48 Best Nightlife in Egypt

Locals gather on this beautiful terrace, on the eighth floor of a 1930s family-run hotel, to escape the city’s chaotic streets and to take in the incredible skyline views. Staffers are quick on their feet and friendly, and there's a wide range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. The indoor area, with hardwood floors and large windows, is the place to be when it's chilly.

In terms of location, this rooftop bar won the lottery: it overlooks the Nile from one of Zamalek’s quietest streets. No surprise, then, that it's popular, so you need a reservation to get in. The red color scheme is softened a bit by plant walls, wood-and-marble tables, and other fixtures; the food is delicious; and the drinks menu is extensive. Be sure to ask about sizes before ordering, though: sangria is sometimes served in punch bowls—trendy punch bowls, but still.

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.

Sleek black tables and low-hanging lights create an intimate and luxurious atmosphere at this high-end establishment, where the service is stellar, the cocktails are sophisticated, and, if you're peckish, the food is Mediterranean-Asian fusion.

This beautiful, 100-year old villa has a selection of restaurants, all with bars, that make it a go-to place for a night out. Enjoy Latin dishes at El Barrio, pizza at Il Divino, Middle Eastern at Carlos, sushi at The Smokery, and meat dishes at OX. Reservations at any of them are a good idea.

Aperitivo is a great place to dress up and enjoy a night on the town. The modern decor, dark wood, and warm but low-key lighting give it a luxurious, romantic feel; the service is excellent; and the food and drinks, though pricey, are exquisite.

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.

This is Alexandria's coolest venue. You can enjoy the shisha along with your cocktail. With a contemporary decor and a marble-floored terrace overlooking the north coast beaches and Corniche (open May through November only), the bar offers a venue for the trendy in-crowd.

Founded in 1908, Café Riche was once the social headquarters for members of Cairo's theater and literary communities. The historic ambience makes it a great place to enjoy a relaxed drink and, perhaps a French-influenced Egyptian grill dish from a menu that has changed very little in more than a century.

Though this lively bar is literally in the basement of the President Hotel, the descent into it is far nicer than that into the average cellar. Food (mainly tapas), drinks, and merriment are all on tap.

This club, next to 15th of May Bridge, has a dark, scruffy interior that isn't much to look at, but this is far and away the best place to hear live music in the city—not that there is much competition. Regular bands play a fusion of Western and Arab styles that always has the twentysomething crowd on its feet. Reservations are highly recommended.

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.

A modest place, Cap d'Or is blessed with a gorgeous old art nouveau bar that serves a range of Stellas (the primary Egyptian beer brand) along with some cognacs. Drinks will arrive with snacks that may be charged for—ask before you start nibbling. The bar is on the small street that runs south from Sa'd Zaghlul; it is usually open until 2 am.

Locals and tourists patronize this relaxed watering hole in the Flamenco Hotel for its draft beer, affordable drinks, and personalized service. The barmen, most of whom have been working here a long time, are exceptionally good at recognizing faces, even those of customers who have visited just once before.

This low-key Downtown bar, with an eye-catching display of backlit bottles, serves a wide range of cocktails, beer, spirits, and wine to accompany its selection of Middle Eastern mezzes. Nonsmokers take note, though: indoor smoking is allowed.

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.

High ceilings, wooden chairs and floors, and the sweet smell of a burger sizzling are among the things that define the bar on the third floor of the Four Seasons. It's a casual place to unwind with a glass of wine or a cold beer in hand. The signature burgers are delicious but not for the fainthearted (think stacks of potato chips, fried eggs, and loads of cheese); other food offerings include a loaded hotdog and a gooey cookie pan.

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).

This quintessential local bar has been the go-to spot for leftist intellectuals, writers, artists, poets, and expats since the 1930s. You can sip coffee, tea, or a cold beer, all under one roof.

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.

This Raml Station café and restaurant popular among expats is a good place to find out about local performances and other cultural events.

Head for the 19th floor of the famous and trendy Cairo Capital Club to enjoy the excellent views while sipping on margaritas and indulging in some high-end Tex-Mex.

Like many other Downtown spots, this bar is a favorite of political activists and artists. It was established in the 1970s by a Greek couple, and it sits in a passageway between two buildings. The food is hit-or-miss, but the service is excellent, and the bar is lively—often filled with a mix of locals and visitors lingering over bottles of red wine or beer.

The modern, stylish rooftop bar at the Fairmont Nile City hotel serves delicious food to accompany its drinks. You also can't beat the view of the Nile backed by Cairo’s skyline.

At this lounge and restaurant in the Steigenberger Hotel, you can kick back, relax, and reward yourself with some Italian food and a glass of wine or a cocktail after a day of sightseeing.

Head to the candlelit top floor for a cocktail and the ground floor if you want dinner and drinks. The atmosphere is casual, the drinks menu is extensive, and the food menu features innovative dishes. Though it can be a bit dark and a bit loud, and reservations are required, L'Aubergine is open and late and is centrally located.

On one of Downtown’s hippest streets, this cozy pub and restaurant offers an international menu, a decent selection of drinks, and terrific service. You can't miss the place: just look for its Art Deco–style facade; inside, though, the decor is less flamboyant.

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.