Local's Guide To Egypt
3 min
Summer is no joke in Cairo; the city seems to almost bake in the heat and we all daydream about throwing ourselves in the nearest cool body of water. Some locals flee the city for the North Coast’s bluer pastures (Egypt’s Mediterranean beaches are some of the best in the world - read more about our world-class beaches here), but what about those who don’t have the option of heading to the beach?
Well, that’s where pools come in. If you’re lucky enough to live or be staying in a compound with a great pool, then what are you reading this for? Go swimming! But if you don’t have access to a pool, or want one in a higher-end setting where someone will bring you a cocktail while you tan, well we have you covered.
But first, a few important notes:
Note #1: Our favorite day-use hotel of all time, the Marriott Mena House, has cancelled their day-use option :( So if you want to swim in this historical hotel by the Pyramids, you’ll have to stay overnight (I guess there are worse things in the world).
Note #2: Obviously most hotels in Cairo have pools, but we only included the ones we personally liked best. For example, we love the Cairo Marriott in Zamalek as a hotel but are not fond of their pool.
Now with no further ado, let’s go swimming.
Location: Zamalek
Their indoor/outdoor pool isn’t large, but has beautiful views over the Nile. Be sure to check if they have a day use offer currently ongoing, which includes a discount on the spa as well as dining and drinks.
Day-use includes: double room, pool access, gym access
Day-use hours: 10 am to 6 pm
For more info: 02 2737 3737
Location: New Cairo
Large pool overlooking the serene greenery of the golf course. They also serve shisha pool-side.
Day-use includes: double room & pool access
Day-use hours: 10 am to 6 pm
For more info: 02 2322 8000
Location: Garden City
Nile views from the pool, anyone?
Day-use includes: double room & pool access
Day-use hours: 10 am to 7 pm
For more info: 02 2798 8000
Location: New Cairo
A good spot to bring your kids, because they have their own man-made ‘beach’ and waterpark (plus a normal pool). Local tip: avoid going on weekends and public holidays because it gets CROWDED.
Day-use includes: either a double room or poolside cabana, plus access to all of their pools
Day-use hours: 11 am to 7 pm
For more info: 02 2411 5588
Location: Alexandria Desert Road
What better view from a pool than the Pyramids? The Steigenberger is just minutes away from the Pyramids of Giza as well as the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Day-use includes: room and pool access
For more info: 02 33772555
Location: New Cairo
Big pool and part of the Marriott Bonvoy group, so they have the same set-up as JW Marriott in the sense that you can either get a room or a poolside cabana. A much less crowded version of the JW Marriott though (no man-made beach or waterpark).
Day-use includes: either a double room or poolside cabana
Day-use hours: 11 am to 7 pm
For more info: 02 2406 3333
Location: 6th of October City
A good choice for those who live in the western part of Cairo. It’s also a good spot for kids - they have four pools and water slides.
Day-use includes: room and access to all pools
Day-use hours: 11 am to 7 pm
For more info: 02 3855 5001
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