The Ultimate Egypt Nightlife Guide: When to Party and Where?

The instance somebody says Egypt, the immediate picture that comes to our mind is that of pyramids, deserts, pharaohs, and hieroglyphics. Probably because of the influence of movies, magazine articles and online blog posts, we don’t tend to relate Egypt with an urban lifestyle, full of popular tourist attractions, modern public houses and discotheques and more. In short, Egypt does not really come across as a hip and happening country. Well, the time has come to shatter any such notions you may have. For if you do not know, Egypt is indeed one of the ideal destinations to party hard till the sun comes up! There are scores of clubs, pubs, discotheques, bars, restaurants, cafes and more things to do in Egypt that will keep you entertained throughout the night. Some of the most renowned DJs of the world take charge here and they never let the spirit of Egypt nightlife die down.

So if you are planning to visit Egypt anytime soon, we are sure you are making a list of places to visit during the day. But we recommend keeping your evenings free. People start gathering slowly for a night of revelry right from the late evening time. The music transitions from light melodies to thumping music and the ambience turns from calm to electrifying. For those of you keen on being part of some of the most happening places in Egypt, here is our ultimate Egypt nightlife guide that will take you through a myriad of options for spending your evenings. But hold on for just one moment. Here are some insights and details about Egypt you must know.

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Egypt is a country in the middle east and there are certain etiquettes or facts you should understand, acknowledge and respect when you are there. Though there are different places to have a great time and party until the wee hours, you should understand that it is a Muslim country and you should respect their practices and rules. Be it on the dress codes to restrictions on entry, you should know what to do and how to act. There are bars in Egypt but they will have their windows and doors closed or be completely ventilated to prevent people from knowing what is happening inside. But don’t worry these bars are safe and are among the top places to visit in Egypt.

The Thomas Cook Guide to the most Happening Egypt Nightlife Destinations

One thing you should know is that in Egypt, a  lot of clubs will allow only couple entry and there are certain coffee shops that don’t allow women to enter. So before heading to a place, ask people or get these details clarified from your tour guides or the hotel staff. And while you are at it, also enquire about the other places to see in Egypt.

1. Riverside Cairo – By the Nile

Doing complete justice to its name is the nightclub Riverside, located along the beautiful River Nile. When you are on the club’s top floor, you get surreal views of the river and this is one of the most ideal places to party in Egypt. The bar is in the Zamalek district and is a happening place in the region. The place boasts of an incredible ambience and a really impressive roster of Star DJ’s and is a thriving Egypt nightlife destination. From sumptuous food delicacies to melodious and mind-blowing music, this is your place to unwind after a tiring day of travelling from one attraction to another. Besides, they also have theme parties like retro nights and more on alternating days and you can enjoy the best of different genres of music in here. If you are in Cairo, make sure you pay a visit.

• Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 3:00 am
• Location: St.، 16 Kamal Al Tawil, Mohammed Mazhar, Cairo، Cairo Governorate, Egypt

2. Amici Bar – For those who dance and for those who Sing

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Making a cocktail is not an easy task. It is more than just mixing up a couple of drinks and serving it over crushed ice. A bartender has to use his experience, creativity and intuition to personalize every single glass he shakes and prepares according to the customer who has asked for the cocktail. If there is one place that has realized this, it has to be the Amici Bar. Regarded as the best cocktail bar in the region, the place has mixologists and experts from different parts of the world spicing up drinks for their customers. The place has two branches – one in Zamalek and the other in Heliopolis. One of the other fascinating aspects of the place is that it features Karaoke nights to those who don’t mind singing their heart out in public every Sunday. With amazing music and live performances, it’s not the drinks that will shake you up but the ambience as well. The place has an open setting and car seats for its ambience. Trust us, this is one of the most unconventional nightclubs you will ever be in. Step in for an evening you are bound to cherish for a lifetime.

• Opening Hours: 5:00 pm to 1:00 am
• Location: Abo Tig Marina, El Gouna, Hurghada, Egypt

3. Pub 28 – The Old Timer still going Strong

If you love things a little old-fashioned or old school, we have a perfect recommendation for you in our list of Egypt nightlife destinations. Called the Pub 28, you will hardly notice the place in the first go because of its relatively tiny board. However, when you notice and step inside, you would be in for a surprise. The pub is a very old party place that has been in Zamalek for decades and you can find a mixed crowd here. From young people and middle-aged individuals to gangs of the elderly, you can see everyone having a great time at the place because of its legacy.

This is the real place to chill and have conversations with your friends and family and don’t expect thumping music from popular DJs to give you company. The food here is great as well and you might end up sitting here for hours though you had the intentions to pay a quick visit. The interiors are stylish and old school, the staff is friendly and prices are ideal. One suggestion we have for you is to make reservations before you go because the place generally tends to be full. And yes, try their fried calamari.

• Opening Hours: 12:00 pm to 2:00 am
• Location: 28 Shagarat el Dor St, Egypt

Read this: Shopping In Egypt – 8 Best Places For The Shopaholics Out There

4. Cairo Jazz Club – Regale with Classy Music

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Not a conventional Egypt attraction, Only a few people have a taste for jazz music and if you do, you need to visit the Cairo Jazz club for its amazing line up of performances. Live bands come and perform here at the club and we guarantee you an amazing evening with classy beverages, jazz music and great food. Go alone or with your people, the evening is sure to be magical with the mesmerizing music. You can head to their website to see the complete schedule of their events and plan your trip accordingly. Though a few people claim the pricing to be a bit too much, it’s worth exploring the place for the good ambience and music. We highly recommend you reserve a table before going as they mostly entertain reserved tables. The place that has been for a decade and more has recognized and platformed several bands that have gone on to become acclaimed bands both abroad and locally. You must visit the place for a classy evening.

• Opening Hours: 9:00 pm to 3:00 am
• Location: 197 26th of July Corridor, Madinet Al Eelam, Al Agouzah, Giza Governorate, Egypt

5. The Lemon Tree & Co – For an uninterrupted view of the Nile

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One of the major aspects of the place is its location. Situated very close to the River Nile and at the rooftop of the Imperial Boat, the views of the river that it offers are breathtaking. The place is all about colourful interiors, quirky colour schemes, décor and ambience. The place serves excellent Mediterranean cuisine and if you have always wanted to explore the cuisine and have authentic delicacies, this place won’t disappoint you. Apart from the food, the place is also known for its cocktails and beverages, which you can slowly devour alongside taking in magical views of the Nile. Not just a place to spend your evenings, you can walk in during the daytime and enjoy the views over food and beverages as well.

• Opening Hours: 7:00 pm to 1:00 am
• Location: Katameya Heights Road, Cairo Governorate, 11771, Egypt

6. The Cellar Cairo – Old and Oldschool Pub

The Cellar Cairo has been there for ages and is one of the oldest functioning pubs in Egypt. The Cellar, is typically a cellar, generally used to store and age wines and beverages. It is located on the basement levels of the President Hotel in the region of Zamalek and as you step down the stairs, you start sensing what is in stores for you. When you finally get down and reach the place, you are greeted by an old school pub with high-raised chairs, dark setting, wood tables, wall panels, liquor bottles beautifully arranged over angled illumination to give you a strange and comforting effect and more.

This is not one place where you can expect loud music or dance floors to make your moments but the place to indulge in conversations, talks, chill out and leisurely while away time. When here, you need to try their Mezzas, which we strongly recommend with oriental sausages and cheese dips. The prices of the drinks are standard to the prices you will experience in Egypt. There is a good collection of local and international beers, liquors and wine varieties. You can also bring your own beer and pay special prices as Bouchon charges. This is a regular practice in pubs and bars here and turns out to be more economical when you intend to have more than two rounds of drinks. If you are looking for a place to enjoy a laidback evening and don’t mind time passing by every second, the Cellar is where you need to be in.

• Opening Hours: 12:00 pm to 3:00 am
• Location: 22 Taha Hussein, Abu Al Feda, Zamalek, Cairo Governorate, Egypt, Cairo

Most Recommended: Egypt tour packages to experience the most visually stimulating country with your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions about Egypt Nightlife

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1. What is the legal drinking age in Egypt?

The legal drinking age in Egypt is 21 and they are quite strict about this rule. Though the sale of liquors and alcohols are prohibited in shops and public places, there are exceptions in the forms of sales in hotels and other pubs and restaurants approved by the Egypt Tourism department.

2. Are there good casinos in Egypt?

Though not a conventional part of Egypt nightlife, if you are eyeing for an evening filled with gambling and board games, you have options for that too. There are several casinos both big and small run by hotels and standalone owners where you can try your luck and if lucky, win some cash too. Unlike the pubs and discos here, casinos here generally follow dress codes and you might want to read more about them before visiting.

3. Are there any dress codes for women in the different Egypt Nightlife destinations?

Yes, there are dress codes but Egypt and it is suggested you respect their faith and laws. Wear outfits with long sleeves and knees as it is conservative in Egypt. Cotton pants are highly recommended. On the other hand, men can pass off by wearing t-shirts or shirts with shorts or trousers.

4. Which is the best time to enter clubs and bars to best enjoy the Egypt nightlife?

Though the bars and clubs in the country open up as early as 7 or 8 PM, the crowd usually gathers around 10 or 10:30 pm, after which you can gradually experience the mood of the clubs shifting from light to pulsating with music and drinks flying one after the other. We recommend making reservations for 9:30 PM to get acclimatized to the ambience and place.

5. What is the famous beer available in Egypt?

Stella is predominantly the most famous beer in Egypt and you can buy one for around 20 to 30 LE. You can also find international beer brands and hard liquors if you want more variety.

So what do you think about the Egypt nightlife? Did you believe that a country that you thought was famous for its pyramids and other attractions has a happening side to it? Well, make a note of these recommendations and the next time you are here, make sure to visit them. Or, if you have visited them, share your experiences in the comments.