From Traditional to Trendy, Cairo Has Something For Everyone

 

Cairo is the fastest growing City on the planet. With over 10 million people living and thriving in the area, and urban development projects literally popping up left and right, it is important to know how to navigate this vast concrete ocean. Whether you are eager to find the right place to satisfy your food cravings or want to experience both modern and ancient Egypt in the same day, this article is for you. 

First off, let us figure out transportation. The best way to move in Cairo is by car. You can rent a car without having to worry about parking fees and oil prices as they are cheap in Egypt. Nevertheless, paying the car rental company compensation for the car you tormented won’t be funny. Only if you know how to dance to the tune of the jammed Egyptian streets and highways inside Cairo, can you rent a car. But the possibility of that is nonexistent. Therefore, fetching a taxi is perfect. And cheap. So, hop in your taxi right from the airport and prepare to embark. 

Understanding what areas make up Greater Cairo is crucial to having a satisfying stay. From the choice of hotel to attractions and hot spots, Cairo has something for everyone- if you know where to look. 

The Explorer Scene (Downtown Cairo)

The Tahrir Square in Downtown Cairo became world famous when thousands of Egyptians walked its streets chanting “Life, Freedom, Social Justice” in 2011. Today, it is a popular area for travellers to stay in and explore. On one hand, the location gives unique insight into everyday life in Cairo with its street shops and European architecture. On the other hand, the location lies near cultural institutions and historical sights and neighbourhoods; the Tahrir Square itself being one of them. To name just a few, the Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo are in proximity to the Explorer’s Scene.

The Traditional Scene (Coptic and Islamic Cairo)

Near the Downtown area where you can find good and great hotels, are fascinating Coptic and Islamic Cairo. They cannot be walked the same day simply because there is so much to see. Egypt has an incredibly rich history. These places provide intel about the very people that built and walked its alleyways and speak to you about their mastery in arts and architecture and their deep spirituality.

The Foodie Scene (Maadi)

In Egypt, you can start your day with an Egyptian breakfast, enjoy US style burgers in the afternoon and end the day with sumptuous French cuisine. Or of course, eat local Egyptian all day, every day. For example, you could enjoy a healthy vegetarian breakfast of warm Falafel with Tahini and Fool Medammes* in Egyptian bread. Then, feast on Koshary* or slurp Molokheya*, which is probably the healthiest dish in all Egyptian cuisine as you can tell by the look of it. Whether you eat this or that, you have to try drinking black tea with mint while having dessert in a street-side coffeeshop. These Cairo coffeeshops can be found in Maadi and all across Cairo, just walk a few blocks. Once there, if you can land yourself a game of chess or checkers, then you’ve lived like a true Cairoer. 

The Pharaonic Scene (Giza)

As Giza and Cairo have merged into Greater Cairo, Giza has been included as a respective scene of Cairo. Crossing the river, right next to the iconic Giza Pyramids and the Sphynx is the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. The GEM as it is also called, is the largest archaeological museum in the world, which comes to no surprise seeing as ancient Egyptians have left us many colossal monuments and beautiful artefacts to admire and inspire us. Giza is the perfect place to stay for all those passionate about the ancient Egyptian civilization. That is, because you will be able to sleep with a view of the Giza Pyramids if you book in the Marriott Mena House Hotel or even rent a Giza Airbnb.

The Sporty Scene (Zamalek)

I chose Zamalek as the sporting destination as it is by the banks of the Nile. Zamalek is also the headquarter of one of Egypt’s major soccer clubs. But lying by the Nile means: Rowing, kayaking, stand up paddling, wind surfing, and dragon boating along the river. Just make sure to check out Cairow Water Sports for more information. Fantastic scenery and memorable experiences await. Moreover, you can turn breakfast into a full-on experience by booking a daytime Felouka. Feloukas are sailboats used today for entertainment rather than transportation of goods. So, watch the rising sun while having breakfast on a traditional sailboat on the Nile. 

The Trendy Scene (Zamalek)

Zamalek is more known as the trendy part of Cairo. Many avant-garde fashion stores and food shacks are based here. Examples are bags and accessory store Okhtein*, worn by no other than Beyonce, and Kojak Studio*; a high-end Egyptian fashion brand. If you are a lover of shopping, these one-of-a-kind stores would go on top of your list. Moreover, Zamalek also hosts many exhibitions and art galleries of Egyptian artists; worthy to check out. As for entertainment, Zamalek has a wide selection of upscale lounges to keep you company during the night. Furthermore, you can take a Felouka ride along the Nile. At night these boats shake off their sales, light up in bright neon colours and sway to local rap, creating the perfect atmosphere for a good time. 

The Modern Scene (Fifth Settlement)

The Fifth Settlement or Tagamoa Al-Khames in Arabic is a great place for indoor activities. When the Cairo sun reaches its peak and shines vertically upon people, it will not be of any bother to you. That is, because you will be jumping and playing in a huge trampoline park called Bounce*.  Bounce is situated inside a huge mall called CFCM (Cairo Festival City Mall). So, if bouncing is not your thing, you can still check off you steps count by walking around this three-story mall. The whole area is dazzled with malls that offer a wide array of shopping, noshing, and dining opportunities with venues both in open air and indoors. Normally, CFC also hosts theatre plays and concerts. Furthermore, hotels there have their own swimming pools, meaning you can chillax by the water and take a dip to cool off. 

The 24 hrs. Scene (Heliopolis)

If you are only passing by Cairo, maybe on your way to a Red Sea resort, then Heliopolis is the place to stay. It is an urban space that still hosts the Egyptian flair. In Heliopolis you can admire some of the last standing villas of the past century, walk around the lively market of Midan Al- Gamea and visit the Baron Empain Palace. All in one day. But don’t hold me accountable if you wish to stay a little longer to look into the Diwan bookstore* or explore the generations old gold and diamond jewelry stores in Korba.

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For reference:

The Foodie Scene:

Fool Medammes: Egytian style fava beans. Vegetarian. Picture: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/509680882831435142/ 

Koshary: Egypt’s national dish and a popular street food. Contains both rice and pasta! Picture: https://lifevegans.com/koshari-the-national-dish-of-egypt/ 

Molokheya: This vegetable originates in Ancient Egypt and is used to make a traditional soup with beef, chicken, or duck stock. Picture: http://cairocooking.com/md_recipe/fool-proof-one-pot-molokheya/ 

The Trendy Scene:

Okhtein: https://mr.okhtein.com/ 

Kojak Studio: https://www.kojakstudio.com/ 

The Modern Scene:

Bounce: Egypt’s largest indoor trampoline park. Website: https://www.bounceeg.com/ 

The 24 hrs. Scene:

Diwan Bookstore: Bookstore in Egypt. The Heliopolis store is especially cool. Near Baron Empain Palace. Directions: diwan bookstore heliopolis - Bing