Considered merely a transit city, Johannesburg has been busy grafting to become one of South Africa’s premium tourist spots. And it succeeded! Now a capital of cool with a plethora of chic hotels, artsy galleries, and haute restaurants to boot, it comes as no surprise that it’s also amassed its fair share of trendy rooftop bars offering fantastic views across the City of Gold.
To ensure you have the ultimate rooftop bar experience, we’ve put together a list of some of the best rooftop bars in Johannesburg to have on your radar when you want to take to higher ground.
#1 The City Beach Club
We’re kicking off our list of the best rooftop bars in Johannesburg with quite a ‘SPLASH!’ – no pun intended – with the first-ever City Beach Club in Joburg. Located right in the heart of one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Joburg, Braamfontein – or ‘Braam’ as it’s affectionately known by Joburg locals – The Play Braam Precinct’s sexy new Rooftop City Beach Club has certainly shaken up the Joburg rooftop bar scene – in all the best ways of course – with its recent grand debut. While it may be the new ‘kid’ on the ‘Joburg rooftop bar block’, this chic Mediterranean-inspired beach club has fast become one of the HOTTEST spots to be and be seen in Jozi’s inner city.
Said to be wild, sandy (yes, literally), and sophisticated, you’ll instantly be transported to a cool coastal paradise the second you step through the beach club doors and onto their sandy beach floors.
Simply sit back and relax as you bask in your new-found beachy rooftop bliss, soak up all the glorious Joburg sunshine, and sink your toes into the sand with a signature cocktail in hand – could it possibly get any better? Well, hold on tight, because it just might! Paired with spectacular sweeping views of the striking Joburg skyline, it will truly feel like you’ve escaped to your own slice of beach paradise right here in the heart of Johannesburg!
This unique venue offers a one-of-a-kind experience, combining the relaxed ambiance of a beach club with the lively energy of a bustling city. The City Beach Club is the ultimate place to unwind and embrace the vibrant rhythm of the city – a true cultural melting pot in every way.
- Location: 68 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
- Contact details: 060 793 6107 | info@playbraamfontein.co.za
- Website: www.playbraamfontein.co.za
- Facebook: @Play Braamfontein
- Instagram: @Playbraam
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#2 Alto234
Africa’s Highest Urban Bar
The renowned Alto234 is located right at the apex of the exclusive and luxurious Leonardo Hotel – the tallest building in Africa – in the heart of Sandton. Loudly and proudly claiming the title of ‘Africa’s highest urban bar’, the spectacular open-air Alto234 Rooftop Bar sits at an astounding 234 metres (hence its name), above ground.
From its vantage point, the elusive rooftop bar boasts immersive 360-degree views of the breathtaking Joburg skyline. To the north, the Voortrekker Monument; to the east, the steel birds descending on OR Tambo International Airport; to the west, the majestic Magaliesberg Mountains and the splendour of the spectacular Johannesburg sunset; and to the south, the Soweto township. Thereby providing you with a complete bird’s eye view of ‘The City of Gold’ in all its glory.
Offering a truly elevated Johannesburg experience, this modern and minimalist open-air rooftop venue on the 57th floor of The Leonardo Hotel is the epitome of lavish luxury. As the daylight gently fades into twilight – a flickering fire, soft lighting, and plush seating set the tone for an unparalleled sunset experience, paired with an indulgent cocktail of course. Alto234 offers seven remarkable seating areas – featuring both interior and outdoor seating – and flutes of chilled champagne upon arrival.
Guests can indulge in a luxury tapas and sushi menu, along with trendy signature cocktails, premium spirits, and an exceptional selection of wines, all while appreciating the undeniable beauty of Joburg at its finest. Open daily, from the ‘Afternoon Experience’ to the ‘Night Light Experience’, it promises to be one experience you’ll never forget – that’s a promise!
Timing is absolutely essential to fully appreciate Alto234’s significance as a premier sunset spot. Arriving before the golden hour is key, just before the sun paints the sky with gold, amber, and rose hues, and the beautiful cityscape transforms from day to night.
~ As Africa’s highest urban bar, Alto234 gives you the extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to indulge in every glorious second of its lavish luxury, exclusive rooftop bar experience, and sensational sunset and magnificent Joburg skyline views from the highest point on the entire African continent. Now that is pretty extraordinary to say the least! Not to mention an unbelievable & wildly thrilling experience that should undoubtedly be on EVERYONE’S Joburg bucket list! ~
- Location: 57th Floor, The Leonardo, 75 Maude Street, Sandton, Johannesburg
- Contact details: 087 536 0000 | altoinfo@alto234.co.za
- Website: www.alto234.co.za
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#3 The Living Room
Best for trendsetters
If you’re all about trendy rooftop bars, then the iconic ALWAYS on-trend Living Room is definitely your vibe! Nestled in the heart of the lively Maboneng Precinct – on the 5th floor of the Main Change Building – The Living Room is not just a rooftop bar and venue; it is a lush urban oasis. Natural and fresh in setting, this nature-inspired eco-friendly rooftop spot boasts tons of lush greenery and a stunning panoramic view of the beautiful Joburg city skyline.
The Living Room is the ideal rooftop escape to soak up all the cool inner-city hipster buzz and enjoy the sensational Jozi sunset with a cocktail in hand, off course! In fact, this inner-city rooftop oasis is regarded as one of the top sunset spots in the city – it truly is something extra special!
This extraordinary and unique Joburg rooftop bar is the perfect blend of nature and urbanity; and taps right into the #RooftopGP with its vibrant atmosphere, cool vibe, lively music sessions, and trendy interiors. And, fair warning, its interior isn’t the only thing that’ll surprise you. Its signature cocktails are renowned for their bold flavours, as is its menu of wraps, burgers, and small plates. There is no denying that The Living Room offers a truly unforgettable experience.
- Location: 5th Floor, Main Change Building, 20 Kruger Street, Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg
- Contact details: 082 370 9284 | info@livingroomjozi.co.za
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#4 Elevate Rooftop Bar & Premium Lounge at The Reef Hotel
Best for 360-degree views
Take a trip down to Marshalltown for a night at The Reef Hotel and its hot and trendy rooftop bar, Elevate. Easily one of the best rooftop bars in Johannesburg, perched high above the bustling city, this stunning location offers breathtaking 360-degree views, allowing guests to indulge in the unmatched beauty of the Joburg skyline. To the south you can see all the way out to the FNB Stadium. Grab your camera and head there in time for sundowners to see the glass skyscrapers set ablaze as the sun slowly dips below the horizon.
Whether it is a vibrant summer party or an intimate celebration, Elevate guarantees an unforgettable experience in a truly remarkable setting.
- Location: 16th Floor: The Reef Hotel. 58 Anderson Street, Marshalltown., Johannesburg
- Contact details: 011 689 1000 | stallone@reefhotel.co.za
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#5 Katy’s Palace | Sir James van Der Merwe at Katy’s Palace Bar
Best down to earth high-rise bar
Fast becoming a Johannesburg institution, Katy’s Palace is by far one of Joburg’s favourite venues and rooftop bars in the city!
Hidden in the industrial area of Kramerville, in a converted warehouse space, Sir James van der Merwe is the perfect spot for those looking to experience Johannesburg’s urban culture in a relaxed, yet stylish environment. Huge and open planned, it is the loft space of dreams with a minimalist glass-and-metal design.
The venue is trendy, hip, eclectic and lively – and so are the cocktails! With impressive views over the Sandton skyline, you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, complemented with a fully stacked bar, bottles of champagne, and tasty buffet-style snack boards.
With all this and so much more its no wonder it’s become a fast fan-favoured spot for both locals and visitors.
**Insider tip: They tend to host lots of cool & exciting events, so make sure you keep an eye on their Facebook page to see what they have coming up.
- Location: 06 Desmond Street, Kramerville, Sandton, Johannesburg
- Contact details: 072 607 4235 | info@katyspalacebar.co.za
- Website: www.katyspalacebar.co.za
- Facebook: @Sir James van der Merwe
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#6 Copper Bar
Exclusive and trendy, Copper Bar is a true hidden gem when it comes to rooftop venues in Joburg.
Nestled away on a rooftop in Bryanston, this chic rooftop bar offers a hip hangout spot where everyone is invited to sit back, relax, and enjoy a few (or a few too many, its all up to you) cocktails, catch some of the most sensational city skyline sunsets, and relish in every second of the Copper Bar’s cool & captivating rooftop bar vibe. The modern and contemporary atmosphere of this Jozi rooftop gem creates the perfect setting for any occasion, celebration, wild night out, or casual get together!
Boasting a trendy garden-like setup, the Copper Bar’s stylish terrace and surroundings come with breathtaking sweep-you-off-your-feet panoramic views of the stunning Sandton skyline and majestic Magaliesberg mountain range. There truly is nothing that can quite compare to watching the sun set behind the Magaliesberg mountains – it promises to exceed your every expectation!
**Important Note: The rooftop is only open to the public on Thursdays and Sundays, when you can enjoy premium drinks and fine bites in a fun and vibrant atmosphere, usually with live DJs providing the soundtrack. The Copper Bar’s talented mixologists provide an extensive list of handcrafted cocktails, guaranteeing an unmatched drink selection.
Offering a unique and memorable experience in every way possible, The Copper Bar should undoubtedly be on EVERYONE’S Joburg rooftop bar bucket list!
- Location: Corner Main Office Park, 02 Payne Road, Bryanston, Sandton, Johannesburg
- Contact details: 071 516 4846 | info@copperbar.co.za
- Website: www.copperbarbryanston.co.za
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#7 San Deck Rooftop Bar & Restaurant at Sandton Sun
A Sophisticated Rooftop Retreat
Loved by locals & visitors alike, San Deck certainly needs no introduction – but we’re going to sing its praises anyway. Situated in the electric bustling business district in the center of Sandton, on the sixth floor of the fabulous Sandton Sun Hotel, the renowned San Deck is an all-day dining and drinking rooftop terrace.
Synonymous with firepits, statement cocktails, sensational skyline views, and sophisticated vibes, San Deck is hands down one of the most sought-after destinations and chic rooftop escapes in all of Joburg.
A place for friends to gather in unique outdoor spaces & share experiences of social dining and sophisticated artisanal beverages, SAN offers a Sandton retreat for relaxation or energizing, easing in or winding down. Crafted for intimacy or celebration, SAN comes alive with people filling its spaces throughout the day and into the night, as the sun dips below the city scape, when it pulses with the Afrocentric beat of resident DJs.
San Deck’s bar menu showcases the best South Africa has to offer, with a vast selection of premium quality local beers, ciders, gin, rum, brandy, whiskey, vodka, agave, witblits and mampoer. Or savor a bespoke SAN cocktail as the South African sun sets. Feeling peckish? San’s menu reflects quintessentially South African flavors in dishes crafted with creative flair to showcase the authenticity of locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Time-honoured South African flavors are brought to life with a fresh take on sliders, snacks, and meals designed for all-day Sandton dining, snacking, and sharing.
- Location: Sandton Sun Hotel, Corner 5th & Alice Street, Sandton, Johannesburg
- Contact details: 011 780 5000 | SanRestaurant.Bookings@tsogosun.com
- Website: www.southernsun.com
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#8 The Roof Fourways
Discover the secret treasure of The Roof Fourways.
When it comes to the best rooftop bars in Joburg – The Roof Fourways is a true hidden gem! The Roof Fourways is a trendy, contemporary, and exclusive Johannesburg rooftop, situated on the second floor of the Infinity Serviced Office Park in Fourways. The terrace boasts spectacular sweeping views of the Joburg skyline at its finest, along with magical sunsets over the city that will undoubtedly leave you wanting more. Paired with its superb rooftop ambiance & vibrant atmosphere – The Roof is certainly hard to beat!
**First and foremost an event venue, The Roof is also open to the public for breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm – perfect for a bottomless brunch with friends – as well as evenings on the first Thursday of every month from 5pm.**
Equipped with a stylish indoor bar and lounge, blending together with a lovely outdoor terrace, the rooftop offers a menu filled with everything from Granola Bowls and Avocado Toast to juicy burgers, pasta, and refreshing salads. Or you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee or even a cocktail or two (..or three, who’s counting), paired with a magnificent view of course!
- Location: Infinity Business Park, 4 Peter Weinning Road, Fourways, Sandton, Johannesburg
- Contact details: bookings@theroof.co.za | 010 822 3574
- Website: www.theroof.co.za
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#9 The Roof Bryanston
SURPRISE! The Roof boasts two incredible locations – The Roof Fourways AND The Roof’s newest venue and Rooftop Cocktail & Tapas Bar hotspot – The Roof Bryanston – located right in the heart of Bryanston!
Amid Joburg’s vibrant urban landscape, The Roof Bryanston Rooftop Cocktail Bar has garnered the reputation as one of the top MUST-SEE rooftop sundowner spots in the city. Boasting one of the most sensational views of Joburg, Sandton City, and all of the stunning surrounding city landscapes and skyline, Jozi’s coolest Rooftop Bar in Bryanston – AKA: The Roof Bryanston, sets the stage for a truly unforgettable evening against the backdrop of the setting sun. This undoubtedly makes The Roof Bryanston the ultimate rooftop sundowner spot to savour and enjoy Joburg’s beautiful warm summer sunsets, sensational selection of cocktails, laid-back vibe & cool tunes.
From indulgent signature cocktails to a delightful tapas menu that showcases an unexpectantly wide diversity of both non-vegetarian and vegetarian options – including all their famous The Roof Bryanston dishes & top secret culinary delights that will leave you salivating & coming back for more – this not-to-be-missed rooftop venue transforms from being the top spot in the city for savouring sundowners and watching sweep-you-off-your-feet sunsets, to a truly memorable event and unforgettable experience.
SO MUCH MORE than just a rooftop cocktail bar, the ambiance at The Roof Bryanston is a blend of modern aesthetics, natural elements, and chic industrial touches. Equipped with a stylish indoor bar and lounge, blending together with a lovely outdoor terrace, The Roof Bryanston will undoubtedly exceed your every expectation!
From this vantage point, the rooftop offers an exclusive view that fully captures the city’s dynamism: the glass and concrete spires of the CBD, surrounded by the emerald tops of wooded suburbs.
The Roof Bryanston is definitely not just limited to being a rooftop cocktail bar – OH NO – its also the ultimate hub for entertainment. Whether it’s a soothing live acoustic set or an ELECTRIC DJ performance, the air is filled with music that completely enhances and elevates the mood, ensuring that every experience at The Roof Bryanston is an immersive and unforgettable experience in every way possible.
**The Roof Bryanston is open to the public from Thursday till Sunday, 1pm – 12am. This means you can bask in the afternoon glow & glorious sunset-hour bliss – with a cocktail in hand of course – enjoy some sensational cocktails & tapas on the roof, as well as dance the night away as the city of Joburg lights up the sky & provides the picture-perfect backdrop for an evening you definitely won’t forget. Not to mention that the dancefloor at The Roof Bryanston is deemed a sonic playground where every beat and rhythm comes to life, ensuring that every dancer’s footstep is in perfect harmony with the music – now if that isn’t reason enough to get you up on your feet & moving & grooving to the beat, we don’t know what is!**
**Reserve a table for you and your closest friends to enjoy some delicious food, refreshing drinks, beautiful views, great music, and even better company!
**Note: Bookings are only accepted if the booking is for 8 people or more. Walk-ins are welcome. Please note when the venue is at comfortable capacity access is denied until space becomes available. *Contact details / Booking details: bryanston@theroof.co.za | 072 609 7785
- Location: Soleil Building, 2 Brian Street, Bryanston, Sandton, Johannesburg
- Contact details / Booking details: bryanston@theroof.co.za | 072 609 7785
- Website: www.theroof.co.za
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#10 The Radisson RED Rooftop Bar & Terrace | Rosebank Hotel
Best for poolside cool
Radisson RED Rosebank is the second Radisson RED property to launch in Africa (with the first being at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront). The Radisson RED brand is famous for two things: it’s cool and creative aesthetic – designed to appeal to young & outgoing locals & travellers – and their signature rooftop bars.
Situated in one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods – AKA: ROSEBANK – The Radisson RED Rooftop Bar & Terrace boasts a chic modern design, countless indulgent signature cocktails, and unparalleled panoramic views of the magnificent Joburg skyline & Rosebank’s beautiful & dynamic landscape.
Adding a contemporary flair to Johannesburg’s already thriving & thrilling rooftop bar scene, Radisson RED offers a truly unique rooftop experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city – And fair play to its Rosebank Hotel location that has single-handedly created a one-of-a-kind rooftop spot that will undoubtedly steal your rooftop bar loving heart, making it incredibly hard to leave. But hey, that’s what return visits are for after all!
At Radisson RED Rooftop Bar & Terrace, Saturday afternoons are all about blissful poolside vibes, soaking up the glorious Joburg sunshine, good tunes, great people, and sipping on as many Radisson RED signature cocktails as your heart desires! While evenings – specifically Joburg’s golden sunset hour – are for settling into slouchy poolside seating and watching the sun sink over the suburbs (with a signature Radisson RED cocktail in hand of course) – there truly is nothing quite like it!
In addition to the RED Rooftop Bar & Terrace’s cool social setting & vibrant everyone-is-welcome atmosphere, The Radisson RED Johannesburg Rosebank Hotel offers guests a delicious, all-day menu from its on-site restaurant – OUIBar +KTCHN!
Casual yet chic, both The Radisson RED Rosebank Restaurant & RED Roof rooftop bar provide the perfect Joburg city escape for those seeking an upbeat vibe – PLUS SO MUCH MORE – in addition to delicious local flavors.
It goes without saying that The Radisson RED Rooftop Bar at the Rosebank Hotel promises to exceed your every expectation & then some – it is one of the top rooftop bars in Johannesburg after all!
- Location: Radisson RED Rosebank Hotel, Oxford Parks, 4 Parks Boulevard, Dunkheld, Rosebank, Johannesburg (entrance on Rosebank Road)
- Opening hours: Radisson RED Rooftop Bar & Terrace: 12pm – 11pm
- Contact details: 010 023 3580 | info.rosebank@radissonred.com
- Website: Click here to visit the Radisson RED Rosebank website
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