Alto234 at The Leonardo, Africa's highest sky bar

The Leonardo, 75 Maude St, Sandton Central , Sandton +27 87 536 0000 04 Oct 2024

Watch the world from on high at Alto234. Photo: The Leonardo.

There's more to Alto234 than spectacular views. Excellent food and drinks are on the menu, too. Photo: The Leonardo.

Atop The Leonardo (South Africa's tallest building) sits Alto234, a one-of-a-kind venue. Photo: The Leonardo.

While The Leonardo is the tallest skyscraper in South Africa, Alto234 is the building's crowning glory – a sky-high, urban bar with unbeatable city views (and a Champagne vending machine).

The Leonardo stands out in the Sandton skyline. At a whopping 234 metres high, it can't be missed. What you don't see from the ground, however, is the cherry on the top. Africa's highest sky bar, Alto234.

The bar opened in September 2021 and has become a favourite among locals and tourists alike. An Alto234 experience begins when you arrive at the third-floor reception area of The Leonardo. Greeted by lush carpets, elegant furniture, and a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon, you are escorted to the 57th floor by one of the establishment's friendly staff members.

A complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon awaits you on your visit to Alto234 (prior booking essential). Photo: The Leonardo.

Once at the top, you will find yourself face-to-face with an unparalleled 360-degree view of Joburg. By day, you can enjoy the spectacle of the city's 10 million trees in what has become known as the biggest man-made forest in the world, and at night, you can feast your eyes on the endless twinkling lights over the horizon.

Though the view never gets old, there's more to Alto234 than an unforgettable setting. Interesting drinks and exceptional food are on the menu, too. To make sure every guest is equally comfortable, a variety of open-air seating choices are divided into seven different areas, including tables and couches (which are great for groups).

Something tasty at Alto234. Photo: The Leonardo.

On the tapas menu, you will find delicacies such as oysters, mushroom bao buns, honey whiskey chicken wings, and mille feuille, all made by excellent chefs at the award-winning Aurum restaurant (on the 7th floor of The Leonardo). The bar's selection of drinks includes edgy cocktails and some of the best wines from around the world, and the food is perfectly curated to complement the drinks menu. Best of all? Alto234 is home to a limited edition Moët Mini machine: a champagne vending machine that dispenses 200ml Moët Mini bottles at perfect drinking temperature, complete with golden sippers.

Dreams do come true... Alto234's Moët Mini vending machine. Photo: Alto234.

To visit Alto234, prior booking is essential and a booking fee (which includes a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon) is charged. For groups of fewer than six, you can book a time slot on alto234.co.za. For larger groups, you can email altoinfo@alto234.co.za to make a booking. Guests should keep in mind that Alto234 is an open-air venue and it can get chilly up there; dress appropriately for the weather.

Alto234 is conveniently located within walking distance from the Gautrain, as well as a few other notable Sandton spots including Nelson Mandela Square and the Sandton City Mall.

Depending on your time of visit, there's a specially curated experience at Alto234 to match.

Joburg in the afternoon

Get cosy while you look out over the city at Alto234. Photo: The Leonardo.

From 12:00 – 16:00 every Tue – Sun, the majestic views of Joburg are given celebratory treatment with Alto234's Afternoon Experience. The panoramic view of the city is a treat in every direction: to the west is the Magaliesberg mountain range; to the north, the Voortrekker Monument; to the south, the home of Nelson Mandela; and to the east, aircraft taking off from OR Tambo International Airport. Enjoy a drink and some tapas to share as you watch the world go by from on high.

Prior booking for the Afternoon Experience is essential. The cost is R390 p.p. (including a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon).

Golden hour at Alto234

Way above the Sandton skyline sits The Leonardo's sky bar, Alto234. Photo: The Leonardo.

There is no hour like golden hour. And, if you're at Alto234 for the Sunset Experience, there is no golden hour like the one you can experience from the top of southern Africa's tallest building. Between 16:00 – 19:00 every Tue – Sun, the African sunset can be viewed in a way you've never seen it before – from way up high with a glass of crisp Champagne and a variety of sweet and savoury nibbles.

Prior booking for the Sunset Experience is essential. The cost is R390 p.p. (including a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon).

Twinkling cityscape views

See Joburg lit up from on high at this one-of-a-kind venue. Photo: Alto 234.

Joburg by day is quite a sight, but Joburg by night is the ultimate viewing experience. It is said by some that the lights of Joburg are so bright they can be seen from the moon. While a trip into space is not an option, a trip to Alto234 definitely is. From 19:00 – 23:00 every Tue – Sun, Alto234 invites guests to share in the lights of Joburg with their Night Lights Experience. Accompanied by delectable drinks and tasty tapas (something we're sure trips to space don't offer), this is a quintessential city experience.

Prior booking for the Night Lights Experience is essential. The cost is R390 p.p. (including a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon).