Must-see nightlife in Middle East

  • Bar Baar

    Bur Dubai

    The social hub of the local Indian community, this vast space is an explosion of colour and good cheer. There are live bands, screened Bollywood movies,…

  • Beit Al Baraka Cafe

    Umm Qais

    At the time of research this cafe near the ruins was due to open in early 2018. It will offer tea, coffee and fruit juices, and will serve as an…

  • Fado Irish Pub

    Abu Dhabi

    A solid boozer with a slightly cavernous feel, good pub-grub and well-priced cocktails. All the main sporting events are played and there's usually a band…

  • Azadegan Teahouse

    Esfahan

    In a lane off the northeastern corner of Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Sq, this popular teahouse sports an enormous collection of bric-a-brac hanging from its…

  • Mukha

    Kuwait City

    Minimalist little coffee shop selling single-origin brews from Ethiopia, Brazil, Rwanda and Yemen. Manual brewing techniques range from V60 and cold brew…

  • Primitivo

    Jerusalem

    A sophisticated, intimate but unstuffy spot for a wide choice of Israeli and international wines and creative cocktails best enjoyed at the long bar. Food…

  • Hatch

    Jerusalem

    Owned by a young self-taught brewer originally from New York City, Hatch, does craft beer and delicious homemade sausages with a few sides on the menu –…

  • Darts Bar

    Khasab

    This cosy spot in the basement of the Atana Khasab Hotel was the only place to buy a beer in town at the time of research. Bar-goers either sit inside…

  • English Bar

    Wadi Musa

    The Petra Palace Hotel runs this sociable bar, decorated with assorted local memorabilia. It is one of the few dedicated bars in town, and it makes for a…

  • Torino Express

    Beirut

    One of Beirut’s longest-serving hipster hangouts, this neighbourhood place functions as a cafe during the day but hits its stride at night when the DJ…

  • Caffe Chi

    Southeastern Iran

    Excellent coffee from a Wega machine in a mood-lit, female-friendly cafe displaying pipes, coffee paraphernalia and B&W photos of film stars.

  • Double Decker

    Downtown Dubai

    You’ll feel quite Piccadilly at this boozy bi-level pub that’s decked out in a London transport theme. Drinks promotions, English Premier League football…

  • Stratos

    Abu Dhabi

    Quaff wine (glass from Dhs40) or a classic whisky sour (cocktails Dhs50 to Dhs65) and watch the city slowly pass by at this revolving lounge. It's a plush…

  • De La Costa

    Abu Dhabi

    With a beautiful vista, comfortable armchairs and sophisticated tipples (cocktails Dhs55 to Dhs65), this is a delightful place to watch the sun go down…

  • Cafe Voraza

    Iran

    Locals and tourists alike cram this tiny hole-in-the-wall cafe at the northern end of Khayyam St for its eclectic range of coffees (included iced), cakes…

  • Tahir Bar

    Jerusalem

    Known for its live Mizrahi-style music performances (Arab and North African Sephardi), hookahs and shots of arak, this laid-back bar in the middle of the…

  • Green Apple Bar & Cafe

    Golan Heights

    This Irish-style pub-restaurant, which could easily be in Chicago, has five beers, including Guinness, available on tap. Sometimes has live music on…

  • Duke's Bar

    Muscat

    With a terrace overlooking the end of Qurm bay, this is a perfect venue for a happy-hour cocktail. Watch the sun sink over the ocean at one of the terrace…

  • Al Fardos Coffee Shop

    Aqaba

    Just off Zahran St, this is a traditional coffeehouse where local men sip qahwa (coffee), play backgammon and smoke shisha. It has a pleasant outdoor…

  • Cafe Dastan

    Iran

    Super-central yet hidden away down a tiny alley beside Bank Sepah, this well-pitched, youthful coffeehouse (coffee IR60,000 to IR110,000) is most notable…

  • Oak Bar

    Haifa

    Arabic pop music and the clickety-clack of board games provide the soundtrack at this easygoing bar on the German Colony's main drag. Prime location for…

  • Kaal Book Cafe

    Iran

    A grungy, narrow doorway leads to a refined, intimate courtyard that's perfect for a coffee or exotic chay and cake fix on the way back from Abidar Park…

  • Compass Bar

    Oman

    A circular bar located above the activities area of the Millennium Resort offers terraced outdoor seating and attracts holidaying expats and young, trend…

  • Why?

    Golan Heights

    A simpatico spot for a beer (there are six on tap) or a bite (grilled meats, hummus, ravioli) to a soundtrack that is often mellow blues. Situated 50m…

  • Library & Cigar Lounge

    Doha

    This is the place to splash out on a single malt or martini and smoke a Cuban cigar, while sitting on a plush leather armchair amid the old-world hard…

  • Toranj Book Cafe

    Iran

    Shut off the outside world and relax in the intimacy of this restored traditional Sanandaj Jewish house, where you wish you could read the books. It's…

  • Coffeeshop Fenjoon

    Southeastern Iran

    Qa'en's most internationally styled cafe serves decent cakes and inexpensive yet remarkably good coffee (IR20,000 to IR50,000). It's opposite the park …

  • Al Mandarin

    Doha

    Covered in brightly coloured mosaics, this place serves some of the best juices in the souq, with a range of fruity non-alcoholic cocktails on its long…

  • Trader Vic’s

    Manama

    The Polynesian-themed Trader Vic's at the Ritz-Carlton has an appealing outdoor area that's perfect on a warm Bahrain night. They serve good bar food, too.

  • Boutique Central Coffee

    Jerusalem

    A friendly corner cafe where great coffee is served with a smile and ideally a little something from its rainbow of macarons. Pastries are all kosher.

  • Al Ghazal Bar

    Muscat

    More of a pub than a bar, this is a popular expat-meeting place, with live music, a quiz night, televised sport and excellent Western-style bar food.

  • Mayfair Cafe

    Dhofar

    This stylish cafe with indoor seating offers some respite from the midday heat and serves excellent coffee, cakes and a range of tasty mocktails.

  • Al Mango Juice & Icecream

    Oman

    This smart new juice bar on the main highway between Sur and Ibra sells a delicious range of fruit juices, including pomegranate and watermelon.

  • Juice Village

    Al Hamra

    Selling delicious banana, mango and pomegranate juice to take away, this tiny juice shop is one of several along the main road in new Al Hamra.

  • Limonade Tony Daou

    Lebanon

    On the main street through town, this is central Batroun's best venue for a cooling glass of delicious minty lemonade, the town speciality.

  • Cafe Negative

    Iran

    In this funky-town smoke haze women can light up and not get hassled. Negative also does cakes and good, strong coffee.

  • Babak

    Iran

    A stylish green, cream and chrome coffee bar serving sundaes and shakes. It's 2km north of Shohoda Sq.

  • Khosh & Besh

    Iran

    Get your caffeine and nicotine fixes here. It's next to the CTO building.

  • Gold on 27

    Dubai

    Signature cocktails at this gold-dipped bar on the 27th floor of the Burj Al Arab are crafted with local lore or landmarks in mind and often feature…

  • Teder.fm

    Tel Aviv

    Born as an internet radio station and roaming bar, Teder.fm has set down roots in the disused Romano building. Still broadcasting its unique underground…

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