Rooftops bars. Enough said.
There seems to be something uniquely Egyptian about these places. The night life isn’t the best in Cairo, and the beer…..well, you can figure that one out for yourself.
But rooftop bars make all that better.
You are away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.
You can talk to your friend without having to scream at them.
You begin to appreciate where you live a little bit more.
Plus, having alcohol, shisha, and open air all in the same place is something special.
You really can’t ask for more.
Rooftop bars are also an Egyptian melting pot of their own.
Young Egyptians that drink without their parents knowing. Older men that only go there for the tea and shisha. Couples on dates, women in burqas, and everything in between.
You might see it all….and all while sipping a beer.
What follows is a list of our five favorite spots in Cairo. There are more, of course, but that’s up to you to discover. We’ve included a ranking out of 10 for prices, service, and view.
Maybe that will help you decide where to drink your next Stella.
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1)Tonsi Hotel in Dokki
Prices: 6/10
Service: 6/10
View: 7/10
Starting our list is an all-around solid choice for a relaxing night. Tonsi Hotel, located right off of Tahrir Street, is near and dear to my heart. I’ve had numerous first dates and drank more mediocre beer here than I care to admit.
The prices at Tonsi are decent, and the service is decent. You have a great view of the Nile, too. In fact….almost too good. You can see numerous hotels from where you sit and can practically see inside windows. A bit creepy.
Besides that, this is the perfect place to go and feel philosophical. Must be something about the classy music they play. Only downside is getting there. The entrance is a bit confusing, and then there’s only one elevator all the way up. This can make for longer wait times. Worth it, we say.
2)Rooftop Carlton in Downtown
Prices: 5/10
Service: 5/10
View: 3/10
This is probably the least impressive of the bunch. The view isn’t great, the service could be better, and the prices, while not expensive, aren’t the cheapest.
The one redeeming feature of the place is that’s it perfect for football (soccer) games. There seem to be TV’s everywhere, and it’s packed for any Zamalek/Ahlee match. Something to keep in mind if you are a fan. Even if you’re not, it can be fun to watch.
My job in Cairo was about a three minute walk from Carlton. Some coworkers and I would head there frequently after work, and it was always the perfect way to end a day. It’s good enough at all times, but right before sunset seems to be the best. Gives the place a nice cozy feel to it.
3)Zamalek Rooftop in Zamalek
Prices: 6/10
Service: 7/10
View: 8/10
This one is amazing. Seems to be where all the “fancy” Egyptians go. It’s right on the Nile (and when I say right on the Nile, I mean practically in the water), and if know the building, it’s easy enough to find. The seating area also seems to be larger than the other rooftops. That means longer wait times….but also more people-watching. Definitely a net positive.
Zamalek Rooftop has a really nice “hushed” feel to it. It’s not as loud as some of the others, and the people that go there seem to be a bit classier. Prices are middle-of-the-road, so no surprises there. They are also the most consistent with shisha. A lemon-mint shisha mix, paired with a table that has a view of the Nile, and you can’t go wrong.
4)King’s Hotel in Dokki
Prices: 8/10
Service: 9/10
View: 3/10
This seems to be kind of the “ghetto” rooftop bar. Not that it’s not nice, because it is. But it definitely has that feel. Not the cleanest place, doors that are sometimes broken, and lighting that kind of resembles a low-budget strip club. The view is also basically just buildings. Don’t go here if you want to feel “classed up.”
Still, I have been to Kings more times than any other rooftop in Cairo. The guys that work there are awesome. Go enough times (especially if you are a foreigner), and they’ll start to treat you as family. They’ll remember what your favorite drink is, as well as the shisha flavor you usually smoke. What more could you want?
This might also be your best bet for a cheap beer on a rooftop. If you’re looking for a “home away from home” during your stay, look no further.
5) Kempinski (The Roof Pool Bar) in Garden City
Prices: 2/10
Service: 9/10
View: 10/10
Yup, a pool. I have a funny story here about almost going skinny dipping at midnight with two girls I had met hours ago….but I digress.
The view here is just ridiculous. You can see the Nile and all its feluccas during the day, then all the buildings in Zamalek lit up at night. If that doesn’t sell the place, the service certainly will. These people are professionals. They’ll keep your beer topped off without you having to ask, and also offer a menu of pretty delicious food.
Kempinski is hands down one of the best rooftops you will find in Cairo. It’s also one of the most expensive. If great views are what you are after, this one is hard to beat. If you’d prefer a cheap beer with a casual chat, maybe not the place for you
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All in all, these five spots share more similarities than differences. You have shisha; you have alcohol (except during Ramadan); and you have a decent view. If that’s not a great way to spend a night in Cairo, we don’t know what is.
Pro tip: it’s not always easy to find these places. Often they are at the top level of some other “more important” building, and provide you with limited advertising. Ask around, though, and you’ll eventually find your way. Regardless, it will be an adventure with an ice cold Stella waiting for you at the end.
Have fun out there. Rooftop bars are an interesting glimpse into a part of Egyptian culture you might not have expected…..and some of Cairo’s best places to relax. Sounds good to us!
