Where to watch the sunset in Johannesburg: 12 rooftop spots to try

How to use this guide

This evergreen guide gathers The Rooftop Guide’s vetted rooftop venues and pairs each entry with the practical details given by that source. Where the original guide lists opening notes such as days, formats or special arrangements those are carried through exactly and attributed. Where details (exact addresses, parking or entry fees) are not specified by the source, they are omitted rather than guessed.

Quick tips before you go

Bring layers for the evening breeze, arrive before golden hour to secure a good spot, and check each venue’s availability in advance: several rooftops double as event spaces and may be closed for private bookings.

Safety and access notes

Many rooftops are part of hotels or private venues; confirm public access and opening days before you travel. If you’re heading into the inner city or less-frequented suburbs at dusk, travel with clear plans for your return and use trusted transport options. The rooftop guide entries below include any notes the source provides about opening patterns or weather adaptations.

Rooftop spots to watch the sunset

Alto234 The Leonardo, Sandton (57th floor)

Source: According to The Rooftop Guide, Alto234 is Africa’s highest urban bar, perched 234 metres up on the 57th floor of The Leonardo in Sandton. The venue offers a mix of interior and outdoor seating with 360° views and operates daily under formats described as the ‘Afternoon Experience’ and the ‘Night Light Experience’.

The Highline Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City, Midrand (9th floor)

Source: According to The Rooftop Guide, The Highline sits on the 9th floor and features a fully enclosed glass facade that allows year-round views. The guide highlights its panoramic outlook over Waterfall City and mentions a ‘Sunset Sips’ offering.

Living Room Main Change Building, Maboneng (5th floor)

Source: According to The Rooftop Guide, the Living Room is an urban rooftop oasis on the 5th floor in Maboneng. The venue is described as an inner-city rooftop café and event space with strong sunset views; the guide notes it is closed for private events on some days.

Flames Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff (4th floor)

Source: According to The Rooftop Guide, Flames at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff offers both indoor seating and a spacious outdoor terrace, with elevated views across Johannesburg and nearby greenery.

San Deck Sandton Sun Hotel (6th floor)

Source: According to The Rooftop Guide, San Deck is an all-day rooftop terrace on the 6th floor of the Sandton Sun. The guide describes it as open from morning into the evening with several outdoor spaces and a view over Sandton’s skyline.

E|Bar Thaba Eco Hotel, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve (2nd floor)

Source: According to The Rooftop Guide, E|Bar sits above the Thaba Eco Hotel near Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve and is noted for its lush, natural setting and panoramic views over the reserve. The guide references live music performances as part of the venue’s offering.

Artistry JHB Sandton (3rd floor)

Source: According to The Rooftop Guide, Artistry JHB is a multi-level venue created by J’Something, with a top-floor rooftop restaurant and bar that blends indoor and outdoor space and offers views suitable for sunny lunches, romantic dinners or nights out.

The Ivy Champagne Bar HQ Building, Bedfordview (3rd floor)

Source: According to The Rooftop Guide, The Ivy Champagne Bar, located on the 3rd floor of the HQ Building in Bedfordview, features a retractable roof and infrared heating so it can operate across weather conditions; the guide lists its operating scope as ‘Morning to night’.

Elevate Reef Hotel, Marshalltown (16th floor)

Source: According to The Rooftop Guide, Elevate is on the 16th floor of the Reef Hotel in central Johannesburg and offers 360° city views from an indoor lounge and outdoor terrace.

Sir James van der Merwe Kramerville (3rd floor)

Source: According to The Rooftop Guide, Sir James van der Merwe is a converted-warehouse venue in Kramerville that functions mainly as an event space but opens on Wednesday nights to the public.

Copper Bar Bryanston (3rd floor)

Source: According to The Rooftop Guide, Copper Bar is an exclusive rooftop in Bryanston that usually operates as a private event space and is open to the public on Thursdays and Sundays.

The Roof Fourways Infinity Serviced Office Park, Fourways (2nd floor)

Source: According to The Rooftop Guide, The Roof Fourways is an event-focused rooftop with a 180-degree terrace view. The guide notes it is open to the public for breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm, and for evenings on the first Thursday of every month from 5pm.

Final notes

The venues above are drawn from The Rooftop Guide’s curated list of 12 best rooftop bars in Johannesburg. The guide also notes that its author, Hans Ebenman, has extensive rooftop experience: “Hans has visited over 500 rooftop bars, 200 rooftop pools and 300 rooftop restaurants since 2015.” Use each venue’s page or contact the venue directly to confirm booking, access and any seasonal changes before you go.