Things to do in Cairo
-
A
Zahret al-Bustan
Formerly the haunt of intellectuals, journalists and writers, this coffeehouse has more recently become a favourite with backpackers and students from the nearby AUC.
reviewed
-
B
JW's Steakhouse
JW's is more Texan than the Alamo, with juicy steaks and a rodeo interior. Expats adore it, and regularly order up big from the classic menu and extensive wine list.
reviewed
-
C
Police Museum
The flyblown Police Museum, at the northern end of the terrace, includes displays on famous political assassinations, complete in some cases with the murder weapon.
reviewed
-
D
Cinema Karim I & Il
Cheap tickets and action flicks make it popular with young males (not a place for unaccompanied women). The entrance to Karim II is around the corner from Karim I.
reviewed
-
E
Mahmoud Abd El Ghaffar
One of the best dealers in belly-dancing outfits in the city; the really nice stuff is upstairs. Look for the entrance down a little lane just off the main street.
reviewed
-
F
White/Zen
An über-glam bar that serves fusion cuisine and sushi in Zamalek, White/Zen has a DJ and sells two Heinekens for the price of one at its Wednesday happy hour.
reviewed
-
Cairo to Cape Town
112 days (Cairo)
The ultimate guided self drive 4WD adventure traversing Africa from north to south.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$23,200 -
Nile River Cruise
8 days (Cairo)
Cruise the Nile River to unlock the mysteries of Ancient Egypt.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,420 -
Nile Valley and Western Desert
14 days (Cairo)
Discover the oases and history of the Western Desert together with the temples of the Pharaohs along the Nile River.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,290 -
G
Sayed Hanafy
Sayed Hanafy Though relatively new, this tiny place is building a big and well-deserved reputation for its excellent kushari and good pavement tables.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
H
Eastern Cemetery
The tombs of Qar, Idu and Queen Meresankh III, in the Eastern Cemetery, are accessible, although it's sometimes difficult to find the guard who has the keys.
reviewed
-
I
Basilica
A miniature version of Istanbul's famous Aya Sofya, dubbed the 'jelly mould' by local expats. Baron Empain, the man who founded Heliopolis, is buried here.
reviewed
-
J
Western Cemetery
The Tomb of Iasen, in the Western Cemetery, contains interesting inscriptions and wall paintings that offer a glimpse of daily life during the Old Kingdom.
reviewed
-
K
Koshary El Tahrir
Our independent taste tests confirmed that this place is actually better than Abu Tarek (heresy!). There's a second branch on Sharia Abdel Khalek Sarwat.
reviewed
-
L
Arkadia Mall
The biggest mall in central Cairo, with bars and a top-floor arcade. Here you’ll find all the usual international brands, plus a good food court.
reviewed
-
M
Cap D’r
Quite run-down and lit with fluorescent bulbs – but you’re not going for the decor. The staff and regulars are used to seeing foreigners.
reviewed
-
from USD$1,760
-
N
Church of St Barbara
St Barbara was beaten to death by her father for trying to convert him to Christianity. Her relics supposedly rest in a small chapel left of the nave.
reviewed
-
O
Qasr Beshtak
The palace is a rare example of 14th-century domestic architecture, originally five floors high, now largely ruined but with splendid rooftop views.
reviewed
-
P
Cairo Zoo
Not far from the National Circus, children can feed the hippos, see countless kinds of camels and meet local kids at the Cairo Zoo.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Q
Mosque of Suleiman Pasha
Devotees of Islamic architecture might appreciate the 1528 Mosque of Suleiman Pasha, a far more tasteful example of the Ottoman-style domed mosque.
reviewed
-
R
Uruba Palace
Once a grand hotel graced by the likes of King Albert I of Belgium and now Mubarak's offices - a short commute, as he lives just up the street.
reviewed
-
S
Al-Halwagy
This good ta’amiyya, fuul and salad place has been around for nearly a century. You can eat at pavement tables or hide away upstairs.
reviewed
-
T
Tornado
Dim lights, TVs and canoodling couples - but the hardest drink is a smoothie, and the fresh-fruit sheesha tastes practically healthy.
reviewed
-
Egyptian Archaeology Adventure
9 days (Cairo to Cairo)
by G Adventures
As you cross the sands into the shadow of the Sphinx, you’re reminded that Egypt is perfect for those that delight in mysteries. Feel the thrill of discovery as…Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,999
