The 12 best clubs and nightlife in Johannesburg

Lolita's is the pulse of Bryanston's nightlife. Set within Rockets Bryanston, Lolita's is an exclusive and immersive club floor that boasts cutting-edge technology and a vibrant, electrifying atmosphere.

The venue is a visual spectacle with a 360-degree DJ booth and a massive 18.5m by 4m LED screen that spans the entire ceiling (it honestly never gets old and mesmerises me every time I see it). This feature is said to be the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. This state-of-the-art audio-visual setup creates a truly unforgettable sensory experience.

The bar at Lolita's offers a premium selection of top-tier champagnes, wines, and expertly crafted signature cocktails. For those who want to relax or socialise in smaller groups, there are private booths and VIP areas available. Lolita's is where the party truly comes to life, cementing Rockets Bryanston's reputation as a premier destination for both dining and nightlife.

Address: 86 Hobart Centre, Hobart Rd, Bryanston

A coveted night-time destination, Monarch’s reputation precedes it. Luxury announces itself upon arrival as you are welcomed by the bouncers, but be sure to look the part as you enter one of Johannesburg’s best night-time spaces. The ambiance is opulent whether you find yourself at the bar or cushioned within the confines of the VIP tables that the establishment offers. Get ready to pop several bottles that will arrive donning sparklers, announcing your elite status to those with eyes. All that’s left for you to do is raise several raucous toasts, and sip and dance the night away.

A boundary-pushing gem in the heart of Johannesburg’s inner city precinct will offer an experience that will set all your inhibitions free... with no cellphone or camera in sight. So dance like nobody's watching. AND Club is a multiple-space treasure trove of edge that will keep your eyes, ears and lips entertained through the night with a diverse offering of techno and deep house soundscapes. You will feel like you’ve entered the ultimate secret gathering of fusion and euphoria that permeates the dancefloors and your fellow dancers, too.

When the night finds you in pursuit of the truth, then this is your ultimate destination. Home to real party-goers, Truth Night Club in Midrand offers the ultimate night out in the city. The blaring beats and the dazzling lights are sure to carry you until sunrise. This is where Johannesburg’s multicultural canvas of socialites and trendsetters meet. If you happen to walk in with problems, by the time you leave you are sure to have none.

When in Joburg, it is best to party as the Joburgers do. If you are looking for 'cool kid central' and even cooler sounds, then look no further. Twenty Twenty Club at Hallmark House is a Johannesburg inner city destination that achieves a balance of relaxed sophistication and pure unbridled fun. The bar boasts an impressive variety and does an outstanding job at whipping up your cocktail of choice. You might get lost in panoramic views of Johannesburg. Take it all in and don't be afraid to go be the Beyonce of the dancefloor near the DJ booth - you’ll be surprised when others decide to join in right behind you.

Sognage stands out as a beacon of originality in Johannesburg’s nightlife. A genre-defying sanctuary for the young and the restless, this alternative live music space is a pulsating riot of passion, people and pleasure. Every weekend unveils a masterclass in versatility and offers a bold line-up of bands, musical artists and DJs. Mingle and get lost in the soul of live performances, but most importantly, live and rise in the moment that only a night at Sognage can offer.

Okio isn’t just an experience, it’s a lifestyle. A sought-after night-time destination, Okio offers effortless chic and exclusivity. Located in the upscale Sandton area, the lounge ambiance dishes out all of the finery that city living has to offer. This is where the who’s who of Johannesburg gather, where every evening becomes an occasion. What sets it apart is the meticulous attention to detail within the styling of the interior. While the champagne flows, the music is sure to make you get on your feet. This is what partying in the richest square mile in Africa is all about.

Fun seekers and night prowlers assemble. Slip into your best outfit and let the streets of Rosebank take the lead. Louis in Rosebank is where the magic happens after dark. An electric energy greets you upon arrival that lets you know that your night is about to turn into an adventure to remember. Allow yourself to be cocooned in endless conversation and gyrating waists. Don’t be at all surprised if by the time the music quietens and your night comes to a heady conclusion, it is the sunrise of a new day that greets you as you make your way back where you came from.

If you ever find yourself searching for a dancefloor that will feel like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow or even biting into the proverbial forbidden fruit, Babylon in Sandton is where you ought to be. A leading liberal nightclub in Sandton, this is where you shake it all off to the trendy upbeat sounds of the time. The sparsely clothed men behind the bars are bound to catch your eye, but stay focused on your beverage of choice that you plan on having. This is where you bring out all your sequins and all the sparkle that your soul can muster and dance your heart out.

If you are ever looking for a DJ and a nightclub to save your life… Liv should be the dazzling first choice. A trendy Sandton gem, you are bound to rub shoulders with several Stella’s getting their groove back within the plush establishment. Intentionally designed to transport you into nights that your dreams are made of, the atmosphere is exclusive yet equally welcoming. Boasting some of Sandton’s best bottle service, allow your spirit to become lubricated through the night. There's always more where that came from as the nightclub offers headlining DJs and features starlets to set an unrivalled musical mood.

Boasting a chic, upmarket ambiance, Katzy’s offers a mature night out on the town. Nestled in Johannesburg’s trendy Rosebank hub is a gem that offers pockets of magic for everyone. You will be transported into an urban playground that mixes bold taste, sleek decor and a leafy terrace for toasts, gossip and shaking of the hips... if you are that way inclined. Want to roll squad deep? Want a cutesy oh-so-demure date night? Katzy’s offers a musical experience to remember with jazz brimming at its soul on select evenings.

While they have cherished their time tucked away in the glitzy heart of Illovo, the Gallery Art Bar is now embracing a dynamic pop-up model, bringing their unique blend of culture and mixology to new and exciting spaces. Their inaugural pop-up takes over Lotus in Rosebank, expanding their canvas to accommodate 1,000 guests. Expect the same vibrant energy and masterful experience you've come to love, now amplified with a modular setup featuring three bars and a festival atmosphere. The air of youth and creativity remains palpable, as aesthetes, curious explorers, socialites and anyone seeking a good time can still let their hair down as the night unfolds. The gallery awaits…