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

While nightlife in Cairo is as varied and eclectic as it has ever been, bars and clubs still don’t have it easy.  Licensing hurdles aside, there’s been a worryingly high turnover in the scene over the last few days, with some bars disappearing very soon after opening.

With the winners of the Cairo 360 Editors’ Choice Awards 2016 in the Nightlife category, however, we have the bars, clubs and lounges that have been influential in developing the nightlife scene in Cairo, while maintaining a quality and unique traits to stand out from the rest.

Aperitivo

Having remained relatively unscathed after the dramatic closure of sister-bar, La Bodega, Aperitivo is one of the few bars in Zamalek that you might consider high-end, offering a sophisticated and demure nightlife experience.

Cairo Jazz Club

One of the most popular and enduring bars, Cairo Jazz Club is a nightlife institution in itself. Boasting a recent minor revamp of sorts, no venue in Cairo hosts as much and as varied live entertainment, and continues to be the standard bearer of contemporary nightlife in Cairo.

L’Aubergine

A favourite in Zamalek for what seems like forever, L’Aubergine’s bustling atmosphere, prompt service and under-rated food have found it on the Cairo 360 Editors’ Choice Awards winners list for the third year in a row.

LIV Lounge

With a recent boom in more regular events, Heliopolis’ LIV Lounge is one of the more unique bars in Cairo, boasting the sleekest of interiors and a very contemporary feel that bars and clubs have historically found hard to nail down.

O.Liv.O

While it’s pizza is among the most popular in Zamalek, it’s the bar-based package that elevates O.Liv.O amongst both pizza specialists and bars, offering a casual, relaxed and pleasingly lived-in atmosphere.

Pub 28

Enduring Zamalek watering-hole, Pub 28, has nobly remained unchanged over the years and continues to enjoy a fiercely loyal clientele that ranges in age thanks to its traditional pub atmosphere.

Riverside

Jack-off-all-trades, Riverside, has become a whole new beast recently, but in terms of nightlife, the Zamalek venue has stepped its game up and has become a regular gigging-spot for some of the ebst bands and DJs in the city.

The Garden

Though its sister venue, the Garden Nile Front, has been stealing a bit of its limelight this year, the off-shoot bar hasn’t quite captured what made Korba bar, the Garden, great. Expect it to be busy this summer.

The Tap

Everyone’s favourite Maadi bar, the Tap, continues to be a leader in its field, thanks to its unique set-up and atmosphere, its regular entertainment schedule and that x-factor that you just can’t seem to put your finger on.

The Tap East

From Maadi to New Cairo, the Tap East took some of the best elements of the original branch and turned into a concept that shifts more focus on the food, while maintaining a packed-entertainment schedule and a unique and well-used space.

Villa 55

Decent prices, alcohol, food and shisha aren’t a combination you can find just anywhere in Cairo; not only can you find at modest Maadi favourite, Villa 55/Pub 55, but you’ll find it wrapped up in a casual, no-frills and welcoming atmosphere.

For more on the 2016 Cairo 360 Editors’ Choice Awards, click here, where you can find all of this year’s winners.