Print
Email
Bookmark & shareA Top Day in Cairo
Once I've dragged myself out of my heavenly bed in Talisman, the deliciously Oriental hotel in the Downtown area, I'll hit one of the local juice stands for a fresh mango juice before snapping some photos in the atmospheric streets of Islamic Cairo. Although the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar is worth a look (and tea and sheesha (tobacco smoked through a water pipe) at Fishawi's Coffeehouse is obligatory), I prefer to avoid the touts and tacky souvenirs and indulge my love of the oud (Arabic lute) by visiting one of the finest craftsmen working today, Maurice Shehata (80 Sharia Masr we El Sudan, Hadayek El Kobba), and watch the guys there hand-craft musical instruments. If I impulsively bought one, I'd better visit at Nomad Gallery (14 Saraya Al-Gezira St, Zamalek) to pick up some colourful tribal textiles or Bedouin jewellery for my wife, and then check out Diwan for excellent Egyptian music, books and DVDs. Back in the Downtown area, I have lunch in the amusingly kitsch-cool Felfela, before an afternoon of exploring the musty Egyptian Museum. No matter how many times you visit you'll always find some fascinating treasure on the dusty shelves that you missed the last time. If I want to see the Giza pyramids hassle-free, I head to the Oriental cool of El Sultan Lounge bar at the Oberoi Mena House to watch the afternoon sun turn the pyramids pink while I sip on a cocktail. Otherwise, I head to my other favourite sunset spot at the Semiramis Intercontinental lobby bar where I can watch the feluccas sail on the Nile. A visit to Cairo is not complete without catching the mesmerising whirling dervishes at the Citadel, then taking a late dinner at the exotic Abu As-Sid restaurant, Zamalek, followed by drinks at the nearby funky La Bodega bar. If everyone's up for it, I'll make a call to see if Dina, Cairo's best bellydancer is gracing us with her presence at the Semiramis. If she's dancing, it's going to be a long night…
Author: Terry CarterRelated Travel Stories
-
Quickie Cairo
podcast by Tom Hall, November 2007
Car horns and the call to prayer - take an aural tour of Cairo and get a taste for the latest short-break hotspot. Read the full article ›
-
My First 24 Hours: Cairo
article by Dan Austin, March 2006
Awe-struck and innocent, Dan Austin haggles his way through dirty, dynamic Cairo. Read the full article ›
Advertisement
Book Your Trip
Hotels & Hostels
Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels in one place and book online. Browse hotels ›
Lonely Planet Newsletters
Updates, offers and inspiration - straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now ›
Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
