Nightlife in Johannesburg

Overview

Johannesburg’s residents work hard but play even harder.  The gamut of nightlife establishments here ranges from chic wine bars and sophisticated lounges to raucous sports bars and downright sleazy joints.  Most of the city’s more vibrant neighborhoods have a nice selection of drinking and dancing venues for the medical tourism traveler who wants to unwind.  If you’re camped at Melrose Arch, you’ll find a choice of stylish fine dining restaurants, where the city’s young and restless meet up for pre-party drinks.  The area also has a varied selection of bars and pubs, all located close to each other, so bar hopping becomes a snap.  

If you’re staying at one of Melville’s many boutique hotels on your medical tourism holiday, you’ll find that the area is pleasantly chock-a-block with nightlife options.  The Newton neighborhood is also regaining its past reputation as a bar hopping and clubbing venue.  Towards the northern suburbs, the Rosebank and Orange Grove areas have fairly good selections of watering holes.

Nightclubs and Bars

Clubs open very late, and it’s quite common to have to pay an admission charge before you enter.  This is especially true if the club has a live performance.  Some clubs are free for entry before 11 pm.  Some of the more up market establishments have a dress code, but elsewhere, there are really no restrictions.

Theater

Catch a performance at the Johannesburg Civic Theater, one of the largest and most technically proficient in South Africa, on your medical tourism trip.  International operas regularly stop by, and so do ballet troupes, Broadway shows, and orchestras.  It’s also a preferred venue for local and global stand-up comedians.  The South African State Theater also hosts lavish productions, both local as well as international.  The Market Theater started off as a venue for protest theater and features performances by talented locals from around the county.