Rooftop bars and hidden spots to discover in Johannesburg’s Maboneng

Maboneng has emerged as a compact, creative corner of Johannesburg where rooftop bars, markets and small independent venues offer a concentrated taste of the city. According to My Feet Are Meant To Roam, the neighbourhood “unofficially known as ‘the place of light'” has become a go-to area for culture, food and skyline views.

Rooftop sundowners and skyline views

For elevated drinks and city panoramas, Living Room is highlighted as a rooftop bar with “fantastic skyline views over central Joburg.” The venue features a rooftop garden and offers what the source describes as “reasonably priced drinks and finger food” alongside the views. My Feet Are Meant To Roam notes the rooftop is quieter on weekdays and “transforms completely on a Sunday when it fills up for an afternoon DJ party.”

Markets, galleries and local design

Market on Main at Arts on Main is recommended for local food and design. According to My Feet Are Meant To Roam, it is a “weekly market offering local food and design every Sunday at the ‘Arts on Main’ venue” and operates between 10am–3pm when “locals and visitors flock down to browse the many food stalls and local designer shops.”

Arts on Main and local projects

The Arts on Main hub is also called out for its eclectic shops and galleries. The source names a favourite shop, “I was shot in Joburg”, describing it as “a store set up to teach former street children photography skills” where visitors can purchase their work on items such as notebooks, photo prints and T-shirts.

Cinema, dining and nightlife

The Bioscope is recommended as an independent single-screen cinema showing alternative international films and locally made documentaries. My Feet Are Meant To Roam says: “No Hollywood blockbusters here, instead a single-screen cinema that displays alternative international films and locally made documentaries.” The piece also notes the cinema’s seats are “made from old repurposed car seats and are surprisingly comfortable” and that patrons can order a pizza which will be delivered to their seat.

For a standout meal, the source singles out Che Argentine Grill, calling it “THE place to go to” and describing steaks as the highlight while adding that “the ceviche is simply to die for, as are the veggie croquettes.”

Pubcrawls and rooftop options

Maboneng’s nightlife is described as lively on weekends, with visitors moving between bars. The guide specifically suggests rooftop options including The Living Room and Love Reno.

Regeneration and architecture

The neighbourhood’s physical transformation is attributed to the developer Propertuity, which the source says “nowadays owns more than 30 buildings in the area and has transformed some of them in true architectural wonders.” One notable building mentioned is Drivelines Studios, described as a residential apartment block that “consists entirely of upcycled shipping containers.”

Views from above and a safety note

For a classic city panorama, the Carlton Centre’s viewing platform is referenced. My Feet Are Meant To Roam writes the skyscraper is nicknamed “The Roof of Africa” for its viewing platform on the 50th floor and says the views, “although … behind glass, are truly spectacular and worth the Uber ride.” The guide also offers a caution about getting there on foot.

“Let’s face it, Johannesburg doesn’t have a brilliant reputation when it comes to safety. Stories of crime, poverty, theft and murder are the main reasons visitors travel straight from OR Tambo Airport to safer and more secure places.” My Feet Are Meant To Roam

This collection of rooftop bars, markets and independent venues paints a picture of Maboneng as a concentrated area for culture and nightlife in Johannesburg. The facts and recommendations in this piece are drawn from reporting by My Feet Are Meant To Roam.