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Cairo, the city of a thousand minarets, is not only a historic and cultural destination but also boasts a vibrant nightlife that caters to every taste. Experience Cairo nightlife, from traditional Egyptian music and folklore, shows to lively bars, rooftop lounges and river cruises on the Nile. When the sun dips low, and the city glows, locals and visitors are lured to its vibrant venues. Every stop captures the city’s energetic nature and diverse culture, guaranteeing a memorable experience. Enjoy the party vibes, cultural experiences or quiet moments of Egypt.
10 Best Things To Do In Cairo Nightlife
Following are 10 of the best nighttime activities in Cairo, including timings, locations and costs in Egyptian pounds.
1. Felucca Ride On The Nile
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most iconic and serene ways to enjoy Cairo nightlife is a Feluca ride on the Nile. As the city’s twinkling lights reflect against the water, these traditional wooden sailboats provide a more intimate setting to glide through the river. Some businesses have live music or light refreshments onboard. Feluca rides offer a unique perspective of Cairo, including views of attractions such as the Cairo Tower and the city’s numerous bridges. You can get the most out of the experience by hiring a private Feluca, or you can join a group for a more social experience.
Timings: 6 PM to midnight
Cost: Starts at £200 – 400 per hour for a private Felucca
Location: Spots near Zamalek and Garden City
2. Dinner On A Nile Cruise
Photo: @bastique / Wikimedia Commons
To enjoy the Nile in style, consider a dinner cruise. Such big boats provide multi-course meals, open entertainment, and views of Cairo’s lit-up landmarks. Onboard entertainment often features traditional Egyptian music, belly dancing or a Tanoura show, a folk performance with whirling dervishes in colourful costumes. The upper deck is an ideal place for a post-dinner walk under the stars, with a sweeping view of the Nile and the skyline beyond it. Restaurants serve everything from Egyptian fare to global dishes, frequently in buffet form.
Cost: £800 – 1500 per person
Location: Maadi, Zamalek, and Downtown Cairo
3. Khan El Khalili Night Markets
Photo: Karim Essm / Wikimedia Commons
Experience the energetic ambience of Cairo’s ancient Khan El Khalili Bazaar. In the evening, this market becomes an enchanting labyrinth of braided strands of light, fragrant spices and shops teeming with activity. Stalls sell everything from handmade jewellery and traditional lanterns to spices and textiles. If you are looking for delicious Egyptian street food, the market hosts several stalls and cafes where you can sample koshari, falafel and everything in between as you soak in the lively atmosphere.
Timings: Open 24/7
Cost: Free entry
Location: Al Gamaleya, Old Cairo
4. Cairo Jazz Club
Photo: Yan Krukau / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Cairo Jazz Club is a legendary nightlife destination that embodies phenomenal music, superb food, and a booming atmosphere. A haven for some of the best live acts in town, the club has a rotating roster of local and international artists performing everything from jazz and funk to rock and electronic music. The scene is comfortable but kinetic, ideal for a frisky night of moving and mingling. The menu features a variety of appetisers, main courses, and cocktails to round out a night out. Reservations are strongly recommended, as the club often fills, particularly on weekends.
Timings: 8 PM – 3 AM
Cost: Entry fee starts at £200 – 300
Location: Agouza, Giza
5. Outdoor Dining At The Rooftop Bar
Photo: Dom J / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Roof Bar on the top of the Kempinski Nile Hotel has a sweeping overview of Cairo’s skyline and the Nile River. This classy venue is ideal for those looking for a more low-key but still exclusive nightlife option. Sip cocktails, wines and gourmet bites while taking in the sparkling lights of the cityscape from above. Its atmosphere is tranquil, with mellow background music and cosy seating, making it perfect for couples or small groups. The menu features a combination of international and Middle Eastern cuisine, so everyone can find something they like.
Timings: 6 PM – 1 AM
Cost: Cocktails start at £150
Location: Kempinski Nile Hotel, Garden City, Cairo
6. Tanoura Dance Show At Wekalet El Ghouri
Photo: Mark Fischer / Wikimedia Commons
The Tanoura Dance Show at Wekalet El Ghouri is a one-of-a-kind cultural experience in Cairo nightlife. Housed in a lovely 16th-century caravanserai, the performance presents traditional Egyptian music and Sufi dance. The Tanoura dance is a captivating one to two-hour performance that involves spinning, colourful costumes, and rhythmic beats. Alongside the show, live musicians play traditional instruments like the oud and tabla for an immersive cultural experience.
Timings: 7:00 PM (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday for shows)
Cost: approximately £75 per person
Location: Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center, Al Azhar, Cairo
7. Zamalek Art Gallery Crawl
Photo: Faris knight / Wikimedia Commons
In Zamalek, one of Cairo’s swankiest neighbourhoods, a quieter but hip nightlife alternative awaits. This district houses a variety of galleries featuring contemporary Egyptian art, sculptures and photography. Evening exhibitions at galleries such as Picasso Gallery and Ubuntu Art Gallery feature established and emerging talent in the 700 corridor. The gallery crawl frequently features interactive experiences, including live painting, artist amenities, and workshops. Finish off your night with one of Zamalek’s trendy cafes or restaurants after checking out some of the galleries.
Timings: 6 PM – 10 PM
Cost: Free entry; £100 – 300 (workshops or events)
Location: 30 Hassan Assem Street, 20 Hassan Sabry Street
8. Disco Fridays At Cairo Capital Club
Photo: Edoardo Tommasini / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For a high-energy night of dancing and revelry, Disco Fridays at Cairo Capital Club is where you want to be. Well-known for its themed dance parties, this venue morphs into a retro wonderland every Friday night, playing the top charts from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Featuring pulsating lights, a vibrant crowd, and specially selected mixes from the best DJs, the club promises an adrenaline-fuelled evening. Set to a backdrop of the club’s immaculate dance floor and sleek seating areas behind the bar stocked with premium spirits and full cocktail service.
Timings: 9 PM – 3 AM
Cost: Entry starts at £300
Location: 9A Saray El Gezirah Street, Zamalek, Cairo
9. Al Horreya Café For Late-Night Meets
Photo: Lisa Fotios / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Al Horreya Café is a historical gem that has grown into an iconic gathering place for Cairo’s intellectuals, artists and curious travellers. Located right in the centre of Downtown Cairo, this little café has wooden tables, tiled floors, and perfectly good food. Al Horreya, modest as it may look, has a lot of history on its walls. It has been a hangout spot for political talk and cultural discussions for decades. This café has a more relaxed vibe, so it is the perfect escape to Cairo nightlife to sit and rest after a long day of exploring.
Timings: Open daily until midnight
Cost: Drinks start at £30
Location: Bab El Louk, Downtown Cairo, near Tahrir Square
10. Zawya Cinema Night
Photo: Luis Quintero / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For a different, more thought-provoking night out, go to Zawya Cinema. This indie arthouse is a paradise for cinephiles, featuring a selection of Egyptian indie films, international features and socially aware documentaries. Housed in Downtown Cairo’s landmark Cinema Karim, Zawya Cinema has emerged as a cultural capital for the city’s creative scene. The cinema’s five smaller screening rooms are perfect for anyone looking to escape the bustle of Cairo nightlife and immerse themselves in a story.
Timings: 7 PM – 9 PM
Cost: £50 – 100
Location: 15 Mahmoud Bassiouny Street, Downtown Cairo
Cairo nightlife offers a kaleidoscope of experiences woven together by tradition, modernity and creativity. Whether soaking in cultural performances, dancing the night away, or enjoying peaceful moments by the Nile, the city offers nights to remember. It has a wide range of activities for everyone to either relax or be hyped for both locals and visitors. Cairo’s nightlife ensures lasting memories, so plan your visit with TripXL and experience Egypt’s bustling capital.
Cover Photo: Eslam Momtaz / Pexels
