One of the best things about Egypt is that beach weather doesn’t end in August like the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. If anything, fall is one of the best seasons to vacation in Egypt because it’s warm enough to go to the beach or spend time in the desert, but cool enough that you won’t have to worry about sunstroke or soaring temperatures. Read more: 8 Best Beach Holiday Destinations in Egypt So whether you’re a non-Egyptian who isn’t quite ready to say goodbye to summer yet, or a local who wants to make the most of the best weather of the year, these 12 travel destinations in Egypt have something for everyone. Local tip: beach weather on the Red Sea is great up until mid-December give or take, when it gets a bit chilly. Fayoum Fayoum, about an hour and a half from Cairo, has always been known as a great nature retreat and break from the city. Fayoum has a lot of great camping spots, like on sand dunes right on the shore of Magic Lake (named for its changing water color according to time of day), or near Lake Qarun (Fayoum’s oasis, the biggest in Egypt) or close to the Wadi el Rayan waterfalls. Fayoum itself is an ancient city (read more about it at 7 Modern Egyptian Cities More Than 5,000 Years Old) and is an interesting mix of desert, water, greenery, urban and rural life and modern and ancient life. Things to do in Fayoum in the fall: sandboard, explore Tunis Village, visit the Wadi el Rayan Waterfalls, see the ancient whale bones at Wadi El Hitan (Whale Valley), which is one of Egypt’s 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, see the petrified forest, discover Fayoum’s ancient ruins. Hurghada Hurghada, having spent the first hundred years of its life as a sleepy little fishing village, is now one of the most popular beach destinations in the world, ranking annually on Trip Advisor. Fall has the best weather in Hurghada -- bright sunny days and warm water without the intensity of the summer heat. Hurghada is an eclectic mix of 5 star resorts and super budget hotels, Red Sea islands and desert excursions, touristy promenades and dingier local areas… there’s something to see and do no matter your age or interests. Here’s our full, detailed local’s guide for Hurghada. Things to do in Hurghada in the fall: 25 Fun Things to Do in Hurghada and El Gouna Soma Bay A peninsula jutting into the Red Sea, Soma Bay is a luxury beach resort town south of Hurghada and technically part of the Safaga area, although it's an easy 45 minute drive from Hurghada International Airport -- so expect the same amazing weather as Hurghada. Because it’s surrounded by the sea on three sides, Soma Bay is famous for its spectacular beaches and water sports. On one side of Soma Bay you have the open Red Sea for scuba diving and boat trips, and on the other side you have a crystal-clear bay of warm, shallow water, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Read more: Soma Bay, Egypt - Travel Guide For First-Timers Soma Bay is home to a handful of luxury beach resorts, but not nearly as many as Hurghada and Sharm, so it’s a good place to go if you want to avoid the crowds found in other popular Red Sea Riviera destinations. Things to do in Soma Bay in the fall: sunbathe and swim, scuba dive, snorkel, kitesurf, glass bottom boat, go-karting, golf, paintball, horseback riding Sharm el Sheikh Sharm el Sheikh has been a top trending travel destination forever now, and according to Dive Magazine, “Sharm El Sheikh has been, for many years, the favourite Egyptian destination for scuba divers, and has probably contributed more to the European dive business than any other resort in the world.” So it’s safe to say that Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most famous Egyptian Red Sea Riviera destinations internationally, and even if you don't dive, their beach resorts are reason enough to visit. It’s also a good base for trips to the Sinai Mountains, St. Catherine’s Monastery and Ras Mohammed National Park. Things to do in Sharm in the fall: swim, sunbathe, dive, snorkel, go on a boat trip, go on day trips to interesting neighboring spots in Sinai Read more: 12 Best Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh Dahab This little bohemian town is smaller, quieter and less commercial than its Red Sea Riviera neighbor Sharm el Sheikh, but the diving is just as good. Home to world-renowned dive sites like the Blue Hole, Dahab pulls in its own fair share of tourists, but those who want to experience a more laid-back vacation. The main area of town is its seaside promenade, full of local and quirkily-named restaurants and shops. There are also hostels and budget hotels galore. You can also hike to and camp in nearby Ras Abu Galoum and Blue Lagoon. Similar to Sharm, Dahab is also a popular base for treks into the Sinai Mountains and St. Catherine’s Monastery. Things to do in Dahab in the fall: dive, snorkel, swim, try the seaside restaurants, bars and cafes on the promenade, visit Ras Abu Galoum, go mountain trekking or bouldering, visit neighboring spots in Sinai Siwa Oasis Located in the Western Desert but much closer to the Libyan border is Egypt's most famous (and most remote) oasis, Siwa. Thousands of Egyptians and foreigners alike visit each year to experience Siwa's unique history, heritage and culture (they even have their own language which is closer to Berber than Arabic). And culture aside, Siwa's natural charms alone are worth visiting, from the vibrant greenery at the edge of the Great Sand Sea to their crystal-clear salt lakes and wide expanses of olive and palm trees. Read: 10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Siwa Oasis Read: 7 Best Places to Stay in Siwa Oasis For All Budgets Siwa to a large extent is untouched by modernity and all its tech-y trappings (Siwa was isolated from the rest of Egypt up until the 1980s when a road connecting it to Marsa Matrouh was built), so it's an ideal place to camp and get away from it all. Camping under the Milky Way in the Great Sand Sea is something that you won't be forgetting any time soon! Things to do in Siwa in the fall: visit Shali Fortress, Mountain of the Dead, Cleopatra's Bath, the Temple of the Oracle of Alexander the Great, swim in the hot springs and ride the sand dunes on a desert safari. Siwa is also known for its natural climatic therapy. Ras Shetan/Nuweiba Nestled between mountains and the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba is a strip of coastline called Ras Shetan, between the towns of Nuweiba and Taba on the Sinai peninsula. Both Nuweiba (a little beach town) and Ras Shetan are known for their get-away-from-it-all beach camps, usually run by local Bedouins. The camps are a mix of beach huts or chalets, and you’re more than welcome to set up your own tents right on the beach. At night, there’s usually a large campfire where the Bedouins and guests from all over the world talk, play instruments and sing. Nuweiba and Ras Shetan are also a good place to stay if you want to explore the Colored Canyon and Wadi Wishwashi in the nearby Nuweiba mountains. Things to do in Ras Shetan and Nuweiba in the fall: camp on a beach, disconnect, swim, stargaze, enjoy a fire at night, read, play cards, visit Castle Zaman, explore the Nuweiba mountains Luxor If you're interested in Ancient Egypt, then Luxor is the first place to go once summer ends and the heat starts letting up. Modern Luxor stands where the Ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes once was, and is still home to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings and Queens, among dozens of other Ancient Egyptian sites. Read: 10 Best Things to Do in Luxor, Egypt - As Told By Locals Read: 7 Best Restaurants in Luxor, Egypt Things to do in Luxor in the fall: visit the incredible temples and tombs of Ancient Egyptian, take a Nile cruise down to Aswan Read: Choosing a Nile Cruise in Egypt - Your Ultimate Guide Aswan Aswan in southern Egypt is a unique mix of Ancient Egypt, rural village, urban city, Nubian heritage, river, desert and modern history. The ancient land of Nubia was directly to the south of Aswan, extending from modern-day southern Egypt into northern Sudan. Nubia became part of Egypt during the New Kingdom, and Nubian heritage and culture is extremely important in Aswan until today. The Nile looks just as clear, blue and wild as it probably did 3,000 years ago; Aswan is hands down where the Nile is at its most stunning in Egypt. Because Aswan isn’t super developed, don’t expect a vast array of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife - go there to sightsee at a relaxed pace and enjoy the Nile and warm fall weather. You can read more in our city guide to Aswan. Things to do in Aswan in the fall: visit Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, explore the Nubian Village, take a Nile felucca Marsa Alam If you're looking for some fantastic diving or just a resort holiday that's more secluded than Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh, then you should definitely visit Marsa Alam (about 4 hours south of Hurghada on a pristine stretch of Red Sea coast). The best time of the year to visit Marsa Alam is the fall (or spring), because it gets blistering hot in the summer and the water is just a tad cold in the winter (Europeans though love Marsa Alam during the winter due to its 365 days of sun, and it's warmer than Hurghada or Sharm). Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Marsa Alam Accommodation is across the board, from 5 star hotels to sparse beach camps. There’s very little in terms of restaurants and nightlife, so if you’re someone who likes to be on the beach early and call it a night early too, this might be for you. Things to do in Marsa Alam in the fall: dive, snorkel, swim, kitesurf El Gouna El Gouna’s a modern resort town spanning over 10 km of pristine Red Sea coast, with lagoons throughout, and their architecture is inspired by traditional Egyptian homes in the countryside and Upper Egypt. It’s a town equally as popular with Egyptians as it is with tourists. It was the first destination in the Middle East and Africa to receive the Global Green Award, which is given by the UN to cities making substantial efforts, progress and improvements in the field of environmental sustainability. While smaller than Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh, El Gouna has a plethora of hotels, restaurants, bars and activities for both adults and families. Here’s our full, detailed local’s guide for El Gouna. Things to do in El Gouna in the fall: we break it down here - 25 Fun Things to Do in Hurghada and El Gouna Ras Sudr Ras Sudr (pronounced Ras Sedr) is a small stretch of coast on the Gulf of Suez inlet of the Red Sea, and only recently began to rise in popularity due to its ideal kitesurfing conditions and being only a few hours’ drive from Cairo. It’s still pretty underdeveloped, but you’ll find a handful of beach hotels to stay at, the most notable being Matarma Bay, Fade Hotel at the La Hacienda compound and Bayside. Most people spend their days at the various kite centers (like Soul in La Hacienda and Fly in Green Sudr Resort) which also double up as restaurants/beach bars. Things to do in Ras Sudr in the fall: kitesurf, swim, enjoy a Sinai beach without having to drive too far from Cairo Read: 7 Best Kitesurfing Spots in Egypt You might also like: Where To Go In Egypt - 10 Best Egyptian Cities, Towns & Destinations

While the name ‘City of the Dead’ sounds ominous and conjures up images of graves and zombies, Cairo’s City of the Dead is actually a place of heritage and history – and is a city of the living just as much as it is a city of the dead. Cinematic name though, we have to admit. So what exactly is Cairo’s City of the Dead? The City of the Dead in Cairo (El Qarafa or El Arafa in Arabic) is a 6.4 km (4 mile) stretch of necropolises and cemeteries in the original core of the city, in an area known as Historic Cairo internationally, or Old Cairo (Masr El Adeema in Arabic) to locals. But like we said, City of the Dead isn’t *just* about the dead – residential neighborhoods have been built alongside and throughout the necropolises, with all the regular hustle and bustle of any regular neighborhood. Cairo's City of the Dead is spread into two main cemeteries north and south of the Cairo Citadel, nestled under the Moqattam Hills to the east. So what makes City of the Dead worth visiting? So far what we’ve described sounds just like a bunch of cemeteries with regular neighborhoods interspersed, right? So… why is it worth visiting? Because peppered throughout Cairo’s City of the Dead are some truly beautiful historic mosques, mausoleums and other medieval Islamic architecture. There are remnants dating back to the Arab conquest of Egypt back in the 7th century, and whole buildings still in their entirety dating back to the 12th-15th centuries! Keep in mind that Cairo is a city over 1,000 years old, and the area of Historic Cairo where the City of the Dead is is one of Egypt’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Besides the City of the Dead, Historic Cairo is also home to: Cairo Citadel Moez Street (a famous pedestrian street full of medieval architecture) Khan el Khalili bazaar Coptic Cairo The centuries-old giant mosques of Islamic Cairo, such as Ibn Tulun, Sultan Hassan and Al Rifai mosques Misconceptions about Cairo’s City of the Dead The City of the Dead started to pick up traction as an interesting place to visit originally not because of its history and heritage, but because it began being known in Western media as a place where the extremely poor were forced to live in and around the graves and tombs; ‘tomb dwellers’ basically, living among the dead. And while this is true in some swathes of City of the Dead, it’s not true for all of it. The majority of its population reside in regular (albeit shabby) housing, with shops, supermarkets, post offices, barbers, and the usual trappings of city life. A little history of City of the Dead We don’t want to get too rambly and turn into a Wikipedia page, so we’ll try to be as brief and concise as possible. Cairo's City of the Dead as depicted by F. Perlberg in 1890 Ironically, Cairo’s City of the Dead is older than Cairo itself. When the Arabs conquered Egypt, their leader Amr Ibn El-As built their first Muslim capital in Egypt in 642 AD, called Fustat. Fustat is now a neighborhood in Historic Cairo (Cairo was built next to Fustat in 969 AD, and subsequently absorbed Fustat in its growth and expansion). But back when Fustat was first founded in the 7th century, they built a necropolis in the empty desert outside the main city, and thus was the birth of City of the Dead. It continued to grow as the city grew, and became notable because it holds the mosques and mausoleums of some of Prophet Muhammad’s descendants who are believed to have emigrated to Egypt, such as Sayyida Aisha, Sayyida Nafisa and Sayyida Ruqayya. Imam El Shafei, a very important religious scholar in Islam, was buried in the City of the Dead in the 9th century, and the mausoleum later constructed over his tomb (built in 1211 AD) is still one of the highlights there until now – more than 800 years later! Imam El Shafei Mausoleum in City of the Dead The most impressive mosques and mausoleums were built during the Mamluk era, in the medieval centuries spanning 1250 to 1517 AD, giving the City of the Dead's Northern Cemetery the local epithet of ‘Desert of the Mamluks’. The Khanqa of Sultan Faraj Ibn Barqouq in City of the Dead's Northern Cemetery The cemeteries and necropolises of City of the Dead aren’t just dedicated to medieval tombs though; many modern Egyptian families still have their own family plots and burials there until now. Problems facing City of the Dead Cairo’s oldest cemetery has been getting a lot of buzz in the news lately, but unfortunately not for the best reasons. Areas of City of the Dead, including graves and tombs, are being cleared and relocated to make room for highways and bridges. The reason behind this is to both ease traffic in the dense area as well as connect Cairo to the new administrative capital (still under the name ‘New Capital’) 45 km to the east. While the government has assured everyone that they’re not doing anything to the heritage mausoleums and medieval tombs, and that they’re only removing and relocating ‘modern’ graves (ie. not over 100 years old) and families will receive compensation, locals aren’t thrilled. You can read more about it here on the New York Times. But never fear! There’s still so much of City of the Dead to see, so don’t let this discourage you! Best way to visit City of the Dead Local kids play in the alleys that wind around the Funerary Complex of Qaitbay. Photo credit: Christopher Wilton-Steer So there’s several different ways of visiting City of the Dead, and we’ll go through them with you one by one: a) On a guided walking tour. This is our recommended way of visiting. There are different organizations that have regular City of the Dead walking tours that you can sign up for. These tours usually meet up at a specified place, then you walk through the neighborhood for a few hours with a knowledgeable guide to explain what you’re seeing and to answer questions. They also take care of the ‘tipping’ of the entrance guards to different mosques and mausoleums (the tipping is for you guys to be actually let in, considering these aren’t ticketed official tourist destinations). On walking tour with 'Walk Like An Egyptian' inside the Khanqa of Sultan Farag Ibn Barquq in the City of the Dead Two recommended City of the Dead walking tour organizers: Ma’qad of Sultan Qaitbey (MASQ). MASQ is a cultural center right in the City of the Dead, and they offer regular guided walking tours as well as photography walks through the Northern Cemetery (also known as the Eastern Cemetery, because it was originally east of the city walls). Their guided tours are usually on the weekends from fall through to spring. You can see their next upcoming tour here. Walk Like An Egyptian. A local company that specializes in guided walking tours (along other off-the-beaten-track tours). They have two different walking tours for City of the Dead, one for the Northern Cemetery (similar to MASQ’s), and a separate one for the Southern Cemetery. You can find their schedule and more info on their website here. b) You can visit with a travel agency (either a private tour or in a group). If you’d like to go visit City of the Dead but not worry about meeting points or specific schedules, then you can arrange with a local travel agency to book a tour on whatever dates and times work for you. Simply google ‘Cairo City of the Dead tour’ and several different options will pop up; you can compare prices and reviews to see which tour agency works for you. The benefits of going the tour agency route is that most will pick you up from your hotel and drop you back off, so you don’t have to worry about transportation. And like we said above, you don’t have to stick to a specific schedule if you’re doing a private tour. The con though is that these trips tend to run much more expensive than the guided walking tours mentioned above (and in either case, you’ll be walking). c) You can visit City of the Dead solo. While technically it’s doable to visit the City of the Dead on your own without a guide, we wouldn’t recommend it. For one, the area is crowded and confusing if you don’t know exactly where you’re going, and Google Maps doesn’t always label everything correctly. Secondly, you’d need to be able to speak Arabic to communicate with the gatekeepers of the different mosques and mausoleums to let you in. And even if you are an Arabic-speaking local (or with one), there are no signs or placards or anything to really explain what it is you’re looking at or why it’s important. How to get there If you’re going with a guided walking tour, then they’ll tell you the meeting place in City of the Dead, which most likely will be easily accessible by car. You can then plug in the destination in your Google Maps and either Uber or have a private car take you there. If you’re going with a tour agency, then they will probably arrange for transportation to pick you up from your hotel or accommodation. Best Things To See in City of the Dead Hosh El Basha The City of the Dead is divided mainly into two large cemeteries, one on the north side of the Cairo Citadel and one on the southern side, aptly named the Northern Cemetery and the Southern Cemetery. Like we mentioned briefly above, the Northern Cemetery is also sometimes called the Eastern Cemetery, due to its being east of the city’s original walls, way before the Cairo Citadel was built. There’s also the smaller Bab El Nasr and Bab el Wazir cemeteries, but most guided tours take place in the North and South Cemeteries. Mausoleum of Khedive Tawfik (Qubbat Afandina) Best things to see in the Northern Cemetery (Eastern Cemetery, ‘Desert of the Mamluks’): Complex of Sultan al-Ashraf Qaitbay (1474 AD) Khanqa of Sultan Farag Ibn Barquq (1389 - 1411 AD) Funerary Complex of Sultan al-Ashraf Barsbay (1432 AD) Mausoleum of Khedive Tawfik, also known as Qubbat Afandina (1894 AD) Mural art and graffiti (modern) Best things to see in the Southern Cemetery: Imam el Shafei Mausoleum and adjacent mosque (1211 AD) Hosh El Basha (the family mausoleum of Muhammad Ali, governor and ruler of 19th century Egypt) (1854 AD) Imam El Layth Bin Saad Mausoleum (first built in 1244 AD, then rebuilt in 1833 AD) Mausoleum of Shajar El-Durr (1250 AD) Local tips Seeing as you’ll be walking around a lot in the sun and none of the sites have ACs for any type of temporary respite, it’s best to visit City of the Dead in the cooler months (November through March) You’ll be walking through a lot of local neighborhoods where the residents tend to be more on the conservative side, so we recommend women not wear anything too revealing or short Most of the mosques you’ll visit don’t require women to cover their hair because they’re not working mosques, but it’s always better to have a scarf or shawl with you just in case You’ll be required to take off your shoes before entering the mosques though, so it’s helpful to be wearing socks/have socks on you so you don’t need to go barefoot There’ll be little kiosks and supermarkets throughout City of the Dead, so don’t worry about getting thirsty – there’s plenty of spots to buy water Wish we could say the same about bathrooms though; we recommend you empty your bladders before your City of the Dead tour, because we can’t guarantee any clean bathrooms :D Other than that, have fun and enjoy the incredibly unique mix of medieval tombs, modern graves and the bustling local life that has grown and evolved all around them. If you find City of the Dead interesting, you’ll also like: El Moez Street: A Detailed Local’s Guide

It’s not news to anyone that sushi and other Japanese cuisine have taken the world by storm in the past few decades, and Cairo, Egypt is no different. Sure, it took us Egyptians a minute to warm up to it when we were first introduced, but fast forward to present day and sushi restaurants are a dime a dozen here in Cairo. Two of the biggest sushi restaurant chains here in Egypt are Mori Sushi and Garnell, which is where most locals get their sushi, but in our humble opinion it’s not the best. The highest quality, most enjoyable Japanese cuisine in the city isn’t at a chain restaurant, but usually way smaller establishments with actual Japanese chefs and authentic ingredients. Local tip: because you get what you pay for, most of the restaurants on this list aren’t cheap – but you’ll be getting your money’s worth at least. Makino Location: Zamalek Tucked away into the side of the Hilton Zamalek, hidden from sight unless you’re looking for it, is Makino. Makino is very well-known with Japanese expats living in Cairo, but remains a hidden gem to Egyptian locals and tourists. Their kitchen is staffed by Japanese chefs who not only serve up authentic sushi, sashimi, makimono and daily bento, but also udon, ramen and curry katsu. Alcohol is served. Local tip: They’re open daily from noon to 11 pm, but close for an hour every day from 4-5 pm. For the menu and more info: Makino Reif Kushiyaki Location: New Cairo Reif Kushiyaki is a restaurant famous for its "unconventional Japanese street food" in Dubai, and it opened its first Egyptian branch in 5A by Waterway in New Cairo (read more: 7 Best Restaurants in 5A). It’s named after Reif Othman (owner and celebrity chef of the Dubai branch) and kushiyaki, which is grilled meat on skewers. They have indoor and outdoor seating and their menu is a fun mix of appetizers, gyoza, sandos, different kushi skewers, makimono, yakisoba, claypot rice bowls and other Japanese street food faves. Alcohol served and reservations recommended for the weekend. For the menu and more info: Reif Kushiyaki Sapporo Location: Dokki Sapporo has been the Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino’s most famous restaurant for decades. And they were so well known for their teppanyaki, that when we were much younger, we actually thought the restaurant’s name was ‘Teppanyaki’! We were young and dumb, what can we say. Fast forward 20 years later, and you can still order excellent teppanyaki at Sapporo (either a set menu or a la carte) for dinner AND a show. They also have a large variety of sushi, which you can order either in ‘combinations’ or by piece. Alcohol served. For the menu and more info: Sapporo L’Asiatique Location: Zamalek Similar to Sapporo above, any restaurant that can stand the test of time for decades and still be loved is truly a testament that they’re one of the best in the game. The award-winning L’Asiatique on the Le Pacha 1901 Nile boat in Zamalek has been serving sushi and other Far Eastern dishes for over 20 years. The restaurant is calm with lanterns and low Japanese tables, and kids aren’t allowed after 7 pm. Alcohol served. For the menu and more info: Le Pacha 1901 Kazoku Location: New Cairo Kazoku, a contemporary Japanese restaurant, is a firm favorite when it comes to sushi in Cairo. Their menu doesn’t start and end with sushi though - their menu features everything from sea scallop nori tacos to salmon steak in a wasabi beurre blanc to slow-cooked glazed short ribs in teriyaki sauce. With both indoor and outdoor seating, Kazoku works as a fine-dining lunch spot during the day (they open at 2 pm) and a dinner & drinks venue at night (they have a full bar). Reservations recommended. For the menu and more info: Kazoku Shogun Location: Nasr City You can find Shogun at the Intercontinental City Stars Hotel, but it’s also accessible through the City Stars Mall. This long-time favorite has a quiet and soothing atmosphere, complete with a fish tank in the middle of the restaurant for even more zen vibes. They have separate teppanyaki and yakitori menus, and their a la carte menu has izakaya style tapas, don, soba, udon and of course their signature sushi rolls and sashimi. Alcohol served. For the menu and more info: Shogun Sushimi By K Locations: New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed If you don’t want to spend hotel or fine dining prices, but are tired of all the mediocre casual sushi restaurants Cairo has to offer (and there are many), then you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Sushimi by K. What started as a small sushi catering business quickly grew in popularity to an actual brick and mortar restaurant in New Cairo, with its second branch in Park St. Read more: 7 Best Restaurants in Park St. West, Sheikh Zayed Sushimi by K prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients, including non-frozen salmon and bluefin tuna. Their sushi menu is massive, alongside a few Japanese main courses for anyone in your group who isn’t on the sushi train. For the menu and more info: Sushimi by K You may also like: 7 Best Seafood Restaurants in Cairo, Egypt

Red Pyramid & Bent Pyramid at Dahshur We have two relatively safe assumptions to make: a) most of the world knows about the Great Pyramids of Giza and b) most of the world has very little idea about the 100+ other pyramids that Egypt is home to. Yup, when they started calling Egypt the Land of the Pyramids, they really weren’t kidding (not very sure who ‘they’ are but that’s besides the point). All of these pyramids are thousands of years old, and are tombs to different pharaohs and their consorts. (Read: 8 Best Ancient Egyptian Tomb Sites in Modern Egypt) And while no one is trying to compete with the Giza Pyramids’ majesty, there are a few lesser-known pyramids that are most definitely worth a visit. 1. The Step Pyramid Pharaoh: Djoser Built: ~2670 BC (almost 4,700 years old) Necropolis: Saqqara Starting off with the next most-recognizable pyramid after the ones at the Giza plateau. This beauty is the oldest Egyptian pyramid to date -- ‘The Step Pyramid’ is thought of as the initial prototype for the later smooth-sided pyramids. The architect was Djoser’s vizier Imhotep, thought of now as the founding father of Egyptian pyramids, and the design is six mastabas of decreasing size atop one another. Mastabas were how pharaohs and other Egyptian royalty and VIPs were buried before the invention of the pyramids -- mastabas were rectangular, flat-roofed tombs. While there are other pyramids at the Saqqara necropolis, Djoser is by far the jewel in Saqqara’s crown. Read more: Saqqara, Egypt - A Local's Guide to Visiting the Step Pyramid of Djoser & the Saqqara Tombs 2. The Red Pyramid Pharaoh: Sneferu Built: ~2585 BC (around 4,600 years ago) Necropolis: Dahshur Not very far from the Giza and Saqqara pyramids you’ll find the necropolis of Dahshur, home to three different pyramids on this list. Read more: Dahshur Pyramids - A Local's Guide The Red Pyramid received its moniker due to its reddish hue, although it wasn’t always red. The entire pyramid used to be encased in white limestone, which you can still see at the base. The white limestone was actually stripped from the pyramid in the Middle Ages (can you believe it?) to construct buildings in Cairo. The layer underneath was red limestone, which you can see until today. The Red Pyramid is believed to be the first successful attempt at creating a smooth-sided pyramid, and was Pharaoh Sneferu’s third pyramid. 3. The Bent Pyramid Pharaoh: Sneferu Built: ~2600 BC (around 4,600 years ago) Necropolis: Dahshur Another of Sneferu’s Dahshur pyramids, the Bent Pyramid was built right before the Red Pyramid. Archaeologists believe that the Bent Pyramid represents a transitional form between the step pyramid and smooth-sided pyramid. The ‘bent’ appearance is due to its base having a 54 degree inclination, but the top section having a narrower 43 degree angle. There are different theories as to why it was built this way: one was that as the builders reached the top, the top section started to show instability, so they narrowed the angle. Another theory is that they anticipated Sneferu’s death approaching, so they wanted to finish his pyramid as soon as possible. A third theory is that they were trying to avoid the same colossal disaster that occured with Sneferu’s first pyramid, the Meidum pyramid (below), which collapsed mid-construction. Read more: A Local's Guide to Visiting the Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid and Black Pyramid of Dahsur 4. The Black Pyramid Pharaoh: Amenemhat III Built: ~1860 AD (around 3,800 years ago) Necropolis: Dahshur This pyramid, while technically ruined, is still definitely worth seeing when you head to Dahshur to see the Red and Bent pyramids, just because it looks so different and vaguely creepy. The Black Pyramid is believed to be the first pyramid in Egypt that was intended to house both the pharaoh and his queens. It’s called the Black Pyramid due to is “dark, decaying appearance”. It collapsed partially due to it being made out of mudbrick instead of traditional stone (although it was encased in limestone), and partially due to its low elevation allowing Nile water to seep into the walls, ending with the structure cracking and sinking into the clay ground. 5. Meidum Pyramid Pharaoh: Sneferu Built: ~2600 BC (around 4,600 years ago) Necropolis: Meidum Meidum is believed to be the second oldest pyramid, after the step pyramid of Djoser. It was Sneferu’s first attempt at building a pyramid and unfortunately not a successful one -- the top collapsed pre-completion. Archaeologists have a theory that the pyramid’s architect was trying to implement Imhotep’s step pyramid design (as seen in the step pyramid of Djoser), but tried to modify the original design halfway through. 6. Fayoum Pyramids Pyramids: Hawara and El Lahun Pharaohs: Amenemhat III (Hawara pyramid) and Senusret II (Lahun pyramid) Built: ~1860 AB (Hawara) and ~1897 BC (El Lahun) This entry is a two-for-one. Not many people, including Egyptian locals, know that not only is Fayoum Egypt’s oldest city (and one of the world’s oldest), but is also home to several pyramids (the nearby Meidum pyramid, while in Beni Suef, is usually part of the Fayoum pyramid tour as well). While Hawara and El Lahun were built at two different times for two different pharaohs, they were both made of mudbrick with limestone casing, and the casing was stripped off of both pyramids, leading to their final deterioration. 7. Abusir Pyramids Abusir pyramids with their shinier Giza predecessors in the background Pharaohs: Niuserre, Neferirkare Kakai & Sahure Built: 5th Dynasty (around 4,500 years ago) If the above listing was a two-for-one, then this is your lucky day, because Abusir is a three-for-one. Technically, Abusir is home to fourteen pyramids, but only three of them are considered the “major” pyramids of Abusir. They were styled after the Great Pyramids of Giza, but due to their lower-quality local limestone casing, they haven’t stood the test of time as well as their predecessors. Theories around why the construction of these pyramids was inferior to those of the Giza plateau vary from a declining economy to the decrease of the absolute power of Pharaoh. Interesting local tip: there are two pyramids in North Sudan, built when a Kushite (Nubian) pharaoh ruled Egypt. While these pyramids are geographically in Sudan, they are historically considered Egyptian. You might also like: Ancient Egypt Bucket List - 20 Must-See Ancient Egyptian Sites

Planning a trip to Hurghada or El Gouna any time soon? If yes, then good for you, that’s probably one of the better decisions you’ve made recently. If not, then what are you waiting for? Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation (we have 9 world-class beaches in Egypt) or something with a bit more activity than just bumming on the beach, the Red Sea coast where Hurghada and El Gouna are located will deliver every single time. The coastal city of Hurghada and its neighboring resort town of El Gouna are about 25 km apart, so it’s an easy trip by car between the two (about a 40 minute drive between the two). The Hurghada airport provides easy access to both, or you can drive/take a bus from Cairo (about a 4 hour drive by car). You might also like: El Gouna, Egypt: A Local's Guide and Hurghada, Egypt: A Local Guide For First-Timers So whether you’re staying in Hurghada or El Gouna, here are 25 fun things to do to get the most out of your trip. 1. World-class diving Both Hurghada and El Gouna have numerous PADI-certified dive centers to choose from, whether you want to learn to dive for the first time or are an old hat at it. While there are great wreck dives for advanced divers, this area is also ideal for beginner divers because most of the reefs are shallow and easily accessible but still crammed full of marine life. Local tip: Hurghada's dive centers are usually more affordable than Gouna's. For more amazing diving destinations in Egypt, head here. 2. Snorkeling If diving is more effort than you’re willing to invest on your vacation, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the awesome marine life. There are plenty boats that will take you out to the best snorkeling spots, and you can even snorkel off your hotel's beach in some spots in Hurghada. 3. Glass bottom boat If you have kids with you or just don’t feel like getting in the water, then a glass bottom boat is ideal for a peek at underwater sea life from a boat. 4. Hop on a catamaran This two-hulled sailboat is great for sunbathing in the middle of the sea and cooling off with a swim after (you just jump off!). The catamarans take a large group of people out at the same time so it always has a fun, party vibe. 5. Rent your own little yacht for the day Yacht trips are both easy and affordable from both the Hurghada and El Gouna marinas and there are lots of tour agencies that can set them up for you. You can bring your own food (although sometimes it's included), drinks and music and leave the harder work to the captain. 6. Take a trip to the Giftun Islands (Mahmya & Orange Bay) If you want to spend the day on white sand beaches with crystal clear water, then hop on a boat and head to Giftun Islands. Both Mahmya and Orange Bay are beach restaurants/bars where you can spend the day in the water and relax with a drink or lunch on their pristine beaches after. Read more at: 7 Red Sea Islands Perfect for a Boat Day Trip 7. Desert safari (ATV & quad off-roading) If you’re all beached out, then venture into Egypt’s Eastern desert on an ATV or quad for what we locals call desert safaris. 8. Hiking and desert trekking If you’re in Hurghada or El Gouna for an extended period of time and are an adventure-seeker, then the Red Sea Mountain Trail might be for you. This 170 km, 10 day hike through the mountains of Egypt’s Eastern desert with a Bedouin guide will show you a side to Egypt you probably wouldn’t be able to see otherwise -- rocky gorges, deep desert sand dunes, prehistoric rock art and long-abandoned Roman towns. If 10 days/170 km is too much for you, you can participate in smaller segments or just do a day trek. 9. Biking If you’re a Cairo local who doesn’t have the opportunity to cycle much, or just someone who loves to hop on a bike, then El Gouna is a great place to do it. Besides actual bike rental shops, El Gouna offers ‘e-bikes’ -- different stations are set up around the time where you can rent out a bike and check it back in at any other station you want. And not just any bikes -- these ones have a little environmentally friendly electric motors if your fitness isn't where you want it to be and you don't feel like huffing and puffing down the streets of Gouna. 10. Good, old-fashioned sunbathing Almost all the hotels in Hurghada and El Gouna have access to a serviced beach, complete with some form of restaurant or beach bar, where you can work on your tan and wile the hours away. 11. Enjoy a shisha on the beach Egyptians love their shisha, and once you try it, it’ll be easy to see why. While many restaurants or cafes in Hurghada and El Gouna offer shisha, it’s a whole other experience to smoke away your stress on the beach. 12. Try out a plethora of different restaurants What’s a vacation without eating well? Both Hurghada, and El Gouna especially, have a great range of restaurants to choose from. Whether you want to try local Egyptian fare, fresh seafood or one of the numerous international restaurants, you won’t be starved for choice. Our personal favorites are Zia Amelia (Italian) and Saigon (Vietnamese) in El Gouna. 13. Go karting If you’re in the need for speed, then look no further than Gouna’s go karting track. 14. Fishing Craving fresh seafood, and we mean straight-from-the-sea-thanks-to-you fresh, then hop on one of the numerous fishing boats and go in search of dinner. Hurghada was originally a small fishing village, so you know the fish will be good. 15. Nightlife You tanned, you swam, you ate, now what? Time to hit the bars of course. Hurghada is home to a bunch of different clubs and bars like Little Buddha, and El Gouna is known for Aurora and The Tap South. 16. Kitesurfing If you’re one of those people who itch to get your muscles moving, then kitesurfing might be for you. There are several different kite centers that offer courses for beginners, and you can rent out equipment if you’re already a tried and true kitesurfer. Read more: 7 Best Kitesurfing Spots in Egypt 17. Motor gliding So you walked around (or boated around) and saw most of El Gouna already? Not so fast -- have you seen it from above? Try out what’s known as ‘aerial sightseeing’ from a motor glider. 18. Golf If you’re a seasoned golfer or just someone who wants to putt a few balls, then El Gouna offers two different 18 hole golf courses for golfers of all levels. There’s also golf lessons for those looking to learn or freshen their skills. 19. Sliders Cable Park One of the biggest cable parks in the world, Sliders is open year-round and is a lot of fun for those looking to participate in water sports. 20. Visit the centuries-old monasteries of St. Paul and St. Anthony St. Paul Monastery About 2 hours from Hurghada is Zaafarana, where you'll find the remote monasteries of St. Anthony and St Paul. Founded in 356 AD, St. Anthony’s Monastery is the oldest inhabited Christian monastery in the world and is home to paintings dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, as well as 1,700 ancient documents. St. Paul's Monastery was also established in the 4th century and is built into the Red Sea Mountains. Both monasteries are open to the public to visit. Read more: 7 Most Beautiful Coptic Orthodox Monasteries in Egypt 21. Day trip to Luxor Want to take a break from the beach and experience Ancient Egypt? Luxor is about a 4.5 hour drive from Hurghada, and lots of tour agencies arrange day trips to and from Luxor from Hurghada. A car or bus will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and take you to Luxor, where you'll see some of the most astounding remnants of Ancient Egypt like Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (varies according to your itinerary). Read more: 10 Best Things to See & Do in Luxor, Egypt (As Told by Locals!) 22. Visit Hurghada’s Grand Aquarium (or Gouna’s smaller one) Is it one of those rare cloudy days? Don’t waste it in the hotel -- head to Hurghada’s Grand Aquarium to get an up-close-and-personal look at some of the fantastic marine life this area is known for. 23. Go to a water park Whether you're looking for a kid friendly activity during the day or just love water parks yourself, Hurghada has several water park options. The most popular water parks are Jungle Aqua Park, Sindbad Aqua Park and Makadi Water World. They're all in hotels, but you can buy day tickets if you don't want to stay at the hotels themselves. 24. Horseback riding Are you a horse aficionado? Enjoy a horse ride in the Egyptian Eastern desert and a ride on the beach as well. 25. Tennis & squash If you’re looking to work up a sweat, then El Gouna offers both tennis and squash courts year-round. Gouna is even the home of the annual international squash open! You may also like: 8 Best Egyptian Holiday Destinations

Zamalek is known for being the best central Cairo neighborhood for bars, pubs and nightlife in general - with the added bonus that most places are in walking distance from one another, ideal for bar-hopping. Because there are so many options to choose from when it comes to Zamalek bars, we focused on 7 of our favorite places to grab a drink on the island, from upscale restobars and vintage pubs to little outdoor pizza bars. Local tip: at all of the below places you can bring your own bottle of hard liquor or wine for a corkage fee. Pier 88 Pier 88 sits on the upper level of a docked boat in Zamalek overlooking the Nile, and during the day it’s one of those quietly sophisticated bar & restaurants, complete with an open kitchen and drinks overlooking the water. Honestly? It’s pricey but worth it. At night it gets more of a nightlife feel to it, and reservations are recommended. On weekend nights the music gets turned up and there’s occasionally dancing by the tables (we don’t recommend eating when the dancing gets started, because you won’t find much room to wield your knife and fork). For the menu and reservations: Pier 88 Crimson This chic rooftop restobar resides on top of the Riverside building on a quiet Nile-facing street with a great view. Its open terrace overlooks the Nile, with an impressive bar and beautiful interior design. They have great food and creative cocktails, but we warn you -- this place is not cheap! Reservations recommended. For the menu and reservations: Crimson Pub 28 Pub 28 is one of Zamalek’s oldest and most-loved pubs, and with good reason. It’s small, cozy, warm and offers the best sangria in the city. Expect to see a lot of 50+ Egyptians sharing a laugh over their beers -- they’ve been regulars for decades. They have a good menu of Egyptian mezze, but warning: it gets smokey and crowded sometimes which isn’t always pleasant while eating. For more info: Pub 28 Rooftop Zamalek Literally called Rooftop Zamalek, this bar sits on top of a shabby 1 star hotel. This place is the absolute opposite of fancy, but has fantastic Nile views (although they recently put up some annoying netting on one side to apparently stop bottles from falling on the Russian consulate below, lol). Go for a drink, the view and the breeze but definitely don't go hungry! It gets crowded at night, so try to go during the day or before sunset to nab one of the netting-free Nile view tables. For more info: Rooftop Zamalek Aperitivo Another swanky spot, great for either dinner and drinks in their seated restaurant section or to socialize at their bar. We love their decor, with walls dedicated to vintage hardcover books and other antique-looking pieces, and their signature crystal globe chandeliers. They have an extensive list of cocktails (several pages long) and they also do different cocktails and shots of the day, so make sure to ask the bartender for his personal recommendation. For the menu and reservations: Aperitivo Olivo Pizzeria & Bar This little pizzeria has a small indoor area with high tables and a bar, as well as a cute outdoor patio. Olivo is the perfect place to go if you want to grab pizza and a beer in a casual setting (make sure to try their sangria as well!). Because it's small it fills up quickly, so a reservation is a good idea for evenings. They also open at 3 pm, so it's a good spot if you're looking for a daytime drink. For the menu and reservations: Olivo La Terrace On the top floor of the President Hotel is La Terrace, a restobar that's part full-on restaurant (they serve breakfast all the way to late night dinner) and part drinking destination, with a large menu of wines and imported liquor. Although La Terrace is technically on the roof, it's not open air, which makes it a good choice on summer days because while you're surrounded by windows, they're closed and the AC is on, so you can enjoy the sun without roasting alive. During winter they also have comfy couches surrounding a (faux) fireplace. For the menu and reservations: La Terrace You might also like: 7 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Zamalek

Before we start, let’s state the obvious -- the most famous, BY FAR, tombs in all of Egypt (and probably the world) are the Pyramids of Giza. But ironically, as anyone who’s actually been inside the pyramids knows, the inner burial chambers of the pyramids are kind of… underwhelming. They’re pretty much empty and devoid of the hieroglyphics and ancient Egyptian art that adorns other tombs in the country -- and we have no shortage of spectacular ones. For more Ancient Egypt content, you can read: 9 Different Egyptian Pyramids (That Aren’t the Pyramids of Giza) You Need To See and 12 Most Impressive Ancient Egyptian Temples Still Standing Today So without further ado, let’s go over some of the best sites in Egypt to see incredible ancient tombs. 1. Valley of the Kings Location: Luxor Era: New Kingdom In the former ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes (now modern-day Luxor in Upper Egypt), is the infamous Valley of the Kings. For a period of 500 years in the New Kingdom (1550 BC - 1069 BC), pharaohs were buried in rock-cut tombs in the Theban Hills, hidden from plain view. 62 tombs have been excavated to present day, with King Tut’s tomb being the most famous (but ironically, not the most impressive). Note: not all the tombs are open to the public, and some are on rotation. A few of the beautiful tombs in the Valley of the Kings: -Seti I (KV 17) -Merenptah (KV 8) -Ramses IV (KV 2) **the KV system is how they number the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the number following being the order in which they were discovered. 2. Valley of the Queens Location: Luxor Era: New Kingdom Nearby to the Valley of the Kings is the Valley of the Queens, where the wives of the pharaohs were buried during the same period. The main valley has 91 tombs discovered to date, and they’re generally smaller than the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Most beautiful tomb in the Valley of the Queens: -Nefertari, the Great Royal Wife of Ramses II (QV 66) 3. Deir el Medina Tomb of Pashedu. Photo credit: Richard Mortel Location: Luxor Era: New Kingdom This necropolis is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, but you’d be doing yourself a huge disservice by not visiting Deir el Medina while in Luxor. Also known as the Valley of the Artisans, it’s home to the tombs of the artists, builders and craftsmen who worked on the tombs in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens. Most beautiful tombs in Deir el Medina: -Pashedu (TT 3) -Sennedjem (TT 1) -Khaemteri (TT220) 4. Beni Hassan Tomb of Khety Location: Minya Era: Middle Kingdom A necropolis dedicated to ancient military leaders and provincial rulers, today found in the modern city of Minya in Upper Egypt. There are about 39 tombs dating back to the Middle Kingdom (2050 BC to 1710 BC) cut into the limestone hills in Beni Hassan, but not all of them are open to the public. The ones that are though have beautifully vivid wall paintings, detailing the ancient daily life of the noblemen and governors these tombs belonged to, as well as their compatriots. Most beautiful tombs in Beni Hassan: -Tomb of Amenmehat (BH 2) -Tomb of Khety (BH 17) 5. Tombs of the Nobles at Thebes Location: Luxor Era: New Kingdom Not to be confused with the Tombs of the Nobles at Aswan (Qubbet el Hawa, below), this necropolis is home to the tombs of the nobles and important officials who served the pharaohs during the New Kingdom. Most beautiful tombs: -Sennefer (TT 96), also known as 'Tomb of the Vineyards' -Rekhmire (TT 100) 6. Mastaba Tombs at Saqqara Tomb of the Butchers Location: Saqqara, an hour from Cairo Era: Old Kingdom The necropolis at Saqqara is home to the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid in Egypt. It’s also where you’ll find the mastaba tombs of government officials and palace workers. Mastabas are ancient Egyptian rectangular tombs with flat roofs made of mud-bricks and limestone. Most beautiful mastaba tombs: -Irukaptah (also known as the Tomb of the Butchers) -Kagemni -Mehu Read more: Saqqara, Egypt - A Local's Guide to Visiting the Step Pyramid of Djoser & the Saqqara Tombs 7. Qubbet el Hawa Location: Aswan Era: Old, Middle and New Kingdoms A necropolis of tombs spanning the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms, belonging to Ancient Egyptian officials and nobles. The tombs are on varying levels of a hilltop in Aswan, with a domed tomb of an Islamic sheikh on the very top. It’s still an active excavation site, so who knows what else will be found there in the future. The tombs which are allowed public access rotate. Most beautiful tombs: -Harkhuf -Sarenput II -Sabni 8. Tell el-Amarna Tomb of Panehsy Location: Minya Era: New Kingdom Tell el-Amarna is the ruins of Akhetaten, the ancient city of Akhenaten. He was known as the ‘heretic king’ who abandoned the traditional Ancient Egyptian religion to worship the one sun god, Aten. He was also the father of Tutankhamun, who left his father’s city to rule in Thebes. To date, tombs from the ancient city still exist in cliffs bordering the city. Most beautiful tombs in Tell el-Amarna: -Huya -Mery-Re I -Panehsy You might also like: 12 Most Impressive Ancient Egyptian Temples Still Standing Today

Nile cruises are hands down one of the most popular things to do in Egypt, and for good reason – the serenity of sailing down the world’s longest river AND getting to see some of the most mind-blowing Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs while you’re at it? Yes, please! And keep in mind this isn’t a ‘tourist trap’ kind of thing – lots of local Egyptians book Nile cruises as a way to treat themselves and explore Luxor and Aswan too, especially during the winter months and over New Year’s. But because Nile cruises are so popular with locals and visitors alike, there are tons to choose from and it’s easy to get confused or overwhelmed. Plus let’s be honest – Nile cruises aren’t cheap, so doing your due diligence before booking is always a good idea. Here’s our ultimate guide on everything you need to know to choose which cruise is best for you. Quick facts to know before choosing a Nile cruise: There are 200+ active Nile cruise ships operating regularly in Egypt When articles, booking engines or travel agencies refer to Nile cruises in Egypt, 90% of the time they mean a cruise between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa) Besides the Luxor-Aswan cruises, there are Lake Nasser cruises and Cairo-Aswan cruises, but those are far fewer in number All cruises will include sightseeing of some sort with a guide, with the main emphasis being on the Ancient Egyptian sites in Luxor and Aswan. Each cruise will have a detailed itinerary online that you can go over before you book Your days will mainly be spent off the ship. You’ll have breakfast onboard, then spend a day sightseeing on land, then return to the cruise ship before sunset to relax and spend the night onboard Nile cruises in Egypt are most popular during the winter months when the weather in Luxor and Aswan is at its best (November-March), which means that’s when cruises are at peak price and become fully-booked quickly Cruise ships are essentially hotels on the river; they vary from ultra luxury to more basic There are several different types of cruise ship, which we’ll go over in more detail below A little history of the Nile cruise Now obviously Egyptians using the Nile as a lifeline and trade ‘highway’ goes back thousands upon thousands of years; even before the Ancient Egyptian civilization started to document it. But it was back in the 1800s that the concept of sailing for leisure and adventure really took hold, first on the traditional dahabiya sailboats chartered by the Egyptian elite in Cairo, then later with steamships. Thomas Cook ad for steamship and dahabiya cruises Steamship cruises were introduced in the latter half of the 1800s by the British Thomas Cook & Son (who later went on to build the world-famous Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan in 1899, now known as the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract). Cook hired a steamship from Khedive Ismail and embarked on his first guided steamship cruise down the Nile to Aswan. Within ten years, he owned his own steamship cruise fleet and it was then that Nile cruises really started to boom as a touristic activity. They were much faster than the dahabiyas, cutting cruises from 2 months down to 3 weeks. They could hold way more people, plus offer amenities the smaller, more modest dahabiyas couldn’t. The SS Sudan at the foot of the Abu Simple temple, before the monument was relocated to protect it from being submerged in water once the Aswan Dam was built In the mid-1900s, motor-powered cruise ships began to sail the Nile, and slowly replaced the steamships. Fast forward over 70 years later to the present day, and only two token steamships still cruise the Nile today (more about these historic ships below). Types of Nile cruise ships and their pros & cons Motorized Cruise Ships The majority of Nile cruises will be on big motorized ships, which as we said above, are essentially floating hotels. These can take over a hundred guests per cruise, so expect lots of rooms, multiple restaurants, and different amenities like a gym, spa or an on-deck swimming pool, depending on which cruise ship you pick. Pros: Different room options (standard, deluxe, suite, etc.) The amenities (who doesn’t want to be in a pool while floating down a river, or have a designated play area for kids?) Onboard restaurant and bar options Nightly entertainment onboard There are cruise ships available in an array of different price ranges and budgets, from the more affordable to high luxury Cons: Because of the number of people onboard, it’s less private and the service is less personalized than a dahabiya Some people find the sounds & vibrations of the boats to be a nuisance In the high season there are so many cruises, it can seem almost like you’re moving in a convoy with all the other boats, which obviously can take away from the peacefulness of the Nile The big cruise boats tend to dock and go on sightseeing excursions at the same time, so unfortunately there’s usually a crowd wherever you go Dahabiya The truly authentic way to cruise the Nile. Dahabiyas are traditional Egyptian sailboats, used for millennia as a means for Egyptians to travel on the river. These days, the Nile cruise dahabiyas provide slow luxury for those who want a more private, personalized trip. Speaking of personalized – some dahabiyas (such as the Zein Nile Chateau) can even be booked completely for your own private charter, and an itinerary can be created specifically for you and your group’s interests. Pros: Dahabiyas can only take a fraction of the number of people that the standard cruise ships can take, so it’s the equivalent of staying in a tiny boutique hotel as opposed to a sprawling resort They travel by sail and are pulled by tugboats when there’s not enough wind, so there’s no motor noise Because of their smaller size, dahabiyas can dock at sites on the Nile where larger cruise ships can’t. This allows for more sightseeing at different spots off the beaten track, away from the crowds Cons: The price. Because dahabiyas take fewer people but essentially offer the same itinerary as the larger cruises, they tend to be pretty expensive, even more so than the big luxury cruises They don’t offer all the bells and whistles that the cruise ships offer, eg. pool and spa and multiple restaurants/bars Steamships SS Sudan Currently, the only two restored and functioning steamships cruising the Nile are the SS Sudan and the SS Misr, both imbued with over a century of history. The SS Sudan dates back to 1921, and the SS Misr (now run by Movenpick) dates back even farther to 1918. Both of these ships carry far fewer people than the modern cruise ships (the SS Sudan has 18 cabins and 6 suites and the SS Misr has 16 cabins and 8 suites). The SS Misr has a swimming pool as well. Pros: These iconic steamships provide far more history, nostalgia and romance than your standard cruise ship. Agatha Christie was inspired to write Death on the Nile while on a cruise on the SS Sudan in 1933 – there’s now a suite named after her, and filming for the movie actually took place on the SS Sudan It’s quieter and less crowded than the standard cruise ships Cons: They tend to be pretty expensive What are the best Nile cruises to choose? MS Oberoi Zahra Like we said above, there are over 200 Nile cruises operating at any given time. So which ones are the best? It’s important to note that when you book a cruise through a travel agency or online package, lots of times you don’t actually get to choose which ship you’re on. You’re essentially assigned to whatever ship fits the dates and price you picked. So if you chose a cheaper package, you’ll probably be on one of the more basic ships. If you chose something higher-end, you’ll get one of the luxury cruise ships. Alternatively, if you decide to skip buying an online travel package and want to book a specific cruise and specific type of room directly, here are some of the highest-rated ones per price bracket: Standard cruises: MS Princess Sarah MS Steigenberger Legacy MS Royal Esadora Luxury Cruises: MS Oberoi Zahra MS Oberoi Philae MS Historia Boutique Hotel Nile Cruise Dahabiyas: Nour El Nil fleet Merit Dahabiya Princess Farida Dahabiya Important note: we've only listed a handful of high-rated cruises just to give you an example, but there are many! Duration of Nile cruises MS Sun Sanctuary IV One of the first things you’ll have to decide on before choosing your Nile cruise in Egypt is how long you want the duration to be. Like we said above, 90% of Nile cruises are between Luxor and Aswan (and vice versa). Local tip: we get asked a lot which cruises are better, the ones that originate in Luxor or the ones that originate in Aswan. Our answer is, they’re both pretty much the same but the ones starting in Aswan usually run a day shorter, if you’re pressed for time. Luxor/Aswan Cruises MS Historia Boutique Hotel Cruise On average, the shortest cruises take 4 nights from Luxor to Aswan and 3 nights from Aswan to Luxor (this route is faster because you’re moving with the river current). So why are so many cruises longer than 3-4 nights? Basically it all comes down to sightseeing. The longer your cruise is, the more sights you’ll be able to fit in your itinerary – and trust us, Luxor and Aswan and all the places in between have a LOT of fascinating Ancient Egyptian spots to explore! Read more: 20 Must-See Ancient Egyptian Sites Since time/budget/interests are a personal choice of each traveler, we recommend going through the itineraries of the 3/4/5/7 night cruises and comparing, to see which ones speak to you the most. Some of the longer cruises tack on trips to Abu Simbel south of Aswan (very worth it), while others add more fluff experiences to their itineraries. So go through the fine print of the itineraries, read the reviews and make the choice that suits you personally the best. Long Nile Cruises (Cairo to Aswan or Aswan to Cairo) Movenpick MS Darakum Besides the standard Luxor-Aswan cruises, which tend not to be over 7 nights at most, there’s something called the Long Nile Cruise. This much rarer cruise travels from Aswan to Cairo (and vice versa) over a duration of two weeks. The Movenpick’s MS Darakum is currently one of the few ships offering that route. Lake Nasser Cruises MS Movenpick Prince Abbas A third type of cruise is the Lake Nasser cruise. Lake Nasser is to the south of Aswan and the High Dam, where you’ll find the great temples of Abu Simbel, as well as other Ancient Egyptian sites dotting the shores of the lake. These cruises tend to have a duration of 3-4 nights. Nile cruise itineraries & sightseeing Most people who decide to go on a Nile river cruise are interested in seeing the famous Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs of Luxor and Aswan, and interesting spots on the Nile in between. Spoiler alert: if you’re not into that kind of sightseeing, a Nile cruise in Egypt probably isn’t for you. Read more: 12 Most Impressive Ancient Egyptian Temples Still Standing Today Read more: 8 Best Ancient Egyptian Tomb Sites in Modern Day Egypt But assuming that’s indeed what you’re interested in, then these are the main stops on your average Nile cruise itinerary, plus the possible sightseeing you’ll be doing at each destination. Keep in mind that the shorter cruises will only cover SOME of these sightseeing spots, while the longer cruises will include more (but not necessarily all listed below). Important note: not all cruise itineraries are exactly the same, so we ask once again that you read the itinerary of each cruise online closely before you pick. Main Nile cruise itinerary destinations (in no specific order): -Luxor Valley of the Kings Deir el Bahri (Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut) Colossi of Memon Karnak Temple Luxor Temple Madinet Habu Temple Luxor Museum Valley of the Nobles Deir el Medina (Valley of the Artisans) -Edfu Temple of Horus at Edfu -Kom Ombo Double Temple of Kom Ombo -Aswan Philae Temple High Dam Unfinished Obelisk Botanical Gardens Nubian Museum Abu Simbel (usually as an add-on or part of the Lake Nasser cruise, considering it’s beyond the High Dam) -Qena (sometimes part of the cruise near Luxor, but during the low water level season is only reachable by land, about 1-1.5 hrs drive from Luxor) Temple of Dendera -Sohag (also sometimes part of the cruise near Luxor, reachable by land) Abydos -Esna Temple of Khnum Esna lock -Lake Nasser Abu Simbel Temple of Kalabsha Temple of Wadi El Seboua Qasr Ibrim -Sites reachable only by dahabiya or land (there are also other spots depending on which dahabiya you choose): Gebel El Silsila How much does a Nile cruise cost and what’s included in the price? There’s obviously so many variables that it’s impossible to give an average number. It depends on the season, duration, group size, type of boat, type of room, if the cruise belongs to an international hotel chain, what activities are included, so on and so forth. Long story short, a cruise can range from $500 per person to $10,000 per person in some cases, and that’s not an exaggeration. But just to give you an idea, if you’re looking at the standard 4 night, 3 day Nile cruise on one of the basic Nile cruise ships (not a luxury one), for the month of February for example, it’ll probably cost around $600-$700 per person. The nicer cruise ships and dahabiyas are for much more (averaging $1500 - $2500 per person). Local tip: the two weeks that cover Christmas and New Year’s are always THE highest priced throughout the year, even more than regular winter high season prices. What’s usually included in the cruise price? Local tip: we must state again that this differs from cruise to cruise, so please read all the fine print and don’t blame us if some of these features weren’t included! Usually when you book a Nile cruise (especially the higher end ones), it will include the following: Comfortable accommodation & private ensuite bathroom onboard for the length of time you chose, with daily housekeeping Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) – usually open buffet style, but sometimes a la carte on the nicer boats or dahabiyas An experienced tour guide speaking the language of your choice (make sure to find out the languages your cruise offers) Entrance fees to all sites Transportation from the cruise ship to all sites and back Taxes and fees They will also *sometimes* include: Onboard entertainment like belly-dancing or cooking classes Different themed nights on board with special menus and activities Wifi Laundry Meet & greet at the airport or your hotel Extra activities or excursions, eg. hot air balloon in Luxor Transportation to/from the airport or your hotel Usually NOT included in the price: Soft drinks (not included for the more standard cruises, but usually included for the luxury cruises) Alcoholic drinks (but available onboard for an extra fee) Tips (for the boat staff, usually given at the end of the trip, and separate tips for your tour guide and driver) Domestic flights Is a Nile cruise worth it? Or should I just visit Luxor and Aswan normally? We get asked this question a lot. Lots of people are interested in visiting Luxor and/or Aswan, but not sure if they should go down the cruise route, or just book a regular hotel on land and explore the cities themselves. Obviously, there’s no cookie-cutter answer for this because everyone’s preferences differ. What we can do however is list the pros and cons of both scenarios, so you can make a more educated choice for yourself. Pros of booking a Nile cruise: The experience of sailing down the Nile and sleeping/waking up on the water (although keep in mind that sometimes you'll be moored overnight next to other boats) Everything, especially sightseeing, is totally sorted out for you – you don’t have to worry about any logistics at all You don’t have to worry about being overcharged for things like transportation or tour guides There’s not much by way of nightlife in Luxor or Aswan – being on a cruise is a nice way to socialize and meet people over dinner and drinks on the boat You don’t have to research and try to locate decent restaurants to have your meals at Cons of booking a Nile cruise: There’s hardly any flexibility in the itinerary; you have to wake up, eat and disembark at set times to make it to each site on time The cruise ships tend to run by the same timetable, so the sightseeing will usually be crowded The inability to spend as much time as you want at each site or ask the tour guide in-depth questions because you’ll be in a large tour group Pros for staying at a regular hotel in Luxor/Aswan and arranging your own tours: You can set your own schedule so that you’re at some of the sites before/after the big crowds You can explore at your own pace You can visit places or do activities that aren’t included in the cruise itinerary You can either go to the different sites by yourself, or you can arrange for a private tour guide or small tour group Cons of staying at a regular hotel in Luxor/Aswan and arranging your own tours: You’ll have to research all the different accommodation options there You’ll have to figure out the logistics of all transportation You’ll probably have hit and miss restaurant experiences A lot of the nicer hotels in Luxor and Aswan are pretty expensive, so between that + meals + sightseeing tickets + transportation + guide, you might end up spending even more than you would on the cruise For more information in general about Luxor and Aswan: Read more: 10 Best Things To Do in Luxor - As Told By Locals Read more: 7 Best Restaurants in Luxor, Egypt Read more: Aswan, Egypt - A Local’s City Guide Read more: 7 Best Places to Stay in Aswan, Egypt Best way to book a Nile cruise Ok, so you’ve done your research, decided that you do indeed want to book a Nile cruise (good for you!) and read through all our tips about how to choose the type of cruise best suited for you. Now how do you go about actually booking it? You have several options: Book directly through the cruise ship’s website. Many of the cruise ships, especially if they’re part of a hotel chain or are high luxury, will have their own website that you can book through (and you can also directly email them any questions you may have). This also goes for booking dahabiyas. Book through a foreign or Egyptian tour agency. Foreign tour companies like AMA Waterways, Abercrombie & Kent or TUI offer all sorts of Nile cruise package deals, where you select the cruise package that sounds the best for you. There are also dozens of Egyptian tour agencies that offer similar packages. These agencies can arrange either just your cruise for you, or your whole Egypt trip from A-Z. Book through an online travel experience aggregator. Websites like Viator or GetYourGuide are another easy way to book a Nile cruise. Just make sure to read reviews, itineraries and what’s included/excluded before booking anything! So that wraps up our ultimate guide to choosing and booking the perfect Nile cruise just for you! Sail and enjoy 🙂 You might also like: Where to Go in Egypt: 10 Best Cities & Destinations

Khan El Khalili, the sprawling market/bazaar/souq in the heart of Old Cairo, is a massive hodgepodge of old and new, from beautiful centuries-old Islamic architecture to cheap made-in-China Ramadan lanterns with Mo Salah’s face on them. And while it’s indeed a tourist attraction, most of Khan El Khalili’s patrons are Egyptian locals, so the market is bustling at almost all hours of the day and night, in all seasons. Now, first things first: before we get into the nitty-gritty, let us just tell you one thing first: Khan el Khalili is *a lot*. Whether it’s a lot in a positive way or a lot in a negative way really depends on the eye of the beholder. It’s crowded, chaotic and loud, which can either be fun or overwhelming, but in most cases, usually a mix of both. Brief History of Khan El Khalili The khan in Cairo, by Charles Roberston (1887) In the 14th century, the then-Sultan Barquq’s (his mosque is one of the 10 most beautiful mosques in Egypt) Master of Stables, Jaharkas El Khalili, built a large caravanserai (khan) where Khan El Khalili now stands -- it was essentially a building that housed merchants and their different goods. In later years, other sultans added their own khans/wekalas (another word for caravanserai) until the whole area became a center for trade, both local and foreign, in the late 15th century. Khan El Khalili today is an integral part of Old Cairo, and the remaining medieval architecture and surrounding areas like Moez Street are reason enough to go (a UN study found that Moez Street has the highest concentration of medieval Islamic architectural treasures in the world). This area, called Historic Cairo, is one of Egypt's seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Read our detailed local's guide to Moez Street here. You may also like: Cairo's City of the Dead - A Local's Guide Today’s Khan El Khalili: What to expect Imagine a labyrinth of tiny alleys stuffed to the brim with shops and vendors peddling all kinds of treasures and all kinds of crap. You’ll find everything from great quality gold and silver jewelry and painstakingly intricate Egyptian handcrafts to plastic bob-headed dogs (who buys those things, anyway?) and everything in between. It’s the best place in Egypt to buy a gift for someone (or, you know, a gift for yourself) and to stock up on kitschy cheap souvenirs for everyone back home in the office. There are also weekly whirling dervish shows and other cultural/folkloric events. Getting There Al Hussein Mosque & Square Khan El Khalili is in the heart of Old Islamic Cairo, and you can get there easily by either cab or Uber (expect a lot of traffic in this area though). Another way of getting there is taking the metro and getting off at the Ataba stop, but then it’s another 20 minutes or so walk from there and not the most pleasant, especially for women, so you’ve been warned. The easiest, most direct entrance is at the Al-Hussein Square where the Al-Hussein Mosque is, so if you just tell your cab driver to drop you off there or plug it into your Uber destination, you should be able to orient yourself quickly once there. Buying/Bargaining If we were to list all the different and sometimes very random things you can buy in Khan el Khalili, we’d be here all night. Suffice to say they have something for everyone, so budget in a couple hours at least to roam around and shop. Shop owners and other touts will call out to you all sorts of things, including the always popular “How can I take your money today?”. Some are a bit pushy, but if you’re politely firm in your refusal of whatever it is they’re trying to push on you, they’ll keep it moving pretty quickly. There are also people who roam around trying to sell you trinkets, mugs with names on them (but not yours), henna tattoos, leopard-print lingerie (don’t ask), used books and essentially anything a person can carry around. In the case of buying anything from either a shop or a roaming trinket hawker, feel free to bargain. If bargaining isn’t your sharpest skill, then just think of what amount of money you feel you would be ok spending on whatever you’re negotiating over and stick to that. Also don’t be afraid to turn around and leave if the price they’re asking for is too much -- they sometimes try to guilt you into paying their price by quickly wrapping up the item as if you already bought it even before you settle on a price. If you ever feel like the shopkeeper is being too pushy, then just leave. Don’t let anyone intimidate you into buying something you don’t want. Types of people you’ll find there Besides the vendors and shopkeepers, you’ll also find random ‘performers’, and we’re using the term loosely. From loud (very loud) singers to tabla drummers, these energetic people wander the alleys and will unabashedly ask for a ‘tip’ from anyone who seems to be enjoying their performance. Sadly, a fact of life in Egypt is that you’ll see beggars, including children, and Khan El Khalili is no different. Roaming food vendors -- we like these guys. Indulge in some Egyptian street snacks like roasted peanuts, baked sweet potatoes or termes (lupin beans) while you shop. Sweet potato vendor Egyptian locals. While this might seem a bit ‘duh’, for the many visitors to Cairo who spend most of their time at tourists spots and their hotels, this is one of the few times that you can really immerse yourself with Egyptian locals. Most locals in Khan El Khalili are busy going about buying this-and-that from so-and-so, herding their kids through the crowds, negotiating prices in booming voices, or laughing, talking and smoking (probably a combination of the three) in one of the various cafes. Just random fun weirdos. People-watching in Khan El Khalili is a cross between the circus, New York City, and 1001 Arabian Nights. Cafes and Restaurants Naguib Mahfouz Cafe Khan El Khalili has quite a few restaurants and cafes, but don’t bother looking for anything that looks familiar -- the fare here is decidedly Egyptian. Khan El Khalili Restaurant & Naguib Mahfouz Cafe (or just Naguib Mahfouz Cafe for short) is the most famous restaurant and cafe in the market due to its being run by the Oberoi hotel group -- they have consistently good food and swankier surroundings then most other restaurants in the area. On weekends and other high traffic times there might be a wait though, and it’s pricier than other cafes in Khan El Khalili. For more restaurants in Cairo recommended for both tourists and locals alike, head here. El Fishawy is another extremely famous cafe, due to its being open for more than 200 years. Expect to be squeezed into any open chair they have in the alley, even if you end up sharing a table with a stranger, because this place gets crowded, fast. Stop here for a shisha or a quick drink, and we do mean quick, because the waiters will try to hustle you out as soon as you’re finished drinking. A good spot for people watching. Read: Vintage Cairo - 17 of the Oldest Restaurants, Cafes & Bars in the City Zeeyara, a rooftop restaurant overlooking the adjacent El Moez Street, is also highly recommended (they also have another restaurant overlooking the Pyramids of Giza) In the outer square, overlooking Al-Hussein mosque, you’ll find a bunch more restaurants and cafes. Local tip: if you’re a meat lover, try the kebab and kofta from El Dahhan, followed by rice pudding for dessert at El Malky. Do not and we repeat ~do not~ expect anything fancy -- if chaos and questionable hygiene standards put a damper on your appetite, then maybe stick to Naguib Mahfouz cafe (or skip eating in Khan El Khalili in general). Safety The good news is, Khan El Khalili is a lot of bark and no bite -- meaning, it looks crowded and chaotic (and is), but there is very little actual danger posed to tourists. Just use normal common sense and keep your bags close and money/valuables zipped somewhere safe. There are also touristic police (both in uniform and in plain clothes) roaming the alleys at all hours, so if for any reason you run into any trouble, just head in their direction. Leaving Leaving is as straightforward as arriving -- head to the main square next to Al-Hussein mosque, where you’ll find one big entrance/exit. There are a bunch of cabs there (be sure to either agree on a price before you hop in, or make sure the meter is running) and it’s also an easy location for an Uber to pick you up from. You might also like: Moez Street in Old Cairo: A Detailed Local's Guide Coptic Cairo - A Detailed Local's Guide Cairo's City of the Dead: A Local's Guide Happy shopping!

When you think of Egypt, ‘tropical’ isn’t exactly the first word that comes to mind. Desert, maybe. Sandy, sure. But tropical? It’s true though: the Red Sea is the world’s northernmost tropical sea, and Egypt has the soft white sand beaches, warm waters and abundant coral and marine life to prove it. (There’s a reason we’re one of the best diving destinations in the world!) So next time you’re in Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera (that should really be on your to-do list by the way) hop on a boat and check out these stunning, remote tropical islands. They’re not well known, even by locals, so you won’t have to worry about crowds interfering with your ‘#TropicalParadise’ moment. You might also like: 9 Best Egyptian Beach Holiday Destinations 1. Giftun Islands Location: Hurghada These two islands are Giftun El Kabeer (Big Giftun) and Giftun el Sagheer (Little Giftun), but Big Giftun is the one where the real action is at because it’s home to beach havens Mahmya and Orange Bay. These daytime destinations offer beach restaurants, bars and water activities as well as bathrooms and showers for those who’ve spent a long day diving or snorkeling and want to kick back and relax. You might also like: Hurghada, Egypt: A Local's Guide For First-Timers 2. Qulaan Islands Photo credit: Farida Bustani (@faridabustani) Location: Wadi El Gemal National Park Qulaan Islands are an archipelago of four islands in a protected bay in the Wadi El Gemal National Park in Egypt’s Deep South, in the Hamata area. These empty, remote islands are known for their mangrove trees and ecosystem built around the mangroves; marine life flourishes under the trees and it’s a great bird-watching spot. You can take a boat from the Hamata marina and spend a few hours picnicking, swimming and snorkeling on the islands. 3. Pharaoh’s Island Photo credit: Dronestagram Location: Taba Also known as Coral Island due to the adjacent reef, Pharaoh’s Island is in the Gulf of Aqaba and is on the ‘Tentative List’ of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites (for our article on Egypt’s seven World Heritage Sites, head here). Back in the Middle Ages, the Christian Crusaders built a citadel on the island to protect the route between Cairo and Damascus. It was later taken over by Salah El Din (leader of the Islamic Ayyubid Dynasty) in 1170, and although the citadel passed hands afterwards, it’s still known until today as Salah El Deen’s Castle. Today the island is a popular diving and tourist attraction for Taba visitors. 4. White Island Location: Ras Mohamed National Park Around 10 km from Sharm el Sheikh, in the protected Ras Mohamed marine park, is a white sandbar island called (for obvious reasons) White Island. This plateau is where the waters from the Gulf of Suez meet the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea, and sitting on the island you can see Africa to your left and Asia to your right. It's a great spot for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing and you can easily reach it by boat from Sharm or Ras Mohamed. 5. Tawila Island Location: El Gouna/Hurghada Located 24 km off the coast of El Gouna, Tawila used to be a deserted island popular with kitesurfers and those looking to spend the day on a pristine white sand beach. And while that's still true, they've also opened a hotel on the island with stunning Maldives-esque water bungalows. For more info and to reserve: Tawila Island Hotel 6. Zabargad/St. John’s Island Location: Elba National Park Ever wondered about the stretch of the Red Sea between Marsa Alam and Sudan? It’s known as the Deep South, where the tiny coastal towns/villages of Hamata and Wadi Lahami are, right before you reach the Shalateen and Halayeb protected areas. Thanks to national parks like Elba, this pristine stretch of Red Sea is completely untouched and unspoiled. Zabargad (St. John’s in English) is a group of islands known not only for its diving, but for being geologically unique -- it’s believed to be uplifted mantle. Topaz was also found on the island back in Ptolemaic times. 7. Shadwan Island Photo credit: Kenzie Kashmiri Location: Northeast of El Gouna One of the largest islands in the Red Sea, Shadwan used to be an Egyptian military base and was the target of an Israeli heliborne raid in 1970. Most buildings were demolished except the Shadwan Lighthouse, which was built in 1889, and until today the island remains empty save for divers, fishers and other Red Sea Riviera tourists. You might also like to read: 9 World-Class Beaches in Egypt

Khufu's Restaurant So you want to enjoy a meal with one of the best views the entire world can offer you: the Pyramids of Giza. Who can blame you? (Pst: here's our full guide to the Pyramids). One small issue though: the tourist trap restaurants in that area can be a nightmare; underwhelming at best and inedible at worst. So we’re here with our local guide of which restaurants are worth both your money and your appetite, without having to give up on that once-in-a-lifetime view. You might also like: Grand Egyptian Museum - A Local's Guide To Everything You Need To Know Khufu's Cuisine: Egyptian Serves: breakfast, brunch & lunch Serves alcohol: yes Brought to you by the culinary minds of one of our favorite restaurants, Pier 88, Khufu's is at the King Center on the Giza Plateau, meaning this is about as close and personal as you're going to get to the Pyramids while enjoying a meal and a drink. Khufu's serves 'upscale Egyptian' cuisine, ie. more gourmet versions of Egyptian classics (you choose between two set menus). The view is obviously spectacular, but keep in mind that it's not cheap and closes at 5 pm, so only breakfast, brunch and lunch are available. Khufu's Bistro dinner service If you're interested in having dinner and drinks and seeing the Pyramids lit up in the dark, then you can reserve at Khufu's Bistro, an adjacent restaurant (different menu of Mediterranean & Egyptian fusion), that sits atop Khufu's. They're open from 6 pm to 11 pm. For the menu and more info: Khufu's IG 139 Pavilion Cuisine: International Serves: 24/7 Serves alcohol: yes This open-air restaurant in the iconic Marriott Mena House hotel is a breath of fresh air from the crowds and bustle of Giza. Have breakfast, lunch or dinner fountain-side, surrounded by flowers and greenery and, you know, THE PYRAMIDS. What a view! There’s an a la carte menu, but also the option of an all-you-can-eat buffet. At night you lose some of the Pyramids view because they’re not always lit up, but there’s something peaceful and serene in the darkness. 9 Pyramids Lounge Cuisine: Egyptian Serves: breakfast, lunch and early dinner Serves alcohol: no 9 Pyramids Lounge was the first restaurant to actually be on the same Giza plateau as the Pyramids themselves -- so the unobstructed views of all three pyramids plus the smaller queens' pyramids are OUT OF THIS WORLD. Serving Egyptian food, 9 Pyramids Lounge is open from 8 am to 5 pm, but last entry is 4 pm. A local tip though: their food is average so don't have super high hopes; here it's all about the view. For the menu and more info: 9 Pyramids Lounge IG Moghul Room Cuisine: Indian Serves: lunch and dinner Serves alcohol: yes Also found in the Marriott Mena House is one of Cairo’s best Indian restaurants, the Moghul Room. This restaurant has been a firm Cairo favorite for decades now, and it never falters when it comes to quality, taste, ambience… oh and that view isn’t anything to sneeze at either. The Smokery West Cuisine: international Serves: lunch and dinner (4 pm to midnight) Serves alcohol: yes Found at the Hyatt Centric hotel, The Smokery West offers an elevated international menu as well as sushi. This indoor/outdoor space has both high tables for a more cocktail bar feel at night, as well as lower tables for those in the mood to eat and drink while looking out at the Pyramids and the sprawling city below. For the menu and more info: The Smokery Cairo West Zeeyara Cuisine: Egyptian Serves: breakfast, lunch and dinner (6:30 am to midnight) Serves alcohol: no Zeeyara, on the rooftop of the 'Elite Pyramids Boutique Hotel', is the place to hit up if you want some authentic Egyptian fare to match your authentic Egyptian view; you'll find local Egyptian favorites, plus more adventurous dishes like camel meatballs. They also open early, so it's a great place to have breakfast -- they have an extensive 'countryside menu' as well as a standard Egyptian breakfast and continental breakfast. For more info and the menu: Zeeyara's IG Pizza Hut Cuisine: fast food I guess? Serves: lunch and dinner (11 am to midnight) Serves alcohol: no Strange, but true. If you want to have an open-air, world-class view of the Pyramids over lunch/dinner but want to avoid the exorbitant prices at hotel restaurants, then look no further than the nearest Pizza Hut to the Pyramids. This is perfect for people on a budget or those who have picky kids. This famous chain is on the 2nd floor (above KFC) and has an outdoor balcony with one of the best views in the city. During the day, you can see the ancient giants in all their glory, and at night you can witness them lit up during the Sound & Light Show. Bonus entry: Ladurée Ladurée, the famous French patisserie, is more of a dessert place and not a restaurant per se. But they do have a small breakfast, brunch and lunch menu alongside their spectacular view, so we decided to add them as a bonus. You may also like: 12 Places To Go For The Most Beautiful Views in Egypt

If you’re familiar at all with Egypt’s North Coast (Sahel El Shamali in Arabic), then you know it has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And while we love to just chill and eat gandofli and freska on the beach (albeit they get a bit sandy), it’s always nice now and then to go to a really nice restaurant or beach bar on the North Coast and indulge ourselves. Read more: North Coast, Egypt - A Complete Travel Guide For First-Timers Egypt’s North Coast has some great restaurants peppered throughout the different compounds, both in terms of food and aesthetics as well. The caveat however is that they’re pretty expensive and need reservations and QR codes, and lots of people complain that reserving is a hassle -- which is why we decided to list only the very best ones that are worth both your hard-earned time and money! Read more: 10 Best Restaurants in Marassi, Egypt Note: these restaurants on the North Coast are all seasonal, and operate only from late May/June through to early September. They each vary with their opening/closing dates, so make sure you double-check! Sachi by the Sea Sachi Marassi Location: Almaza Bay and Marassi Sachi is so popular that it has not one but two different North Coast restaurants, one in Almaza Bay, just steps from the beach, and the other on the water in the Marassi Marina. The Sachi by the Sea in Almaza also has sunbeds and a separate beach menu than the actual restaurant, for a more laid-back vibe. For menu and reservations: Sachi by the Sea The Lemon Tree and Co Location: Hacienda White Not only is The Lemon Tree and Co a stunning-looking restaurant, it’s also one of the most popular nightspots in all of the North Coast. During the day and early evening it’s mainly a restaurant and beach bar, but at night it turns into a beach club with DJs and great music. For menu and reservations: The Lemon Tree and Co Pier 88 Location: Almaza Bay Another beautiful restaurant and bar right on the shores of Almaza Bay. They’re open from breakfast onwards, and are especially known for their pizza. They do frequent ‘Sunset Sessions’ with music and ‘Dine and Groove’ nights with live music. For menu and reservations: Pier 88 Izakaya SHL Location: Marassi Peruvian-Japanese fusion is to be found at Izakaya SHL, adjacent to the Vida Marina Resort on the Marassi Marina. Enjoy sushi and Nikkei plates on the water from 5 pm onwards. For menu and reservations: Izakaya The Tap North Location: Almaza Bay A fun pub-style destination for when you’re in the mood for some wings and live music. They have a foosball table and regular game nights. For menu and reservations: Tap North White & Blue Restaurant (Greek Club) Locations: Ghazala Bay and Almaza Bay The famous Greek Club restaurant in Alexandria (read more: 7 Must-Try Restaurants in Alexandria), has two different locations on the North Coast. They’re known for their fresh seafood as well as a few signature Greek dishes. For menu and reservations: White and Blue Restaurant/Greek Club The Smokery Beach Location: Bianchi A laid-back, peaceful restaurant for when you don’t want the hassle of a ‘club’ scene. You can also enjoy your meal right on the beach itself, and they’re open from lunch onwards (sushi is available after 4 pm). For menu and reservations: The Smokery Kiki’s Beach Bar Location: Hacienda White One of the most famous beach bars and nightspots on the North Coast. It’s open from breakfast until late, and there’s beach access as well but for an extra fee. Due to Kiki’s popularity, it comes with a lot of rules and regulations, and entrance to the compound as well as the bar itself can be a crowded hassle, so please read all the fine print on their website and socials before you reserve. For menu and reservations: Kiki’s Beach Bar Lucida Location: Hacienda Red Restaurant in the evening and club by night, Lucida brings all kinds of different entertainment – DJs, live music, belly dancers, you name it. Their menu is Mediterranean-inspired, but they’re also known for their pizza and sushi. For menu and reservations: Lucida Reif Kushiyaki Location: Marassi Led by celebrity chef Reif Othman, Reif Kushiyaki is all about innovative Japanese cuisine, from its signature kushiyaki (grilled meat skewers), to yakisoba, sandos and maki rolls. They’re also right on the marina, to enjoy your dinner with a drink and a breeze. For menu and reservations: Reif Kushiyaki You may also like: 7 Best Hotels on Egypt’s North Coast

For a long time, Egypt’s North Coast on the Mediterranean Sea and its pristine white sand beaches were Egypt’s best kept secret from the rest of the world. And why is that, you may ask? Let us explain. The North Coast (called Sahel el Shamali in Arabic, or Sahel for short) wasn’t getting as much international recognition as Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera, which is best known for its resort cities Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. This was mainly because the Red Sea area was developed with year-round tourism in mind, while the Mediterranean North Coast started off as mainly summer beach homes for Egyptians. Egypt has a ton of beaches, but what made the North Coast such a desired place to buy a pricey seaside home is that the beaches there are nothing less than SPECTACULAR. No seriously, just look at the pictures. A common statement you’ll hear from Egyptians at world-famous beaches across the globe is: “This is nice, but not as nice as our beaches in Sahel”. And while we may be biased, we invite you to visit the North Coast yourself and see if we’re wrong! And the good news is, the North Coast has slowly begun developing over the years to allow for more tourism, more hotels, more restaurants and just easier and better beach access for visitors to Egypt to really experience it for themselves! A Few Quick Facts When we refer to the North Coast/Sahel, we’re specifically talking about a stretch of coastline on the Mediterranean Sea in the north of Egypt, stretching from right after the city of Alexandria westwards to the town of Marsa Matrouh, about 230 km Well-off locals flocking from Cairo and Alexandria have been ‘summering’ at the North Coast for decades, but the real development boom for summer homes happened in the 1990s and 2000s, continuing on to present day Private gated residential compounds or ‘villages’ were built directly on the coastline, making beach access for non-owners difficult until recently The main areas of the North Coast are (from east to the west): 'Old Sahel', New Alamein, Sidi Abdel Rahman, Ghazala Bay, Al Dabaa, Ras El Hekma, Modon Ras El Hekma, Sidi Heneish and the upcoming Alam El Roum. Each of these areas have multiple residential compounds These days, hotels and beachfront restaurants in different compounds have been built with the express purpose to boost tourism for both visitors and locals who don’t own property there New Alamein City, smack in the middle of the stretch of the North Coast, will be a year-round, open-to-the-public seaside city by 2030. It’s not fully finished or operational yet, but one of the North Coast’s best hotels, the Rixos Premium Alamein, is already up and running there, as well as a few malls and entertainment venues where summer concerts are held Best Time To Go The North Coast is a summer beach destination, with ideal beach weather from late June through to September. The water is warm and it’s sunny all summer long, but not scorching like in Cairo or other Egyptian destinations due to the temperate Mediterranean breeze. Summer is also when the restaurants, shops and general services will be open. From October through to May (especially during the winter months), 90% of what’s open during the summer months will be closed, and some of the hotels might close certain amenities. Transportation between different spots on the coast will be difficult during the winter unless you have a car with you, because most taxi and car services run during the summer months only. Don’t get us wrong – you can still go to the North Coast outside of the summer months, but in that case just make sure you’re staying at a hotel (and know that the water will probably be cold!). Getting There By car: Driving to the North Coast from Cairo or Alexandria is pretty easy and direct via main highways. Depending on where exactly you’re staying at the North Coast, it’s anything from a 2.5 hour to 5 hour drive from Cairo. By bus: there are several different bus companies (eg. Go Bus, Superjet and West & Middle Delta) that run bus routes daily between Cairo and the North Coast. They don’t stop at each village on the coast though, so you might have to take a taxi from the closest North Coast bus stop to your final destination. By limousine service/car service/ride hailing app: there are several different services/apps that can take you from Cairo to the North Coast, such as Uber, Careem, InDrive or London Cab, but you need to book in advance. You can also hire a limousine or car service through a limo company or travel agency; just do a Google search for “limousine service to the North Coast” and a bunch will pop up. By plane: if you’re not already in Egypt, the closest international airport to the North Coast is the Borg El Arab Airport in Alexandria. You’ll then drive westwards along the Mediterranean to your final destination. New Alamein City for example is about an hour’s drive from the Borg El Arab Airport, while the far ends of the North Coast are about two and a half hours away by car. There's also El Alamein Airport, which is even closer than Borg El Arab Airport, but they receive far fewer flights than Borg El Arab. North Coast Accommodation Tips First, let us be clear when we say that choosing carefully where to stay is very important, because getting around the North Coast without your own car is a huge hassle – you don’t want to have to be jumping around different compounds/villages and waiting forever and a day for an Uber to show up. You should aim to spend most of your time in the same compound that your hotel or rental is in. Like we explained briefly above, the North Coast consists of a series of gated residential compounds/villages. Because they’re gated, you can only enter via QR code or gate entrance permission sent by the hotel or rental owner. Each compound/village has its own beach that you’ll have access to if you’re staying there, and usually a handful of restaurants and shops (the bigger/more popular compounds obviously have more restaurants and shops than the smaller, quieter compounds). For example, Marassi is the biggest compound and has over 50 restaurants and cafes, as well as malls, arcades and lots of other entertainment venues. Smaller compounds might only have one or two. Read more: 10 Best Restaurants in Marassi, Egypt Local tip #1: our personal recommendation is that if you’re a non-Egyptian visiting the North Coast for the first time, your best bet is staying at a hotel instead of a rental. At a hotel, you’ll have everything you need and won’t have to worry about tracking down the nearest restaurant, and they can arrange any kind of transportation you need. After all, you’re there to enjoy the incredible beach, not worry about logistics! Local tip #2: If you do decide to go down the rental route, make sure to read reviews and ask the owner or property manager a lot of questions about what restaurants and services you’ll have easy access to. Also ask how far a walk it is to the beach if you don’t have a car with you. Best Hotels at the North Coast Rixos Alamein There aren’t a ton of hotels in the North Coast (yet), but we recommend going for one that’s established and has a high rating and good reviews, because you’ll be spending most of your time at your hotel’s beach, pool and facilities. If you don’t like it or it’s not up to snuff, then there won’t be much else to distract you! We wrote a whole article separate article on the best hotels in the North Coast: Read more: 7 Best Hotels on the North Coast of Egypt How To Get Around We touched on this above, but we’ll summarize it all here as well: The easiest way is obviously if you have a private car with you or access to one During the summer months, there will be Uber, Careem and InDrive (all riding hailing apps) to go between compounds, but keep in mind the distance isn’t short so you might have to wait for a while for the driver to arrive. You can book in advance to be on the safer side. You can also pre-book London Cab. Your hotel can arrange transportation for you There are car and limousine services you can book to and from your accommodation to the Borg El Arab Airport in Alexandria, or to Cairo Best Activities and Things to Do at the North Coast Enjoy the beach, obviously! The North Coast is 100% a relax-at-the-beach kind of destination. It’s not an adventure spot, or a cultural spot, or an Ancient Egyptian historical spot – Egypt has plenty of those. The North Coast is all about spending several stress-free, guilt-free days on an unbelievable beach, without feeling like you should be getting off your beach lounger or FOMO over not seeing this or that landmark. So our recommendation is to wake up early, have some breakfast, and nab the best spot on the beach – and just spend the day swimming, tanning, reading, relaxing, eating and just enjoying one of the best beaches in the world! 2. Water activities If you’re the type that gets antsy if you sit still for too long, then never fear: there’s still things you can do to get your body moving. The North Coast isn’t much of a diving destination, but there are other more low-key water activities you can partake in. (Read more: 7 Best Diving Destinations in Egypt’s Red Sea) Many of the hotel beaches will have a water sports center, where you can rent kayaks, boogie boards, banana boats and more. Try out the gorgeous beach clubs and night spots Lemon Tree & Co If you're looking for a more party vibe, there are some beautiful beach bars and clubs peppered along the North Coast in different compounds/villages. Locals love to party long into the night, and wake up leisurely the next day, and these spots are known for food, drinks, DJs and parties. However they’re only open during summer months, so that means that they’re in high demand (especially weekends!) and prior reservations are usually needed. We listed our ten favorite here: 10 Best Restaurants & Beach Clubs on Egypt's North Coast Attend a concert or musical festival Almost every weekend during the summer months, there's a different concert, music festival, stand-up comedy show or other live performance going on in different spots up and down the North Coast. The most popular are usually the concerts of iconic Egyptian artists like Amr Diab or Sherine Abd El Wahab, but there are dozens of other concerts from other huge names in Egypt and the Arab world in general. There are also electronic music festivals with both local and international DJs, as well as concerts from worldwide superstars like Jennifer Lopez or Shakira. You can usually find a full list of the summer concerts and festivals and all ticket info at TicketsMarche. 5. Spend a day at a water park If you have kids with you (or even if you don’t, honestly) waterparks are always fun for all ages. Marassi Water World (in the Marassi compound/village) has 12 massive slides and water chutes, rafts, a surfing pool, a kids’ complex, a lazy river and more. For more info and to buy your tickets: https://marassiwaterworld.com/ 6. Visit the Alamein War Memorials and Military Museum El Alamein, an area on Egypt’s North Coast, was the battleground in 1942 for two of the most important fights in World War II between the Allies and Axis forces. Thousands of lives were lost, and today stands several vast cemeteries and memorials, such as the Commonwealth War Memorial and the Italian War Memorial, for the fallen soldiers both named and unnamed. There is also a military museum nearby for those interested in learning about the El Alamein Battles. 7. Day trip to Alexandria If you’re spending an extended stay in the North Coast and find yourself with a free day on your hands, then a day trip to Alexandria is a nice way to inject some Egyptian history and heritage into your otherwise pure beach vacation. Alexandria is only an hour or two away by car, and worth a visit if you’re interested in the ancient city’s illustrious history. Read more: Sightseeing in Alexandria, Egypt - 15 Best Things to See and Do Parting Local Tips In summary, Egypt’s North Coast is a place that’s dearly loved by locals, and slowly but surely opening up to visitors. What it looks like now is very different than what it’ll look like in a few years – but with one thing in common: its ridiculously beautiful beaches. Here are a few of our last local tips: Try to go to the North Coast on weekdays as opposed to weekends; it’ll be less crowded Book your hotel in advance as much as you can, because during the summer things get fully booked quickly Bring a book, cards or games with you to entertain yourself at night if you're the type who doesn't want the hassle of going out Speaking of nights, mosquito spray is always a good idea But mostly, just sit back, relax and enjoy the sun and Mediterranean Sea from Egypt’s own little stretch of paradise. You may also like: 9 Best Egyptian Beach Holiday Destinations

6 October City, the western suburb of Cairo, has become so massive recently that you can drive for half an hour and still be in the same neighborhood -- and who has time for that in this day and age? For those living in the area of Palm Hills and New Giza, it used to be that you would have to take the aforementioned 30 minute drive to go to places like Arkan Plaza or Park St. West in Sheikh Zayed, where all the restaurants and cafes are... but no longer! Good news: the plateau that’s home to Palm Hills, New Giza, and multiple other compounds now has its own fair share of restaurants, cafes, bars and food trucks, so no more unnecessary long drives! But which nearby dining spots are the best? Here’s some of our favorite restaurants near Palm Hills and New Giza, with something for every mood: Izakaya Location: Palm Central The first Nikkei restaurant in Egypt (Peruvian-Japanese fusion), Izakaya offers everything from ceviche to omakase, in a beautiful bar and outdoor dining area. They’re open from brunch onwards, so it’s a great spot if you want to have lunch in the sun or sushi under the stars. For the menu and more info: Izakaya Andrea Mariouteya Location: New Giza A casual family-favorite classic for decades now, Andrea Mariouteya serves up the same great grills it has since 1958. Their menu is limited to grilled chicken, grilled quail, fresh pita bread straight from the oven, homemade fries, some starters and some dips, but what more does anyone need? (They also serve an equally great breakfast!) The restaurant is on an iconic open-air terrace with views over the city. For the menu and more info: Andrea The Smokery Cairo West Location: Hyatt Centric Cairo West Overlooking the Pyramids of Giza at the Hyatt Centric hotel, The Smokery offers an elevated international menu as well as sushi. This indoor/outdoor space has both high tables for a more cocktail bar feel at night, as well as lower tables for those in the mood to eat and drink while looking out at the Pyramids and the sprawling city below. For the menu and more info: The Smokery Cairo West Scalini Location: Palm Central In the mood for Italian? Scalini was first established in London in 1988, so this Italian restaurant has been going strong for awhile, and it’s definitely the best Italian food in the Palm Hills and New Giza area. They have indoor and outdoor dining as well as a beautiful bar, and open from lunch (3 pm) onwards. For the menu and more info: Scalini Gigi Location: Golf Central Gigi is a restobar known for its upscale comfort food – think pizza, burgers, potato skins, quesadillas, mac n cheese – all the things we love to indulge in. They also have TV screens for when there’s any big sports match going on, and a fun, jovial feel with beer and wine at night. For the menu and more info: Gigi Esca Cueva Location: New Giza Esca Cueva by far has the most stunning interior design and ambient layout of any of the restaurants on this list – pair it with its cityscape views and opulent menu, and it’s the type of restaurant you’d take your friends from out of town if you want to impress them. It’s quiet and calm during the day, but at night it becomes more of a nightlife hotspot and reservations are required. For the menu and more info: Esca Cueva Mamina’s Location: Palm Central A warm family-run restaurant, Mamina’s focuses on their culinary legacy through their own beloved recipes. Their menu is a mix of Egyptian, Italian and Mediterranean fusion, with everything from roz meammar with pigeon to ossobucco to pizza. For the menu and more info: Mamina’s Takumi Teppanyaki Bar Location: Hyatt Centric Cairo West Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love teppanyaki? Takumi is a high-end Asian fusion restaurant with not only a lively teppanyaki station (with very skilled chefs), but also an assortment of dim sum, noodles, beautifully-crafted main courses and even a live saxophonist on weekend nights. For the menu and more info: Takumi Amici Garden Location: New Giza If you’re looking for a place that’s super casual but still with good food, where you can easily go in your workout clothes and don’t have to worry about anyone looking at you sideways, then Amici Garden is where you should head. Adjacent to the New Giza Sporting Club, at Amici Garden you’ll find people chilling, working at the sunny outdoor tables, or just enjoying a meal, drink or shisha in their laidback garden area. The food is fun pub-style food – think appetizers, pizza, burgers, tacos, etc. For the menu and more info: Amici Garden Galambo Location: Palm Central If you’re longing for a beach vibe, but unfortunately you’re stuck with the rest of us deep in suburban Cairo, then head to Galambo for a change of pace. Not only do they serve seafood as if you were on the coast, but their overall vibe is light and airy and reminiscent of sunny beach days. For the menu and more info: Galambo Mexi Cali Location: Golf Central Mexi Cali is touted for its tacos and tequila, with an indoor and outdoor bar and booth seating. They also have live DJs on weekend nights, sometimes with their adjacent Italian restobar Mimi Milano, opening up into one big party area where you can sip drinks and dance until late. For the menu and more info: MexiCali Izmir Saray Location: New Giza Turkish food with a view? Yes, please! Known for their fantastic breakfast and brunch trays, Izmir Saray also equally delivers when it comes to their grills at night overlooking the twinkling lights of Cairo. Read more: 7 Best Turkish Restaurants in Cairo, Egypt For the menu and more info: Izmir Saray You may also like: 12 Best Bars, Restobars & Pubs in Sheikh Zayed & 6 October City

Cairo is a sprawling city, with its fair share of traffic (to put it politely). So it makes all the sense in the world to try to stick to the neighborhood you live in/work in when it comes to kicking back with a drink after a long day - after all, you’re trying to de-stress, not add to it by being stuck in traffic for an hour and a half. The western suburb of Sheikh Zayed and (6th of October City as a whole) is about half an hour from central Cairo (Downtown & Zamalek), and has recently started to have a good amount of both casual pubs and upscale restobars. Below we list some of our personal favorites, in no particular order. Read also: 12 Chill Places in Maadi to Get Dinner & Drinks Read also: 9 Best Restaurant & Bars for Dinner & Drinks in New Cairo Read also: Nightlife in Heliopolis, Cairo: 10 Best Restaurants, Bars and Pubs Cairo Jazz Club 610 Location: El Guezira Plaza The sister venue of Cairo’s longest-lasting and most beloved bar/club, Cairo Jazz Club in Agouza. ‘610’ is how we locals usually refer to the 6 October venue, and what’s great about it is that not only do they have an indoor section for live music, DJs and a happening bar, but a large outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a boozy brunch or dinner as well. For more info and reservations: Cairo Jazz Club 610 Sachi Park St. Location: Park St. West Sachi has been a staple of Cairo fine dining and nightlife for over a decade now, and has been featured numerous times on MENA's Top 50 Restaurants list. Sachi Park St. is not only known for its famous Mediterranean fusion, sushi menu and cocktail list, but their beautiful rooftop terrace as well. For more info and reservations: Sachi Esca Cueva Location: New Giza compound Perched atop the New Giza plateau, this design award-winning restaurant and bar serves upscale international food and drinks from 4 pm until 2 am. If you're just going to enjoy the twinkling city view and food, then try to book a dining slot before 10 pm, when a resident DJ takes over and the restaurant turns into more of a nightspot. Reservations needed. For more info and reservations: Esca Cueva The Smokery Cairo West Location: Hyatt Centric Cairo West Overlooking the Pyramids of Giza, The Smokery offers an international menu as well as sushi. This indoor/outdoor space offers both high tables for a more cocktail bar feel for night, and lower tables for those in the mood to eat and drink overlooking the view. For more info and reservations: The Smokery Cairo West Gigi Locations: Arkan Plaza & Golf Central This place is for when you want a more casual feel, in terms of both food and setting. Gigi is a place to kick back with a burger, beer and friends, whether in their inside section or outdoor patio. They have two different locations in Sheikh Zayed: Arkan Plaza and Golf Central. Reservations are preferred for weekends and at night. For more info and reservations: Gigi Read more: 10 Best Restaurants & Cafes in Arkan Plaza Pier 88 Pyramid Hills Location: Pyramid Hills compound In the mood for Italian food and wine? Pier 88 rarely lets us down, whether it’s the original El Gouna branch, the Nile-side Zamalek branch or Pier 88 Pyramids Hills in 6 October. Cheap this lounge and restobar is not, but we’re still fans. They offer brunch on weekends from 1 pm (and have a great outdoor section if you want some sun) and dinner and drinks on weekdays and weekends from 7 pm onwards. For more info and reservations: Pier 88 Izakaya Location: Palm Hills compound Cairo’s first Nikkei restaurant. What’s Nikkei, you ask? It’s Japanese-Peruvian fusion, born from the migrant Japanese community living in Peru and over decades adding their touch to traditional Peruvian dishes. It’s become so beloved and recognized that not only does this fusion have its own name -Nikkei- but it’s actually spread half a world away, all the way to Egypt, thanks to Izakaya. It’s also a beautiful place to chill and have a cocktail. For more info and reservations: Izakaya Carlo’s Location: Arkan Plaza What started as a favorite restaurant on Zamalek’s famous Le Pacha 1901 boat, home to several of Cairo’s very best restaurants, became its own breakaway star (the Justin Timberlake of Le Pacha restaurants if you will). The Carlo's in Arkan is a great place for a drink, some good mezze, a shisha, and to watch a football match. For more info and reservations: Carlo's The Tap West Location: Galleria 40 Cairo's favorite modern pub. The Tap is known and loved for its live music nights, wings, pub food and laid-back setting. Check out their social media for a heads up on their all-you-can-eat-wings days and happy hours. For more info and reservations: Tap West Crimson Location: Arkan Plaza This famous Zamalek restobar opened a second branch in Arkan Plaza, on a rooftop of sorts, with both indoor and outdoor dining, as well as a seated bar. They have the same menu upscale international dishes and an array of cocktails. For more info and reservations: Crimson Mexi Cali Mexi Cali is touted for its tacos and tequila, with an indoor and outdoor bar and booth seating. They also have live DJs on weekend nights, sometimes with their adjacent restobar Mimi Milano, opening up into one big party area where you can sip drinks and dance until late. For more info and reservations: Mexi Cali You might also like: 7 Best Bars, Pubs, Clubs and Other Nightlife Spots in Cairo

If it’s your first time in Egypt, then you’re probably already feeling a little overwhelmed, and we feel ya -- it’s a lot to take in and get acclimated to. But fear not -- Egyptian food is not something else that will stress you out. Au contraire, most of our local Egyptian favorites are a) extremely tasty and not frightening, b) cheap, c) nutritious and d) vegetarian and vegan friendly. Who would’ve thought? Now because the foods below are our local favorites, you can find at least one provider literally on every block in every main Egyptian city, whether in the form of a little hole in the wall, a street cart or a more established stop-and-eat kind of joint. If, however, you’re wary about eating ‘street food’, then these comfortable and 100% vouched for restaurants provide an awesome array of Egyptian street food. (For more of Cairo’s best restaurants, head here). So are you ready to dive in? We hope you’re hungry: 1. Koshary Vegetarian: yes Vegan: yes It’s hard to find a single Egyptian who doesn’t love koshary (and keep in mind we’re over 100 million people, so that’s saying something). Koshary is a dish comprised of rice, lentils and macaroni, topped with chickpeas and crispy fried onions, all covered in a spiced tomato sauce. It’s always served with garlic vinegar sauce and hot sauce on the side, because each Egyptian has their own preferred garlic-vinegar-spicy ratio. It’s extremely filling, and very high in protein and fiber due to the lentils and chickpeas. The most famous koshary restaurant is Abou Tarek, but you can find other koshary providers in just about every neighborhood -- for super cheap. 2. Fuul Photo credit: thishealthytable.com Vegetarian: yes Vegan: yes Ah, the number one, uncontested Egyptian breakfast staple (although to be fair, we Egyptians also eat it at any time of day or night too). Fuul is essentially fava beans stewed for hours over a low flame, and the most ubiquitous type of fuul (the plain cheese pizza of fuul) is mixed with some olive oil, lemon and cumin. It can be served either in a sandwich (don’t forget to try our fresh Egyptian ‘baladi’ bread; a whole wheat pita bread), or in a dish where you scoop up each bite of fuul with a piece of that same baladi bread. And just like there are dozens of different toppings you can add to your pizza, the same goes for fuul: onions, garlic, tomatoes, chili pepper, tahini, vinegar, parsley, a ton of spices, you name it. Fuul is obviously extremely nutritious due to its protein and fiber, and will fill you up for hours on end. You can get fuul at any street cart in the city, or can order it from big fuul powerhouses like Gad or El Shabrawy Arabiata. 3. Taameya Vegetarian: yes Vegan: yes Move over, milk and cereal -- there’s a new breakfast duo on the scene: fuul and taameya. Taameya (Egyptian falafel) is almost always found in the same places where you can get fuul, because nothing makes fuul better than a little taameya and vice versa. The main difference between Egyptian taameya and other falafel elsewhere is the main ingredient -- falafel is usually made out of chickpeas, while taameya is made out of fava beans (we Egyptians just can’t get enough). The soaked beans are mixed usually with parsley, coriander, garlic and onion and then fried with a light coating of sesame on top, leading to a taameya that’s crunchy on the outside and soft and signature green on the inside. We locals either eat the taameya in a sandwich with some tomato and tahini, or just plain straight from the plate. 4. Molokheya Photo credit: Omar Ehab Vegetarian: yes (if served without chicken/meat) Vegan: no This dish is hard to describe because you really have to see it to understand it. It’s essentially a vegetable soup or stew eaten over rice, made out of the leaves of a plant called Jew’s Mallow or jute. The leaves are chopped finely with garlic and coriander and then cooked until it’s a soupy consistency. It always smells amazing but what some people, non-Egyptians especially, have an issue with is the consistency. When cooked, the leaves develop almost a slimy quality to them that some people don’t like. Molokheya is always eaten over rice, and lots of people like to add chicken, meat or some other animal protein to the mix (rabbit is actually pretty popular over here). Obviously if you want to keep it vegetarian, just order your molokheya sans animal protein. Molokheya is usually a home-cooked dish best prepared by someone’s Egyptian grandma, but if you’re interested in trying it, Abou El Sid does it justice. 5. Mahshi Vegetarian: yes (if without minced meat) Vegan: no Most Mediterranean countries love themselves a stuffed vine leaf or vegetable, and we’re no different. Stuffed vine leaves are apparently a rung higher than the rest of the stuffed vegetables here in Egypt, because they have their own name: waraq einab, which just translates into ‘grape leaves’. Any other stuffed vegetable is referred to as ‘mahshi’, which basically just means ‘stuffed’. We apparently favored straightforwardness over creativity when it came to naming the dish. Our favorite vegetables to stuff besides grapes leaves are zucchini, peppers, cabbage and eggplant, and sometimes tomatoes and onions to a lesser degree. They’re stuffed with a mixture of rice, tomato sauce, dill, cilantro, onion and spices galore and then cooked in a tomato broth until the vegetables are soft. Heads up to the herbivores amongst us: while mahshi is usually vegetarian, some people like to add minced meat to the rice mixture, so you might want to double-check with the restaurant you’re ordering it from. 6. Om Ali Photo credit: cleobuttera.com Vegetarian: yes Vegan: no Ah, the first dessert of the list. Making up for the lack of creativity in the naming of mahshi, Om Ali literally translates to ‘Ali’s mother’. We’re not exactly sure who the Ali in question and his mother are, but some stories say Ali’s mother was the first wife of a 13th century sultan. All righty then. Either way, the Om Ali of modern day is essentially a bread pudding of sorts made with puff pastry, milk, cream, sugar, coconut flakes, nuts and raisins. It’s baked in the oven until the pastry soaks up the sweetened milk and the top gets crispy and brown, which is our personal favorite part. The nuts are usually a mix of hazelnuts and pistachios, and the raisins are the sweet white kind. If you see Om Ali on a dessert menu at a restaurant, we strongly urge you to try it. 7. Fattah Photo credit: Omar Ehab Vegetarian/vegan: no While fattah is a popular dish across the Middle East, each country gives it their own twist, so if you’ve tried it before in Lebanon or in Morocco, ours is a bit different. It’s also traditionally eaten during the national holiday of Eid El Adha, but obviously you can eat it whenever throughout the year. Egyptian fattah is essentially a dish of four layers: the first layer is crunchy pita bread, followed by rice, followed by meat, and then a garlicky, spiced tomato sauce pulls it all together. During Eid, most people use mutton for the meat, but otherwise usually beef shank is used. This is another dish best done by an Egyptian grandma. 8. Shawerma Vegetarian/vegan: no A food that needs little introduction. Grilling meat on a vertical spit and slicing off pieces while it cooks first started in the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century, and evolved into modern-day doner kebab, shawerma, gyros and even tacos al pastor. The Egyptian version of shawerma is either chicken or beef, which are marinated and spiced then grilled for hours. They’re sliced off the spit and served with thin grilled peppers, onions, tomatoes, parsley and either a garlic sauce (tomeya) or tahini in either a wrap or a bun (kaizer). Most shawerma places are to-go joints on the street; you won’t find many sit-down restaurants. They’re also a very popular after-hours food in Cairo, so you’ll find a lot of the shawerma spots open until the early hours of the morning. 9. Stuffed pigeon Photo credit: Ehab Omar Vegetarian/vegan: no This is one beloved Egyptian food that gives a lot of tourists pause, because of the misconception that pigeons are winged rats. The pigeons we cook here are raised and fed in specific towers, so not dissimilar to chicken. Taste-wise, if you like duck, then there’s a big chance you’ll like pigeon too -- go ahead, try it! Stuffed pigeons (hamam mahshi) are filled with rice, or fereek (Google tells me that this is bulgar wheat). The filling mixture is usually spiced with cinnamon, nuts, cumin, onion and pepper, and then the whole pigeon is grilled until the skin is a crispy golden-brown. Because the bird is so small, most restaurants will serve you two. Again, Abou El Sid is a good place to try it (we’re not sponsored by them, we swear!). 10. Feteer Photo credit: cooked.com Vegetarian: depends on the toppings you add to it Vegan: no Feteer, or its longer name, feteer meshaltet, translates to ‘cushioned pies’. It’s essentially a flaky layered pastry that can either be savoury or sweet, depending on what you stuff the feteer with. For some bizarre reason, they called feteer here both ‘Egyptian pizza’ and ‘Egyptian pancakes’, which in my personal opinion is just… not true lol. So if you see that written on a feteer shop, take it with a grain of salt. For savoury feteer, Egyptians love layering the feteer with mixes of cheese, sausage and ground beef. For sweet feteer, you can find it as simple as feteer with honey or molasses, or as extravagant as feteer layered with Nutella, bananas, clotted cream and sugar. 11. Kebab & kofta Kebab Vegetarian/vegan: no Now obviously we’re not claiming that kebab and kofta are originally Egyptian or anything like that --grilling meat on skewers is prehistoric-- but modern-day Egyptians really embrace and love their local kebab and kofta. So if you’re a meat-lover, make sure you try our grilled meats (a restaurant like Abou Shakra or El Dahan is good for that). Kebab and kofta are usually served in the same places, with small differences between the two. Kebab are small pieces of meat on a skewer, alternated with chunks of vegetable, and grilled. Kofta is more a ground, mixed-meat meatball which is also grilled on a skewer, and sometimes served in a type of sauce (usually tomato). 12. Roz bil laban Vegetarian: yes Vegan: no Roz bil laban is an Egyptian rice pudding, and pretty simple but very tasty -- it’s essentially cooked rice in a sweet milk pudding, flavored with vanilla and coconut and served chilled. For some reason, you can always find them in any koshary shop; apparently roz bi laban is the preferred dessert post-koshary. But a local favorite place to get roz bil laban from is El Malky, a dessert shop that’s been open for 50+ years and serves some of the best in town. Hawawshi Vegetarian/vegan: no Hawawshi is one of Egypt's favorite 'sandwiches', equally as good as street food as it is when made at home. Raw minced meat is mixed with onions, peppers, parsley and chili and seasoned well, then stuffed into Egypt's beloved eish baladi pita bread and baked. While the meat cooks, it releases its juices into the bread, resulting in a crispy flavor-packed pita pocket with crunchy bread on the outside and hot spiced beef on the inside. Hawawshi was first created in 1971 by an Egyptian butcher named Ahmed El Hawawsh who had a food stall in Cairo. It quickly gained popularity throughout Egypt and then the Middle East, and the Levantine version is called arayes. Kahk Vegetarian: yes Vegan: no Kahk (also sometimes known outside of Egypt as ka'ak) is a shortbread biscuit popular throughout the Middle East, especially during Eid El-Fitr, but Egyptians take pride knowing it originally dates back all the way to Ancient Egypt. This biscuit/cookie is circular in shape, and you can either eat it plain or with powdered sugar. It can also be stuffed with honey, nuts or dates. Here in Egypt, kahk is usually seen as a dessert served to celebrate something -- whether it's Eid El Fitr, Easter or a wedding for example, and it's also a popular gift to bring when visiting someone's home. Local tip: it goes excellently with tea. Macarona Bechamel Vegetarian/vegan: no This is a real personal favorite of ours, so we were saving one of the bests for last. Macarona Bechamel is one of those dishes that's made in practically every Egyptian household across the country on a regular basis, and each family puts their own little spin on it, so obviously every Egyptian thinks their mom's Macarona Bechamel is the best. Macarona Bechamel is essentially a baked pasta dish. Penne pasta is layered with spiced minced beef (sometimes in a tomato sauce, sometimes not), then covered in a rich bechamel sauce and baked until the top is a crispy brown. Some people mix cheese into their bechamel, or some add mozzarella on top, while others are purists and don't add any cheese. The dish is similar to the Greek pastitsio, but of course we Egyptians are extremely loyal to our version. You might also like: 10 Best Restaurants in Downtown Cairo

Karnak Temple If you’ve been to Egypt before, it might have felt like a whirlwind of temples, tombs, monuments, pyramids and artifacts that probably wowed and confused you in equal measure. We know, it’s hard to remember all the different tombs and temples and... what was the difference between them again? We’re going to try to make things as nice and simple as we can. We already spoke about the awesome pyramids (besides the Pyramids of Giza) that you need to see in Egypt, so today we’re going to talk about the most awe-inspiring temples. Temples were a huge part of Ancient Egypt, and luckily we still have some mighty impressive ones still standing in Egypt today. Ceiling of Temple of Hathor at Dendera So what’s the difference between a temple, tomb and pyramid? A tomb is where a person in Ancient Egypt was actually buried, and the types of tombs varied throughout the different kingdoms: they evolved from mastabas to pyramids (yep, pyramids are tombs) to underground chambers like at the Valley of the Kings and Queens. Read: 8 Best Ancient Egyptian Tomb Sites in Modern-Day Egypt So what’s an Ancient Egyptian temple? A temple was an official place of worship dedicated either to a god (or gods) or pharaoh. At the temples dedicated to the gods, priests would perform rituals and people would leave offerings, all with the purpose of maintaining maat, which was divine peace and order and which the Ancient Egyptian religion was built upon. The mortuary temples of the pharaohs were memorials to sustain their spirit in the afterlife. It’s kind of a simplistic explanation but we don’t want to lose you before we get to the juicy stuff… the temples themselves. 1. Karnak Temple Location: Luxor The temple complex of Karnak is the largest religious building ever built, and was constructed over a span of 2,000 years. Construction started in the Old Kingdom and was continuously added to up until the Ptolemaic era, with approximately 30 different pharaohs contributing. It’s the second most visited site in Egypt after the Pyramids of Giza. It’s also home to the Open Air Karnak Museum -- for more important museums in Egypt, head here. 2. Abu Simbel Location: Aswan Abu Simbel is comprised of two massive rock temples, about 3 hours from Aswan. The twin temples were constructed in the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom as an everlasting monument to Ramses II and his Great Royal Wife Nefertari. The massive temples were relocated from their original spot in an international effort to save the ancient monuments from Nile flooding, and are one of Egypt’s 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 3. Luxor Temple Location: Luxor Constructed around 1400 BC (more than 3,400 years ago), Luxor Temple differs from most other ancient Egyptian temples due to the fact that it wasn’t built for worship of a particular god or pharaoh. It was mainly used as a place where pharaohs were coronated and crowned, sometimes even conceptually (for example, Alexander the Great claimed he was crowned there but no evidence suggests he was ever there). During medieval times, the Muslim community built on the Luxor Temple site, and until now a functional mosque remains part of the temple complex (you can read more about Egypt’s most beautiful mosques here). 4. Temple of Seti I at Abydos Photo credit: Paul Smit Location: Sohag The Temple of Seti I is one of the most impressive temples found in Abydos, an ancient sacred city in the modern Egyptian governorate of Sohag. It was built as a memorial to Seti I, a New Kingdom pharaoh, and is famous for being where the ‘Abydos King List’ was carved; it was a chronological list of pharaohs (that Seti recognized), starting from Narmer/Mena, the first Egyptian pharaoh, up to Ramses I (Seti’s father). 5. Ramesseum Location: Luxor The Ramessum is the mortuary temple of Ramses II (the same pharaoh who built Abu Simbel, and Seti I’s son). It was built with the intention of being a place of worship after Ramses II died, so his memory would be kept alive; this was of the utmost importance in the Ancient Egyptian religion. 6. Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahri Location: Luxor Known primarily for the mortuary temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut of the New Kingdom, Deir el Bahri was originally chosen as the location for the mortuary temple of the pharaoh who founded the Middle Kingdom, Mentuhotep II. Hatshepsut’s temple though is the star of the show, and the massive terraced monument is surrounded by a steep cliff. It was in this cliff that archaeologists found a cache of royal mummies, moved in antiquity from the Valley of the Kings. 7. The Temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu Location: Luxor Ramses III is widely considered the last truly powerful pharaoh of the New Kingdom, and his mortuary temple dominates the archaeological site of Medinet Habu in Luxor. The temple is especially known for the depictions of Ramses III defeating the ‘Sea Peoples’, invaders of Ancient Egypt whose origins are unknown. 8. Kom Ombo Location: Aswan Kom Ombo, about an hour’s drive from central Aswan, is an unusual double temple dating back to the Ptolemaic era. A ‘double’ temple means it has two sets of halls, sanctuaries and rooms dedicated to two different gods; in the case of Kom Ombo, the two gods were Sobek (the crocodile god) and Horus (the falcon god). Over 300 crocodile mummies were found at the site, and they’re now in the adjacent Crocodile Museum. Kom Ombo also has engravings of what it is believed to be the first representation of medical tools and surgical instruments in the world. 9. Temple of Horus at Edfu Location: on the Nile between Aswan and Esna Built during the Ptolemaic times, the Temple of Horus at Edfu (or Edfu Temple) is one of the best preserved temples in all of Egypt. It’s also the largest temple dedicated to Horus. The wall inscriptions provided archeologists with important information about Ancient Egyptian religion and language during the Hellenistic/Ptolemaic era. 10. Temple of Khnum at Esna Location: south of Luxor Khnum was the Ancient Egyptian ram-headed god who created the world on his potter’s wheel, and this temple to him was built during Ptolemaic times but added to by the Romans. Because it was such a deeply religious site, inscriptions on the temple walls instruct visitors that to enter they must have trimmed fingernails and toenails, wear linen, remove body hair, wash their hands with natron (a type of salt) and not have had sex for several days (makes modern-day places of worship seem like a walk in the park). 11. Temple of Hathor at Dendera Location: Qena Known for its still-startling blue more than 2,000 years later, the Temple of Hathor is the most impressive site at the temple complex at Dendera. Built in the Ptolemaic era, it shows Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman influences and has several shrines to different gods. It’s also known for the clear depictions of Cleopatra and her son Caeserion, fathered by Julius Caesar. 12. Philae Location: Aswan The temple complex at Philae was primarily built during Ptolemaic times, and finished during the Roman conquest. It’s known for being the last place where hieroglyphs were written, and the last place where the Ancient Egyptian religion was practiced. Christianity became present in Philae starting the 4th century, where it first was practiced alongside the Ancient Egyptian religion and then solely. Today you can see both the original Ancient Egyptian temples and the temples that were converted into churches. You might also like: 7 Modern Egyptian Cities More Than 5,000 Years Old

One of the greatest existential questions of all time: why dine indoors when you can dine outdoors? Well, for most places, that is – Cairo is a tad different and the reasons for staying indoors are numerous: the heat, the noise, crowds. You get the idea. But what about when the weather is nice? Nights in Cairo weather-wise are always pleasant, and what if we could guarantee you’d be away from the noise and the crowds of Cairo streets? So just for you, because you asked nicely, we put together a list of our very favorite open-air restaurants where you can enjoy a breeze, eat and drink well, and kick back and relax. Read more: 9 Best Rooftop Bars in Cairo Read more: 7 Best Restaurants with Pyramid Views Khufu's Location: Giza Pyramids Plateau The award-winning restaurant Khufu's is at the King Center on the Giza Plateau, meaning this is about as close and personal as you're going to get to the Pyramids while enjoying a meal and a drink. There's also an adjacent Khufu's Bistro on the top floor. Khufu's serves 'upscale Egyptian' cuisine, ie. more gourmet versions of Egyptian classics (you choose between two set menus). The view is obviously spectacular, but keep in mind that it's not cheap and closes at 5 pm, so if you'd like to reserve dinner in the evening, it will be upstairs in Khufu's Bistro (with a different menu). For reservations and more info: Khufu's IG Read more: 7 Best Pyramid View Restaurants in Giza 2. Villa Belle Epoque Location: Maadi This converted villa-turned-boutique hotel is hidden down one of Maadi’s little leafy streets, making it the perfect spot for when you want to eat or drink alfresco but still in relative privacy. Villa Belle Epoque’s restaurant serves its meals next to their small pool, surrounded by trees and flowers. For reservations and more info: Villa Belle Epoque’s FB. Read more: 7 Boutique Hotels To Stay at in Egypt for a More Unique, Personalized Trip 3. Crimson Location: Zamalek Crimson is an open-air rooftop restaurant and bar in Zamalek and has some of the best Nile views in the city. It's a great spot to go get dinner and drinks, or just a beer or cocktail at the bar. Their cocktail list is impressive, but warning - they're expensive! Their food is good as well, landing them also on our list of best Cairo restaurants for locals and tourists alike. For reservations and more info: Crimson’s FB. Read more: 7 Best Bars, Pubs & Restobars in Zamalek 4. 139 Pavilion Location: Pyramids This open-air restaurant in the iconic Marriott Mena House hotel is a breath of fresh air from the crowds and bustle of Giza. Have breakfast, lunch or dinner fountain-side, surrounded by flowers and greenery and, you know, THE PYRAMIDS. What a view! There’s an a la carte menu, but also the option of an all-you-can-eat buffet. At night you lose some of the Pyramids view because they’re not always lit up, but there’s something peaceful and serene in the darkness. For reservation and more info: Marriott Mena House website. 5. Al Khan Location: Azhar Park Cairo unfortunately isn't home to many parks, but one of the nicest and most famous is Azhar Park -- perched on a hill, overlooking both the Cairo Citadel as well as the city itself. And that's where you'll find Al Khan, the gorgeous open-air restaurant on Azhar Park's lake. They're open from breakfast onwards, and their lunch and dinner menus are a mix between Egyptian, Levantine or vegetarian set menus, or you can order a la carte. For their menu and to book: Al Khan 6. Andrea Mariouteya Location: 6 October City On the west side of the city and looking for an outdoor brunch, lunch or dinner? Then Andrea Mariouteya is one of the best. Besides the fact that their position high up on the New Giza plateau gives you great city views, but Andrea Mariouteya has been serving up some of our favorite grilled chicken and meat for decades now (you can read more at Vintage Cairo: 17 Oldest Restaurants, Bars & Cafes in the City). For reservations and more info: Andrea Mariouteya’s FB. 7. Kebabgy Oriental Grill Location: Zamalek Another great grill restaurant, but this time Nile-side. Kebabgy is on the outdoor terrace of the Sofitel Gezirah (one of our favorite hotels in Cairo), and has been a staunch favorite since 1985 - back when the Sofitel used to be the Sheraton! And make sure to try their fresh baladi bread that’s baked in a clay oven right on spot. Local tip: on weekend nights they have a live ‘takht’ performance (a Middle Eastern instrumental ensemble) from 6 pm to 10 pm. For reservations and more info: Sofitel Gezirah’s website. You may also like: 7 Best Nile View Restaurants in Cairo

Sofitel Gezirah If we're all being honest here, who among us doesn't truly appreciate a 5-star luxury hotel? Very few of us, we imagine. And if you're planning a trip to Cairo, then you're in luck because Cairo has a plethora of 5-star luxury hotels, which are not only a great experience in and of themselves, but also a very welcome calm oasis from the hustle and bustle and chaos of Cairo's streets. And there's more good news: compared to the US and Europe, these high-end hotels in Cairo are definitely more affordable. So if you’ve always wanted to have the 5-star hotel experience but found it just too damn expensive (we hear you) then Cairo just might be the place where you can indulge cheaper than you would anywhere else. We compiled a list of our 7 favorite luxury hotels in Cairo based on which places produce the most bang for your buck, whether it comes to experience, location, view, restaurants, etc. Here they are in no particular order: 1. Sofitel Gezirah Location: Zamalek Sofitel Gezirah is one of our favorite hotels in Cairo for several reasons. First off, it’s an actual tower smack on the tip of the island of Zamalek in the middle of the Nile, so there’s no such thing as a bad view there. No looking out at the side of a brick building for you. Secondly, most of their restaurants are literally on the water -- all you need to do is reach down from your dinner table and stick your hand in the river (not sure if you would want to, though). Thirdly, because Zamalek is considered central Cairo, it's not too far from anywhere you would want to go in Cairo. Amenities: Indoor/outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Nile Fitness center Spa Dining: Kebabgy Oriental Grill (Egyptian BBQ) La Palmeraie (Moroccan) Le Sud (international) La Madeleine (French patisserie) Window on the Nile (lounge) Sunny Bar (pool bar) Star Area (international) Aqua Rooftop Lounge Local tip: La Palmeraie and Kebabgy have nightly live Egyptian music (and sometimes a belly dancer!), so it's a fun addition alongside your dinner, shisha or drink by the Nile. What we love: how everything is on the water, including their infinity pool, plus their location (close to Zamalek nightlife and the Cairo Museum simultaneously). 2. Four Seasons Nile Plaza Location: Garden City We don’t know about you, but whenever we think of Four Seasons, we feel all fancy. Four Seasons Nile Plaza is everything you’d expect of 5-star hotel -- great restaurants, shopping (they have a department store called Beymen), Nile views, awesome service, etc. If you always wanted to have the Four Seasons experience, Cairo is a good place to start. Amenities: Outdoor pool Indoor heated pool Spa Fitness center Health club Shopping Dining: Riviera (Italian) Byblos (Lebanese) 8 (Chinese) Zitouni (Egyptian) Bullona (Mediterranean fusion) Le Galerie (international) Upper Deck Lounge (Asian-Latin fusion) The Bar (sushi & small bites) The Pool (pool bar) Beymen Cafe Local tip: there’s also another Four Seasons in Cairo called the Four Seasons First Residence (in Giza), but Four Seasons Nile Plaza is the clear winner in our eyes. What we love: their restaurants are all worth their salt. For more info and reservations: Four Seasons Nile Plaza website 3. Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis Location: Heliopolis If you're looking for world-class luxury close to Cairo Airport (or just near the East Cairo/New Cairo suburbs in general), then the Waldorf Astoria Heliopolis is for you. Because it's only 10 minutes away from Cairo Airport, but further from the touristic sights than the other hotels on this list, it's an ideal choice for someone traveling to Cairo for business. Amenities: Outdoor pool Spa Personal concierge Dining: Brasserie Ayda (Mediterranean) Peacock Lounge (a tribute to the famous Peacock Alley in the Waldorf Astoria New York) Le Jardin (pool bar) Bar Raa (jazz bar) What we love: their beautiful atrium! 4. Marriott Mena House Location: Pyramids You guys real talk, this hotel has *the* best view of the Giza pyramids of all hotels in the area. We also aren’t big fans of the other hotels in the Pyramids area but that’s a different story for a different day. It's also very close to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Who wouldn’t want to swim with an ancient wonder of the world in the background? We’ll wait. Amenities: Outdoor pool (heated in the winter) Spa Fitness center Dining: 139 Pavilion (international) Moghul Room (Indian) Alfredo (Italian) Pool Bar Lobby Lounge M Club Lounge What we love: the Mena House started out as a royal lodge for the Khedive Ismail for when he or his guests wanted to rest after hunting in the desert or spending time at the Pyramids. It was then sold to a British couple in 1869 and turned into a hotel in 1887. It also has a lot of modern history: it was the setting for peace conferences between then-presidents Sadat, Jimmy Carter and Prime Minister Begin. You can’t pay for that kind of history, folks! (Or actually, yes you can). 5. Kempinski Nile Hotel Location: Garden City Kempinski, while not an actual boutique hotel, has a cute boutique-y feel to it compared to the other heavy-hitters on this list. It's located close to where all the action is, but still feels like you're above it all. It too is situated right on the river Nile in Garden City, close to Tahrir Square and the Cairo Museum. Amenities: Rooftop pool overlooking the Nile Fitness center Concierge services Dining: Osmanly (Turkish) Blue (Italian & Mediterranean) Jazz Bar The Rooftop Chocolate Lounge What we love: their rooftop pool, while small, has an awesome view. Their Turkish restaurant Osmanly is also a crowd favorite. 6. Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino Location: Zamalek A former palace, this now-hotel has the most stunning interiors and original architecture of any hotel in the city. Quick history run-through, because this hotel has a lot of it: the Cairo Marriott used to be the Palace el Gezirah, built by Khedive Ismail in 1869 (yup, same year he built his royal lodge, the now Marriott Mena House). This palace was a “guest palace” for the Suez Canal inauguration celebrations, and later on housed names you might recognize like Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. For a deeper look at the hotel’s history, check out 11 Historical Hotels in Egypt that You Can Still Stay At. Amenities: Omar El Khayyam casino Outdoor pool Fitness center Spa Dining: JW Steakhouse (international) Saraya Gallery (French) Ristorante Tuscany (Italian) Roy's Smokehouse (American) Torii (Japanese) Egyptian Nights (Egyptian/Middle Eastern) Garden Promenade Cafe (international) Omar Khayyam Restaurant (international) Billiard Bar Lobby Bar The Bakery What we love: besides the architecture and history, the Marriott’s gardens are a great place to kick back with a drink and people-watch. 7. St. Regis Cairo Location: Corniche El Nil Recently opened in the past few years, St. Regis is a great option if you like your luxury hotels shiny and new. The St. Regis is right on the Nile and about a five minute drive from the Cairo Museum at Tahrir Square in Downtown Cairo; it's also a close drive to Old Cairo and Khan El Khalili bazaar. Amenities: Outdoor pool Indoor pool Kids' pool Spa St. Regis athletic club Kids' club Astor Library Butler service Private dining Dining: J&G Steakhouse (international) La Zisa (Italian) Tianma (Singaporean) Sirocco (Mediterranean) St. Regis Bar & Water Garden What we love: besides the spectacular Nile view, it's truly 5 star luxury and service across the board at the St Regis Cairo. You might also like: Where To Stay in Alexandria, Egypt: 7 Best Hotels In The Mediterranean City

Alexandria may be the second-biggest city in Egypt today, but that’s the least of its claims to fame. The namesake city of Alexander the Great, the capital of Ptolemaic Egypt, the once largest city in the world, the battleground of Cleopatra and the Romans, the home of two ancient wonders of the world and a leading center of learning… those are just a few things that make Alexandria a city worth visiting. And we haven’t even gotten started on its modern history! Read more: 2 Day Itinerary for Alexandria, Egypt Alexandria today is a faded version of what was once called ‘the jewel of the Mediterranean’, and the modern city sometimes imposes on its old dated beauty, but it’s still a quirky mix of old and new/beautiful and ugly that’s worth seeing and learning about. Here are some things you should definitely see and do while in Alexandria: 1. Citadel of Qaitbey This medieval Islamic fort has stood sentry on the western coast of Alexandria since 1480, built by the Mamluk sultan Qaitbey to protect the Mediterranean port. But before this spot of Alexandrian real estate was associated with the citadel, it housed something even more famous -- the world-renowned Lighthouse of Alexandria, Pharos, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. The lighthouse was destroyed by an earthquake in 1303 and Qaitbey used its rubble 150 years later to build the citadel. 2. Bibliotheca Alexandrina Speaking of ancient wonders of the world, Alexandria used to be home to two of the seven (Egypt as a whole had three of the seven, and the Great Pyramid of Giza is the only ancient wonder to still exist). Besides Pharos the lighthouse, the ancient Library of Alexandria was another marvel that put the Mediterranean city on the map. The Great Library was destroyed during the Roman conquest of Egypt, but in 2002 the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina was built as a nod to the ancient library and to recapture the spirit of knowledge and learning. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina has a main library, six specialized libraries, four museums, permanent and temporary exhibitions, a planetarium, an exploratorium, twelve academic research centers and four art galleries. Their official website. 3. Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa These catacombs are a rare mix of Egyptian, Greek and Roman architecture and monuments and are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, these catacombs are three subterranean levels made out of rock (the deepest level is now totally submerged in water). It was discovered in 1900 when a donkey accidentally fell through the access shaft at ground level (a great discovery, but poor donkey). The second level of the catacombs is described as “eerily alive” due to all the sculptures there. It’s believed that it was originally intended as a tomb for a single family, but bones of other individuals and horses were also found there. 4. Pompey’s Pillar and Serapeum First off: the name is kind of a lie. The ancient column, built in ~300 AD, actually had nothing to do with Pompey, who was a Roman general and Julius Caesar’s rival. It was built in honor of the Roman emperor Diocletian, who provided food for the starving city when Alexandria was under siege. The Serapeum, which today is just ruins except for the pillar, used to be Alexandria’s acropolis dedicated to Serapis, Alexandria’s patron god. Legend has it that when Christianity gained strength in Alexandria, they destroyed the Serapeum and other symbols of paganism, around 400 AD. There are also the remains of underground storerooms where they used to keep extra texts and manuscripts from the Great Library of Alexandria. 5. Abu Al Abbas Al Mursi Mosque Or as the locals call it, Mursi Abu Al Abbas. This mosque was built over the tomb of the Andalusian Islamic scholar and sheikh, Abu El Abbas Al Mursi. He left his home country of Spain in 1242 for Tunisia, before moving to Alexandria, where he spent 43 years up until his death. In 1307, the then-ruler El Sheikh Zein El Deen built a mausoleum, dome and a small mosque over the tomb. It became a popular pilgrimage spot for Muslims passing through Alexandria on their way to and from Mecca. The present, much larger mosque that stands today was built in 1775 by Algerian sheikh Abu Hassan el Maghreby. It was renovated and ‘beautified’ multiple times since then, and remains to date Alexandria’s largest mosque. For more beautiful mosques in Egypt, head here. 6. Montazah Park Montazah Palace Complex and its royal gardens are situated on the Mediterranean Sea on the eastern side of Alexandria. The former summer palace and residence of the Egyptian monarchy, the Salamlik palace was first built as a hunting lodge in 1892 by Khedive Abbas II, then its sister palace Haramlik was added in 1932 by King Fuad. The palaces now aren’t open to the public, but you can explore the gardens, enjoy the sea views, picnic and ride bikes. Local tip: avoid public holidays! 7. Royal Jewelry Museum A diamond hairpiece that says 'Fawzia' in Arabic. Princess Fawzia was the sister of Egyptian King Farouk and later become Queen of Iran Speaking of former palaces, the Royal Jewelry Museum lives in the former palace of Princess Fatma El Zahraa in the Alex neighborhood of Zizenia, built in 1919-1923. The palace is an architectural gem in and of itself, and the royal jewelry collection houses more than 11,000 pieces, some dating back to the rule of Mohammed Ali Pasha, who became Khedive of Egypt in 1805. Besides jewelry, the museum also has on display centuries-old coins, golden clocks, watches, portraits of the royal family in golden frames, dazzling crowns and King Farouk’s walking stick in ebony and gold. 8. Roman Amphitheatre (Kom el Dikka) Discovered by coincidence in 1960 when workers were removing rubble to build a governmental building, the Roman Amphitheatre dates back to the 4th century AD and was used not only in the Roman era for performances, but the Byzantine and early Islamic eras as well, for public assemblies and summits. To the north of the amphitheatre are the ruins of Roman baths dating back to the 2nd-4th century AD, and to the east are the remains of a 2nd century AD Roman villa, known as the Villa of the Birds due to its mosaic floor depicting birds. Both the baths and the villa are worth seeing when visiting the amphitheatre. 9. Alexandria National Museum Photo credit: Xinhua News If you’re a bit fuzzy about Alexandria’s history (no shame -- it’s confusing even to us locals), the National Museum will help sort you out. The museum itself from an architectural standpoint isn’t that impressive, but don’t judge a book by its cover -- its contents definitely make up for what its facade lacks. Its exhibits are divided chronologically into eras to help you flesh things out a bit: pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Christian, Islamic and modern. There’s also a section for underwater monuments (some monuments still exist till present day in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Alex!). 10. Walk down the Corniche The heart of Alexandria is truly in its Corniche, the coastal road that hugs the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the city on the other. It’s by walking down the Corniche and seeing the fishing boats bobbing on the water that you can really imagine what the ancient city was like in its heyday over 2,000 years ago. It’s also a great place to people-watch: you’ll see street vendors peddling all kinds of random stuff, parents pushing babies in their strollers, couples walking hand-in-hand, fishermen, and teenagers doing… well whatever it is that teenagers do. 11. Explore Fouad Street While we’re on the topic of walking, make sure you take a stroll down Alexandria’s historic Fouad Street. Although you’ll find it under ‘El Horeya Road’ on Google Maps (Fouad Street’s new name after the 1952 revolution), locals still refer to it as Fouad Street, named after the former Egyptian king. Fouad Street is a dated piece of Alexandria’s belle epoque, when the city was comprised of harmonious Egyptian, Italian, Greek, French, Armenian, Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities. The architecture, art, shops and even food were a unique melting pot of all the diverse communities, all of whom were Alexandrian first and foremost. 12. Try Alexandria’s famous patisseries Alexandria is known throughout the country for its cafe and patisserie culture, with some of their beloved dessert shops dating back over 100 years, like Trianon near El Raml Station. Or Délices, which is still owned by the same Greek family since 1922. For more beloved old Alexandrian patisseries, you can read 14 Egyptian Dessert Shops & Patisseries More Than 50 Years Old. 13. Ride the tram If you want to feel like a real local, hop on the Alexandrian tram, which has been in operation since 1860. It was the first collective means of transport not only in Egypt, but the whole of Africa. It’s one of the oldest tram systems in the world. Today they’re a cheap and safe (if not particularly speedy) way of seeing the city and they’re one of the few trams in the world that uses double-deck cars. Similar to the metro in Cairo, they have women-only cars for any solo women who feel more comfortable in an all-women environment. 14. Have a drink at the Windsor Palace rooftop The Windsor Palace Hotel, now Paradise Inn Windsor Palace, was established in 1906 and was in quite the enviable location back 100 years ago -- it was close to the Raml train station and Alexandria’s old port harbor, as well as the shopping district and seaside promenades. The current hotel that stands today has seen much better days, but holds on to a timeless claim to fame -- the view from their rooftop restaurant and terrace, called Blue Harbor. Local tip: if their 7th floor Sky Roof is in 'club mode' with obnoxious lighting and music, just stick to their restaurant terrace on the 6th floor -- equally good view. You can read more about Alexandria’s iconic old hotels at 11 Historical Hotels in Egypt You Can Stay At Until Today. 15. Enjoy Alexandria's fresh Mediterranean seafood. Seeing as you're in a seaside city, it only makes sense to indulge in the fresh seafood that Alexandria is known for. Whether you want to have it upscale with a drink and a harbor view like at famous Greek Club (official name is Blue & White Restaurant), or something more local and authentic like the restaurant Negro, Alexandria's seafood is not to be missed. Read more: 7 Must-Try Restaurants in Alexandria You might also like: Where To Stay In Alexandria: 7 Best Hotels In The Mediterranean City

Maadi is home to quite a few restaurants and cafes (Road 9 is just about ready to burst at the seams with them), but how many of them can you actually have a laid-back beer or a glass of wine at while having lunch or dinner? So if you’ve had a long day at work and want to eat, unwind and avoid chaotic cafes or seedy bars, these Maadi destinations are for you. 1. Estro Cuisine: Italian Also known as the ‘Sicilian Rooftop’, this restobar is found on the 9th floor of the Royal Maadi Hotel on Road 18. Opened by the same owners of Frank &Co, Maadi’s favorite tapas bar (below), Estro delivers the same quality but this time in the form of Italian favorites. Local tip: go right before sunset, the views are awesome. Reservations needed. 2. Bua Khao (now called Sala Thai) Cuisine: Thai Owned and spearheaded by a Thai family for the past 20 years, this award-winning little restaurant is hidden off of one of the many midans of Maadi. Bua Khao's menu is large but not too large, with straightforward and sensible Thai dish descriptions instead of the generic “fish soup” menu entries found in many of Cairo’s other Asian restaurants. Beer and wine are served as well. As of 2023 they changed their name to 'Sala Thai' (although everything else remained the same), but they'll always be Bua Khao to us <3 3. Frank & Co Cuisine: International As mentioned above, Frank & Co has the same owners as Estro, so it makes sense that they’re right next to each other on Road 18 (albeit Frank & Co is street level while Estro is a rooftop). Frank & Co is a much-needed international tapas bar in Maadi, and has both indoor and outdoor seating. 4. Tipsy Camel Cuisine: international This sports bar in Maadi is the perfect place to go if you want to watch a match or play some pool but also grab a post-work meal and drink. They have numerous screens, a pool table, babyfoot, an outdoor terrace and all the bar food you'd expect -- pizza, burgers, wings, tacos and more. 5. Kokio Cuisine: Korean Ah, Kokio, the king of fried chicken (sorry KFC). This little Korean restaurant is known by all those Maadi-savvy (and chicken-savvy) for having literally some of the best fried chicken in the country. They have original, spicy, soy (flavored with onion, garlic and crushed red pepper), garlic fried, onion fried, and you can order half a chicken or full chicken (or chicken tenders). You can also wash down all that fried goodness with beer. 6. Villa Belle Epoque Cuisine: International This converted villa-turned-boutique hotel is hidden down one of Maadi’s little leafy streets, making it the perfect spot for dinner and drinks away from crowds. Villa Belle Epoque’s restaurant serves its meals next to their small pool, surrounded by trees and flowers. Note: They have an extensive food menu, but don't serve alcohol. You are however allowed to bring your own liquor bottles or wine with you, which they'll then serve you. 7. Tawlet Yvonne Cuisine: Lebanese In a corner courtyard nestled away from the honks of the streets is Tawlet Yvonne, a little restaurant and cafe that celebrates home-cooked Lebanese food. They have an extensive menu of Lebanese classics, as well as shisha and local Egyptian wine, beer and arak. 8. Bistro Paris Cuisine: French/international Above Tawlet Yvonne and Caribou Coffee on the same leafy street in Maadi is Bistro Paris, a restobar with a small but to the point menu, as well as local wine, beer and cocktails. Undoubtedly Bistro Paris' claim to fame is its outdoor balcony, which is open as early as 9 am every morning if you want a shady outdoor spot to have breakfast, or somewhere ambient to have dinner & drinks at night. 9. Tenaya Cuisine: international If you're in Maadi and hankering for some dinner and drinks with a beautiful Nile view, then look no further than Tenaya. With a beautiful spot right on the river, Tenaya offers an eclectic international and Egyptian lunch/dinner menu, as well as sushi. Alcohol and shisha are also offered. 10. Gaya Cuisine: Korean Gaya is known for being one of the best Korean restaurants in Cairo as a whole, not just Maadi. They've been open for over 20 years, and have a massive menu of Korean dishes (unlike Kokio which just sticks mainly to Korean fried chicken). Gaya also has a 'grill on the table' option, where you can cook up your bulgogi (grilled beef) or other meats of your choice yourself. Beer is served. 11. The Rec Room Cuisine: Asian The Rec Room is known mainly for its late nights, upscale speakeasy vibe and music, but if you go earlier on in the evening before the crowds start coming it, you'll find a pleasant spot for dinner and drinks. Their menu is contemporary Asian and they have great signature drinks. 12. Swiss Cottage Cuisine: Swiss Swiss Cottage is a Maadi staple during winter and the Christmas season when they deck themselves out in holiday cheer. But their fondue, raclette, and 'cook your own meat' are just as good year-round. They don't serve alcohol themselves but you can bring your own bottle and pay a corkage fee. Reservations recommended because the restaurant only has a few tables and fills up during dinner. You might also like: 10 Best Breakfast, Brunch and Bakeries in Maadi

Considering that Türkiye is right across the Mediterranean Sea from Egypt, as well as having some cultural overlap due to both countries belonging to the Ottoman Empire historically, it’s no wonder that Egyptians love Turkish cuisine and vice versa. Whether you’re in the mood for their famous Turkish grilled meat and skewers, their familiar-but-with-a-spin mezzes or the massive breakfast platters, these are some of the best Turkish restaurants to visit in Cairo. Osmanly Location: Garden City Osmanly, the Turkish restaurant tucked away inside the Nile Kempinski hotel, is a great mix of a fine dining restaurant while still being warm and cozy. It also has impeccable service without any of the pretentiousness you’d find in some 5 star luxury hotels in Cairo. Open for lunch and dinner, Osmanly has a varied menu of traditional Turkish dishes, with lots of vegetarian options as well for non-meat eaters. Their signature dish is the Hünkar Beğendi, braised beef tenderloin in a rich tomato sauce served with creamy eggplant puree and Çerkez cheese. For the menu and reservations: Osmanly EV Location: New Cairo By far the most aesthetically beautiful restaurant on this list, and luckily their food matches the high score their decor and ambience gets. EV is located in the Dusit Thani hotel, with indoor and outdoor seating, a large bar and beautiful greenery surrounding. Their menu is full of elevated Turkish classics, with their signature dishes being the Kuzu Tandir (slow-cooked lamb with rosemary and herbs) as well as their Tuzda Balik (salt-baked seasonal fish). Also try their Kazandibi for dessert (burnt Turkish milk mastic pudding). Shisha is also available. For the menu and reservations: EV Izmir Saray Location: New Giza, 6 October We’re now leaving the luxury hotel Turkish restaurants and heading across town to the plateau of New Giza, overlooking the city. (Izmir Saray is also open in ENDC in New Cairo, but we much prefer the New Giza branch because of the amazing view). While Izmir Saray is obviously beautiful at night with all the twinkling lights, they’re also known as a great breakfast and brunch spot, with a huge variety of choices. For more info and reservations: Izmir Saray Nişantaşi Location: Cairo Festival City, City Stars Named after an elite district in Istanbul, Nişantaşi is a crowd favorite when it comes to Turkish restaurants in Cairo, but for those who want a more casual vibe and don’t want to spend hotel prices. Located in both the malls of Cairo Festival City and City Stars, Nişantaşi also offers home delivery to New Cairo, Heliopolis and Nasr City (read more: Cairo Festival City Restaurant & Cafe Guide). We recommend eating there though, because their signature tajins are brought out tableside, where they slice through the piping hot bread crust to reveal the mouthwatering meat inside. For more info and the menu: Nişantaşi Bosporus Location: Cairo Festival City, City Center Almaza, City Stars, Open Air Mall Madinaty Another casual dining Turkish restaurant, Bosporus can be found in all the main malls on the east side of Cairo. They’re a popular chain throughout the Middle East, with a huge menu, reasonable prices and shisha as well. Bosporus’ branch in Open Air Mall Madinaty is particularly popular because of its prime location in the middle of the ‘lake’. For more info and the menu: Bosporus CZN Burak Location: New Cairo The famous restaurant of Turkish chef and personality CZN Burak, with over 20 locations worldwide. Their first restaurant in Egypt (located next to the Triumph Hotel in New Cairo) is actually their biggest restaurant so far in the Middle East. CZN Burak is known especially for their grills and meats, and while the restaurant isn’t in a hotel, it does come with some hotel prices. Shisha available. For more info and the menu: CZN Burak Sultan Saray Location: Madinaty Found in the East Hub Mall of Madinaty is Sultan Saray, a family-friendly Turkish restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s known for its open buffet weekend breakfasts, as well as the opportunity to dress up in traditional Turkish costumes and take pictures. It’s a good choice for big families, those with kids, or those who want to indulge in some good Turkish food but for reasonable prices. For more info and the menu: Sultan Saray You may also like: 7 Best Thai Restaurants in Cairo, Egypt

Marassi is the biggest and most visited beach compound on Egypt’s North Coast (Sahel). We’re talking 23 residential neighborhoods, 6 beaches, multiple hotels, an international marina, a waterpark and a golf course, all spread over 6.5 million sqm. So if you were to assume that they also have a lot of restaurants and dining options, well you’d be correct, that’s for sure! Read more: North Coast, Egypt - A Complete Guide For First-Timers The Marassi Marina especially is full of restaurants and cafes, many of which have beautiful water views. But because it’s so popular, lots of the restaurants need reservations and QR codes, so it’s not as easy as just breezing in anywhere when you get hungry. So which restaurants are actually worth putting in the effort? IMPORTANT NOTE: these restaurants are only open seasonally, usually opening at some point in late May/June through to early September. Here’s our list of the best restaurants in Marassi: Sachi Sachi is known as being one of (if not the) best fine dining restaurants in Egypt, and their Marassi branch does not disappoint. Their menu is Mediterranean Asian fusion and they have great cocktails as well. Open from 5 pm. For menu and reservations: Sachi Izakaya SHL Peruvian-Japanese fusion is to be found at Izakaya SHL, adjacent to the Vida Marina Resort. Enjoy sushi and Nikkei plates on the water from 5 pm onwards. For menu and reservations: Izakaya Reif Kushiyaki Led by celebrity chef Reif Othman, Reif Kushiyaki is all about innovative Japanese cuisine, from its signature kushiyaki (grilled meat skewers), to yakisoba, sandos and maki rolls. They’re also right on the marina, to enjoy your dinner with a drink and a breeze. For menu and reservations: Reif Kushiyaki Stanley Fresh seafood, Mediterranean mezze and signature cocktails is what Stanley is all about. They’re open from breakfast onwards at the Marassi Marina. For menu and reservations: Stanley San Carlo This restaurant from the UK teamed with the Smokery Group to bring you San Carlo, a fine dining Italian restaurant. Their signature dishes are their tender slices of prime beef fillet, pan-seared sea bass in lemon caper sauce and homemade ravioli. Open from 4 pm. For menu and reservations: San Carlo Ovio This European restaurant has a hefty breakfast and brunch menu: pancakes, crepes, different egg styles by the dozen, sourdough toast and morning sandwiches; Ovio’s got it all. They also offer lunch and dinner obviously, but it’s particularly popular in the morning. For menu and reservations: Ovio The Smokery Beautiful restaurant and bar right on the water. The Smokery has branches throughout Egypt, from Cairo to El Gouna and the North Coast, and they’re known for their pastas and sushi. For menu and reservations: The Smokery Asmak Considering you’re spending time on the Mediterranean Sea, it would be almost sacrilegious to not have a seafood feast at least once before you leave. Asmak has a huge variety of seafood dishes, and you can order right off the menu or choose yourself from the fresh catch of the day and have them prepare it in your preferred style. For menu and reservations: Asmak Indira If you’re bored of the usual pizza, sandwiches and beach-style food, then head to Indira for some great Indian cuisine. Besides having all our favorite Indian classics, they also have a nice spot right on the water and serve shisha too. For menu and reservations: Indira Zaza Cuisine If it’s your first time in Egypt and you want to experience all sorts of Egyptian food without leaving Marassi (read more: 15 Egyptian Foods You Must Try), or you’re a local and just craving some of our traditional favorites, then head to Zaza. They have a massive menu from breakfast onwards with all the classics: fuul, taameya, feteer, tagens, grills, fattah, the whole nine yards. They also have pizza and international dishes as well as shisha. For menu and reservations: Zaza Cuisine Other restaurants in Marassi: Eatery Qahwa Crave Ted’s Maison Thomas Lodge Seaside Carlo’s Piccolo Mondo L’Asiatique Loris Salt EL&N Cafe Paul Sax Chili’s Lunch Room Ahwet Zeitouna Boulevard Pizza Bar IOI Vapiano Fish Market Tabali Pipa Villa Caracas Suzette’s Desoky and Soda Laduree Le Flandrin Arabica 1980 Koffee Kulture Brown Nose Marassi hotel restaurants: Bayroot (Address Beach Resort) Myra (Address Beach Resort) Nooraï (Address Golf Resort) Blé (Address Golf Resort) Melts & Mains (Address Golf Resort) Socal (Vida Marina Resort) Origins (Vida Marina Resort) B’Haar (Al Alamein Hotel) Food trucks/Dessert: Krispy Kreme BRGR Dolato Baskin Robbins Churrito Dara’s Ice Cream Copa Acai Pao Yole Semman & Co Takosan Barbar Pink Palms Chez Koukou Nathan's KB's Cake Studio Duck Donuts Panzini Hameed Taiyaki *Note: these are all besides the usual fast food suspects, like KFC, Pizza Hut, etc. Happy beaching and eating! You may also like: 10 Best Restaurants and Beach Bars on the North Coast (Sahel)

Soma Bay Fact #1: Egypt is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east, plus two gulfs. Fact #2: we have around 360 days of sunshine a year and swimmable water temperatures year-round. When you add those two facts together, you equate for pretty ideal beaches. Call us biased, but we’ve travelled around the world and we’re convinced that some of Egypt’s beaches can easily compete -- and even win-- against other world-famous beaches. Don’t believe us? Visit them yourself! Disclaimer: we’re obviously not including all famous Egyptian beaches, we included the ones that we think offer the most when it comes to color and quality of water, soft white sand, picturesque views and overall beach experience. For the best beach vacations (hotels, restaurants, activities, etc.), read our 8 Best Egyptian Beach Holiday Destinations. North Coast Location: Egypt’s north Mediterranean coast, west of Alexandria Best time to go: June through September How to get there: Car or bus from Cairo/Alexandria, or flight from abroad Egypt’s North Coast, called Sahel el Shamali in Arabic (Sahel for short), stretches out for hundreds of kilometers on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast and has arguably some of the most pristine white sand beaches in the region. It’s currently comprised mainly of private residential beach compounds with a few sporadic hotels, so it’s mainly the summer playground of moneyed locals. Recently though more tourism development has taken root, so those who don’t own beach homes can still enjoy Egypt’s (hands down) best summer beaches. Read more: Egypt's North Coast - Complete Travel Guide For First Timers Giftun Islands Mahmya on Big Giftun Location: Red Sea off of Hurghada Best time to go: April through to November How to get there: by boat from Hurghada or El Gouna, which are reached by car/bus/plane Off the coast of Hurghada are the two Giftun Islands in the Red Sea: Giftun El Kabeer (Big Giftun) and Giftun el Sagheer (Little Giftun). While both are surrounded by equally dazzling clear azure water, Big Giftun is the one where the real action is at because it’s home to beach havens Mahmya and Orange Bay. Mahmya on Big Giftun These daytime destinations offer beach restaurants, bars and water activities as well as bathrooms and showers for those who’ve spent a long day diving or snorkeling and want to kick back and relax. For more tropical islands in Egypt, head here. Wadi El Gemal National Park Location: Red Sea coast south of Marsa Alam Best time to go: year-round, but it gets a tiny bit chilly in winter and very hot in summer How to get there: drive down from Marsa Alam, which is best reached by plane Wadi el Gemal (Valley of the Camels) is an Egyptian national park that encompasses both desert and sea. The biodiversity of its large mammals, reptiles, birds, plants and untouched marine life make it unlike anywhere else in Egypt -- and its coastal area alone is home to 450 species of coral and over 1,200 species of fish. One of the most beautiful beaches in Wadi Gemal is Sharm el Luli (also known as Ras Hankoreb). For a small entrance fee, you can spend the day on the coastal beaches of the park, with the comfort of a local guide nearby (the park is massive!). Most visitors spend the night in nearby lodges or in Marsa Alam, and then enjoy the day on the untouched beaches of the national park. Read more: 10 Best Things To Do in Marsa Alam Marsa Matrouh Agiba Beach, one of Marsa Matrouh's most famous Location: Mediterranean Sea coast, 240 km west of Alexandria Best time to go: June through September How to get there: car/bus from Cairo or Alexandria Marsa Matrouh is a small port city to the west of the North Coast we talked about above. Unlike the North Coast, Marsa Matrouh is an actual coastal city with year-round inhabitants and not just seasonal private residences. If you want to experience Egypt’s Mediterranean Sea but don’t want to deal with exclusive compounds or ridiculously high hotel prices, Marsa Matrouh offers equally beautiful beaches, albeit in a more crowded and less chi-chi atmosphere. Local tip: if you’re in Marsa Matrouh, it might be a good idea to also spend a few days in Siwa Oasis to the south. It’s about a 4.5 hour car trip, which sounds like a lot, but imagine tacking on the extra 5 hours it would take to get from Cairo to Marsa Matrouh, PLUS the 4.5 hours from there to Siwa (via Marsa Matrouh is the safest and easiest route to Siwa). Ras Um Sid Location: Sharm el Sheikh Best time to go: spring and fall (summer too if you can handle the heat) How to get there: fly to Sharm el Sheikh (or drive, but we prefer to fly) While all of Sharm el Sheikh is a resort beach-goer’s dream, the beach at Ras Um Sid takes the cake in our personal opinion. While it's home to several hotels, you can also access the beach via entrance ticket. Besides having umbrellas, sunbeds, a restaurant, bar, shisha and spectacular views, it’s also one of the best beaches in Egypt for snorkeling -- swimmers sometimes see more marine life than divers do! For the best diving destinations in Egypt, head here. Read more: 12 Best Things to Do in Sharm el Sheikh Blue Lagoon Photo credit: @bluelagoondahab Location: north of Dahab Best time to go: year-round How to get there: hiking, by camel or by boat from Dahab The Blue Lagoon is a beautiful but remote beach camp spot north of both Dahab and the Ras Abu Galum national park. It's very bare bones -- huts on the beach and no electricity, so perfect for unplugging. Daily activities range from windsurfing, snorkeling, swimming, kitesurfing, hiking, sunbathing, reading or just relaxing by the beach. At night you can watch for shooting stars by the fire and revel in the fact that there’s no one else for miles around. Because it’s so remote, you can only get there by either hiking/camel from Dahab (for the more adventurous) or by boat. Qulaan Islands Location: in the Red Sea off of Wadi El Gemal National Park Best time to go: year-round, but it gets a tiny bit chilly in winter and very hot in summer How to get there: boat from Hamata harbor Qulaan Islands are an archipelago of four islands in a protected bay in the Wadi El Gemal National Park area that we talked about above. These empty, remote islands are known for their mangrove trees and ecosystem built around the mangroves; marine life flourishes under the trees and it’s a great bird-watching spot. Photo credit: Farida Bustani (@faridabustani) You can take a boat from the Hamata marina and spend a few hours picnicking, swimming and snorkeling on the islands. Soma Bay Location: 45 km south of Hurghada Best time to go: April through to November How to get there: driving or via Hurghada Airport A peninsula jutting into the Red Sea, Soma Bay is a small resort town 45 minutes south of Hurghada. Because it’s surrounded by the sea on three sides, not only does Soma Bay have some of the clearest, most azure water in its bay, it's also famous for its water sports, especially kitesurfing and windsurfing due to the ideal wind conditions. It's also a world-famous diving and snorkeling destination, due to its house reef and nearby diving sites. Because Soma Bay is an exclusive resort town, it’s a good place to go if you want to avoid the crowds found in other popular Red Sea Riviera destinations (Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, etc). Read more: Soma Bay, Egypt - Travel Guide for First-Timers Sahl Hasheesh Photo credit: Omar Refaat (@omar__refaat) Location: About 20 km south of Hurghada Best time to go: April through to November How to get there: Drive or fly to Hurghada airport Another resort town built on a bay in the Red Sea south of Hurghada, known for its beautiful stretch of coastline and long boardwalk. It’s home to some of the most highly ranked beach resorts in the country, such as Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh and Baron Palace. Photo credit: Omar Refaat (@omar__refaat) Another claim to fame that Sahl Hasheesh has is its man-made sunken city -- a partially submerged city that acts like a reef and attracts both marine life and snorkelers galore. You might also like: 8 Best Egyptian Beach Holiday Destinations