Top 20 Clubs in Johannesburg (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Johannesburg, affectionately known as Jozi, is South Africa’s pulsating nightlife capital, offering an electrifying mix of clubs that cater to diverse tastes. From upscale venues in Sandton to underground gems in Braamfontein, the city’s club scene thrives on world-class DJs, live music, and vibrant atmospheres. In 2025, Johannesburg’s nightlife continues to draw locals and tourists with its blend of Afrobeat, house, hip-hop, and techno. This evergreen guide curates the top 20 clubs in Johannesburg, detailing their locations, music genres, dress codes, and unique features. Whether you’re seeking a glamorous night out or a laid-back dance floor, this article, grounded in expertise and local insights, ensures you find the perfect spot to experience Jozi’s after-dark energy. Plan your night with confidence and immerse yourself in the City of Gold’s legendary club culture.

Top 20 Clubs in Johannesburg

1. Taboo Night Club

  • Location: 24 Central, 6 Gwen Ln, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196

  • Music: House, Afrobeat, Hip-Hop

  • Vibe: Upmarket, glamorous, celebrity hotspot

  • Details: A multi-level venue with 15 years of excellence, Taboo is known for its luxurious decor and top-tier DJs. It’s a magnet for Johannesburg’s elite and visiting celebrities.

  • Dress Code: Smart, elegant (no sneakers or casual wear)

  • Cover Charge: R150–R300

  • Contact: +27 11 784 6969, taboo.co.za

2. Montana The Club

  • Location: 6 Desmond Rd, Kramerville, Johannesburg, 2196

  • Music: Hip-Hop, Amapiano, House

  • Vibe: Sophisticated, upscale

  • Details: Montana blends luxury with vibrant energy, offering plush interiors and gourmet dining alongside a pulsating dance floor. It’s a top choice for memorable nights.

  • Dress Code: Smart-casual

  • Cover Charge: R100–R250

  • Contact: +27 11 262 3500, montanatheclub.co.za

3. Truth Night Club

  • Location: Old Pretoria Rd, Midrand, Johannesburg, 1685

  • Music: EDM, Techno, House

  • Vibe: High-energy, all-night parties

  • Details: Housed in a former snake park, Truth is a super-club with multiple dance floors and international DJs. Parties often last until sunrise.

  • Dress Code: Casual, festival-ready

  • Cover Charge: R100–R200

  • Contact: +27 82 551 8909, truthnightclub.co.za

4. Randlords

  • Location: South Point Towers, 41 De Korte St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001

  • Music: House, Afrobeat, Lounge

  • Vibe: Rooftop elegance, panoramic views

  • Details: Situated 22 floors up, Randlords offers a 360-degree view of Johannesburg’s skyline. Its glass-walled design makes it a top pick for upscale nightlife.

  • Dress Code: Smart, upscale

  • Cover Charge: R150–R350

  • Contact: +27 11 403 0166, randlords.co.za

5. AND Club

  • Location: 39a Gwigwi Mrwebi St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2001

  • Music: Techno, Drum & Bass, Deep House

  • Vibe: Underground, edgy

  • Details: A boundary-pushing venue with no cellphone policy, AND Club hosts techno nights like Toy Toy and drum & bass events, attracting a diverse crowd.

  • Dress Code: Casual, alternative

  • Cover Charge: R80–R150

  • Contact: +27 71 555 5555, andclub.co.za

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6. Kong

  • Location: 5 Rosebank Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

  • Music: Urban, Afrobeat, Hip-Hop

  • Vibe: Exclusive, celebrity-favored

  • Details: Known for hosting stars like Justin Bieber, Kong boasts a chic interior and a reputation for top-tier urban music experiences.

  • Dress Code: Smart, no sneakers

  • Cover Charge: R200–R400

  • Contact: +27 11 788 8888, kongnightclub.co.za

7. Harem

  • Location: 7 High St, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

  • Music: House, Afrobeat, Hip-Hop

  • Vibe: Sophisticated, VIP-focused

  • Details: Harem caters to Johannesburg’s elite with a state-of-the-art sound system and VIP areas, attracting global celebrities.

  • Dress Code: Elegant, formal

  • Cover Charge: R150–R300

  • Contact: +27 11 880 9000, haremnightclub.co.za

8. E.S.P Night Club

  • Location: 84 Oxford St, Ferndale, Johannesburg, 2194

  • Music: House, Trance

  • Vibe: Long-standing, energetic

  • Details: South Africa’s longest-running nightclub, E.S.P has hosted international DJs for over 23 years, known for its “superior clubbing” motto.

  • Dress Code: Smart-casual

  • Cover Charge: R100–R200

  • Contact: +27 11 781 8888, espnightclub.co.za

9. The Sands

  • Location: 139 Greenway, Greenside, Johannesburg, 2193

  • Music: House, Amapiano

  • Vibe: Open-plan, trendy

  • Details: Famous for fashion and music events, The Sands’ open design and vibrant atmosphere make it a Sandton favorite.

  • Dress Code: Smart-casual

  • Cover Charge: R100–R250

  • Contact: +27 11 486 0799, thesands.co.za

10. Great Dane

  • Location: 5 De Beer St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001

  • Music: EDM, Indie, Hip-Hop

  • Vibe: Hipster, eclectic

  • Details: A quirky bar-club hybrid with a penny-covered bar and gourmet hotdogs, Great Dane is a Braamfontein staple for alternative nightlife.

  • Dress Code: Casual

  • Cover Charge: R50–R100

  • Contact: +27 11 403 0005, greatdane.co.za

11. Madison Avenue Rivonia

  • Location: 19 Wessel Rd, Rivonia, Johannesburg, 2128

  • Music: House, Commercial

  • Vibe: Safe, relaxed

  • Details: Known for its laid-back lounge and top-notch safety, Madison Avenue is ideal for a comfortable night of dancing.

  • Dress Code: Smart-casual

  • Cover Charge: R100–R200

  • Contact: +27 11 803 0000, madisonavenue.co.za

12. Hush

  • Location: 8 Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

  • Music: House, Afrobeat

  • Vibe: Stylish, opulent

  • Details: Hush combines modern decor with ample seating, offering a luxurious yet relaxed clubbing experience.

  • Dress Code: Smart, no flip-flops

  • Cover Charge: R150–R300

  • Contact: +27 11 880 8888, hushnightclub.co.za

13. Carfax

  • Location: 39a Gwigwi Mrwebi St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2001

  • Music: EDM, Live Bands, Drum & Bass

  • Vibe: Underground, creative

  • Details: A cultural hub hosting DJs and live bands, Carfax is perfect for those seeking diverse, event-driven nightlife.

  • Dress Code: Casual

  • Cover Charge: R80–R150

  • Contact: +27 11 834 9187, carfax.co.za

14. Twenty Twenty Club

  • Location: Hallmark House, 54 Siemert Rd, Johannesburg, 2001

  • Music: Hip-Hop, Amapiano

  • Vibe: Cool, urban

  • Details: Located in the trendy Hallmark House, this club offers panoramic views and a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe.

  • Dress Code: Smart-casual

  • Cover Charge: R100–R200

  • Contact: +27 11 492 0000, twentytwenty.co.za

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15. Sognage

  • Location: 19 Keyes Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196

  • Music: Live Music, Alternative

  • Vibe: Artistic, youthful

  • Details: A genre-defying venue with live bands and DJs, Sognage is a haven for creative nightlife seekers.

  • Dress Code: Casual

  • Cover Charge: R80–R150

  • Contact: +27 11 447 1111, sognage.co.za

16. Okio

  • Location: 76 Grayston Dr, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196

  • Music: House, Afrobeat

  • Vibe: Chic, exclusive

  • Details: Okio’s meticulous interior design and champagne-fueled nights make it a Sandton favorite for the city’s elite.

  • Dress Code: Smart, upscale

  • Cover Charge: R150–R350

  • Contact: +27 11 883 0000, okio.co.za

17. The Good Luck Bar

  • Location: 78A 4th Ave, Melville, Johannesburg, 2092

  • Music: Live Bands, Indie

  • Vibe: Bohemian, laid-back

  • Details: With an industrial techno dance floor and live music, this bar-club hybrid is perfect for a unique night out.

  • Dress Code: Casual

  • Cover Charge: R50–R100

  • Contact: +27 11 482 0000, thegoodluckbar.co.za

18. Kitcheners Carvery Bar

  • Location: Cnr Juta St & De Beers St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001

  • Music: EDM, Hip-Hop

  • Vibe: Historic, lively

  • Details: One of Johannesburg’s oldest bars, Kitcheners offers a casual dance scene next to Great Dane, with themed party nights.

  • Dress Code: Casual

  • Cover Charge: R50–R100

  • Contact: +27 11 403 0166, kitcheners.co.za

19. Onyx Soiree

  • Location: 8 Maude St, Michelangelo Towers, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2172

  • Music: House, Afrobeat

  • Vibe: Luxurious, social

  • Details: A high-end lounge-club hybrid, Onyx is designed for Johannesburg’s movers and shakers to socialize and dance.

  • Dress Code: Smart, elegant

  • Cover Charge: R150–R300

  • Contact: +27 11 784 6837, onyxsandton.co.za

20. Rumours Lounge

  • Location: 1 Cresta Blvd, Cresta, Johannesburg, 2194

  • Music: Live Music, Rock

  • Vibe: Live music haven

  • Details: Now in Cresta, Rumours is a go-to for live band performances, from local to international acts, with a vibrant bar scene.

  • Dress Code: Casual

  • Cover Charge: R80–R150

  • Contact: +27 11 476 0000, rumourslounge.co.za

Why Johannesburg’s Club Scene Shines

Johannesburg’s nightlife is a cultural powerhouse, fueled by its diverse music scene and vibrant neighborhoods like Sandton, Rosebank, and Braamfontein. The city hosts over 200 clubs, with venues like Taboo and Truth setting the standard for African nightlife. In 2025, Amapiano and Afrobeat dominate, alongside global genres like techno and hip-hop, reflecting Jozi’s cosmopolitan spirit. Venues range from upscale (Harem) to underground (AND Club), ensuring options for every partygoer. The city’s clubs also prioritize safety, with secure parking and professional staff, making it a top nightlife destination.

How to Plan Your Night Out

  1. Check Schedules: Visit club websites or platforms like Resident Advisor (ra.co) for event lineups, as many clubs like Carfax are event-driven.

  2. Dress Appropriately: Upscale clubs (e.g., Kong, Taboo) enforce strict dress codes; casual venues (e.g., Great Dane) are more relaxed.

  3. Book VIP Tables: For exclusive clubs like Harem, reserve tables via their websites or Xceed (xceed.me).

  4. Arrive Early: Popular clubs like Truth fill up quickly, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

  5. Use Safe Transport: Opt for Uber or Gautrain to avoid driving, especially in areas like Braamfontein.

  6. Stay Safe: Stick to well-known venues and avoid areas like Hillbrow at night.

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Best Neighborhoods for Clubbing

  • Sandton: Home to upscale clubs like Taboo and Okio, perfect for luxury nightlife.

  • Rosebank: Trendy spots like Kong and Hush offer vibrant, stylish vibes.

  • Braamfontein: Great Dane and AND Club cater to alternative and youthful crowds.

  • Melville: The Good Luck Bar and Havana Grill provide laid-back, cultural experiences.

  • Midrand: Truth Night Club is a must-visit for EDM fans.

Tips for International Visitors

  • Currency: Most clubs accept cards, but carry ZAR for smaller venues or tips.

  • Transport: Use Gautrain to reach Sandton or Rosebank; Uber is reliable for late-night travel.

  • Safety: Stay in groups, especially in the CBD, and book through trusted platforms like Xceed.

  • Accommodation: Stay near clubs in Sandton (e.g., Hilton Sandton) or Rosebank (e.g., The Winston Hotel) for convenience.

FAQs About Clubs in Johannesburg

What are the best nights to go clubbing in Johannesburg?

Thursday to Saturday are peak nights, with top DJs and events at venues like Taboo and Truth.

Do Johannesburg clubs have dress codes?

Yes, upscale clubs like Harem and Kong require smart or elegant attire, while casual venues like Great Dane allow relaxed clothing.

Are Johannesburg clubs safe?

Major clubs like Madison Avenue and The Sands prioritize safety with secure parking and professional security. Stick to reputable venues.

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Some clubs like AND Club allow door entry, but pre-booking via Xceed or club websites is recommended for popular venues.

Which clubs host international DJs?

Truth, E.S.P, and Taboo frequently feature global DJs, especially for house and techno events.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s top 20 clubs offer an unparalleled nightlife experience, from the glamorous Taboo to the underground AND Club. With diverse music, world-class venues, and vibrant neighborhoods, Jozi’s club scene caters to every taste. Plan your night using trusted platforms, dress to impress, and dive into the City of