After dark · Johannesburg, South Africa
14 Best Bars & Nightlife Spots in Johannesburg
From first aperitivo to last call, this is Johannesburg after dark, ordered by the travelers who went.
Order reflects real review volume, out of 56 tracked Johannesburg places. Refreshed monthly.
The 11th Floor Restaurant
BarFree entryThe 11th Floor Restaurant is a stylish bar and dining venue perched on the 11th floor of the Alpha building in Bedfordview, Johannesburg.
Read our full guide →Marble Restaurant
BarMarble Restaurant is a premier dining destination in Johannesburg's Rosebank neighborhood, celebrated for its exceptional steaks and refined bar experience.
Read our full guide →San Deck, Bar & Restaurant
BarFree entrySan Deck, Bar & Restaurant sits atop the Sandton Sun Hotel in the heart of Johannesburg's financial district, offering a sophisticated escape with sweeping views of the city's skyline.
Read our full guide →Shakers Cocktail Bar
BarFree entryShakers Cocktail Bar is a dynamic nightlife spot located on Commissioner Street in the Jeppestown area of Johannesburg.
Read our full guide →Hogshead Illovo
BarFree entryHogshead Illovo is a lively gastropub located in the Illovo Muse complex on Oxford Road, a bustling commercial area.
Read our full guide →The Radium Beerhall
BarThe Radium Beerhall is a Johannesburg institution, located on Louis Botha Avenue in the Orange Grove neighborhood.
Read our full guide →A Streetbar Named Desire
BarFree entryA Streetbar Named Desire is a unique bar in Johannesburg's trendy Parkwood area, drawing inspiration from Tennessee Williams' play.
Read our full guide →Sin+Tax
BarSin+Tax is a popular cocktail bar located at the corner of Bolton Road and Jan Smuts Avenue in the upscale Rosebank neighborhood of Johannesburg.
Read our full guide →Jo'Anna Melt Bar
BarFree entryJo'Anna Melt Bar is a vibrant and eclectic bar located on 7th Street in Melville, one of Johannesburg's most lively and artistic neighborhoods.
Read our full guide →Sir James Van Der Merwe
BarFree entrySir James Van Der Merwe is a popular bar located in the creative hub of Kramerville, Johannesburg.
Read our full guide →Smoking Kills
BarFree entrySmoking Kills is a bar in the vibrant Melville area of Johannesburg, South Africa. The name is provocative and memorable, setting the tone for a no-nonsense drinking establishment.
Read our full guide →Alto234
BarAlto234 is a stylish rooftop bar perched on the 34th floor of the Sandton Skye building in Sandown, Sandton.
Read our full guide →Opera Bar Lounge
BarFree entryOpera Bar Lounge sits atop the Rosebank Hotel in Johannesburg, offering sweeping views of the city skyline and the distant Magaliesberg mountains.
Read our full guide →Obscura
BarTucked away on Oxford Road in the trendy Rosebank neighborhood, Obscura is a dimly lit cocktail bar that feels like a secret escape from Johannesburg's bustling streets.
Read our full guide →
How we pick these
Bars, pubs and nightlife in Johannesburg ranked by how highly people rate them, drawn from the 56 places we track. Updated monthly.
Good to know
Most bars in Johannesburg fill up later in the evening rather than right after work.
A few rooftop and cocktail spots have a smart-casual door policy.
Check the last metro or line up a ride before a late night out.
Common questions
Where is the nightlife in Johannesburg?+
This list ranks the best-rated bars and nightlife spots in Johannesburg so you can find the right area for the night you want.
What time do bars close in Johannesburg?+
Closing times vary by venue and neighborhood; late-night spots are noted where we have hours.
Is Johannesburg good for a night out?+
Yes — from relaxed pubs to late bars, the highest-rated options are all here.
Rather have a human do the planning? A Local Friend can build this day for you, at local prices.