Bars, pubs, clubs, oh my!
99% of Cairo’s nightlife used to be found on the island of Zamalek, and while it’s still the city’s night spot epicenter, bars and clubs are popping up like daisies all around the capital now.
We’re going to walk you through some of our favorite local nightlife spots in Cairo, no sketchy hotel bars for us, thanks!
For a breakdown of best bars per neighborhood, you can check out:
Cairo Jazz Club
Locations: Agouza
Type of venue: club
Dress code: smart casual
Reservations needed: yes
Cairo Jazz Club has been a Cairo nightlife staple for 15+ years. While the name might lead you to believe it’s all about jazz, that’s not exactly true. CJC has different music on a nightly basis, ranging from live music to hip-hop, DJs, jazz, Egyptian folkloric music and way more.
The great thing about CJC is that they have a monthly schedule, so you can figure out in advance if the music that night is up your alley or not.
The music usually starts around 10-10:30 pm, so if you’re hungry or want to have a conversation with someone when you can actually hear each other, go a little before then.
It's about a five minute car ride from Zamalek.
You can find their music schedule here.
CJC 610
Locations: Sheikh Zayed
Type of venue: club
Dress code: smart casual
Reservations needed: yes
Cairo Jazz Club's bigger, more expansive branch on the west side of Cairo, in Sheikh Zayed. Whereas the original Cairo Jazz Club is on the smallish and crowded side, 610 has a large open-air terrace and bar connected to the inner club, to either kick back in or escape to when you need a breath of fresh air.
Indoors they have two large bars, a stage for DJs and live performers, and tables dotted around the dance floor. They too have their own weekly schedules of music, and it's pretty much the top place in Cairo to dance.
You can find their music schedule here.
L’Aubergine
Locations: Zamalek, Heliopolis
Type of venue: pub/bar
Dress code: casual
Reservations needed: no
L’Aubergine is another long-time heavy hitter in the Cairo bar scene. What’s awesome about them is they also serve great food, so it’s a good option if you want to kick back with a beer but also want some food in your system (we personally recommend the chicken teriyaki, but that’s just us).
Another thing we love about L’Aubergine is the casual-ness of it -- you don’t need to worry about suffering the night away in heels or dressing to impress.
The Tap
Locations: Maadi, New Cairo, 6th of October
Type of venue: pub
Dress code: casual
Reservations needed: it’s always better to be on the safe side
This light-hearted pub opened its first branch in Maadi, complete with foosball tables and a jovial vibe. They play live music on some nights so it’s always worth it to hit up their FB page and see what’s cooking.
Speaking of cooking, they also have an extensive menu of pub food -- they’re famous for their wings, so no need to indulge in a heavy dinner (or any dinner) before you head over there.
The Tap in Maadi proved to be so popular that they opened a branch in New Cairo and 6th of October, this time complete with an outdoor area.
For more info:
Tap Maadi's FB page.
Tap East's FB page.
Tab West's FB page.
Crimson
Location: Zamalek
Type of venue: restaurant/bar
Dress code: smart casual
Reservations needed: yes
Crimson is an open-air rooftop restaurant and bar in Zamalek and has some of the best Nile views in the city. It's a great spot to go get dinner and drinks, or just a beer or cocktail at the bar. Their cocktail list is impressive, but warning - they're expensive!
Their food is good as well, landing them also on our list of best Cairo restaurants for locals and tourists alike.
For more info, you can check their FB page.
Sachi
Location: Heliopolis, Sheikh Zayed
Type of venue: restaurant/bar
Dress code: smart casual
Reservations needed: yes
Sachi is an upscale Mediterranean fusion and sushi restaurant and bar by Baky Hospitality, the restaurateurs who brought you Lexie’s, one of our favorite places for dinner and drinks in New Cairo. When Sachi first opened its doors, it was one of the only restobars of its kind in terms of impeccable aesthetics and service - and has continued to stay a powerhouse since, with Sachi By The Sea operating in the North Coast during summer months, and Sachi Park St. in Sheikh Zayed.
Sachi Park St. in Sheikh Zayed also has a beautiful rooftop terrace for when the weather is nice.
For more info, check out their FB page.
Pier 88
Location: Zamalek
Type of venue: bar/lounge
Dress code: smart casual
Reservations needed: yes
Pier 88, like Crimson, graces both our ‘best bars’ and ‘best restaurants’ list (look at you, Pier 88!).
Pier 88 is a great dining destination during the day and most weekday nights, then on weekend nights and Tuesday nights it segues into a sexier lounge/bar feel, with people standing and socializing by the bar or their table, and the owner occasionally dancing on the bar himself.
Pier 88 overlooks the Nile in Zamalek and has a small outdoor area if you want to catch the river breeze.
Pier 88's FB page.
You might also like: 9 Best Rooftop Bars in Cairo