Johannesburg's Best Bars

Johannesburg has no shortage of bars and the variety includes hipster hangouts, rooftop venues perfect for sundowners, high-end wine bars and much more. Here’s our round-up of ten of the best.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Crafter’s Rooftop Bar

Crafter’s Rooftop Bar is situated at The Factory on Grant in Norwood, and is a trendy space that promotes local artists, musicians and designers. As such, the venue is buzzing with creativity and is one of the best rooftop bars in Johannesburg to enjoy the sunset and delicious craft drinks.

Giles opened in 1994 and generally attracts an upmarket clientele

Giles, situated in Craighall Park, is a popular watering hole for after-work drinks and the bar has a restaurant attached, so there’s always the option of having dinner if the alcohol starts flowing too freely. The outside deck area is packed with young professionals on most afternoons so get there early.

Jo’Anna Melt Bar

The bar is a great place to meet new people

Jo’Anna Melt Bar in Melville has an authentic feel to it as it’s a bar where you can simply sit down and have a drink while listening to great music. The long parquet bar in the middle of the space eventually attracts all the patrons to it and ultimately strangers and friends all end up sitting together. Also, every food item on the menu has melted cheese on it, what more could you ask for?

Kitcheners

Every Tuesday the bar hosts a comedy evening

This old-school bar opened in 1906 and is the hub of Johannesburg’s local music scene. Kitcheners prides themselves on having the most progressive music policy in the country and the best DJs (local and international) support them. The atmosphere inside is super relaxed, and is ideal for enjoying an exciting night out in the city’s CBD.

Sir James van der Merwe

Sir James VDM has an old time charm to it with modern touches added in

This is the place to be on Wednesday evening, but be sure to get there early as it gets busy fast. Set in Kramerville in an industrial style building, the bar is decorated with warm, eclectic pieces and African accessories – it even has a billiard table. Remember, Sir James VDM is only open on Wednesday evenings from 4pm, and it’s wise to take the next day off work.

The Landmark

The Landmark is a richly decorated bar drawing inspiration from Johannesburg’s inspiring landmarks, like the Public Library and the Rand Club. Their cocktail menu is impressive with drinks created around, once again, Johannesburg’s great landmarks. We especially like the JAG (Johannesburg Art Gallery) cocktail made with rum, Creme de Cacao, basil, fresh lime juice and fresh pineapple juice.

Living

Another rooftop favourite set in the trendy Maboneng neighbourhood. The Living Room is decorated using plenty of greenery; which is in turn juxtaposed against the urban backdrop, creating an interesting setting ideal for spending lazy Sunday afternoons and taking in the city’s amazing skyline.

Mad Giant

Think an urban setting, street food and a local brewery. This bar and brewery, in Ferreirasdorp, serves a selection of craft beers and just about any other alcoholic beverage you can think of. The Mad Giant beer garden also serves tasty bar food and the venue is home to the Urbanologi restaurant, so if the afternoon turns into evening, pop over the dinner.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.