There are several unique ways to explore the nightlife of Cairo. To begin with you can let your hair down at some renowned clubs of the vibrant city. Like the Cairo Jazz Club where the music choices span the spectrum from indie rock to hip-hop acts. No matter when you stop by, you’re bound to hear some of the best bands in town. Then there’s Shahrazad if you want to witness belly dancing with astral lighting and suave Arabic music. Sit down, relax and order a Sakkara, the ubiquitous local lager, which comes with a bowl of lupin beans to munch on. Don’t get too comfortable because the performers often invite members of the audience to join in. Shahrazad is open seven days a week until dawn, so you might find that your morning plans are postponed after a visit here.

Hidden away on a back street on Zamalek Island, Crimson Cairo has an unbeatable Nile view from its rooftop terrace. Sip on a glass of red from local winery Omar Khayyam at one of its tables overlooking the riverbanks, which all have a bird’s-eye view of the city lights. Having been on the nightlife scene since Egypt was dusting off the monarchy, the Cairo Cellar is a royal reminder of the past in the basement of The President Hotel, on Zamalek Island. This retro-chic English-style pub with a giant cellar stuffed full of liquor and wine, and it’s the place to try the Cellar’s own gin.

With whirling dervishes and baladi (traditional) dancers, The Golden Pharaoh boat is always pulsing with pounding music and authentic Egyptian atmosphere. This cruise down the River Nile, which can be taken off Nile St in Giza, is perfect for a low-key night out, as you sail in a loop between Zamalek and Giza. The 14m-long luxury craft looks royal from the outside and carries a long string of buffets full of Middle Eastern and Egyptian cuisine. There is a guaranteed tanoura dance afterwards, where a dervish performs a traditional folkloric dance wearing a colourful skirt while twirling in never-ending circles.

For a local night out that could last until the wee hours, head to Khan Al Khalili, a centuries-old shopping area. Get lost amongst the souq’s lit-up alleyways and then eventually find yourself at Fishawi’s or around the corner from the Mosque of Sayyidna Al Hussein to one of the many multi-coloured stalls for Basbousa (a semolina-based dessert), drizzled with extra sweet syrup, or pistachio mashed with whipped cream on top of Kunafeh, a highly addictive dessert of shredded dough and cream cheese. A classic way to wrap up the night is with a cup of hot mint tea while playing a game or two of backgammon.