Nairobi Nightlife

A chic Moroccan-themed lounge, Casablanca boasts cosy silk-covered sofas, an inner room that resembles a Bedouin tent and some top-quality shisha. Enormously popular with the expat community, other highlights here include a comprehensive cocktail menu and a lengthy wine list – a rare commodity in Nairobi. It's not the most feverish of bars, so don't expect thumping house or live reggae bands, but it has style in spades and plenty of space to relax.

One of the most upscale drinking spots in Nairobi, Champagne & Fishbowls is endorsed by Veuve Cliquot and really does serves up fishbowl cocktails in a variety of sensational hues. Part of the slick Seven restaurant, it might sound like a tacky homage to bling but in reality it's sleek, well-appointed and well-staffed. Yes, Nairobi's flashier types congregate here, but it's still worth a visit if only for the extensive champagne menu.

A mixed crowd of expats and Kenyans gathers at this fun, friendly bar in the suburbs of Nairobi. Don't expect a chic lounge or anything approaching it: the Gipsy Bar is cheerfully cheesy and boasts three themed rooms, including one that looks a bit like a gentleman's club circa 1952. Music is a mix of pop, rock and African beats, and there's a snack menu should you feel peckish in between beers.

Named after one of the first British settlers to arrive in Kenya, the 3rd Baron Delamere, Hugh Cholmondeley, this elegant bar allows the colonial era to live on. Located at the smart Norfolk Hotel, visitors have been gathering at this historic watering hole since 1904 for a sundowner in front of the setting African daylight, and it's still a prime spot in Nairobi for an evening gin and tonic. They also serve an expansive menu of European and Asian food, ranging from regular steaks to ostrich fillets.

This friendly top floor bar comes complete with pool tables, cheap food and a wide selection of drinks, including the ubiquitous Tusker and Safari brand lagers. It's extremely busy at weekends, mainly thanks to its reasonably priced drinks menu and the even cheaper pool on offer. Zanze is always welcoming and attracts an eclectic crowd of mixed locals and expats, and although weekdays tend to be quieter, plenty of Nairobi city workers swing by for a cold beer on their way home from work.

With its rustic varnished log walls, bougainvillea-draped courtyard and safari-themed décor, Klub House may not be a sleek New York-style jazz club, but it's still pretty good fun. DJs, jazz bands, reggae outfits and even country music stars grace the stage at this popular Westlands haunt where the drinks (mostly beer and spirits) come well-priced. As a result it never really empties, particularly at weekends when it is packed all day and well into the early hours of the following morning.

Opposite the Norfolk Hotel, Nairobi's main playhouse puts on classic and contemporary drama and musicals, with an emphasis on Kenyan actors and playwrights. One of the more popular theatres in the region, the regular performances here are always packed. Although it's the heart of the theatre scene in Kenya, theatre-goers are often treated to visiting shows from other African countries.

Located in a converted warehouse on Dunga Road, this impressive artistic enterprise was set up to promote contemporary African art, music and dance. The building contains ten separate studios, all devoted to both visual and performing arts, and is the place to see the best up-and-coming local talent in action. As well as hosting excellent performances, the centre has workshops, a recording studio and an art gallery displaying the work of both Kenyan artists and those from neighbouring Uganda and Tanzania.

Located in the Moi Avenue City Centre, this community arts centre hosts contemporary dance and musical performance evenings, predominantly by local groups and companies. It is also the place to come for traditional, colourful spectacles presented by the Masai and Samburu tribes. Check local newspapers for listings.