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MusicParties

by Alexandra Mansilla

Where To Party In Cairo? Here Is What Locals Say

18 May 2025

Instagram: @lazuli.mena

Make some noise, Cairo! Not that you need to — Cairo always makes noise. There is always something going on. The streets are full of sound. It is raw, unpolished, loud.
As Timmy Mowafi, co-founder of SceneNoise, once described Egypt: "Crunchy, loud, polluted, noisy. Chaotic. But somehow, all of those things together create something really beautiful. It’s not clean, it’s not polished, and that rawness and chaos — the essence of Egypt’s streets — seeps into the music."
And he is right.
And yes, Cairo is also about the music and parties. But the question is: where do you party?
We asked the people who know — those who have lived here their whole lives and are deeply embedded in the music scene: Martina (DJ and music producer), Omar Gamal (the visionary behind Hence, Management), Hassan Farag (aka F-Spins, DJ), and Nour Fahmy (DJ).

MARTINA, music producer and a DJ

Before we dive into Martina’s picks, here is a personal note from her about the city to help you catch the vibe.
Oh Cairo… the eternal entanglement, every Egyptian’s fiercest love and deepest frustration. Named Al Qāhira, “the victorious,” the metropolis reigns as a destination beyond time.
Her busy streets roar with a symphony of car horns, endless voices and overwhelming noise. Yet amid this cacophony, a burst of euphoria rises: Egypt’s alternative music scene.
Artists from around the world dream of performing in this city, and when they finally do, they leave mesmerised by the passionate Cairene crowd.
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Martina. Photo: Salma Olama

For over a century, Cairo has magnetised Arab artists in search of reinvention. It is a city that doesn’t just welcome experimentation, it thrives on it. Even in a post-Internet world, Cairo remains a rite of passage, a city of firsts and unforgettable sets. Performing here still feels like crossing a threshold.
In a world that is always chasing fresh, alternative places to party, I would love to recommend two concepts that not only represent the cutting edge of Cairo’s vibrant soundscape but have also shaped my own journey as an artist.
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Dhamma. Photo: Izmatique

Martina: "I'm honoured to be part of this female-led project that curates everything from daytime parties to club nights and live performances: all rooted in collaboration, community, and the joy of taking up space with the music and people we love. I personally had the pleasure of playing there once, and the energy was unforgettable.
It has been only a year since Dhamma launched its first party in Cairo but so far we have been able to come up with two special club night party concepts, Bathh tagreeby, dedicated to live performances, and Club n’ bass, a party series focused on fusing the sub-genres of both club and bass music — featuring UK garage, drum n bass, jersey club and more. Club N’ Bass brought amazing DJs to perform in Cairo for the first time, like Liliane Chlela and Noise Diva, alongside amazing local talents like El Kontessa, Rozzma, Hassan Abou Alam, Rajia, Gahallah, Yas Meen Selectress and others.
Dhamma has also been hosting daytime parties in Cairo, where our friends get to eat amazing food, listen to great music curations, and socialise while getting sunbaked."
Martina: "Since 2017, JellyZone has been a transformative force in Cairo’s electronic music scene, fostering a diverse, inclusive, and experimental community through accessible, independently sustained events. With a strong focus on curatorial freedom, it has become a vital platform for alternative and left-field artists, ranging from producers and DJs to visual artists, encouraging creative risk-taking and collaboration. Its events are known not just for sound but for crafting immersive, site-specific experiences in unconventional spaces across the city, from rooftop corners to desert camps.
JellyZone has hosted over 40 events featuring 90+ unique artists from Egypt, the SWANA region, and beyond, including acclaimed names like Zuli, Nadah El Shazly, and Maurice Louca. Through themed event series and an emphasis on underrepresented regions, it has spotlighted emerging talent from across Africa, South America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Notably, it provided early platforms for artists like Marwan Pablo and El Kontessa, affirming its role as a launchpad for the next generation of underground creatives."
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JellyZone. Photo: EDshots

Omar Gamal, the visionary behind Hence, Management

Cairo Capital Club (Garden City)
Omar: "One of the most solid venues when it comes to proper club nights in Cairo. I have personally witnessed some incredible sets here, whether by local talents or major names like Paula Tape and Eelke Kleijn. The place has also hosted Red Bull Egypt nights and other standout events by top promoters. Always a good crowd, always good energy."
Omar: "A landmark in Cairo’s nightlife scene and one of the OGs. This spot used to be the go-to for many of us before the scene expanded. It is known for mixing jazz, indie, funk, and electronic music, and its intimate vibe always pulls a loyal crowd of both locals and expats. The energy never disappoints."
Location: 26th July St. Agouza, Giza
Omar: "The younger sibling of the original CJC. It is bigger, with an open-air terrace that works perfectly for weekend nights. They have diversified too — expect everything from live bands and DJ sets to comedy nights and themed events. A solid option for those on the west side of town."
Location: Al Guezira Plaza, Sheikh Zayed, Giza
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Omar Gamal

BONUS! Unicorn Garden (Currently not operating)
Omar: "One of the most visually immersive and creatively styled venues to pop up in the city. It stood out for its artistic setup, crowd curation, and offbeat sound. The music was always a bit deeper, more explorative — definitely a favourite for those who wanted something outside the mainstream. A shame it is paused for now, but one to watch if it ever comes back."

Hassan Farag (aka F-Spins), a DJ

F-Spins: "Cairo Jazz Club 610 holds a special place in my journey as a DJ, it was one of the first venues I ever performed at. Beyond the personal connection, it is a staple in Cairo’s nightlife scene, known for its dynamic programming and supportive atmosphere for local talent. It continues to be a space where artists and music lovers connect over consistently curated nights."
Location: 26th July St. Agouza, Giza; Al Guezira Plaza, Sheikh Zayed, Giza
F-Spins: "As both an artist and a promoter, I have always gravitated towards more intimate venues, and The Rec Room delivers exactly that. It is one of the first speakeasy-style concepts I experienced and played at in Cairo. The close-knit vibe makes it ideal for genuine crowd interaction. Bonus: they serve some of the best sushi in town."
Location: Maadi, 17 Street 257
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Aperitivo. Instagram: @aperitivoeg

F-Spins: "Located in the heart of Zamalek, Aperitivo is housed in a classic Cairo building rich with history. Legendary singer Umm Kulthum once lived there, which adds an unmistakable charm to the space. It is also one of the earliest venues where I began throwing my own events, so it is deeply tied to my roots in the scene. Its heritage, ambience, and central location make it a standout choice for unique gatherings."
Location: 157, 26th July St, AZ Zamalek

Nour Fahmy, a DJ

Nour: "Geeza is one of the oldest names in Cairo’s underground house and techno scene — they used to go by the name Sakanat. Now, they have their own record label and have released a few EPs, one of which was by Juan. They book some really big names like Shanti Celeste, Spray, and Sally C. But honestly, the best thing about Geeza is the production. They really take care of the sound, the lights, the whole vibe. It just feels solid."
Nour: "Probably the best electronic music dancefloor in Egypt right now. It is full of young energy — the crowd is super alive. They mostly book local DJs, but the line-ups are long and super mixed — older, more experienced DJs playing alongside younger ones, and even total newcomers. They also do different types of parties with different moods: Da Funk is their regular house/techno thing, Da Factory is just for new talent, Alive is live music, and Plan B is… well, Plan B!"
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Photo: Mariam El Sawi

Nour: "Backspin is all about house and techno, but they usually split it — one night’s more proper techno, another night more housey. What I love about them is that they are always trying new venues. Sometimes even secret spots. So it is not just the music, it is the adventure of getting there too."
Nour: "If you are into digging for electronic music, this is your place — actually, it is the only electronic music record shop in Egypt. They throw parties from time to time, always good music, and the vibe is way more intimate — it feels a bit like a really good house party. And random bonus: they also do yoga classes during the week.
Plus, they run one of Cairo’s best music production schools, Audiobus, so there is a whole creative ecosystem around the space."
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Yellowtape. Instagram: @yellowtaperec

BONUS! Downtown Bar Hopping
Nour: "This is honestly my personal favourite. If I’m not at a party, I love just going downtown and hopping around different bars. It is super local, super cheap, and has real character. Some of these places are over 100 years old. You can grab food at Le Bistro, Carlton Roof Bar, or the Greek Club, or check out the view from Odeon. For cheap beverages, head to Carol, Café Riche, Horeya, or Estoril… or just bounce between all of them."