Egypt captivates travelers with its ancient pyramids, majestic Nile River, and vibrant culture spanning over 5,000 years. From the iconic Sphinx and Valley of the Kings to bustling Cairo bazaars and Red Sea coral reefs, Egypt offers an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty.
Cairo has a vibrant late-night culture driven by its 20-million-strong population of young urbanites. Unlike many Middle Eastern cities, Cairo's social life doesn't start until 10 PM and continues well past 3 AM. The Zamalek island district and Heliopolis neighborhoods offer the most sophisticated bar and restaurant scenes, while Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada's resort strips offer hotel club nights.
Lively and cosmopolitan in Cairo and Red Sea resorts. Cairo's nightlife revolves around rooftop bars, Nile-view restaurants, and hotel bars. Alcohol is freely available in bars, hotels, and supermarkets in Cairo, Alexandria, and resort areas. Conservative dress is required outside these zones.
At a glance
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Zamalek
The island district of Zamalek on Gezira Island hosts Cairo's most sophisticated bar and restaurant scene. Nile-view rooftop bars, wine bars, and elegant restaurants populate the leafy streets and Corniche.
Best for: Cocktails, wine, Nile views, expat and affluent Egyptian crowd
Maadi
Cairo's traditional expat neighborhood with a collection of international bars, sports pubs, and casual restaurants on Road 9 and Corniche el-Maadi. More relaxed atmosphere than Zamalek.
Best for: Craft beer, sports bars, international food, laid-back evenings
Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh's main tourist strip lined with beach clubs, outdoor bars, and hotel nightclubs. The pedestrianized bay area fills with tourists from across Europe and the Middle East. Lively from June to August.
Best for: Beach clubs, international DJs, hotel parties, Red Sea resort nightlife
El Gouna
El Gouna's pedestrianized marina area hosts several bars and clubs in an upscale planned resort setting. The town's international crowd and design-conscious venues attract a discerning crowd.
Best for: Cocktails, waterfront bars, live music, sophisticated crowd
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
The Tap Maadi
Cairo's most celebrated craft beer destination in Maadi with a sports bar atmosphere, outdoor terrace, and excellent bar food. Multiple locations across Cairo including Zamalek.
Known for: 30+ craft beers on tap, including Egyptian Sakara and imported crafts
Cairo Jazz Club
The legendary Cairo Jazz Club in Mohandessin has been the city's premier live music venue since 1994. International and local acts perform nightly in an intimate basement setting with a full bar.
Known for: Live jazz, blues, and Arabic fusion music nightly
Sequoia Rooftop Bar
The upper terrace at Cairo's most romantic restaurant offers sophisticated cocktails and a curated wine list with unobstructed views of the Nile. Sunset is spectacular from the multi-level deck.
Known for: Cocktails and Mediterranean wines with Nile views from Zamalek tip
Le Bistro Bar (Steigenberger Hotel)
A sophisticated hotel bar on Tahrir Square offering escape from the city's energy. Well-made classic cocktails, a comprehensive whisky selection, and attentive service make this a Cairo institution.
Known for: Classic cocktails and imported spirits in an elegant downtown Cairo setting
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Tamarai
Cairo's most fashionable nightclub on the Nile Corniche with a rooftop terrace, resident DJs, and frequent international acts. The glass-enclosed dance floor with river views attracts Cairo's most style-conscious crowd.
Cover: $15-30
Hours: 10 PM - 5 AM Thursday-Saturday
Little Buddha (Sharm El Sheikh)
One of Sharm El Sheikh's most popular nightclubs on Naama Bay, combining Asian-inspired decor with high-energy dance music. Popular with European resort tourists and Egyptian youth from Cairo.
Cover: $10-20
Hours: 11 PM - 5 AM
Pacha Sharm El Sheikh
The Ibiza-born Pacha brand's Red Sea outpost at Sharm El Sheikh hosts international DJ residencies and elaborate themed nights. Strict door policy and upscale crowd. The outdoor terrace views the Red Sea.
Cover: $20-40
Hours: 11 PM - 6 AM
La Palmeraie (El Gouna)
El Gouna's most reliable nightclub in the marina district with a comfortable outdoor terrace, regular DJ nights, and a mixed international and Egyptian crowd. More sophisticated than typical resort clubs.
Cover: $10-20
Hours: 9 PM - 3 AM
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Live music
Cairo Jazz Club (Mohandessin) has live performances nightly; After Eight (Downtown Cairo) hosts regular Arabic and international music; El Sawy Culturewheel in Zamalek has events weekly
Late dining
Abou El Sid, Sequoia, and many Downtown Cairo restaurants serve until 2 AM. Koshari shops and street food operate round the clock throughout Cairo
Shisha
Waterpipe smoking widely available at traditional ahwa (coffeehouse) throughout Cairo; also available at upscale restaurants and Nile bars in fruit flavors. Most open until 2-3 AM
Rooftop
Rooftop bars and terraces are Cairo's signature nightlife experience — Sequoia, The Nile Ritz-Carlton bar, and Kempinski rooftop bar offer the most memorable city and Nile views
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Cairo's social life starts very late — arriving at a bar before 10 PM means an empty room; peak time is 11 PM-1 AM
Uber and Careem are the safest late-night transport options — avoid unmarked taxis after midnight
Resort club nights in Sharm and Hurghada are advertised at hotel front desks — package deals often include entry and drinks
During Ramadan, hotel bars continue operating quietly within resort premises but standalone bars typically close