Hitting the best nightclubs in Johannesburg can change your perception of African nightlife. There’s nothing like a Jozi night out. I have been fortunate enough to spend the last three months in Johannesburg and the greater South Africa – and I can assure you the party life here is on another level.
Johannesburg nightclubs are a mashup of African dance culture, 1st–world ambiance, indoor entertainment, and some of the most lively crowds you’ve ever seen. The party here never stops.
Once the clock hits 6 p.m. on a Friday, the tempo changes. Downtown Johannesburg takes on warm, inviting colors, and the drumming and humming intensify as midnight draws closer. It doesn’t matter if you are a tourist or a local. Jozi nights are one for the books.
The following are some of the best nightclubs in Johannesburg.
Kong Club Rosebank
My all-time favorite nightclub in Johannesburg is Kong Club Rosebank. It is undeniably one of the best nightclubs in Johannesburg. The entertainment establishment has a swanky and vibrant ambiance filled with neon lights and a menu of some of the hottest DJs in South Africa on the lineup.
Let’s face it. Clubbing has changed a lot over the years, and nowadays, it’s all about bottle service and VIP sections. People come to the club and sit down – what’s your sofa at home for? That’s boring! Kong Club Rosebank has changed this awful trend – it’s designed with a huge dancefloor, complete with neon lights to set the mood.
On Tuesdays, there’s no sitting down (unless you want bottle service). Once you get here, be prepared to dance the night out.
I recommend checking out this club on Saturday nights for the Kong Saturday Nights – you’ll love their commercial pop mixes and electronic dance. Best of all is the crowd – the most glamorous people I’ve met out at night in a long time.
Operating Hours: 9:00 pm – 5:00 am (Everyday).
Location: Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 11 447 0993; Email: info@kongsa.co.za.
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Montana The Club
The first night I went out in Jo’burg, everyone recommended that I check out Montana The Club. I’ll be honest. If I were a Johannesburg resident, I’d recommend the same.
Montana The Club has completely changed the nightlife in South Africa and Africa. There’s nothing like a Montana The Club night out – it’s bespoke, authentic, and on its level.
The first thing that caught my eye was the dancers—the dancers here are world-class! The management did a lot of research on what they offer. The mixes here are like nothing I’ve ever experienced. There’s the music on the decks, with a mix of live rapping and backup singers—it’s like a front-row seat at an exclusive concert but without the main stars.
You won’t meet shady people here—no one bothers the dancers. The crowd is down to have a good time, and the establishment delivers it perfectly. The first time I went to Montana The Club, I stayed from 10:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Operating Hours: 4:00 pm to 12:00 am (Weekdays and Weekends).
Location: 160 Jan Smuts Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg.
Contact: (+27) 79 937 4363; Email: info@montanatheclub.co.za; reservations@montanatheclub.co.za.
Taboo Night Club
Here’s the thing. I’d avoided going to Taboo Night Club in Johannesburg because I got the impression it was an establishment designed for people with fat pockets. But let’s be a little honest here, folks. Night clubs are not designed for thrifty people. There’s a reason why people go there to let loose.
Still, I didn’t want to be broke on my first week out in Johannesburg – and for that reason, I kept it off my list for a while. I’m glad I did. As they say, it’s better to save the best for last.
While Taboo Night Club isn’t the number one club, it’s one of the best nightclubs in Johannesburg. For starters, it’s been around for a long time. The establishment is experienced in adult entertainment, and I can confidently say you’ll get value for your money. The establishment also runs a fancy restaurant.
It’s common to meet an international celebrity on a random weekend night in Johannesburg—they love it here. Just prepare: the queues get long here, especially on Friday nights. I’d get a reservation, too, if you can afford it. Overall, Taboo Night Club is a must-go-to-night-out destination in Johannesburg.
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 pm to 4:00 am.
Location: 24 Central, Corner of Gwen Land, Fredman Dr, Sandton, 2192, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 11 783 2200; Email: info@taboo.co.za.
And Club
Here’s the thing – And Club is one of the best dance avenues in the world. Take it from someone who spends much time traveling and experiencing different cultures. The establishment is an exclusive nightclub in Johannesburg, and the sound makes it a premier establishment.
If you love dancing, you know poor sound can make your night out a terrible experience. And Club has invested a lot in its sound system. You can visit their website and feel what it feels like to party at this exclusive nightclub in Johannesburg.
The club has both indoor and outdoor seating, and the management has gone the extra mile to ensure that its patrons are safe. I thought the staff was extra interested in serving me because they thought I was a tourist, but later, I learned it’s the culture here.
And Club is perfectly situated in the heart of Johannesburg. They also have plenty of parking in case you decide to drive here. Street parking is free. I recommend visiting on Friday for TOYTOY.
Operating Hours: Every day, 8:00 pm to 5:00 am.
Location: 39 Gwigwi Mrwebi St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2113, South Africa.
Razzmatazz Nightclub and Beer Garden
Yes, you got that right—Razzmatazz Nightclub and Beer Garden are from ‘Razzle, Dazzle, Glitz and Glam.’ I had to ask the staff, and they confirmed it. This entertainment spot is one of the best nightclubs in Johannesburg and has remained at the center of Jo’burg’s nightlife culture over the years.
However, if you’re clubbing at this beer garden, you had better transport plan early – you’ll be safer driving there. Just make sure you have a designated driver. For starters, at the time of publishing this article, Hail App cabs are not allowed at the premises. You’ll need to use a meter taxi to a destination with hail app cabs.
Still, Razzmatazz Nightclub and Beer Garden have an awesome ambiance, great music, fantastic themed nights, and live band events.
I’d highly recommend going to this spot with a group of friends and acquaintances. What’s best is that they serve food at the club. It’s the perfect destination for a chilled night complete with music and friends. I always enjoy Saturday night outs at this spot.
Operating Hours: Every day, 10:00 am to 4:00 am.
Location: 52 Bok St, Hillbrow, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 79 102 8811; (+27) 60 429 44237; Email: info@razzmatazzclub.co.za
bookings@razzmatazzclub.co.za.
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E.S.P Night Club
If you want to meet Jozi’s urban crowd and get a feel for the city’s culture, I recommend checking out E.S.P Night Club. It is one of the best nightclubs in Johannesburg for its modern interior, great crowd, fancy displays, and entertaining themed nights.
It’s the sort of place you’d go and dance the night out. The roof is high, the neon lights are right, and the DJs check the crowd’s mood before popping tunes.
Johannesburg residents will tell you that E.S.P Night Club is one of those clubs they’ve grown up going to—it’s always been there (24 years), and it never disappoints. If you love Techno music, you need to check it out as soon as possible.
You don’t have to worry about your car here – there’s free curb-side parking at night. The staff is super friendly, and you can order whatever drinks you like – even canned beer! It’s undoubtedly the best night entertainment spot in Jozi, with a great vibe.
Operating Hours: Every day, 9:00 pm to 5:00 am.
Location: 84 Oxford St, Ferndale, Johannesburg, 2194, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 76 644 4943; Email:info@esp.co.za.
Club H2O Smile
If you are a sucker for cocktails like I am – then you need to check out Club H2O Smile. They also have a rooftop seating area to catch the Johannesburg skyline as you bump to your favorite tunes.
You’ll also love the ambiance and the club’s great vibe when the beat drops. When you get here, ask for JJ; he was our server and gave us the best service (prompt and super friendly).
Just make sure you make a reservation early. Club H2O Smile can get packed over the weekend—people come from throughout South Africa and even Botswana!
PS: This is a cash-only establishment – come prepared.
Operating Hours: Every day, 10:00 am – 2:00 am.
Location: 94 Coner Fox Street & Albrecht St, Jeppestown, Johannesburg, 2043, South Africa.
Contact: (+27) 84 544 1543.