Must-see nightlife in Uganda

  • Bourbon

    Jinja

    Right on the fast-flowing water, this open-air thatched bar with lounge divans and tables on a floating pontoon boat is the most ambient drinking…

  • Otters Bar

    Kampala

    With the most agreeable garden atmosphere thick with ferns and strewn with lights, this is a fine place to get a pint. There are also cocktails, pizza and…

  • Big Mike's

    Kampala

    Whether you're looking for a lively beer garden, a swanky cocktail bar or a pumping club, Big Mike's has it covered – all under one roof. It's popular for…

  • 1000 Cups Coffee House

    Kampala

    For espresso, aeropress or cold drip, caffeine aficionados will want to head here. There's a good range of single-origin beans from across East Africa –…

  • Endiro

    Kampala

    Full of diners plugged into their laptops, this smart, earthy cafe has free wi-fi to go with its strong Ugandan coffee, fresh juices and excellent…

  • Café Pap

    Kampala

    This busy cafe on Parliament Ave is a good spot for Ugandan coffee, farmed on the slopes of Elgon, the Rwenzoris and the Virungas, as well as freshly…

  • Forest

    Fort Portal

    The most popular spot for a drink in Fort Portal, this Belgian-owned bar/club has outdoor seating and plenty of large screens showing sports.

  • BJz

    Uganda

    Gulu’s most popular drinking spot for locals and expats alike, with plenty of seating areas and live music on weekends.

  • Coffee Hut

    Uganda

    Across from the bus park, this modern cafe is the place to go for excellent coffee, juice, breakfast and tasty wraps.

  • O's Bar

    Entebbe

    Across from the golf course, this happening bar has outdoor decking, indoor lounge and sport on the TV.

  • Four Turkeys

    Entebbe

    A local and NGO hang-out on the main strip with good pub grub and cold beer.

  • Spot 6

    Jinja

    One of the livelier nightlife options.

  • Babez

    Jinja

    Features DJ jams and dancing.

  • Cayenne

    Kampala

    An attractive outdoor set-up with a sprawling tree, luxurious pool and popular restaurant, Cayenne is a top place to hit night or day. However, the party…

  • Iguana

    Kampala

    Heaving with wazungu (foreigners) and locals, divey Iguana is a contender for the most popular bar in town. Upstairs is a boozy affair, whether as a spot…

  • Bubbles O'Learys

    Kampala

    A Kololo institution, Bubbles is the closest you'll find to a true pub in Kampala. Its bar and furnishings were shipped in from an old Irish boozer back…

  • Lake View Coffee House

    Lake Bunyonyi

    Grab a cup of local coffee or cold beer at this open-air cafe. There's little competition for ambience – it has a fantastic wooden deck with sweeping…

  • Rock Garden

    Kampala

    One of the definitive stops on the Kampala night shift, this cool place has a covered bar and a huge outdoor area. Be careful here: pickpocketing is often…

  • Deuces

    Kampala

    Taking over from Al's bar, one of Uganda's most famous (although notorious) bars, Deuces keeps the flag flying as the place in Kampala that never sleeps.

  • Ange Noir

    Kampala

    In an industrial location, the ‘black angel’ has long held Kampala’s most popular dance floor. Events are listed on the website.

  • Club Knight Riders

    Entebbe

    The place to kick on to once you're ready to hit the dance floor. Check its website for special events.

  • Gluepot Bar

    Fort Portal

    In the town centre, Gluepot is a lively upstairs drinking spot.

  • Café Cheri

    Kampala

    An old timer along the notorious Kabalagala strip, this open-air shack is less raucous than others, but is still open around the clock.

  • Club Silk

    Kampala

    Popular with students, Club Silk has a pumping dance floor (mainstream, East African pop and Nigerian music) that goes until late.

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