Where to Party in Johannesburg
BRINING THE NIGHT TO LIFE
A night out in the vibrant city of Johannesburg promises to provide plenty of entertainment. Whether you are after a live DJ playing all your favorite tracks or a lively club to sip delicious cocktails with friends, the City of Gold has plenty to offer.
Many popular nightclubs employ a strict dress code to maintain a trendy atmosphere and put-together crowd. So, ensure you are correctly dressed in appropriate footwear, including dressy men’s shoes or stylish heels, to avoid disappointment at the door.
Truth
Truth is an incredibly popular nightclub located along Old Pretoria Road in Midrand. It regularly features top local and international DJs, cementing itself as one of South Africa’s best entertainment spots for over a decade.
Those looking for a good party can expect a wide range of electronic music across the multiple dance floors, creating an unbeatable vibe good enough to keep the party going well into the early hours of the morning.
Chaf Pozi
Chaf Pozi, located in bustling Soweto, is an authentic restaurant and bar hugely popular among the locals. The venue was initially established to create a space for Jo’burgers to come together and enjoy home-grown music, Shiza Nyama (a local style of barbecuing), and refreshingly cold beer.
For anyone wanting to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and community of Soweto, this should be the first stop of your journey. The communal seating arrangement and hospitable nature of the welcoming regulars will leave you with new friends before the night is over.
Eighty Six Public
Eighty Six Public is a trendy restaurant that has become known for its mouth-watering pizzas and delicious drinks. But once dinner has been wrapped up, it transforms into a vibrant hotspot, with plenty of craft beer and an extensive cocktail menu to keep everyone in the party mood.
For anyone looking for the perfect Friday night dinner-turned-into-drinks location, look no further. Furthermore, there are plenty of other bars within walking distance if you are in the mood for a pub crawl.
E.S.P Night Club
E.S.P Night Club has been a leader in underground clubbing for over 23 years. It is regarded as the longest-running nightclub in South Africa and has always maintained the belief that superior clubbing is its main priority.
It is the perfect location for lovers of house music and trance music to meet and enjoy international DJs and local music makers. Situated along Oxford Street in Ferndale, it is one of the oldest entertainment spots in the city.
Randlords
Randlords is a bustling club located in the heart of Johannesburg. It is situated 22 floors above ground and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city’s skyline. The incredible atmosphere and lively party scene make it one of the top nightclubs in Braamfontein, Joburg.
The club is styled with predominantly glass walls, providing an uninterrupted view of the vibrant city down below. Sip on your favorite cocktail while dancing the night away with friends to all the latest local and international hits.
Sir James Van Der Merwe
Sir James Van Der Merwe is a club that is part of Katy’s Palace and is open every Wednesday from 4 pm until late. It has become a ritual for many as an after-work meeting place, where many patrons usually end up staying until closing time.
The stylishly decorated bar serves delicious platters and every drink you could possibly think of, acting as the perfect bridge between the start of the week and the upcoming weekend. To avoid queuing for ages, plan to arrive early, as the club caters to many of Johannesburg’s urban elite.
Beefcakes
Beefcakes, in Illovo, is the ultimate hotspot for a girl’s night out and bachelorette parties. The interior is styled around the classic 1950s diner setting, and patrons are treated to golden oldies blasting over the speakers, attentive and attractive waiters who ensure your glass is never empty, and incredible interactive entertainment.
To guarantee a spot for your next evening out with friends, be sure to book in advance, as seats sell out fast. The venue charges a cover fee, which includes delicious hamburgers and a delightful drag show.
Kong
Kong, located along Cedar Road in Rosebank, is the brainchild of nightclub mogul Stephane Cohen, who has proven time and time again how to get the most out of a party venue. This trail-blazing hot spot has been designed to amplify a lively atmosphere.
For those looking for good music, Kong should be one of the top venues to consider. Come prepared to dance the night away to a wide variety of different genres, celebrating local talent and international hits.
Chicago’s Piano Bar
Chicago’s Piano Bar in Duiker Street, Randpark Ridge, describes itself as a ‘1920s Gatsby-themed adult party playground.’ It has an old-school entertainment atmosphere that is guaranteed to appeal to an older crowd, with an elegant wine-and-dine vibe throughout the venue.
The establishment has a 21 and over age policy, with a bar situated downstairs and a cigar lounge one floor above. Additionally, pool tables and big screens are dotted around to ensure you never miss the big game while out with friends.
