African cities ranked among world’s 20 best for nightlife

In some African cities, sundown signals the start of something electric. Rooftop bars light up, music spills into the streets, and crowds gather in cafes, lounges, and back-alley venues where the beats are loud and the laughter louder. Here, nightlife isn’t just entertainment, it’s a way of life.

That unmistakable energy hasn’t gone unnoticed. In Time Out’s newly released list of the 20 best cities for nightlife around the world, four African cities earned well-deserved spots.

Coming in at 11, Cape Town leads Africa’s nightlife contenders with its eclectic mix of gritty warehouse parties, glamorous rooftop lounges, and infectious house beats. The city’s nightlife is a hit with its residents, 77% of Capetonians rated it as ‘good’ or ‘amazing,’ and it’s also the third-cheapest city on the global list for a night out. From amapiano and gqom to deep house and dancehall, Cape Town keeps the beat going well into the early hours.

Ranking 14, Nigeria’s cultural capital, Lagos, is home to a nightlife scene that’s constantly evolving. Once dominated by exclusive lounges, the city is now embracing more inclusive underground spaces like SweatItOutLagos and Our Group Therapy, where creativity and community thrive. An impressive 79% of locals describe Lagos nightlife as ‘good’ or ‘amazing’, and they’re also the most likely on the list to call their city “lively.”

Hot on Lagos’ heels is Cairo at 15, where 79% of locals also praised the city’s after-hours buzz. While Egypt’s nightlife leans more toward cafés, shisha lounges, and caffeine-fueled hangouts, cocktail culture is starting to make its mark, especially in expat-friendly neighbourhoods. Even better, 72% of locals say a night out in Cairo is either ‘cheap,’ ‘free,’ or ‘affordable, ’ ranking it among the most budget-friendly cities on the list.

At 19, Morocco’s Marrakech is steadily climbing the nightlife ranks as tourism booms. The Medina offers colourful rooftop bars like El Fenn and Kabana, with panoramic views of the Koutoubia Mosque. With 72% of locals rating nightlife quality positively, and more than half saying it’s affordable, Marrakech also ranks as the third-safest city on the list for a night out.