The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Nightlife in Cairo is tricky business. It’s 2017 and all, but bars and clubs across the capital will always, invariably, face come kind of uphill struggle. To their credit, some have lasted the course, though many others have fallen by the wayside all too quickly.

In the winners of the 2017 Cairo 360 Editors Choice Awards’ Nightlife category, however, we have the crème de la crème; places that have not only managed to navigate this most treacherous of minefields, but have done so with their own unique identities.

Cheers to the winners!

Cairo Jazz Club

As one of the most enduring venues of its kind in Egypt’s capital, Cairo Jazz Club’s 16 year existence hasn’t been all smooth sailing. But over the last five years or so, The Jazz has become one of the most consistent bars in the city, boasting a colourful monthly schedule that caters all to musical tastes through both the best local and most interesting international acts around.

L’Aubergine

Seasons change, but L’Aubergine stays the same. A new lick of paint here and there at the Zamalek bar aside, it’s the hustle and bustle of the atmosphere, the attentive, welcoming staff and the simple dishes it serves up that makes it one of the best in Cairo.

Loft21

Yes, old is most definitely gold, but the newest winner in this category is certainly the most unique. Bringing a touch of upscale Manhattan to Cairo, Loft21 at Garden City’s Cairo Capital Club possesses a fantastic space that it uses perfectly to create a chic, dark, sleek bar and a stunning view over Cairo, as well as fantastic high-end food and perfectly created cocktails.

Pub 28

Speaking of old is gold, few bars capture that essence than Zamalek’s Pub 28. There are no airs and graces about this warm, welcoming, cosy pub and it has something that takes years to foster – a reputation, loyal regulars and a unique ambiance that keeps people coming back for more.

Riverside

What was once conceived as a boutique hotel is now a completely different beast altogether. Riverside has become a hub for nightlife in Zamalek thanks to its eclectic schedule and the range of acts it books, as well as its outstanding food, which is all wrapped up in an sleek, contemporary space.

The Tap

With the exception of maybe Cairo Jazz Club, there are few places that host as much live entertainment as The Tap. A stalwart of the up-and-down nightlife scene in Maadi, The Tap has fused elements of a British pub, with sprinkles of a jock’s dream bar. Their wings are the most coveted in the city, but it’s the whole package approach that makes The Tap a worthy winner.

The Tap East

From Maadi to New Cairo, the Tap’s success has bread siblings, but The Tap East does things slightly differently by leaning more towards ‘British gastro pub’ by putting more focus on the food. It’s an approach that has more than paid off, with the bar being a perfect day-drink-and-eat spot during the day, and a busy, bustling club by night.

Villa 55

Villa 55, Pub 55, call it what you will – this is one place that is something of local treasure for residents in Maadi. Like many of the best bars, there are no pretentions, no gimmicks – just your local friendly bar whose prices, hospitality and no-frills nature makes it perfect respite for those looking to step away from the thud-thud of Cairo’s typical nightlife fetes.