Nightlife & Entertainment

If you haven't burnt up all your energy during the day, Johannesburg offers a range of happening nightclubs and cocktail bars with live music and DJs spinning beats. Downtown Johannesburg is a little less frightening than it used to be. The area around the Market Theatre in Newtown was refurbished a few years ago and is now sparkling, with many popular clubs nearby. Melville, west of downtown, is both safe and pleasant at night, with cafés spilling out onto the pavement, and wealthy young things wandering in and out of bars.

Dining
Johannesburg has some of the finest first-class restaurants in sub-Saharan Africa, equal to any major European or American city. International cuisine abounds but local South African food is becoming famous for its fresh, spicy and yet subtle flavours. Some old classics such as snoek, a pickled fish dish, is still popular, along with such delicacies as rock lobster served with either lemon butter or in a French soufflé. South African wine, now world renowned, will compliment any meal, not only for its fresh taste but also its variety, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Burgundy.

Cinemas
There's nothing like a movie for some great, escapist entertainment. Johannesburg boasts a large number of excellent big-screen, big-sound cinemas spread throughout the city and environs.

Theatre

Home- grown South African theatre is alive and well.. The Market, in funky Newtown, is the best playhouse in town. Anti-apartheid playwrights, such as Athol Fugard, used to stage protest plays here. These days you are likely to see a musical about Zulu history, a play about the new South Africa or a more gentle touring production from Europe at the Market Theatre at the Newtown Cultural Precinct, or at the Civic Theatre in Braamfontein.

Casinos

Johannesburg has not forgotten the gamblers. There are two large casinos inside the city, two more on the outskirts, and others less than two hours drive away. Between them they offer 8 164 slot machines and 291 gaming tables - have fun!

Places of Interest

Nightclubs
Throughout Johannesburg you will find a wide variety of nightclubs, cafés and bars.