Riverside
Riverside Cairo is a two story venue offering all types of musical entertainment, from live jazz evenings to all night dancing featuring famous DJs. Situated in Zamalek, a vibrant upscale district of West Cairo, Riverside also lives up to its name by offering stunning views of the Nile at night. Those seeking a strong beer menu should look elsewhere, but cognac fans will be pleased to find an especially wide selection here. Aside from cognac, their drink menu offers a great range of wines, liquors, and spirits, as well as variety of cocktails for every taste.
16 Montazah St, Cairo, Egypt, +20 121 280 1290
Street view ©Riverside Cairo
Sequoia
Praised for serving some of the best Mediterranean dishes in town along with a wide variety of drinks, Sequoia doesn’t push crass marketing tactics, and instead relies on word of mouth to speak for itself. With its natural, relaxing color scheme, minimalistic décor, open-air seating shaded by airy white awnings, and soft lighting, Sequoia creates a refined, intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for catching up with a friend over drinks, or for a stylish evening out.
53 Abo El Feda Street, Cairo, Egypt, +20 227 350 014
Cairo Jazz Club
Cairo Jazz Club is a champion of Cairo’s jazz scene. For over a decade, this club’s high energy and live music has made jazz-lovers out of Cairo’s locals, with emerging local artists and established musicians sharing the stage. Responsible for fostering a number of talented new artists as well as bringing in international gigs, Cairo Jazz Club is a must see for those exploring the city’s concert scene.
197, 26th July St, Cairo, Egypt, +20 233 459 939
Pub 28
Located in Zamalek, Pub 28 maintains a classic British pub spirit. Rather than a fancy cocktail, this is the perfect place for a nice pint or whiskey on the rocks, and their sangria is also fantastic. The cozy wooden interior and warm lighting create a relaxing, homely atmosphere, so its no surprise this place is a long-time favorite among locals. This buzzing bar is beloved by Cairo residents of all ages, so getting a table without a reservation is sometimes impossible. If you’re out with a group, be sure to book ahead.
28 Shagarat el Dor St, Cairo, Egypt, +20 227 359 200
The Garden
Located on Korba’s Al Ahram Street, The Garden is a serene getaway in the middle of the city. The venue’s smart design allows it to operate as both a romantic date setting and a vivacious party hotspot. It offers guests an indoor club area and a patio garden in full bloom, with the bar itself connecting the two spaces. As with the Riverside, this upscale bar and grill delivers on its namesake, here you can nurse a mixed drink beneath gorgeous, shady trees, with blossoming flowers all around. The Garden regularly hosts intense dance nights, as well as more relaxed live music events. Keep in mind that reservations are mandatory here, and the front entrance is strictly for couples.
25 Al Ahram St, Cairo, Egypt, +20 100 826 3000
The Tap
The Tap has something new going every night of the week. Monday jam sessions, Tuesday game nights, live music Wednesday-Saturday nights, and ‘fresh urban beats’ every Sunday, this is one Cairo bar that knows how to entertain. Styled after UK pub culture, the youthful, unpretentious vibe and diverse musical offerings you’ll find here make this bar a unique find in Cairo. With a well-stocked bar and an impressive cocktail menu, The Tap is a serious player in Cairo’s nightlife scene.
257 Maadi Road, Cairo, Egypt, +20 101 600 0558
Johnny’s Pub
Johnny’s Pub is a casual, popular spot based at the entrance of Le Pacha 1901, a floating boat venue in Zamalek containing a multitude of bars and restaurants. This pub is best known for livening up Le Pacha with its Sunday karaoke nights, which are highly entertaining even if you aren’t the type to take the stage yourself. This hip young venue accommodates both big and small groups, offering indoor and outdoor seating as well as a small dance floor.
Le Pacha 1901, Saray El Gezirah St, Cairo, Egypt, +20 227 356 730
The Lemon Tree
A gem in Zamalek’s crown, The Lemon Tree offers picturesque Nile views paired with Mediterranean flair. Its fresh interior is all clean wooden framing, white furnishings and bright splashes of blue, bringing to mind the romance of sunny Santorini and the caldera. Alongside its full menu of flavorful snacks and mains, The Lemon Tree has a wide selection of imported Greek drinks and tasty cocktails. Try their signature Lemon Tree Cocktail for something bittersweet, or the Apple Cinnamon Martini for a wonderful fruity treat. Dress up smart and keep in mind that reservations are required, even for the bar.
19 Saray El Gezirah St, Cairo, Egypt, +20 100 222 3999
Almaz
Situated within the Swiss Inn Hotel in Mohandessin, Almaz is a new Egyptian restaurant and club that’s quickly gaining momentum in Cairo’s nightlife scene. This multifaceted venue offers a menu of delicious Egyptian cuisine, a swanky cocktail lounge, and a wide array of late-night entertainment options, all set in a gorgeous interior. There’s something here for every stage of a memorable evening.
Swiss-In Hotel, 7 Hegaz St, Cairo, Egypt, +20 233 371 552
Stage One
A contemporary oasis, Stage One is a chic living room style bar situated in the Conrad Hotel. This multicultural venue has a lot to offer, including signature cocktails, fine spirits, and live music in the evenings. The soft mood lightning creates a glamorous ambience inside, while the captivating view of Nile outside adds a soothing, sophisticated backdrop. This is a famous spot frequented by both tourists and locals, and gets especially packed after midnight, when the real party starts.
Conrad Cairo, 1191 Nile Corniche, Cairo, Egypt, +20 225 808 000
by Vaiva Seskeviciute