16 Best Nightlife in Sharm el-Sheikh and Red Sea Coast, Egypt

At the mouth of Abu Tig Marina and flanked by motor cruisers and yachts, this is the place to watch day turn to evening over a sunset cocktail. Everyone gathers here for aperitifs before moving on to dinner and then, perhaps, a club. Since Moods has its own small stretch of sand (admission to its beach is LE250), you could also spend the day hanging out here, and grab some seafood, pizza, or pasta before freshening up for a night on the town. No matter when you go, it's a great location with beautiful people.

This contemporary spot is part cocktail lounge, part restaurant, and part nightclub. Although techno and electronic seem the most popular, the music changes every evening, and weekends see big crowds. The food is fantastic (expect grilled seafood and mezze platters), so feel free to arrive hungry. Unlike many of the clubs in Gouna or Hurghada, which cater to those in their late teens and early 20s, Aurora tends to attract a slightly more mature crowd, mostly in their late 20s to 40s.

This is Dahab's major late-night clubbing venue, which attracts a varied mix of nationalities from Brits to Italians to Russians. The retro "Hits" parties are extra popular.

Regulars love the relaxed atmosphere (and the air-conditioning) at Sharm's original "anything goes" dive bar. You can also head to the rooftop bar, where you'll find a comfortable area with plump cushions and rugs—as well as ringside seats for the Na'ama Bay evening bustle.

This casino offers American roulette, blackjack, poker, and also has 77 slot machines. It's all set in a hall designed in Ancient Egyptian–style.

By night, the classical temple-like interior of the DuPort Lido is transformed into a cool lounge with views out across the marina. The venue has a pool; specializes in commercial, techno, and electronic music; and tends to attract a younger crowd (mostly ages 18 to 25).

Unlike most nightclubs and lounges along the Red Sea, which are mostly designed to mimic European nightlife, Elements is an American-inspired nightclub. From billiards and live sports up on the big screen to hosted DJs, vocal performances, and karaoke nights, Elements offers a little bit of everything. If you get hungry, the kitchen here serves American, Asian, or fusion dishes, and although most restaurants close at 11 pm, you can order from the special late-night menu until 3 am.

A sibling of the famed Paris Buddha Bar, this cool sushi bar and lounge by day transforms into a progressive music club with resident and guest DJs after 11:30 pm. And while nightlife lovers primarily come for the music and dancing, the sushi is actually really good.

A sibling of the ultra-sophisticated Buddha Bar in Paris, this cool, laid-back lounge offers great music from the resident DJ (or the occasional special guest). The lounge is also known for its excellent sushi bar and restaurant. The atmosphere suits couples and singles over 25.

It's possible to turn day into night at this beach club, where an Italian restaurant becomes a buzzing, open-air dance club. The setting is dramatic thanks to fantastic coastal vistas. Chill out away from the beat in various private, carpeted corners or on rocks that are stunningly lit by the varying hues of the disco lights. If your taxi driver doesn't recognize the name, direct him to "El Fanar," the venue's previous moniker.

The queen of Sharm clubs—favored by an under-30 European crowd—is an open-air venue with a top-notch sound system. DJs punctuate the musical rotation of funk, house, and trance with occasional chill-out sessions.

By day, Papa's has a pub atmosphere; things pick up after about 10 pm, though. Whether you're stopping by for a quick cocktail or a draft beer, or you're committed to singing karaoke or dancing salsa until last call, Papa's offers a good time seven nights per week.

The Middle East's largest casino is a veritable palace of slot machines and gaming tables, including blackjack and several styles of poker. Vegas-style shows and a restaurant put the icing on the cake.

Arguably the coolest bar in town, The Bartender (casually referred to simply as "Bartender") is known for craft cocktails—and some of the highest prices in an already pricey area. The retro, vintage vibe combines old-school boomboxes with black-and-white photographs of musical legends like John Lennon. Although drink service starts at 4 pm, the party doesn't get going until at least 8 or 9 pm.

For a decade this bar has been a favorite postdive evening hangout for a relaxed drink. There are live events throughout the summer.

Part bar, part nightclub, part restaurant, The Tavern wears many hats but always delivers a good time. Depending on the night of the week, you might find live salsa music, DJs spinning electronic music, karaoke, or soccer matches on the big screen.