive. 

Address: 100 Christiaan De Wet Rd, Florida Park, Johannesburg

Comedy and Entertainment in Johannesburg

15. Parkar's Comedy Club

Have you ever been a part of the Johannesburg comedy show? Visit the famous Parker's Comedy Club in Johannesburg. The city is exploring the stand-up comedy art form and bringing in some of the finest. There are both local and international shows. It is located in the Montecasino complex in Fourways and has a seating capacity of 280 people at a go. You can book your tickets online, as well. 

Address: 1-178 Montecasino Boulevard Magaliessig

16. Klitsgras Drumming

Experience an evening full of drum beats and whiskey shots at Johanneburg's exciting Klitsgras. You will get a fully stocked bar with various drinks to avoid, a fully functional coffee shop, exquisite fire-baked pizzas, and a fantastic ambience. You can visit the place with family and friends and experience all the facilities like a regular bar. Order your favourite food and rest in the arena to listen to drumming together. Fire dancers groove to the beats of the music, and percussionists and didgeridoo players make it more happening. If you want to hire a drum, you need your ID proof and R 40 per person per drum as a security deposit. Rest assured, your evening is going to be memorable.

Address - Garsfontein Rd, Tierpoort, 0056, South AfricaSaturday - 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM 

Night Markets in Johannesburg

17. The Greensider

If you are searching for a trendy place to hang out in Johannesburg, visit the Greensider market. The trendy look, decorated walls by the art of local artisans, and the exceptional availability of food are what you are searching for. You can find cocktails, craft beer, and get a sip of exquisite wine from Mish Mash. Several stalls are scattered around, delivering Belgian waffles, Balkan Burgers, fruit smoothies, and wraps. You can dine at the famous Mambo Latino or taste a different flavour from the Coconut Kitchen. There is a lot of seating arrangement available, making it a fun palace to mingle with the Johannesburg locals and enjoy the atmosphere.

Address: Johannesburg, 2034, South Africa
Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday - 10am - 11pm

18. 1Fox Market Shed 

Experience something very different than the usual Johannesburg at the 1 Fox Market shed, spread across an area from Newtown to Ferreirastown. The old historic warehouses are converted into remodelled stores filled with food, wine, and art. You can find cheesemakers, classic wine brewers, bakers, and wine stalls on every corner. Under the shed of this one enormous roof, taste the real Johannesburg with Dee Oysters and Champagne, cured meats at the Simone del Malva, and hot sizzling chorizo at Tico Tico. For wine, head towards the Good Luck Bar.

Address: 1 Fox St, Ferreiras Dorp, Johannesburg, 2048, South Africa
Opening hours: Saturday & Sunday - 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Last Friday of every month - 12pm - 10pm

19. Fordsburg Night Market

For a night stroll in the Johannesburg air, the Fordsburg Night Market is a perfect fit. This is an open-air market containing all things entertaining. You can find many Indian souvenirs here, like a DVD of Bollywood movies and authentic Indian snacks like samosas and tikkas. There is the vibe of an Indian flea market in the Fordsburg Night market. It serves you the best of biriyani, Pani puri, falooda, jalebi, and kulfi. To add to the fun and frolic, you can also hum to the tunes of known classical music. 

Address: Fordsburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm

20. 27 Boxes and Melville

Shop from the unique centre made up of a shipping container in Melville. It was a disused park that later transformed into boutique stores and restaurants. Walk into this shopping centre and find anything and everything from fashion to interior designers to artists to bakers. Get a glimpse of the local Johannesburg life and culture here. Check the vintage pop-up stores and enjoy a gulp of excellent Indian cuisine, cupcakes, cheesecakes, and tacos. Enjoy an eventful night with live music and fun shopping at the 27 boxes.

Address: 74 4th Ave, Melville, Johannesburg, 2109, South Africa
Opening hours: 5pm - 10pm

Nightlife for Couples in Johannesburg

21. Dinner at Old Rand

A fine dining experience at the historically famous Rand Club of Johannesburg is a must. Formed during the 1880s, this club was an important gathering place for all the gentlemen of the bygone era. The stained glass windows and the Edwardian style baroque make it a remarkable landmark in Johannesburg. The walls are still decked up with history, including the artwork of Queen Elizabeth II by Pietro Annigoni, which boosts the most extended bar counter in Africa. This is a private members club, but the excellent restaurant on the ground floor of the Main Bar is open for both outsider guests and members.

Address: 33 Loveday St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2107, South Africa
Hours: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Phone: +27 11 870 4260

22. Night at Pablo's House

Spend a luxurious time with your partner in Melville's exquisite boutique guest house. Pablo's house is hosted by famous singer Elzabe Zietsman and is in a breathtaking location overlooking the Koppies. Spend a night in this exotic location and sip the last bit of coffee with the warm sunset views. You can enjoy fine dining by booking the private dining area, the Glass Cage, with floor-to-ceiling window views. Freshly prepared food with slow music makes your date night a dream. The Pablo's House runs as a club, and a nominal fee of R 50 is charged.

Address:  3 4th Ave, Melville, Johannesburg, 2109, South Africa
Phone: +27 66 215 0993

23. Private Screening at the Bioscope

A once-in-a-lifetime experience in Johannesburg is enjoying a private screening at The Bioscope. Opened in 2010 in Maboneng, the location has shifted to 44 Stanley in Milpark near Melville. This intimate movie screening setup is perfect for a date night in Johannesburg. Movie screening included indie, documentary, and African movies. A regular French Film night is also organized to showcase movies beyond the language barrier. You can either join a private screening or book the entire Bioscope for your partner for an exclusive movie experience. 

Address - 44 Stanley Ave, Milpark, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
Phone: +27 61 900 4457

24. Old Johannesburg Warehouse

A romantic date night can readily become a vintage date night at the Old Johannesburg Warehouse. This is a gigantic auction house owned and managed by Christiaan Scholtz and his team, who have a combined 100 years of expertise in the business. The house generally organizes a two-day auction in a month, so do know the dates before you jump in to participate. If you love everything old and vintage, this is probably the dreamland where you can find fine art, collectables, jewellery, antique furniture, vintage wines and spirits, antique tools, and whatnot. This is one of South Africa's leading auction houses, and you cannot dare to question its reputation. Please find a way through the antiques or find a gift through it for your partner. 

Address: 29 Village Rd, Selby, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa

Johannesburg is high with entertainment, fun, and history; do not forget about the petty crimes happening in its nooks and corners. Enjoy a night walk, savour the local drinks, and experience world-class cuisine all in one place. Explore the wonderful land with precautions.