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  • 7 Best Diving Destinations in Egypt’s Red Sea for Divers of All Levels

    Egypt’s Red Sea has had the international diving community buzzing recently due to its continual high ranking as one of the best diving destinations in the world . It also doesn’t matter if you never dived before a day in your life -- Egypt is chock-full of PADI-certified, professional diving centers, instructors and liveaboards that will propel you from snorkeler to advanced diver in no time. Here’s a list of some of the very best diving destinations (and specific dive spots!) we have here in the Egyptian Red Sea . 1. Marsa Alam Best dive spots: Elphinstone Reef, Daedalus Reef, Abu Dabbab, Dolphin House Reef Marsa Alam might not be as well known or frequently visited as Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada when it comes to diving, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less impressive (it might be even more so!). This coastal town is more off the beaten track for both Egyptians and foreigners alike, so it’s an excellent place if you want to relax and focus on diving and other sea activities. Beginner divers: the shallow bay of Abu Dabbab is perfect for newbies -- there’s no current and the water is around 18 m deep. It’s also there where you can sometimes see Egypt’s very rare dugongs, cousins of the manatee. Advanced divers: Famous dive sites like Elphinstone and Daedalus are must-sees for more advanced divers -- you can see anything from hammerhead sharks to manta rays in these open sea sites. They’re accessible by either day trips from Marsa Alam or liveaboards. Local tips: Around April and May, water visibility is reduced slightly because of plankton, but that’s what attracts whale sharks and manta rays Whale sharks can be spotted in May & June, and hammerheads from May to August It’s possible to dive year-round, with the coldest water being 24°C in January and warmest being 30°C in the summer (which some find to be too warm, especially when the air temperature regularly hits 40+°C). How to get there: you can either fly into Marsa Alam airport or drive from Cairo (around an 8-10 hour drive) Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Marsa Alam 2. Sharm El Sheikh/Ras Mohammed Best dive spots: SS Thistlegorm, Dunraven, Kingston, Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef 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.” It’s also the starting point for most dive expeditions into Ras Mohammed, an Egyptian national park at the southernmost tip of Sinai, where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Gulf of Suez and the mixing of water leads to brightly-colored, healthy coral reefs. Beginner divers: Dive sites like Ras Um el Sid are ideal for beginners; easy reef diving in a shallow bay with no currents. Advanced divers: Sharm has some amazing wreck diving, like the SS Thistlegorm, a British ship that was sunk by Germans in WWII. Other great wreck dives are Dunraven and Kingston. Local tip: There’s no specific diving season in Sharm, but if you want to avoid the crowds both on shore and off, try to avoid the high tourist season (September-November and March-May), and go either during summer (if you can stand the soaring temperatures), or winter. How to get there: fly to Sharm El Sheikh airport or drive from Cairo (6-7 hour drive). Read more: 12 Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh 3. Hurghada/El Gouna Best dive spots: Giftun Islands, Abu Nuhas reef and wrecks, Rosalie Moller The coastal towns of Hurghada and El Gouna might be around 25 km apart, but they share many of the same diving sites. Hurghada, which used to be a small fishing village only a few decades ago, is now the biggest Red Sea resort town on the Egyptian mainland. Beginner divers: Hurghada and El Gouna are actually ideal for beginner divers because most of their reefs are shallow and easily accessible but still crammed full of marine life, like the Giftun Islands (home of the famous Mahmya beach restaurant/bar on the shore ). Advanced divers: the deep wreck of the Rosalie Moller is closer situated to Hurghada than to Sharm El Sheikh, where its sister ship, the SS Thistlegorm is. Rosalie Moller was a coal ship so it’s not as impressive as Thistlegorm with all its relics, but still an awesome wreck dive. Local tip: Same as Sharm. There’s no specific diving season in Hurghada, but if you want to avoid the crowds both on shore and off, try to avoid the high tourist season (September-November and March-May), and go either summer or winter . How to get there: fly into Hurghada airport and take a cab/car hire from there if you’re going to El Gouna. Or you can drive from Cairo (around a 5 hour drive). 4. Dahab Best dive site: Blue Hole, The Canyon, Eel Garden The Blue Hole in Dahab is probably the most famous dive site in all of Egypt, known even by non-divers, but it’s definitely not the only diving spot Dahab has to offer. Beginner divers: most of Dahab’s coral reefs are right off the shore and easy for beginner divers to reach and explore, including The Blue Hole’s reef (but not the arch!). Advanced divers: the deep arch of the Blue Hole is a 70m archway and passageway in the reef, and is popular with advanced divers and freedivers, but is also extremely dangerous -- dozens of people have passed away there (the onshore tribute to the fallen divers is both moving and somber). The Canyon is also another favorite spot for advanced divers. Local tips: It’s rare to see sharks in Dahab It’s not a destination for wreck diving It’s awesome for snorkeling if you have non-diver friends with you Diving is year-long, and most people go between July-December, so try to avoid those months if you don’t want to the reefs to be crowded with divers How to get there : fly into Sharm el Sheikh then make the drive to Dahab (around an hour away), or drive from Cairo (7-8 hours). 5. El Qoseir Best dive sites: El Ikhwa Islands (Brothers’ Islands) Most would be surprised to see El Qoseir on the list, but it’s true -- if you’re looking for great diving away from it all and untouched coral, then look no further. This 5,000 year old town is home to several ecolodges and diving camps on the cliffs overlooking a pristine stretch of sea between Hurghada and Marsa Alam, and there are lots of diving centers to choose from. Beginner divers: most of the diving is close to the shore, easily accessible to the diving camps and shallow. Advanced divers: El Ikhwa Islands is one of the undisputed best diving spots in the whole of the Red Sea, and a good place to see sharks and other big fish, since it’s 70 km off shore from El Qoseir. Local tip: Qoseir as a town has almost nothing going on when it comes to restaurants or nightlife, so you’ll be spending most of your time in a hotel or Nuweiba-style beach camp, which is ideal for those who want peace and quiet How to get there: you have three options: 1) fly into Hurghada and drive south, 2) fly into Marsa Alam and drive north, 3) drive from Cairo (6 hours). 6. Soma Bay Best dive sites: Ras Abo Soma, Abu Kafan, Tobia Reefs (aka Seven Pillars/Seven Pinnacles) and Panorama Reef South of Hurghada is the nearby resort town of Soma Bay, on the same coastline between Hurghada and Marsa Alam. Whereas El Qoseir is the destination to go if you want primitive camps and a more back-to-basics feel, Soma Bay offers 5-star resorts and all-inclusive luxury hotels. Beginner divers: the reef of Ras Abo Soma and its adjacent areas are great for beginner divers, and you even have the chance of happening upon reef sharks. Advanced divers: there’s awesome wall and drift diving, and the Tobias Reefs are well-loved. You can also visit the Salem Express wreck, a controversial dive spot because of the sad story attached. The Salem Express was a passenger ferry between Egypt and Saudi Arabia that sank in 1991, killing over 400 passengers. Some divers choose not to visit the wreck, but other divers do and pay their respects to the remains of the ship and the lives lost. Local tips: This stretch of the Red Sea is ideal if you want to have a luxury vacation aside from just diving The area is close to Hurghada, but is not as crowded with diving boats How to get there: either fly into Hurghada airport and drive south, or drive from Cairo (5 hours). Read more: Soma Bay, Egypt - Travel Guide for First-Timers 7. Hamata, Wadi Lahami and the Deep South Best dive spots: St. John’s, Fury Shoals and Rocky Island 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. This pristine stretch of Red Sea is completely untouched and unspoiled. Beginner divers: because of the strong wind conditions, it’s not always the best place for beginner divers, but St. John’s has a few easier dives. Advanced divers: the strong current leads to amazing drift diving, with an increased chance of seeing hammerhead sharks, pods of dolphins and manta rays. Local tips: There’s not many places to stay in Hamata and Wadi Lahami, just a few sparse diving villages. If that’s not your thing, then you can take a liveaboard from Port Ghalib near Marsa Alam (about 3 hours away by car). The best time to dive is from May to October, when the wind is less strong, but it’s also during the hottest months. Winter months have more agreeable weather in general but the wind and current can sometimes postpone dives. How to get there: fly to Marsa Alam and either take a liveaboard from Port Ghalib, or drive down to Hamata/Wadi Lahami. You might also like: 9 World-Class Beaches in Egypt

  • El Moez Street in Old Cairo: A Detailed Local’s Guide

    El Moez Street (also spelled Muizz or Muiz) is the shorthand version of its proper name: El Moez Li-Deen Allah Al-Fatimi Street. You can probably see why we locals shortened it. So what exactly is Moez Street? It’s a 1 km long pedestrian street, and to quote the UN, it has “the greatest concentration of medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world”. It might not be the Pyramids , but it’s a definite must-see to get a true feel for the history of Cairo as a city, and to see some frankly mind-blowing medieval Islamic architecture and art. And not in a stuffy, museum-type behind-the-glass environment -- it’s a free pedestrian street with the architecture all around you, so you don’t have to worry about paying money to stare at super curated things that you a) don’t really understand, and b) are kind of boring. One thing we can promise about Moez Street -- it’s not boring, that’s for sure. A little background first: El Moez Street is found in an area of Cairo known officially as Historic Cairo, but we locals refer to it as ‘Old Cairo’ ( masr el adeema in Arabic). Cairo was officially founded in 969 AD by the Fatimids (a North African Shi’ite Muslim caliphate) and the modern-day area of Old Cairo consists of the remnants of the pre-Cairo cities (Fustat, Al Askar, Al Qatta’i), as well as Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo. Moez Street is named after the 4th caliph of the Fatimid dynasty. You might also like: Cairo's City of the Dead - A Local's Guide Old Cairo/Historic Cairo was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, and it was called "one of the world's oldest Islamic cities, with its famous mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains" and "the new centre of the Islamic world, reaching its golden age in the 14th century." Read more about Egypt’s 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites here . Cairo’s Islamic History Briefly explaining the Islamic history of Egypt and Cairo in particular isn’t easy, what with all the different Islamic dynasties, but it’s important to have an idea of what we’re talking about when we reference something as being Fatimid, Mamluk, Ottoman or what have you. Egypt was conquered by Arab Muslims in 641 AD, led by Amr ibn Al-As, who proceeded to build the first mosque in Egypt and all of Africa (a reconstructed mosque still stands in Cairo today). Although the capital of Egypt at the time was Alexandria , Amr ibn Al-As created a new capital where his mosque was, and named it Fustat. More than 300 years later, in 969 AD, the Fatimid Caliph El Moez Li-Deen Allah Al-Fatimi built his new capital Cairo ( Al Qahera in Arabic) north of Fustat, and later absorbed it. When Cairo was first built, it was a walled enclosure for the royal caliphs, and part of that wall still remains today -- El Moez Street runs between two different gates of the wall. Since the foundation of Cairo, it was under several different Islamic dynasties: Fatimid (969 - 1171 AD) - originally Arab, they had a North African Shi’ite caliphate Ayyubid (1171 - 1250 AD) - a Sunni Muslim dynasty of Kurdish origins, led by Salah El Din Mamluk (1250 - 1517 AD) - a sultanate ruled by military slaves of Turkic and Circassian origins Ottoman (1517 - 1867 AD) - part of the Ottoman Empire. Egypt became an autonomous Khedivate under Ottoman influence after 1867 Egypt wouldn’t achieve full independence from outside powers until it became a republic in 1952. Pheeeeww ok we are now officially done with the history lesson. Moez Street Today: What To Expect Moez Street today is a mix of medieval mosques and buildings alongside modern vendors and shops in an Old Cairo neighborhood called Gamaleya, and the street is adjacent to the world-famous bazaar Khan el Khalili (for more info, you can read our full Khan el Khalili guide here ). The street starts at the northern Bab El Fotouh (one of the original gates to the old walled city), then meanders south for a bit until it intersects with Al Azhar street. Cross Al Azhar, and El Moez continues through the El Ghouri Complex ( El Ghoureya in Arabic), ending at Bab Zuweila and the Tentmakers’ Market in the south. You can either walk down the street and admire the buildings just from the outside, or you can explore some of them from the inside. Most of the mosques have free entry, but some of the other medieval buildings require a ticket and have working hours. Starting from the El Ghouri Complex, the street gets pretty chaotic with all the different shops and vendors, so just don’t expect a calm stroll and you’ll be fine. How To Get There The easiest way to get to Moez Street is to have a taxi or Uber drop you off at Bab el Fotouh in Gamaleya. Just plug in the destination on your Uber app, or tell the cab driver (just make sure he knows where it is first -- some Egyptian cab drivers really need to give up their day job). From Bab el Fotouh, you just walk through the gate and there you are! Moez Street Tickets and Working Hours The street itself is free of charge, and is just as popular at night as it is during the day, mainly because of how the buildings are lit in the dark. Mosques: most of the mosques are free to enter, but if you’re a woman make sure that you have something to cover your hair (and aren’t wearing something too short/revealing) and both sexes need to take off their shoes at the entrance (you can bring them in with you though). Places like the Qalawun Complex and Beit el Seheimy need a ticket to enter, and you can either buy an individual ticket or a combination one that lets you into different spots of interest on Moez Street, including historical houses, palaces and mausoleums. Combination ticket price: 180 EGP (non-Egyptian), 60 EGP (Egyptian). This ticket gives you access to Qalawun Complex, Sulayman Agha Al-Silahdar Mosque and Sabil, Al-Kamil School, Al-Nasir Muhammad Ibn Qalawun Mosque and School, Sultan Barqouk Mosque, Maimonides Synagogue, Hammam Inal and Amir Beshtak Palace. Where to buy the combination ticket: at Qalawun Complex The combination ticket doesn't include Beit el Seheimy (180 EGP and you buy it at the entrance of Beit el Sehemy itself). It also doesn't include climbing Bab Zuweila (100 EGP). Working hours for places that need tickets: 9 am - 5 pm (shortened hours in Ramadan), closed on Sundays. What You’ll See There’s *a lot* to see while walking down El Moez Street, but we narrowed down the main sites and listed them in the order of what you’ll see walking from Bab el Fotouh at the north entrance down south to the Tentmakers’ Market where Moez officially ends. Ready? Take a stroll with us: Bab El Fotouh Built: 1087 AD Islamic era: Fatimid One of the last three remaining gates to the original walled city of Cairo, built by a Fatimid caliph. It has arrow slits and shafts for pouring boiling water or oil on attackers. Bab El Nasr Built: 1087 AD Islamic era: Fatimid Before entering Moez Street from Bab El Fotouh, you can check out Bab El Nasr to the left of Bab el Fotouh. It’s one of the three remaining gates mentioned above, translating to Gate of Victory. Al Hakim Mosque Built: 992 AD Islamic era: Fatimid Once you enter Moez Street, the first site you’ll find is the Al Hakim Mosque, short for Al-Hakim Bi-Amr Allah. Its minarets are the oldest surviving minarets in Cairo. During certain periods after its construction during the Fatimid dynasty, it was used as a prison for Latin Crusaders, a fortress for Napoleon and a school before returning to its original function as a mosque. Mosque-Sabil of Sulayman Agha Al-Silahdar Built: 1839 AD Islamic era: Ottoman This religious complex of Sulayman Agha Al-Silahdar is a mosque, sabil (a building with the purpose of providing free drinking water to the public) and kuttab (a religious elementary school). Its design is known as ‘Ottoman baroque’. Beit El Seheimy Built: 1648 Islamic era: Ottoman Translating to ‘House of El Seheimy’, this historic house turned museum is a beautiful example of Ottoman residential architecture. It needs a ticket to enter (you can either buy a single ticket or a combo Moez Street one), but is definitely worth it. It’s found on Darb el Asfar, a lane intersecting with Moez Street which was an extremely expensive and affluent area of Islamic Cairo. Al Aqmar Mosque Built: 1126 AD Islamic era: Fatimid Translating to ‘Moonlit Mosque’, this mosque served the residents of early Cairo as well as the Great Fatimid Palace (no longer standing). It was the earliest mosque to have such an elaborate exterior facade and decoration. Beshtak Palace Built: 1339 AD Islamic era: Mamluk This palace turned museum was built in the 14th century by the Mamluk emir Beshtak (an emir was a powerful official or lord in the Mamluk dynasty). He built the palace to be his home and stables, and it’s a rare example of residential architecture at the time. Only part of the palace still exists, and is accessible via a ticket. Sabil-Kuttab of Katkhuda Built: 1744 AD Islamic era: Ottoman This public water fountain/building (sabil) and religious elementary school (kuttab) was built by Egyptian architect Katkhuda, and differs from the rest of Moez Street’s architecture in the sense that it’s free standing from 3 sides -- it’s in the middle of the street. Although it was built during the Ottoman era, the design is Mamluk. Hammam Inal Built: 1456 AD Islamic era: Mamluk This medieval hammam (public bathhouse) was built by the Mamluk Sultan Inal. It's one of the last remaining preserved historic hammams in Cairo; by the end of the 19th century there were around 80 hammams but now have dwindled down to just a few. Al-Kamil School Built: 1229 AD Islamic era: Ayyubid Adjacent to the Hammam Inal is Al-Kamil School (also known as the Mosque-Madrasa of Al-Kamil Mohamed Ayyub or Kamileya School). It was one of the greatest theology schools in Egypt in the 13th century, but the building was largely destroyed in later centuries. It was restored during the Ottoman era, which shows through the Ottoman architecture (for example, the mashrabeya windows) that you can still see today. Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Barquq Built: 1386 AD Islamic era: Mamluk This religious complex was built by the Mamluk Sultan Al Zaher Barquq and houses not only a mosque but a ‘madrasa’ -- a religious school dedicated to the four Islamic schools of thought. It’s adjacent to the madrasa of Al Nassir Mohamed , an earlier sultan. These two structures are thought to be some of the greatest Mamluk architecture in Cairo, alongside the Qalawun Complex (below). Qalawun Complex Built: 1285 AD Islamic era: Mamluk The funerary complex of Sultan Al-Mansour Qalawun was built over the ruins of one of the two original but no longer standing Fatimid palaces of Moez Street (giving this section of the street the name of ‘ Bein el Qasrein ’ -- ‘between the two palaces’). The mausoleum at Qalawun Complex is considered to be the second most beautiful mausoleum in the world, second only to the Taj Mahal. Entrance is via ticket. Sultan Al-Ashraf Barsbay Mosque Built in: 1424 AD Islamic era: Mamluk Also known as Al Ashraf Mosque, the Barsbay mosque was part of Mamluk Sultan Al Ashraf Al Barsbay’s complex, alongside a mausoleum and Sufi lodgings (now destroyed). This mosque is known not only for its size but its marble mosaics and stained glass windows. El Ghouri Complex Built: 1505 AD Islamic era: Mamluk Cross Al Azhar street and you’ll continue Moez Street through the El Ghouri Complex, known as El Ghoureya in Arabic. El Ghoureya is a funerary complex for the second-to-last Mamluk sultan, El Ghouri. What makes this complex so different from anything else on the street is that it’s situated on both sides of Moez Street, with a wooden roof above connecting the two sides. It’s home to a mosque, mausoleum and religious school, but the main thing you’ll see are all the modern stalls and vendors peddling all kinds of clothes and textiles. Al Muayyad Mosque Built in: 1421 AD Islamic era: Mamluk Close to Bab Zuweila (below), the Al Muayyad Mosque is considered the last great hypostyle mosque in Cairo. The interiors of the mosque were some of the most richly decorated at the time, although it’s said that some pieces were illegally taken from other mosques; Al Muayyad Mosque’s door and chandelier is said to come from the famous Sultan Hassan mosque. Bab Zuweila Built in: 1087 AD Islamic era: Fatimid The last remaining southern gate of the old Fatimid walled city of Cairo. Executions would sometimes take place here, with the heads of executed criminals displayed on the wall (which reminds us, RIP Ned Stark). Bab Zuweila is where Moez Street officially ends, but most explorers continue directly south to the tentmakers’ market. Tentmakers’ Market ( El Khayemeya ) A covered market (one of Cairo’s very last) selling all different kinds of beautiful textiles: carpets, pillow cases, tapestries and colorful tent material that’s used all over Egypt in mosques, weddings, homes and holidays. The market itself is a small alley with a high roof with skylights for sunlight and ventilation. The goods sold at the different stalls are great examples of Egyptian handicrafts, and are super reasonably priced. Extra: the Maimonides Synagogue Built: 10th century originally The Maimonides Synagogue (also known as Musa ben Maimoun Temple or Rav Moshe Synagogue) is kind of a bonus site for El Moez Street, mainly because it's not actually on the street itself -- it's on a small side street about a 10 minute walk away, in what used to be known as the Jewish Quarter (Haret el Yehood). However, entry to the synagogue is included when you buy your combination Moez Street ticket. The synagogue had fallen into decay but was restored by the government in 2010. Where to stay on Moez Street If you're interested in staying in a hotel right in the heart of Moez Street, then look no further than Le Riad de Charme, a boutique hotel that embraces the history and architectural beauty of the area. Read more: 8 Boutique Hotels in Egypt for a More Unique, Personalized Experience The pros of staying in a hotel right on Moez Street are that you'll be able to explore the street and Khan el Khalili for as long as you want without worrying about fitting it all in one day or having to make several trips. It's a good base in general if your main interest is Islamic Cairo as a whole: which includes not only Moez Street and Khan el Khalili but the Citadel, Sultan Hassan & El Rifai mosques , Ibn Tulun and City of the Dead as well. The cons of staying in a hotel on Moez Street are that it gets pretty crowded and busy, and traffic is a hassle if you want to explore Cairo outside of that area. Also Old Cairo/Islamic Cairo in general doesn't have a plethora of good restaurants, plus they don't serve alcohol, so you'll be a distance away from any nightlife. Where to eat on Moez Street While that area is known for having either tourist trap restaurants or just mediocre food in general, here are a few we recommend: Naguib Mahfouz Cafe & Khan El Khalili Restaurant This is actually one restaurant, but we locals mainly refer to it just as Naguib Mahfouz Cafe. It's not technically on Moez Street, but very close by in the Khan el Khalili market. It's run by the Oberoi group, which ensures that the quality of food never dips, and in fact it's one of our favorite restaurants in Cairo to bring foreign friends . The menu has all the Egyptian classics, the inner decor is ambient and fits its surroundings and they have live music most nights - but make sure you reserve before you go though, they're always fully booked! 2. Zeeyara The boutique hotel on Moez Street that we mentioned above, Le Riad de Charme, has a very cute rooftop restaurant called Zeeyara that overlooks several of the medieval monuments. 3. Tekiyt Khan Khatoun (Beit Zeinab Khatoun) This restaurant/cafe isn't on Moez Street itself, but is nearby behind the Al Azhar Mosque (on El Azhar street, which intersects with Moez Street). You'll find the restaurant in the courtyard of Beit Zeinab Khatoun, a historical Mamluk house built in 1486. Read more: Oldest Restaurants, Bars and Cafes in Cairo This spot is recommended more for a snack, coffee or shisha during your Moez Street visit, although they do have a full menu of Egyptian and international dishes (we recommend ordering the Egyptian options). And that’s a wrap for Moez Street! But before you leave the area, make sure you check out the world-famous souq and bazaar Khan el Khalili which is adjacent to Moez Street (you’ll have to double back a little back from Bab Zuweila). How to leave: You can catch a cab from the narrow street right outside Bab Zuweila, but it’s probably easier to head back to Al Azhar street (where El Ghoureya is), and get a cab from there or have an Uber pick you up. Or if you’re exploring Khan el Khalili before you leave, hop in a cab from El Hussein Square. You might also like: Coptic Cairo - A Detailed Local's Guide

  • Saqqara, Egypt: A Local’s Guide to Visiting the Step Pyramid of Djoser & the Saqqara Tombs

    When thinking of Egypt and pyramids, most people automatically think of the Giza Pyramids. But what most people fail to realize is that they’re not the sole pyramids in Egypt, and not even the oldest! Read more: 9 Different Egyptian Pyramids (That AREN’T The Giza Pyramids!) That You Need To See One of the things that makes the Pyramids of Giza so fascinating is their sheer size, plus the neighboring Great Sphinx. But not too far from the Giza Plateau is the necropolis of Saqqara, which is home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid in the world (and also the oldest complete stone building in the world, by the way), as well as a fascinating array of smaller pyramids and Old Kingdom and New Kingdom tombs. Wait, what exactly is Saqqara? Saqqara (also spelled Sakkara) was the royal necropolis of Ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom capital, Memphis. The remains of the necropolis today include the Step Pyramid of Djoser (aka Zoser), smaller pyramids, tombs and other Ancient Egyptian monuments. Outside of the necropolis that’s sectioned off for sightseeing, Saqqara is still an active archaeological dig site, with almost yearly discoveries. Is Saqqara worth visiting while in Cairo? If you have the time, then definitely. For several reasons: The Step Pyramid of Djoser is the oldest pyramid in Egypt, and is considered the initial prototype for the smooth-sided pyramids of Giza (you can see more of that evolution with the Bent Pyramid of Dahshur) Saqqara actually has more to see than the Giza Plateau, between the different pyramids, mastaba tombs, Serapeum, etc. Continue reading down below for a more detailed guide to what you can see in Saqqara Saqqara isn’t far at all from Downtown Cairo, around an hour maybe. Paired with the Dahshur Pyramids and maybe the remnants of Memphis, it’s a really nice half-day trip that’s easily put together by any tour agency if you don’t want to do it solo Saqqara is much emptier and quieter than the Giza Pyramids. You can wander around the site without any annoying touts and vendors, and there are actually plaques to describe what you’re looking at it, which is a rarity in Egypt What to See in Saqqara Like we said above, Saqqara is divided into both a tourist site open to visitors and an active dig site. You won’t be able to explore the dig site for obvious reasons, but there’s still TONS to see. Local tip: not all of the following are always open to the public, sometimes they’re closed for restoration or are on rotation. Unfortunately the only way to find out what’s open and what’s not is to actually go, lol. So here are the main spots in the necropolis, and they’re all a very quick drive away from each other by car, or you can hoof it but beware all the sand and sun: Main Saqqara Site #1: Step Pyramid of Djoser Complex Ok so first off, you’ll hit the Step Pyramid of Djoser Complex. There’s lots to see and explain, but we’ll only get briefly into the main points or else we’ll be here all day. The main things to see there once you walk in are: i) Colonnaded Entrance of the Djoser Step Pyramid Complex You’ll enter the complex through here (same as ancient days, by the way). The colonnade is 20 pairs of columns with 24 small chambers between each, which are thought to maybe represent the nomes of Upper and Lower Egypt, and may have once held statues of the pharaoh or the gods. ii) The Step Pyramid of Djoser This beauty is the oldest Egyptian pyramid to date – it was built c. 2670–2650 BC, so it’s about 4,700 years old, if you can believe that. 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. You can enter the Step Pyramid with an extra ticket. You’ll enter through the Southern Passage, where you’ll walk down a stone corridor ( local tip: it’s nowhere near as narrow or steep as the Giza & Dahshur Pyramids, so if you want to go inside a pyramid with the least amount of claustrophobia/physical exertion, this is the one to enter). At the end of the corridor you’ll reach a railing where you can look down and see the burial chamber where Djoser was laid to rest, deep in the belly of the pyramid. Note: the Northern Passage into the Step Pyramid is not currently open to the public, which is a bummer because it leads to tunnels with some fascinating tiling, engraving and wall imagery. iii) South Tomb The South Tomb is a good place to see what you’re missing within the Northern Passage of the Step Pyramid. Because this tomb is too small to actually hold Djoser’s body, Egyptologists have several theories about the function of the tomb: one is to house the pharaoh’s ka in the afterlife, and a second theory is that this is where the pharaoh’s organs were kept in canopic jars (although future pharaohs were always buried with their canopic jars in the same burial chamber, so it’s a mystery). In either case, the South Tomb has a 30m tunnel that descends into a pink granite burial chamber. It then leads into further chambers that have blue tiling (like the non-accessible Northern passage of the Step Pyramid) as well as wall decoration. Note: you need to buy an extra ticket to enter the South Tomb. iv) Serdab The serdab is a small, enclosed chamber from the Old Kingdom that houses a statue of the deceased (in this case, Djoser) with just a small hole in the wall. It’s believed this statue was for the Pharaoh’s ka, and the sealed off space allowed the soul protection within its walls. You can peek into the hole and see what’s left of Djoser’s statue. Like we said above, there’s loads more to see at the Step Pyramid Complex so make sure to read up on the nitty-gritty before you go. There’s also signage there if you’re not going with a guide. Saqqara Main Site #2: Pyramid of Unas & Old Kingdom Mastaba Tombs While the Pyramid of Unas is not much to look at externally anymore, it’s what’s inside the collapsed pyramid that makes it so interesting. It’s the smallest remaining pyramid of the Old Kingdom, but notable due to the discovery of the ‘Pyramids Texts’ inscribed inside on its walls. The Pyramids Texts were funerary texts and spells for the pharaoh’s afterlife, which would later become the basis of the Book of the Dead. Nearby the Pyramid of Unas are other Old Kingdom mastaba tombs such as: Tomb of Mehu, a royal vizier Tomb of Ti, known for its wall depictions of daily life in the Old Kingdom, including scenes of farming, boat-building and poultry-fattening Tomb of Niankh-Khnum and Khnumhotelp, an unusual ‘double tomb’ mastaba. It’s not common to find a tomb for two people, so it’s theorized that these two men were brothers, and perhaps twins (one theory is that they were actually conjoined twins) Tomb of Irukaptah, also known as Tomb of the Butchers Saqqara Main Site #3: Pyramid of Teti & Tomb of Mereruka This pyramid doesn’t even really resemble a pyramid anymore – you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a sandy hill. But it is in fact the remains of the Pyramid of Teti, and underneath the rubble is worth seeing too – it’s the second known pyramid to have Pyramid Texts on its walls. Nearby the Pyramid of Teti is the Tomb of Mereruka, the biggest and most elaborate tomb of all the non-royals buried in Saqqara. It has 33 chambers in total, with wall paintings and a life-like statue of the vizier Mereruka himself. (Note: going inside the Tomb of Mereruka needs an extra ticket). There are also other Old Kingdoms tombs near the Pyramid of Teti worth visiting, like the Tomb of Kagemni. Saqqara Main Site #4: Horemheb Necropolis (Tombs of the Nobles & New Kingdom Tombs) and the Bubastieion This site is for the “newer” tombs of the New Kingdom (and by newer, we’re talking 3,000+ years old lol). Although during the New Kingdom the Ancient Egyptian capital was at Thebes (now modern-day Luxor ) and the pharaohs were buried in the Valley of the Kings there, the generals were still buried in Saqqara. Horemheb was a general during the time of Tutankhamun and built his tomb in Saqqara, but then became pharaoh after King Tut died childless. The Bubastieion (or Bubasteum) was a temple dedicated to Bastet, the cat goddess. It’s a cat necropolis where over 100 cat mummies were discovered and thousands of cat bones found. 5 lion mummies were also found there. Saqqara Main Site #5: Serapeum So we covered the feline necropolis, but did you know there’s also a burial ground for bulls in Saqqara? It’s true, the Serapeum was for a sacred Ancient Egyptian bull called the Apis, and more than 60 bulls were found to be buried there, with 24 sarcophagi still remaining at the site. How to Get to Saqqara The most direct and hassle-free way of getting to Saqqara is arranging with a local tour company for them to pick you up and take you there (you can also add on whatever sights you’d like, for example the Dahshur Pyramids or Memphis. You can also include the Pyramids of Giza and have one big Pyramids day). You can also go solo, via Uber or taxi, but these are our local tips: The Saqqara necropolis is off the beaten track a bit and in agricultural land, so it’s not always straightforward to get to and sometimes the GPS will lead you astray. It’s better to make sure your driver knows how to get there without relying on GPS The Saqqara necropolis is pretty big and ideally would need a car to drive you from one main site to the other; it’s doable on foot but ultimately a big hassle It’s almost impossible to get an Uber back from Saqqara, so if you go with an Uber or taxi, make sure that they wait for you to finish and you can leave with them Saqqara Opening Hours 8 am - 5 pm (closes earlier during the month of Ramadan) Saqqara Ticket Prices Standard Entrance to Saqqara Necropolis Ticket: Non-Egyptian ticket: 450 EGP Non-Egyptian student ticket: 230 EGP Egyptian ticket: 30 EGP Egyptian student ticket: 10 EGP Local tip: this ticket includes the Step Pyramid of Djoser complex, Unas and Teti Pyramids and the tombs of Kagemni, Nikauisesi, Ankhmahor, Nefereshemptah, Ptahhotep, Ti, Idut, Unasankh and Iynefert – but keep in mind the tombs are sometimes on rotation so you’re not guaranteed these will be the same tombs open on the day you go. Entry into the Step Pyramid via the Southern Passage Ticket: Non-Egyptian ticket: 220 EGP Non-Egyptian student ticket: 110 EGP Egyptian ticket: 40 EGP Egyptian student ticket: 20 EGP South Tomb in Step Pyramid Complex Ticket: Non-Egyptian ticket: 240 EGP Non-Egyptian student ticket: 120 EGP Egyptian ticket: 40 EGP Egyptian student ticket: 20 EGP Nobles Tombs & New Kingdom Tombs in Horemheb necropolis and the Bubastieion Ticket: Non-Egyptian ticket: 330 EGP Non-Egyptian student ticket: 170 EGP Egyptian ticket: 20 EGP Egyptian student ticket: 10 EGP General Local Tips About Visiting Saqqara: As you can probably tell by now there’s a ton to see, so if you’re interested in visiting all the sites and entering all the tombs, this will take the better part of half a day. If you want to visit as part of a larger Giza Pyramids + Saqqara + Dahshur tour, you’ll have to streamline your Saqqara visit There aren’t any restaurants or cafes there, so make sure to bring your own snacks/water (there are a few touts selling water & sodas, but for exorbitant touristic prices) The sun is strong, so make sure to bring sunscreen and a hat if you’re sensitive to the sun Saqqara is a great spot to be able to see in the distance the rest of the pyramid fields: Giza, Dahsur & Abu Sir Pyramids Happy exploring and enjoy! You might also like: Dahshur Pyramids – A Local’s Guide to the Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid & Black Pyramid

  • Dahshur Pyramids: A Local’s Guide To Visiting The Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid & Black Pyramid of Egypt

    If you’re visiting Cairo, then chances are you have plans to visit the Pyramids of Giza (as you should!). The Great Pyramid of Giza is the last standing Ancient Wonder of the World and definitely is a highlight of any trip to Egypt – it is absolutely not overhyped or overrated, as so many travel destinations now are in our Instagram-obsessed world. Read more: Visiting the Pyramids of Giza – A Local’s Guide To Everything You Need To Know But you know what is UNDERhyped and UNDERrated? The pyramids at Dahshur! To the extent that most visitors coming to Egypt have never even heard of them, which is a crying shame because the Bent Pyramid especially is one of the coolest-looking pyramids in the world. But before we get ourselves all hot and bothered, let’s quickly break down what exactly IS Dahshur, why exactly you should visit, and everything else you need to know about this hidden gem in Egypt. So what is Dahshur? Dahshur is an Ancient Egyptian royal necropolis in the desert on the outskirts of greater Cairo, and home to several pyramids, two of which (the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid) are even older than the Pyramids of Giza. Is it worth visiting Dahshur if I’ve already seen the Pyramids of Giza? If you’re not super tight on time in Cairo, then the answer is definitely yes! Visiting Dahshur will actually give you more insight into how exactly the Pyramids of Giza were made and the transition from the step pyramid shape (like Djoser’s pyramid at Saqqara ) to the smooth-sided shape of the Giza Pyramids. Pharaoh Sneferu (the father of Khufu, the pharaoh of the Great Pyramid) first attempted a smooth-sided pyramid at Dahshur but failed, resulting in the Bent Pyramid (more info below). He then got it right with the Red Pyramid, leading his son to use his engineering know-how to later build the greatest pyramid the world has ever seen, in Giza. Also because Dahshur is off the beaten path, the necropolis is much less crowded than the Giza pyramids, and there are no touts (just a couple of security guys who will offer to take your picture). Plus the entrance ticket is a quarter of the price of the Giza Pyramids! What can I see in Dahshur? The Bent Pyramid Built 2613–2589 BC (so over 4,600 years ago!) by Sneferu, 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 in Beni Suef, which collapsed mid-construction. The Red Pyramid The Red Pyramid is believed to be the first successful attempt at creating a smooth-sided pyramid in Egypt, and was Pharaoh Sneferu’s third pyramid (after the Bent Pyramid & Meidum Pyramid). It’s also the third biggest pyramid in Egypt, after the Khufu and Khafre pyramids at the Giza Plateau. 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 Black Pyramid This pyramid, while technically ruined, is still definitely worth seeing when you head to Dahshur, 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 was built by Pharaoh Amenemhat III in the Middle Kingdom, so around 3,800 years ago. 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. Can you enter the Dahshur pyramids? Yep, you can enter the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid, for no extra price (unlike the Giza Pyramids, where you have to buy an extra ticket to go in them). To be fair though, there’s not much to see in them and it’s not recommended if a) you’re claustrophobic, b) not in the best shape or get winded easily, c) have back or knee problems, or d) you’re afraid of bats :D To enter either pyramid, you climb up long (and sometimes steep) stairs to get to the entrance. Then it’s a series of very low tunnels (as in, you’re completely hunched over) to get to the lower pyramid chamber. There are also high wooden staircases to take you to upper chambers. All in all, it’s a workout and not easy on the back or legs by any means. The adventure element is fun, but don’t expect to see treasures at the end of it – the pyramid chambers are all just empty rooms (save a few bats, lol). How to get to Dahshur While Dahshur isn’t far from Downtown Cairo (maybe an hour’s drive), getting there isn’t very straightforward so here’s where our local experience on the ground will come in handy. Because like we said before, Dahshur is off the beaten track and not known to most visitors – the main people there were part of tour groups who came via tour bus, which obviously is the most straightforward way of going about it. If you’re interested in going solo though and not part of a tour group, then here’s some important things to keep in mind: If you’re going with an Uber or using GPS to get there, it gets really tricky because the GPS will want to take you there via the quickest route (Fayoum Road), but it doesn’t realize that that route will cut through the Dahshur military base (which you obviously can’t go through). So then it’ll force you to take a really long circuitous route through questionable neighborhoods and roads. So basically what we’re saying is that it’s best if you hire a car & driver for a day who actually knows how to get there and doesn’t need to depend on GPS (the best way there is through the Saqqara Road). Or hire a tour guide who will be able to give directions to the driver. Basically just someone who knows where they’re going lol. Once you arrive at Dahshur, it’s best to have some kind of vehicle with you because it’s a trek through the desert from the entrance to the Red Pyramid, then to the Bent Pyramid after that, and so on and so forth. With a car or tour bus, you just drive from spot to spot and then can walk around and take pictures as much as you like. If you do end up going with an Uber driver, make sure you hold on to him there because it’s extreeeeemely difficult to get another Uber or even a regular taxi on the way back. Dahshur is desert surrounded by agricultural land, so it’s not like the Pyramids of Giza which are right on a bustling Cairo road. Dahshur Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm (they close earlier in Ramadan, so make sure to double check – it’ll probably close by 3 pm then but Egyptian opening hours can change with the wind) Dahshur ticket prices: Non Egyptian ticket: 150 EGP (75 EGP for students) Egyptian ticket: 10 EGP (5 EGP for students) Car ticket: 10 EGP And now a few parting local tips about Dahshur: If you’re not going with a guide, there’s no signage there with explanations of the pyramids, so it’s best to read up before you go to really get a feel for how interesting Dahshur is There aren’t any restaurants or cafes inside the necropolis, so make sure to bring your own water and/or snacks There are very few shaded areas (unless you’re inside the pyramid, that is) so make sure you’re equipped with sunblock and a hat if you’re sensitive to the sun There aren’t any bathrooms, so emptying your bladder before heading to Dahshur is always a good idea If anyone offers to take your picture or to show you different spots in the necropolis, they’re looking for a tip. Feel free to just say no thanks and keep it moving, they’re not pushy like the touts at the Giza Pyramids It’s a good idea to also visit the Saqqara necropolis (where the Step Pyramid of Djoser and other cool tombs are) because it’s close by and along with Memphis (the remnants of the Ancient Egyptian capital), make a really fun day trip. Read more: Saqqara, Egypt - A Local's Guide to Visiting the Step Pyramid of Djoser & the Saqqara Tombs You may also like: Top 10 Things To Do in Cairo, Egypt

  • El Gouna, Egypt: A Local’s Guide

    While it’s true that Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera is home to some amazing coastal cities, towns and beaches, we have to confess: El Gouna is one of our personal favorites. Sharm El Sheikh and El Gouna’s neighbor Hurghada might be way more famous and popular with tourists (and for good reason), but El Gouna has a special place in our hearts (we are totally aware that other people will fight us to the death over which Red Sea Riviera destination is best, but at the end of the day, they’re all amazing so no point arguing over apples and oranges). You might like: 8 Best Egyptian Beach Holiday Destinations Some quick facts about El Gouna It’s a resort town spanning over 10 km of pristine Red Sea coast, with lagoons throughout It’s 25 km from the city of Hurghada (for our full Hurghada guide, head here ). It’s a 4 hour flight from most European cities and around a 4 hour drive from Cairo The architecture throughout is inspired by traditional Egyptian homes in the countryside and Upper Egypt 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 Best Time To Go El Gouna is technically a year-round destination, but it really depends on your personal preferences. Spring and fall are El Gouna’s ‘high season’ -- it’s when the weather is at its most ideal (beach weather without soaring temperatures), so that’s when you’ll find Gouna at its busiest. Considering it’s a coastal resort town, summer is a great time to go too obviously, but only if you can handle daily temperatures in the mid-to-high thirties (Celsius) or the nineties (Fahrenheit) and super-strong sun. The great thing about El Gouna is that it never gets too crowded -- with the exception of public holidays and certain annual events like the Gouna Film Festival or the Sandbox music festival. How To Get There If you’re coming from abroad (or even planning to fly domestically), then just fly into Hurghada International Airport, which is about a half an hour car ride from Gouna. Once you land, it’s easy to either grab a taxi from outside the arrivals hall or call a car service to pick you up (like London Cab, Budget or ABC Taxi, more info about both below). If you’re staying at a hotel, you can also easily arrange pre-arrival for your hotel to send a car to pick you up. If you’re coming from Cairo , then you have one of three options: a) drive, b) take a bus, or c) fly. Driving from Cairo is now a super-smooth trip thanks to the new Galala Road which allows you to bypass the scary two-way twisty mountain roads of Ain el Sokhna. It takes about 3.5 hours from the Cairo toll station to the Hurghada toll station (which is right before El Gouna), and about 4 hours from central Cairo. If you’re coming by bus , then GoBus offers over 15 buses daily between Cairo and El Gouna (they drop you off at their bus stop in Downtown El Gouna). They offer different types of buses according to what kind of ticket you buy (for example, the Elite Plus bus has individual LCD screens for each seat). You can find more info on: https://go-bus.com/en As for flying, the trip from Cairo to Hurghada takes about 45 minutes. Where To Stay The two main areas in El Gouna are Abu Tig Marina and Downtown -- that’s where most of the restaurants, nightlife, shops and beach bars/pool clubs are. You’ll find a handful of hotels in both areas, but the bigger resorts have their own real estate and beachfront in El Gouna. The rest of the town is mainly residential, divided into different neighborhoods on lagoons. Ok, cool. But still, where should you stay? This totally depends on personal preference. Here are your options: A big resort hotel like Movenpick , Sheraton or Steigenberger (pros: they have lots of activities for both adults and kids, and have pools, beachfront and restaurants, meaning you don’t have to leave your resort unless you want to). A hotel on Abu Tig Marina (pros: being in walking distance of the marina’s restaurants and nightlife. The hotels range from 3 star to 5 star, and the ones that don’t have a pool or beachfront are given access to Moods and Marina Beach on the marina). A hotel in Downtown (pros: you’re close to the restaurants and cafes of Downtown, and yet are simultaneously on a lagoon). An exclusive, private (but pricey) boutique hotel like La Maison Bleue or Casa Cook An apartment/villa rental , either through a broker or Airbnb (pros: it’s your own place and some have private pools). Each option has its advantages, but it depends on your personal circumstances. And we can say with confidence, that there’s no *bad* place to stay in Gouna. To book a hotel , you can go to: www.hotels.elgouna.com For a rental , we recommend Airbnb. Getting Around/Transportation in El Gouna The thing we love about Gouna is that there’s enough space to never feel crowded, but at the same time it’s contained so that things are never too far from anything else. If you don’t have a car in Gouna, that won’t pose a problem whatsoever. You can either get around by tuktuk, a car service or shuttle bus (or bike if you’re the athletic type, good for you!). Tuktuks Tuktuks take up to 3 people, and you can either order one by phone from the Gouna hotline (16550) or you can ask your hotel reception to do this for you, and they arrive at wherever you are in about 10 minutes or less. There are also tuktuk stands in Downtown and at the Marina where you can hop in the first available one. Car service If you’re more than three people or just prefer cars to tuktuks, then you can call Budget, Gouna’s limousine service. You can either request a car ASAP or book one for a later time. Budget limo service: +20122 734 0166 Shuttle Bus (within El Gouna) If you’re staying at one of El Gouna’s bigger hotels or in the West Golf neighborhood, there’s 5 different shuttle bus lines that ferry guests between the hotels and Downtown. Ask your hotel reception for timing and bus stop details. Transportation to/from Hurghada If you’re heading to/from Hurghada airport or anywhere else in Hurghada, there’s easy ways back and forth. One is London Cab, a roomy and comfortable way of getting from the airport to your accommodation or vice versa. You can book them through their website or their app. If London Cab seems too pricey, then ABC Taxi is a personal favorite of ours. They’re metered taxis based in Hurghada but you can order them from El Gouna. You can request one right away or book one for later, and they’re cheaper than Budget car service for going between El Gouna and Hurghada. There are also other similar private taxi services that serve Gouna from Hurghada, but ABC Taxi is the one we use the most personally. ABC Taxi: +20100 222 8294 You can also take the GoBus from Downtown Gouna to their stop in Hurghada (doesn’t go to the airport). Things To Do There’s tons of fun activities in both El Gouna and nearby Hurghada, and as is the recurrent theme here, it really depends on your preferences. Beaches/pools where you can spend the day: Moods Beach Zouni Beach Mangroovy The Clubhouse Club 88 Smokery Beach Makani Beach Club Zeytouna Beach Island Marina Beach DuPort Pool Club Water sports: Diving Snorkeling Kitesurfing Windsurfing Sliders the cable park Water-skiing/waterboarding Boat trips: Day excursion island boat trip, eg. Giftun Islands (Mahmya/Orange Bay) or Tawila Island (more details at: Red Sea Islands Perfect for a Boat Trip ) Catamaran Glass bottom boat Sailing Fishing Diving/snorkeling Daytime party boat (returns to the marina at sunset) Chartered mini-yachts for weekends or specified amount of days Regular sports: Tennis Squash Horseback riding Golf Go-karting Mini-golf Biking For more details , read 25 Fun Things To Do In Hurghada and El Gouna . Where To Eat El Gouna has a ton of great restaurants serving all different kinds of cuisines. One of our personal favorite things about this coastal town is that all the restaurants are small local affairs owned by Gouna residents of all nationalities -- you won’t find Mcdonald’s or Pizza Hut here (they do have a Nathan’s though for some reason). You’ll find the majority of the restaurants in either Downtown or the Marina, with the exceptions being hotel restaurants. Best places for breakfast: Malu’s Deli Seventh Star The Bagel Tree For our favorite breakfast spots, read this: 8 Best Breakfast Places in El Gouna Best places for lunch/dinner: Saigon Zia Amelia Pier 88 Our full list of the 7 Best Restaurants in El Gouna . Restaurants with an open sea view: Smokery El Bahr Morgan’s Beach Bistro El Sayadin Nightlife Ok, so you swam, tanned, ate… now time to party a little. The most popular night spots in Gouna are: The Tap South (live music and DJs in a casual pub atmosphere on the marina) Pier 88 on weekends after 10 pm Villa Coconut (early in the evening it's ambient music for dinner and drinks, but then a DJ starts around 10/11 pm until 2 am) Aurora (the main club in Gouna) Barten (a cocktail bar on Abu Tig Marina) Duport on select nights Rush Sports Bar In Downtown they also have shisha cafes that serve alcohol open until 3 am. Leaving It’s just as straightforward as arriving. If you came by GoBus, then you board your return bus at the same stop in Downtown where they dropped you off. If you came by plane and need to go to Hurghada Airport, either Budget limousine or ABC Taxis can take you. Looking for more local guides? Check out: Hurghada, Egypt: A Local Guide For First-Timers Soma Bay, Egypt - A Travel Guide For First Timers Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt: A Detailed Guide For First-Timers Khan El Khalili: An Egyptian Local’s Guide Egypt's Red Sea Riviera: Where To Stay North Coast, Egypt - A Complete Travel Guide For First-Timers Aswan, Egypt: A Local's City Guide

  • Sightseeing in Alexandria, Egypt: 15 Best Things To See And Do

    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! 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 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 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

  • 7 Best Places To Stay In Aswan, Egypt

    Accommodation in Aswan is a mixed but limited bag of nuts -- you have your 5 star hotels, budget motels, Nubian guesthouses and random B&Bs… but just not that many. And not all are worth your hard-earned dinero. So we took it upon ourselves to sort through the hits and the duds and give you the real truth -- the pros and the cons-- about the best places to stay in Aswan. Local tip: because getting around Aswan and arranging cars and boats isn’t the easiest, your hotel/guesthouse will be doing most of this for you, so it’s important you pick a place where you find it easy enough to communicate with the front desk/reservations manager. Or if you’re a shrewd one, you can strike up a friendship with a local driver or boatman who will probably give you cheaper rates. Local tip #2: make sure you have cash on you because some of the smaller establishments like Nubian guesthouses either don’t accept credit cards or have issues with their credit card machines, and ATMs are hard to come by in certain parts of Aswan. Cash makes everyone’s life easier. You can read more at our full city guide for Aswan . Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Type of accommodation: 5 star hotel It would be almost sacrilegious to start off this list with any other place. This world-famous hotel was built in 1899 by Thomas Cook and Sons, after the Cairo-Aswan railway was built in 1898 and there was a sudden influx of visitors and and not enough hotels. It was an instant hit and quickly garnered a lot of famous guests over the years, including Tsar Nicholas II, Winston Churchill and Princess Diana. It became literally the stuff of ‘legends’ as its current name suggests, when Agatha Christie used it as the backdrop for her famous novel, Death on the Nile . The 1978 movie they made out of the book was shot there too (so was the famous Egyptian TV series ‘Grand Hotel’). For more historical hotels in Egypt you can stay at until today, head here . Pros: the history, the architecture, the views… it’s 5 star all the way. Cons: THEIR PRICES. If you want to stay here, you better be ready to pay for it. Their website . Kato Dool Nubian House Type of accommodation: Nubian guesthouse One of the colorful Nubian guesthouses you see lining the Nile in the Gharb Soheil area of Aswan, where the Nubian Village is. Meaning ‘Big House’ in Nubian, Kato Dool offers 18 rooms, so it definitely has a more homey feel than a larger hotel. They have a Nubian restaurant that serves up traditional Nubian dishes, grills, and other more standard Egyptian favorites. They also serve shisha but not alcohol. Pros: the beautiful Nubian architecture and being right on the Nile. Cons: it’s not close to anything besides the Nubian village, which means transportation by car or boat is constantly needed and for relatively long distances, which is a considerable added price. Their website . Mövenpick Resort Aswan Type of accommodation : 5 star hotel Located on Elephantine Island, this 5 star hotel provides everything you would expect from a high-end hotel: several restaurants and bars (some right on the Nile with views of the Tombs of the Nobles and Aga Khan Mausoleum), a beautiful pool and amenities like a free and fast ferry to and from the island. They also have a tower restaurant called Panorama with 360 degree views of Aswan which are just insane. Pros: the service, amenities and being in close proximity to many of Aswan’s sights . Cons: the food at the Panorama restaurant was severely lacking last time we were there -- they under-delivered and overpriced. Stick to just drinks and enjoying the view if you’re there. Their website . ECO Nubia Type of accommodation: ecolodge ECO Nubia is an ecolodge on the remote river island of Bigeh, located between the Aswan Dam and the High Dam (all the other places on the list are north of the Aswan Dam). Besides single, double and triple rooms, ECO Nubia offers day-use at their Bigeh Beach, and a Nubian restaurant called Solaih that overlooks the nearby Philae Temple . Pros: their dedication to developing the island for both tourism and locals alike in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner. Also the view of Philae! Cons: how remote they are. Their FB page . AnaKato Type of accommodation: Nubian guesthouse Probably the most famous of the Nubian guesthouses in Aswan, AnaKato (meaning ‘our home’ in Nubian), is located in the Gharb Soheil area of Aswan, where Kato Dool (above) and the Nubian Village is, right on the Nile. What started as a small guesthouse has now expanded into several AnaKato properties spread out over Gharb Soheil, and you can choose what kind of room you want: they have basic rooms, family guesthouses and superior chalets. They have an in-house restaurant and are known for their Nile-side New Year’s Eve parties. Pros: the views from their superior chalets are incredible, and their reservations manager is very helpful in sorting out transportation and activities. Cons: their service can be slow, so either give them looots of prior warning (for example, order lunch 2 hours before you’re hungry) or just acclimate yourself to the go-with-the-flow vibe. Gharb Soheil again a bit of a distance from Aswan’s main sites . Their FB page. BenBen by Dhara Hotels Type of accommodation: boutique hotel & ecolodge Located on Heissa Island surrounded by the Nile, this adults only boutique hotel and ecolodge has views of not only Philae Temple, but the Aswan High Dam as well. The hotel as 24 rooms, each with an outdoor jacuzzi. The hotel is built in the eco-friendly Nubian style, with strong focus on its natural surroundings and best ecological practices. Besides their own restaurant and leisure activities, the hotel can also arrange different Aswan excursions for you. Pros: the unbeatable views of Philae Temple (and the jacuzzis of course!) Cons: it's pricey and fully-booked quickly during high season For more details and booking: their website The Zen Wellness Resort Type of accommodation: resort Aswan isn't just a touristic destination for those interested in Ancient Egypt or Nubian culture -- it's also a place that people have gone to for decades to seek out climatic therapy and natural healing . The Zen Wellness Resort brings those two aspects together -- you can experience the beauty and history of Aswan while also partaking in holistic health and wellness. First off, let's talk about accommodation. They offer 3 floor private villas as well as garden view rooms, deluxe rooms and superior rooms. As for wellness, they offer experiences for the mind (eg: CBT, mindfulness meditation and art therapy), for the body (eg: fitness classes, yoga, pilates, biking, water activities, Tai Chi), and for the soul (eg: meditation, mindfulness and expert-led workshops). They also offer holistic 4 day programs that cater to your 360 health and wellbeing. Pros: the ability to intertwine tranquility and wellness into your Aswan trip; as much or as little as you want. Cons: if you don't particularly care for the 'health' part and just want to stay in a beautiful hotel, you might be bothered that their restaurant mainly focuses on seasonal, organic and mainly plant-based meals (meaning you probably won't find your classic vacation favorites), and they don't serve alcohol. For more details and booking : their website You might also like: 7 Best Hotels in Cairo, As Told By Someone Who’s Actually Stayed in Them All

  • North Coast, Egypt: A Complete Travel Guide For First-Timers

    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, we’re specifically talking about a stretch of coastline on the Mediterranean Sea in the north of Egypt, stretching from 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 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 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. Starting July 2024, there's a twice weekly domestic flight between Cairo Airport and El Alamein Airport. 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 shops or places to get food (the bigger/more popular compounds obviously have more restaurants and shops than the smaller, quieter compounds).  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 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! 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 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.  3. 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/ 4. 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. 5. 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 Restaurants and Nightlife on the North Coast There are some beautiful restaurants and beach bars peppered along the North Coast in different compounds/villages. They’re only open during summer months, so that means that they’re in high demand and prior reservations are usually needed.  Sachi by the Sea (in Almaza Bay and Marassi) The Lemon Tree and Co (in Hacienda White) Tap North (in Almaza Bay) White and Blue Restaurant/Greek Club (in Ghazala Bay and Almaza Bay) Pier 88 (in Almaza Bay) The Smokery (in Bianchi) Izakaya (in Marassi) Kiki’s Beach Bar (in Hacienda White) Also there are usually various musical concerts by both international and Egyptian singers, bands and DJs held throughout the summer in different locations across the coast, so keep a look out online for those! Seacode , a beach club and musical venue in New Alamein City, has held concerts by Jennifer Lopez as well as parties for world-famous DJs recently. 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  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

  • 12 Chill Places To Have Dinner & Drinks in Maadi

    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 opened a few years back as a much-needed 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. 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. Lan Yuan Cuisine: Chinese Lan Yuan has been open for the past 25 years at least, so what does that tell you about its staying power? It’s small and cozy and has all the Chinese staples you’d expect, for reasonable prices as well -- and the food is good. They also have a full (local) bar so while some people go for dinner and a drink, some just go for a quiet drink. 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. Sakura Sushi Cuisine: Japanese A tiny place in Degla serving up all your sushi cravings -- and if you have a friend who isn’t the fondest of sushi, they also have teppanyaki, rice, noodle dishes and soups. And like the rest of the restaurants on this list, beer is served. Closed on Sundays. 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

  • 7 Best Hotels on Egypt’s North Coast (Sahel El Shemali)

    If you’ve heard of Egypt’s North Coast before (known as Sahel el Shemali  in Arabic or just Sahel  for short), then it’s safe to say you’ve heard about its insanely beautiful beaches, some of the very best in the Mediterranean region (if not the world). But because tourism hasn’t fully taken off there yet, you might not be sure which are the best hotels or places to stay to truly partake in some spectacular sun and sea.  Read more: North Coast, Egypt - A Complete Travel Guide for First-Timers So we’ve put together for you a list of some tried and true North Coast favorites; these 5 star hotels will deliver the best of what hotel hospitality on the Egyptian Mediterranean has to offer. But we also have a few local tips/caveats. Local tip #1: These hotels are all 5 star and in high demand during the summer season - so they’re pretty expensive. It’s best to book far in advance if you’re planning on going in the summer months, and keep an eye out for any deals/discounts they might be offering so as to snag the best price.  Local tip #2: Try to book weekdays and not weekends. First of all, with some of these hotels the nightly price on a weekend is more than double the nightly price of a weekday. Secondly, summer weekends usually are fully booked in these hotels, so aside from the price, try to book in advance before summer starts to make sure you can nab the room of your choice.  Also peppered along the North Coast are various three star and four star hotels; those will be cheaper obviously, but they can also be hit and miss, so we wanted to just focus on the very best North Coast hotels. So with no further ado, here they are in no particular order: Rixos Premium Alamein Location: New Alamein City This soaring hotel is reminiscent architecturally of the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore, and its height makes it different from all the other hotels on this list. Guests are able to get incredible sea views from above in their rooms from a variety of angles. All-inclusive packages are available. New Alamein City is still a work in progress, with the goal of it being a year-round touristic city by 2030. While there’s currently not much around the hotel, the hotel itself has a handful of restaurants, bars, pools and other amenities. For more information and reviews: Rixos Premium Alamein Rixos Alamein Location: Ghazala Bay Another Rixos on the North Coast, but this one is the original in Ghazala Bay, about a 40 minute drive from the Rixos Premium Alamein in New Alamein City.  Rixos Alamein, besides its spectacular beach, has five swimming pools and a spa. They also have six restaurants and several bars, and an all-inclusive option, so it’s a great place to stay if you want luxury and not to leave your hotel.   For more information and reviews: Rixos Alamein Address Marassi Beach Resort OR Address Marassi Golf Resort Location: Marassi This entry is a two-for-one depending on your preferences. The Address hotel chain has several different sister hotels in Marassi, and two of the best are the Address Marassi Beach Resort and the Address Marassi Golf Resort. The main difference between the two is that the Beach Resort is right on the beach, while the Golf Resort is on an 18 hole signature golf course, with beach access at the nearby Al Alamein Hotel (transportation between the hotel and the beach is via golf cart). So if you’re a golfer, then it’s an easy choice. But if you’re more into sea views and direct beachfront, then Address Marassi Beach Resort is a better fit.  For more information and reviews: Address Marassi Beach Resort  and Address Marassi Golf Resort Jaz Almaza Beach Hotel Location: Almaza Bay The Jaz hotel group actually operates 5 different hotels in Almaza Bay, with four of them called Jaz so-and-so – so it can be a bit confusing. The four Jaz hotels (Jaz Almaza Beach, Jaz Oriental, Jaz Crystal and Jaz Tamerina) are all 5 star, while their fifth sister hotel Almazino is 4 star.  There’s not a huge difference between all the Jaz hotels, but we selected Jaz Almaza Beach simply because it’s the biggest and with the most amenities.  For more information and reviews: Jaz Almaza Beach Resort   Al Alamein Hotel Location: Marassi This hotel is one of the highest ranked by guests, with rave reviews on all platforms. Al Alamein Hotel also regularly features in travel influencer content, with their memorable beach sculptures set against a stunning stretch of sea. Al Alamein is in Marassi, and it’s a good option if you don’t want to just stick to your hotel. The Marassi compound is extensive and it’s easy to get to the Marassi Marina with its restaurants and bars, the Marassi mall and even the waterpark. For more information and reviews: Al Alamein Hotel Casa Cook North Coast   Location: Hacienda White If you’re looking for an adults only hotel, away from kids shrieking and splashing in the pool and sea, then Casa Cook is for you. It’s a beautifully designed boutique hotel, with focus on natural materials and elegant simplicity.  Casa Cook doesn’t have all the amenities or bells and whistles that the bigger hotels on this list have, but because it’s in Hacienda White, it’s in walking distance of two of the North Coast’s most popular beach bars and party destinations: The Lemon Tree & Co and Kiki’s Beach.  For more information and reviews: Casa Cook North Coast Caesar Bay Resort Location: right before the Caesar compound If you’re looking for a kid-friendly resort for you and your family, and don’t care about not leaving your hotel, then Caesar Bay Resort is a good option. They offer big family rooms that can take up to four people, whether all adults or adults and kids.  They also have a kids club where professionals lead kids in a series of activities throughout the day, so if you’re looking to keep your kids occupied while you relax. For more information and reviews: Caesar Bay Resort You may also like: 7 Best Hotels in Alexandria, Egypt

  • 10 Best Breakfast, Brunch and Bakeries in Maadi, Cairo

    Let's be real, who doesn't enjoy a good breakfast or brunch? Whether you're treating yourself on a weekend or just trying to start your work day on a high note, Maadi is a neighborhood known for its wide array of breakfast/brunch spots and artisanal bakeries. Here are 10 of our favorites: Ratios Bakery Opening hours: 7:30 am - 2 pm This little bakery run by a married couple (who are also the head chefs) has attracted such a buzz around their artisanal baked goods that we can’t promise their most popular items won’t be sold out if you go too late in the morning. They offer different types of fresh bread (white sourdough, whole wheat sourdough, cranberry & walnut sourdough, baguettes, seed bread, honey buns, pizza dough), pastries and what they call ‘good eats’ - things like mac n cheese, spinach artichoke dip and homemade peanut butter. Reservations are best to make sure you find seating. Ratios Bakery’s menu . Ovio Opening hours: 8 am - midnight This European restaurant has a hefty breakfast menu: pancakes, crepes, different egg styles by the dozen, sourdough toast and morning sandwiches; Ovio’s got it all. They have a large outdoor terrace so it’s perfect to enjoy some sun with your breakfast or brunch - and they also have another huge perk: you’re allowed to bring your dog! Ovio’s menu . Lucille’s Opening hours: 8 am - midnight The grandmother of all big American breakfasts in Cairo. Yup, way before the concept of all-day pancakes, waffles and omelettes were a thing elsewhere in the city, Lucille’s was already offering it on weekends at their Road 9 branch over 15 years ago. Lucille’s menu . Paris Bistro Opening hours: 9 am - 12:30 am Looking to enjoy breakfast on a breezy Maadi balcony, surrounded by trees? Then look no further than Paris Bistro. It's also a great spot for a weekend mimosa alongside your breakfast or brunch! Tawlet Yvonne Opening hours: 9 am - midnight Right underneath Paris Bistro is Tawlet Yvonne, one of Maadi's best Lebanese restaurants. You can order all your favorite Lebanese breakfast mezzes or eggs in a little courtyard (and shisha is available -- or argileh if you want to be authentic about it). Can't decide what to order? Try the Lebanese breakfast tray on their menu for a little bit of everything. Cafe Greco Opening hours: 6:30 am - midnight Caffe Greco isn’t your stereotypical breakfast place; it mainly revolves around coffee (some of the best in Cairo!) so you wouldn't head here for a heavy-duty breakfast, but they always have some fresh goodies on hand: biscotti, croissants, pastries and a few sandwiches. This place has been a Maadi staple for decades now. The Lebanese Bakery Opening hours: 8 am - 11 pm The second Lebanese breakfast spot on our Maadi list is The Lebanese Bakery, a Beirut-based ‘neighborhood bakery’ that offers freshly-made moujjanat (Lebanese baked bites), manaeesh, baked eggs and more. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. The Lebanese Bakery’s menu . Ralph’s German Bakery Opening hours: 8 am - 10 pm This bakery and breakfast spot in Dahab on the Red Sea Riviera became so popular that they opened their first branch in mainland Egypt a few years back in Maadi. Besides the freshly-baked breads and croissants they’re known for, they also make specialty ‘laugens’ and have full English breakfasts. Ralph’s menu . Kazouza Opening hours: 10 am - 12 am Home of the all-day Egyptian breakfast, Kazouza has a huge selection of different fuul bowls, taameya, breakfast sandwiches, feteer and a whole lot of sides. Also, how can't you love those lightbulb orange juice bottles? Kazouza's menu . Jared’s Bagels Opening hours: 6 am to 6 pm Open in Maadi for more than 15 years, Jared’s Bagels doesn’t just serve up bagels in all their forms (pastrami, egg and cheese bagel, anyone?), they also have a considerable-sized menu of other breakfast and brunch items as well as baked goods and pastries. Jared’s Bagels menu . You may also like: 30 Best Breakfast Spots in Cairo, Egypt

  • Different Modes of Transportation For Getting Around In Cairo, Egypt

    Get from Point A to Point B with the least amount of hassle Cairo is a city of 20+ million people. That’s a helluva lot of people in just one city -- we’re talking more people in one city than in most European countries . So it’s safe to say that the city is sprawling and it’s not just a hop, skip and a jump from one end to the other ( trust us, we wish) . Cairo offers several different ways of getting from one spot to another, but it’s important that you know which mode of transport works best for you, so that you’re not scratching your head curbside wondering what the hell is going on. We’ll go through each mode of transportation with you, but that does *not* mean we recommend all of them, oh God no. Some Cairo locals won’t even attempt some of them. White Taxis Before the introduction of Uber and Careem to Cairo streets, the savvy Cairo tourist did most of their hustling via white cabs. These taxis are a dime a dozen, in all central Cairo neighborhoods, at any time of day or night (unless you're staying in a gated compound in New Cairo or 6 October City). Regarding whether or not you should tip the driver, you can tip them at your own discretion (always appreciated) but don’t believe any nonsense they might feed you at the end of the trip about extra fees or whatnot -- unless you’re going to the airport and need to pay the entrance fee, which is standard. Pros: they’re convenient, and cheap . Egypt was found to have the cheapest taxis in the world . Cons: these cabs have meters, but some drivers will try to make an extra buck off you and tell you that the meter is broken or not working, hoping to negotiate a better price. Make sure to ask them if the meter is working before you hop in, and don’t agree to pay anything higher than the meter fare at the end of the trip. If the meter isn’t working but you still want to take a white cab, make sure you to tell the driver where you’re going and agree on a price before you get in. Word of caution though: most drivers won’t speak much, if any, English and unless you have a rudimentary grasp of Arabic, haggling the fare can be both annoying and exhausting. Uber/Careem or other ride hailing apps Uber and its Middle Eastern counterpart, Careem , are the two most widely used riding hailing apps in Cairo. We personally use them all the time as our choice of transport but are totally aware of some of the issues that have caused people to complain. Pros: there’s no negotiating over price, you can plug in your destination and minimize the back-and-forth with your driver (which will be undoubtedly lost in translation). Cons: sometimes the drivers are obnoxious and will request you switch your payment from credit card to cash, because they all prefer cash. Private Driver and Car with London Cab London Cab is indeed exactly what it sounds like: a cab that looks like the ones in London. They're a private car company that's ideal for when you just want peace of mind and choose to throw money at the problem - they're the most costly transportation option on this list, but also the most hassle-free. London Cab offers three different services: Airport pick-up and drop-off City rides (you book a cab to take you from Point A to Point B) Personal driver service for a set number of hours So say you have a busy day planned in Cairo with a lot of hopping from this place to that, and don't want to continuously be haggling with white taxis or using up internet data with Uber. Via London Cab's website /app or hotline, you can book a London Cab with a personal driver for a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 8 hours. Pros: you have freedom of movement around the city without any worry or stress. Cons: it's not the best option for those on a budget. You can get their fare estimates on their website/app. Metro If you’re used to zipping around on the metro to get to most places in your normal life, the Cairo metro might give you pause for a minute. There are three functioning metro lines in Cairo, with more stations still being added to Line 3, plus an under-construction monorail. While handy if your goal is avoiding traffic at all costs, the metro’s stops are limited so a lot of the city isn’t served by a nearby metro station. Pros: it’s super cheap, there are women-only cars, and the obvious bonus of avoiding Cairo’s aboveground gridlock. Cons: like we said above, the stops are limited so you might find yourself having to take a cab or walking long distances from the metro stop. Also, it can get really crowded. Like, really crowded. City buses/microbuses Just… no. We can’t in clear conscience recommend that a Cairo newbie try out our bus/microbus system (and we’re being fast and loose with the word ‘system’). To be fair, some long-distance buses, like GoBus, which serves Hurghada and El Gouna and a bunch of other places outside of Cairo, are fine and not much different than your typical Greyhound. But the local city buses are kind of a disaster in the eyes of the unsuspecting Cairo tourist. Pros: if you can get where you need to go by city bus, you have officially won at life. Cons: they’re crowded to the umpteenth degree, there’s no official bus line or bus stop -- you usually find a particularly vocal chap sticking his head out of the bus’ window to shout the bus’ general direction, with people jumping on and off randomly with frightening speed and agility. Renting a car This we only recommend for the brave of heart. Cairo traffic is synonymous with a chaotic cacophony of car horns, lanes as ‘suggestions’, and a cheerful ‘oops, almost killed you/me/that pedestrian/passing goat” attitude while driving. We’ve heard it referred to as real-life bumper cars (here in Cairo, no one gets too upset about an accidental car nick or dent here or there -- we understand that sh*t happens *insert shrug emoji*). Pros: if you have nerves of steel, driving in Cairo can almost be fun because the only real road rule is to not kill yourself or someone else. They’ve also implemented a few traffic lights here and there! Woohoo, developed country, here we come. It’s also really handy if you’re planning on driving to Alexandria or the beach. Cons: besides the fact that a lot of Westerners experience angina when faced with Egyptian driving, daily traffic in central Cairo can be a real hassle. Parking isn’t a walk in the park either. Nile Taxi Wouldn’t it be awesome if this was a legit thing? To be fair, it * is* real, as in there really is a thing called Nile Taxi, but it’s not exactly what we had in mind: we were thinking more along the lines of hailing a river boat and being whisked along to wherever our riverside destination is. Spoiler alert: the Nile Taxi is not that. Meaning, it’s a fun experience but definitely not an actual reliable mode of transportation. The real Nile Taxi is a fleet of small boats that you can call (or hit up on their app) to reserve a place on a boat for one of their four lines. Stops and pick-up/drop-off times are limited. Pros: ummmm you’re cruising down one of the most famous rivers in the world!? Cons: there have been reports about the service not being reliable and they serve very few stops. So after all this, what’s our final say? Local recommendation: stick to Uber/Careem, London Cab or white cabs. They’re always available and get the job done. You might also like: Top 10 Things To Do In Cairo, Egypt

  • Natural Therapy in Egypt: 7 Types of Natural Healing and Climatic Therapy You Can’t Find Elsewhere

    We all know that people flock from the world over to Egypt to see the Pyramids , explore ancient temples and tombs and even swim in some of the best beaches in the world . But did you know that thousands of people come yearly for what’s known as therapeutic tourism? Yup, found in Egypt’s remote deserts and thriving coasts are a host of natural treatments and therapy for a huge range of ailments, whether physical or psychological. The climate alone in various places in Egypt can help certain conditions more than modern medicine can, to the extent that people have been moving to Egypt for this purpose alone for more than a century. If you have something ailing you and want to try your hand at natural healing, Egypt shines when it comes to the following kinds of natural therapy. 1. Black Sand Treatment in Safaga Treats: acute and chronic arthritis, skin inflammation and psoriasis, joint edema and joint effusion Safaga, a small coastal town on Egypt’s mainland Red Sea Riviera , is quickly skyrocketing in popularity when it comes to natural and climatic therapy. Their black sand beaches were found to have three non-toxic, low-dose radioactive elements that were proven effective in rheumatoid and joint therapy; uranium, thorium, and potassium. The sand is also rich in other healing salts and minerals, including gold salt. 2. Hot Mineral Springs in Siwa and Sinai Treats: chronic digestive diseases, gout, diabetes, rheumatism, high blood pressure, skin conditions and arthritis Egypt is home to over 1,300 natural springs, but the ones making a name for themselves when it comes to natural therapy are Siwa’s hot mineral springs in the Western Desert and Ayoun Moussa, Hammam Moussa and Hammam Pharaon in Sinai. Balneology (treatment of diseases by bathing in water full of minerals) isn’t a proven science but studies have found it to lead to measurable improvements in a host of different ailments. 3. Mud Baths in Wadi Assal Treats: arthritis, joint pain, inflammatory skin conditions, muscular pain Found in Ras Sudr on the Sinai peninsula, Wadi Assal is a natural hot spring known for its mineral-rich mud. Locals cover themselves in the mud from the spring (known for its anti-inflammatory properties), then soak in the hot spring for at least 20 to 30 minutes afterwards, with the water’s temperature reaching above 50 degrees celsius. 4. Red Sea Thalassotherapy Treats: back and muscular pain, arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, hypertension, asthma, bronchitis and some people even say weight loss and cellulite Thalassotherapy is the use of seawater for treatment of medical issues; and not just the seawater itself, but also sea mud, seaweed, sand and any other natural, pure material that comes from the sea. It’s extremely popular in the Dead Sea and has started to rise in popularity on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, with luxury hotels like Cascades in Soma Bay offering a wide range of thalasso-spa treatments. 5. Hot Sand Baths in Aswan and Siwa Treats: rheumatism, arthritis, joint pain, infertility and impotence What may sound like torture to some people is actually treatment of choice for others. During summer, with soaring temperatures, people in search of all sorts of pain relief (and even infertility) do 3 to 5 days of hot sand baths and therapy led by experienced health workers in Siwa and Aswan . Patients are buried neck-deep in hot sand for 10 to 15 minutes, followed by warm drinks and rest in a tent. No cold showers, cold drinks or AC are allowed throughout the 3-5 days. 6. Kemetic Yoga in Luxor Treats: stress, low energy levels, sluggish circulation and increases strength, mobility, flexibility and clarity of mind While technically kemetic yoga can be done anywhere, regular practitioners of kemetic yoga swear by the elevated spiritual experience of practicing it near the Ancient Egyptian temples and ancient holy grounds of Luxor (formerly Thebes), and its positive effects on both the body and the mind. Kemetic yoga is the Ancient Egyptian system of movement, breathing and meditation as depicted by the ancient art that’s still found today on the walls of Egypt’s most famous tombs and temples. Kemet is the Ancient Egyptian word for ‘Egypt’, which translates to ‘the Black Land’. 7. Climatic and Herbal Treatments in Aswan Treats: respiratory diseases, rheumatism, digestive issues, kidney problems, renal problems Aswan, and Nubia in general in southern Egypt, is known for the healing properties of its weather -- the dry climate, year-round sunshine and clean air have been pulling in patients with respiratory problems and rheumatism from damper climates for over a century now. Add to that the herbal treatments that have been passed down generation to generation in Nubian families, and you have the perfect spot for those looking for natural cures. Different local herbs used and prepared by Nubians include halfa burr , which is a natural medication for the common cold and flu, hargal for stomach and digestive problems, and dammsesa for kidney issues. You may also like: 5 Best Egyptian Natural Skincare, Haircare and Beauty Brands

  • 10 Best Restaurant & Bars For Dinner and Drinks in New Cairo

    A few years ago New Cairo was a neighborhood known for its malls, not its pubs or alcohol-serving restaurants. Residents who wanted dinner and a drink would usually have to seek them out in greener pastures in Zamalek and Maadi - but rejoice eastern Cairenes! Things have been picking up recently when it comes to New Cairo; there’s now more than a handful of really good restaurants that also serve alcohol, so gone are the days when you'd be stuck with either a mall restaurant or a bar with dubious food. You might also like: 7 Best Restaurants in Garden 8, New Cairo Our local favorite places in New Cairo to get dinner and a drink are the following, in no particular order: Lemon Tree & Co If you’re looking for really gorgeous aesthetics, then head to the Lemon Tree in One Ninety in New Cairo (local tip: this is different from the Lemon Tree Bistro in Katameya Heights, which is also a great restaurant and bar but not the same one we’re talking about now -- more about TLT Bistro below). Lemon Tree serves upscale international fusion in a massive venue, and they have DJs and music on weekends and certain nights. They're also open for lunch if you want to have a sunny meal with a breeze. Good for: nights out with friends Location: One Ninety, New Cairo Call to reserve: 01120999290 Cucina This long-loved Italian restaurant at the JW Marriott hotel in New Cairo has been a crowd favorite for decades now. Split into two storeys around an open rotunda with a ceiling that’s painted to look like you’re outdoors, it’s a bit kitsch but we can’t be too mad at it when Cucina has been delivering great service and great food forever. Good for: dates, family lunches, business dinners Location: JW Marriott Hotel Call to reserve: 02 24115588 The Smokery Overlooking the green expanse of the golf course in Katameya Heights, The Smokery is hard to beat when it comes to dinner and drinks with a view in New Cairo. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, and serve a variety of upscale international dishes, with everything from sliders to seabass quinoa to sushi. The Smokery became so popular that it opened other branches in Palm Hills, Heliopolis, El Gouna and Marassi. Good for: family lunches, business lunches, dinner dates Location: Katameya Heights Call to reserve: 0102 601 9175 Kazoku 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 signature dishes are miso glazed black cod and Chilean sea bass, and they have an array of cold and hot starters, gyoza, Kushiyaki (skewers) and a handful of main dishes if sushi isn’t your thing. With both indoor and outdoor seating, Kazoku works as a fine-dining lunch spot during the day (they open at 1 pm) and a dinner & drinks venue at night (they have a full bar). Good for: family lunches, dinner with friends Location: Swan Lake Compound Call to reserve: 0127 000 4877 TLT Bistro TLT Bistro is an upscale restaurant and bar by The Lemon Tree Concepts is known for its inimitable interior design, cocktails and overall vibe. It's a smaller, cozier version of The Lemon Tree and Co. Good for: lunch and dinner dates, dinner with friends Location: Katameya Heights Call to reserve: 02 27592599 Lexie’s This chic but still relaxed Italian restaurant is a mix of bar and indoor/outdoor dining. Their pastas are all homemade and not your basic penne or spaghetti - here you’ll find scarpinocc, tortellini, caramelle and mafaldine. They also serve pizza as well as main courses like veal Milanese, salmon confit and pan-roasted chicken. Good for: business and family lunches, dinner dates Location: Lake House Club, next to Dusit Thani Call to reserve: 0128 581 8590 Tao In the Dusit Thani LakeView Hotel you'll find Tao, a multi-Asian restaurant and bar. They serve Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indian cuisine and pride themselves on their native chefs in the kitchen as well as their expert sommeliers. They also have a live teppanyaki station, and who can resist that! They're open from 1 pm to 1 am daily, and on Thursdays and Fridays they're open to 3 am (but 1 am to 3 am is bar service only). Good for: an upscale lunch or dinner when you're in the mood for Asian classics Location: Dusit Thani LakeView Hotel Call to reserve : 02 2614 0080 Osteria This 'modern European bistro' is tucked into a corner of the Square One commercial center, so it's hard to spot unless you're looking for it. It has indoor and outdoor seating, a bar, and most importantly - great food. They have a different menu for all times of day: a 'brunch and lighter bites' menu, a 'snacks' menu and a main course menu for dinner. Good for: family weekend lunches, dinner with friends Location: Square One, New Cairo Call to reserve: 01103991537 Esca Terrenal Esca Terrenal is a fine dining restaurant and bar that serves an eclectic Mediterranean menu as well as sushi. They have indoor and outdoor seating and a great industrial aesthetic unlike anywhere else in Cairo.   Good for:  early dinner or music with drinks later on. O n weekends there’s a DJ in the later evening and the music gets significantly louder.   Location:  5A by the Waterway, New Cairo   Call to reserve:   01006056055 Babel There’s no other restaurant in Cairo with the same striking interior design that Babel has – from its dramatic pendant lighting and soaring ceilings to the grand piano, Babel’s ambience immediately elevates your lunch or dinner experience. It’s a Lebanese restaurant with a handful of locations around the Middle East, and its 5A branch in Cairo has been impressing diners since its opening.  Good for: upscale Lebanese lunch or dinner in a spot that also serves wine and shisha Location: 5A by the Waterway Call to reserve: 01103888972 You might also like: 7 Best Restaurants & Cafes in 5A By The Waterway, New Cairo

  • 7 Best Restaurants & Cafes in 5A By The Waterway, New Cairo

    It seems like everywhere you turn in New Cairo, there’s a new commercial center with a slew of different restaurants, cafes and bars opening up. And considering how many people now live and work in New Cairo, that’s a good thing in our opinion! Read also: 7 Best Restaurants in Garden 8, New Cairo Read also: 5 Best Restaurants in District 5, Cairo 5A by The Waterway is one of the biggest and most well-known commercial centers, so it begs the question – which of its many restaurants and cafes should we go to? In no particular order, here are our local favorites at 5A: Babel There’s no other restaurant in Cairo with the same striking interior design that Babel has – from its dramatic pendant lighting and soaring ceilings to the grand piano, Babel’s ambience immediately elevates your lunch or dinner experience. It’s a Lebanese restaurant with a handful of locations around the Middle East, and its 5A branch in Cairo has been impressing diners since its opening.  They also serve shisha and alcohol, keeping in theme with the Lebanese experience. Keep in mind though that Babel is expensive and needs reservations more often than not – so not the place for a casual lunch or dinner. Esca Terrenal Speaking of interior design, Esca Terrenal is another beautifully and uniquely designed indoor/outdoor restaurant in 5A, with their swooping industrial arches and distinctive metallic bar. This fine dining restaurant serves an eclectic Mediterranean menu as well as sushi and an extensive drinks menu, same as its flagship restaurant in Heliopolis. Read more: Nightlife in Heliopolis - Best Restaurants, Bars & Pubs Keep in mind that on weekends there’s a DJ in the later evening and the music gets significantly louder, so that’s the ideal time for some drinks and fun, but those who want a quiet meal should aim to go earlier. Reservations usually needed. Reif Kushiyaki Reif Kushiyaki is a restaurant famous for its "unconventional Japanese street food" in Dubai, and it opened its first Egyptian branch in 5A. Named after Reif Othman (owner and chef of the Dubai branch) and kushiyaki , which is grilled meat on skewers. They have indoor and outdoor seating and their menu is a mix of sushi, skewers, ramen and other Japanese street food faves. Alcohol served. Ahwet Zeitouna If you’re looking for great Lebanese food with shisha or wine for lunch or dinner and want a more casual place than Babel, then Ahwet Zeitouna is your 5A destination. They’re going for the vibe and feel of a Lebanese neighborhood cafe, which is a hard ask in a New Cairo commercial center, but they pull it off pretty well with their sunny outdoor dining area. Brown Nose What about those who are in 5A looking for a good cup of coffee, breakfast or just a cafe to work or chill in? 5A has a few of those, but one of our favorites is Brown Nose. While we’re not sure if we’re sold on the name, the venue itself is a cozy little coffee shop with outdoor seating and a few seats indoors. They have a a large hot and cold coffee menu, as well as sandwiches, toasties, pastries and their signature ‘croffles’ – croissant waffles! Opens at 8 am.  Carlo’s It seems like on almost every list we write of best restaurants here and there around Cairo, Carlo’s always features – and for good reason. It has a huge menu with something for everyone, and they’re consistently good. (Local tip: try their Egyptian baked rice). They also serve shisha and alcohol, and is always a safe choice for anything from a family lunch to a business dinner to a birthday outing with friends.  CAF Looking for an early morning coffee in a peaceful sunny spot in New Cairo? CAF in 5A is open at 7 am, and they’re known for their strong and extensive coffee menu. It’s a great place to work during the day (or even at night!). They have sandwiches, salads and a bakery but are mainly known for their hot and cold brew.  You may also like: 10 Best Restaurants & Bars in New Cairo for Dinner & Drinks

  • 7 Best Restaurants in Garden 8, New Cairo

    We’re always asked for our recommendations when it comes to places to eat or get a drink, especially in Garden 8 in New Cairo – one of Cairo’s many commercial centers where the dining options are abundant. Ain’t nobody got time to waste money or appetite at a bad restaurant! Read more: 7 Best Restaurants in 5A By The Waterway, New Cairo Read more: 5 Best Restaurants in District 5, Cairo So if you’re heading to Garden 8 in New Cairo any time soon and want to know what restaurant serves what and whether they’re worth it, here’s our personal picks: Mo Bistro Mo Bistro first opened its doors back in 2002 as Cafe Mo in Mohandiseen, and in the two decades since then has evolved into the beloved Mo Bistro, with branches in Garden 8, Sheikh Zayed and District 5 . Mo Bistro has a massive menu of international dishes both classic and creative, and they never skimp on flavor or quality ingredients like some of the other restaurant chains in Cairo. They’re especially known for their flank steak and bone marrow. For more info, pictures and menu: Mo Bistro’s IG Ozel There aren’t a ton of Turkish restaurants in Cairo, but Ozel is one of the best. They have pages of Turkish cold meze, hot meze, pide, main courses, grilled dishes and premium steaks to choose from – but do not, and we mean, DO NOT sleep on their desserts! Ozel’s desserts deserve an article on their own. For more info, pictures and menu: Ozel’s IG Binge If you’re in the mood for a drink and some comfort finger food, then look no further than Binge. This gastropub has a large outdoor terrace so you don’t have to worry about being stuck inside and coming out smelling like beer, smoke and fried food like many other gastropubs in Cairo. Binge’s menu is full of fun favorites like sushi, tacos, all kinds of appetizers, pizza, burgers and even a ‘build your own pasta’ option. They open daily at 2 pm but kids aren’t allowed after 7 pm. For more info, pictures and menu: Binge’s IG Salt of Earth Think European bistro meets Egyptian farm to table. A great place to head to in New Cairo for breakfast, considering they’re one of the few real restaurants open at the early hour (for Egypt, at least) of 8 am. Their breakfast menu includes crowd-pleasers like layered souffle pancakes and cured salmon avo toast. But even if you go miss breakfast, Salt of Earth’s lunch and dinner menu won’t let you down either. Recommended dish: their tarragon chicken For more info, pictures and menu: Salt of Earth’s IG Umami Brought to you by certified master chef Tarek Ibrahim, Umami has a creative international menu, with a wide array of breakfast items that include a bakery, all sorts of eggs, breakfast skillets and a handful of Egyptian favorites such as feteer meshaltet. For lunch and dinner, you can choose between a large selection of ‘small plates’ (tapas style) or large plates, as well as classics such as pizza, pasta, burgers, etc. For more info, pictures and menu: Umami’s IG Nüwa If you’re in Garden 8 and in the mood for something Asian, then look no further than Nüwa . Whether you’re craving Chinese, Thai, Indian or Japanese, Nüwa  is an Asian fusion restaurant with a massive menu that allows you to pick and mix from your favorite cuisines. Love noodles, curry and sushi and not sure what to pick? Order them all! For more info, pictures and menu: Nüwa ’s IG Syne Another pleasant indoor/outdoor restaurant in Garden 8 that serves breakfast (from 9 am), lunch and dinner. Their menu covers everything from asparagus seafood risotto to chimichurri flank steak to pizza and burgers.  For more info, pictures and menu: Syne’s IG **Local tip:  if you’re more in the mood for an alcoholic beverage than actually eating a full-on meal in Garden 8, we recommend both Origins  and Buoy by Kiki’s . Both places have a beautiful venue and ambience, but we weren’t blown away by the food, hence why they didn’t make the list of top restaurants. But if you’re just in the mood for a drink and a small plate or two, then make sure to check them out.  You may also like: 10 Best Restaurants & Bars for Dinner and Drinks in New Cairo

  • 7 Extreme Adventure Experiences in Egypt for Adrenaline Junkies

    First, let’s be clear about something -- there’s adventure, and then there’s extreme adventure, and Egypt offers both. Regular adventure is things like sand-boarding or a hot air balloon or camping in Fayoum -- all fun, but nothing that will *really* get your heart pounding. But if you’re one of those people who needs that adrenaline rush, who’s comfortable being uncomfortable and actually seeks it out -- well then we have just the activities for you. 1. Gilf El Kebir Expedition Duration: 14 days Not a trip for the faint-hearted. Gilf El Kebir is a massive limestone plateau deep in the remote wilderness of the southwestern corner of Egypt, around 150 km from the borders of both the Libyan and Sudanese deserts. The area is considered uncharted territory, and historic and prehistoric discoveries are being made there until present day. People visit Gilf El Kebir to see its caves with rock art dating back 10,000 years , like the Cave of the Beasts and Cave of the Swimmers. It’s also considered the last ‘undiscovered’ stretch of Egypt. To reach the plateau, you have to drive off-road deep into the Great Sand Sea, past the far-flung oases of Farafra and Dakhla and away from all human civilization. Keep in mind that once you approach Gilf El Kebir, it’s total wilderness -- no phone signal, no place to buy water, no place to buy gasoline, hours upon hours away from a hospital, so you’ll need to prepare your trip far in advance. Details: 4x4 vehicles need to be stocked with food and water that outlast your trip in the case of emergency, gasoline needs to be bottled and packed, and you’ll need medical supplies, satellite phones and special GPS systems. You also *must* have a guide with you and in some cases, security as well. How to do it: Destination 31 arranges expeditions along with other adventure tour groups like Wilderness Ventures Egypt. 2. Kayaking from Aswan to Luxor Duration: 7 days Yep, that’s right. You can actually paddle the 200 km down the Nile between these two ancient Egyptian cities -- but it takes time, physical fitness and an extreme sense of adventure. The Nile Kayak Club arranges regular Aswan- Luxor kayaking expeditions, for seven days (five of those will be kayaking). You’ll make different stops throughout the trip to check out and explore the world-famous monuments and other lesser-known points of interest, and camp/sleep and eat on a boat for 5 of those days. Details: You’ll be paddling for around 5 hours a day, divided into a longer morning session and a shorter late afternoon/sunset session. If this extreme adventure seems up your alley, then make sure first that you’re physically able to paddle for hours at a time, because it’s quite a workout. How to do it: get in touch with The Nile Kayak Club and register for their next kayaking trip. 3. Skydiving at the Pyramids Duration: the event lasts 3 days If you’re one of those people who gets a rush from the idea of throwing yourself out of a plane, then this is a level up for you: you can throw yourself out of the plane while looking down over a great wonder of the world . Details: Skydive Egypt organizes a drop zone over the Pyramids once or twice annually, but you need to be a certified skydiver with a valid and current B license (over 100 jumps). If you’re not certified but want to be, Skydive Egypt also arranges skydiving trips in places like Kenya or Morocco throughout the year for Egyptians, so you’re ready for when it’s Pyramids skydiving time. SkyDive High however is an international extreme adventure tour company that can arrange for tandem jumps for beginners at the Pyramids, but are also charging $10,000 for it, so… How to do it: register on Skydive Egypt’s Facebook page or contact them for more details/questions. 4. Diving with sharks in the Red Sea Duration: variable When you think of shark diving, you might picture being lowered into the ocean in a cage with Great Whites attacking you from all angles in South Africa. And while this is appealing for some, the reality of diving with sharks in the Red Sea in Egypt is a lot more peaceful and safe, while still giving you that extreme adrenaline rush you crave -- and really shows why we need to do our best to protect Egypt’s sharks. Non-Egyptians aren’t usually aware of the *amazing* diving and aquatic life we have in Egypt, even though we top international dive site rankings year after year. Read our article about the best Egyptian dive sites for all levels . If you want to see these beautiful fish in their natural habitat and get your heart beating a little faster, there are several different dive sites dotting the Red Sea off Egypt’s coast known for their shark sightings. Details: There are over 30 types of shark found in the Red Sea, and most are not dangerous to humans, although you want to obviously give these large fish the respect and space they deserve -- don’t get too close and don’t try to touch them. You can see sharks ranging from reef sharks to hammerheads to even whale sharks if you’re lucky -- you can research the best seasons to see which type of shark and where. Famous shark dive sites include El Ikhwa Islands and Daedalus Reef among many others. How to do it: research which area suits the season you’re in, and contact a diving center there. Hurghada, Safaga and Marsa Alam are all good starting points. 5. Rock climbing and bouldering in Dahab Duration: half day or full day If you love being outdoors and working up a sweat but in an extreme kind of way, then rock climbing and bouldering in Dahab’s desert mountains might be for you. Rock climbing is pretty self-explanatory, but don’t expect the easy indoor gym kind you might be used to -- we’re talking real crags and mountain faces. The good news is that in Dahab there’s the option of taking rock climbing courses for beginners, intermediate levels and experts; something for everyone. Details: Most rock climbing in Sinai happens in the winter months because of the moderate temperatures, but if you’re in Dahab in the summer, it’s still possible to climb, but just in the very early morning before the sun starts sizzling. As for bouldering, what is it exactly, you may ask? Essentially bouldering is almost like a real-life obstacle course; you have to get from Point A to Point B by climbing over immense boulders obstructing your way. There’s no equipment for bouldering, so it’s basically you scaling these huge stone obstructions using your body alone. How to do it : contact a tour company like Desert Divers , who can arrange everything from instructors to rock climbing rental equipment to transportation. 6. Dirt biking in the desert Duration: 1 day If you’ve always wanted to let loose on a dirt bike away from paved roads, cars and people, then head over to Hurghada (full guide here ) where you can go wild off-roading in the desert on a dirt bike (or quad bike if a dirt bike is a little too intense for you). You’ll go over dunes, valleys and varied desert terrain with a guide who decides the route based on your experience. It’s sandy, dusty and you’ll be sore for days after, but the adrenaline rush is real and hours will go by in a flash. You can also read our post about 25 fun things to do in Hurghada and El Gouna for more activity ideas. Details: You can rent the motorbikes (KTM 530) along with helmets and other protective gear from the adventure tour company. Local tip: scarves are essential unless you want to inhale a ton of dust. The tour company can arrange pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Hurghada and will take care of the bike, equipment and guide. How to do it: contact Bike Egypt for reservations and any questions. 7. Long-distance hiking and trekking in Sinai Duration: from 12 days to 38 days If enjoy hiking but are looking for the extreme version of it, then look no further than the Sinai Trail. This wilderness trek is no joke -- it’s for serious hikers only who are willing to live the Bedouin, desert nomad lifestyle for extended periods of time. Details: The Sinai Trail has different route options: there’s the Serabit el Khadem circuit, which is for 12 days, and covers hundreds of years of history. You’ll be hiking for hours led by Bedouin guides, and sleep under the stars and eat by campfire. There’s also the incredible 38 day Sinai Thru hike, which is divided into 3 parts (Part 1 and 2 are for 12 days, and Part 3 is for 14 days. You can sign up for any part of the hike... or even do the whole thing). According to the Sinai Trail website: “The first part is from Ras Shetan on the Gulf of Aqaba coast to Ein Kidd where there is a beautiful oasis with palms and bamboo. This first section of the route will be guided by the Tarabin and Muzeina tribes. On the second part the route continues from Ein Kidd to the highlands of St. Katherine. You will walk through narrow wadis, cross high passes and climb some of the highest peaks in Egypt with the Awlad Said and Jebeleya tribe. The third part runs from St. Katherine to Serabit el Khadem via some of the Sinai’s most remote wadis and mountains, with the Jebeleya, Awlad Said, Gararsha, Hamada, Sowalha and Alegat tribe.” Keep in mind that throughout these hikes, you’ll be far from settlements, bathrooms, electricity, running water and other creature comforts. They provide 3 meals a day and you can bring your own snacks, but it’s not for picky eaters. There are no beds -- it’s camping all the way -- and you *must* be physically fit so you can keep up for more than a week of intense trekking. Update: you can now also do a similar hiking trip in the Red Sea Mountains in the eastern desert near Hurghada, called the Red Sea Mountain Trail . It was ranked one of Time Magazine's 100 Greatest Places in 2019 . If this sounds like heaven on earth to you, then you’re in for one of the best experiences of your life. How to do it : contact Sinai Trail or Red Sea Mountain Trail for full itineraries, prices, details and reservations.

  • Best Bars & Nightlife in Downtown Cairo: Baladi Bars, Historic Bars & Rooftop Bars

    The neighborhood of Downtown Cairo isn’t known for its upscale nightlife scene, but it IS known for something which may be even more up your alley: it’s the home to numerous baladi bars, historic bars and rooftop bars. Wait. What exactly is a baladi bar? Good question. A baladi bar is essentially a hole-in-the-wall, Egyptian version of a dive bar, popular with Egyptian locals ( baladi translates to ‘my country’, but is also used to refer to something local or national – Egypt’s beloved local pita bread for example is called eish baladi or baladi bread). Baladi bars tend to be on the shabby side, and not a place you would necessarily want to eat. But the drinks are cheap and cold, and they’re a great place to feel like a real local. Downtown Cairo also is known for its historic bars, which are decades old and have seen a lion’s share of modern Cairo (and even national) history. Downtown also has several rooftop bars which are a far cry from the fancier rooftop bars elsewhere in Cairo (here’s a list of our favorite Cairo rooftop bars ). You may also like : 10 Best Restaurants in Downtown Cairo But without further ado, let’s dive right into Downtown Cairo’s dive bars (bad pun unintended). Historic Bars (Psst, you can read more about Cairo's oldest restaurants and bars here ) . Cafe Riche Probably the most famous restaurant and bar in Downtown Cairo, Cafe Riche has quite a history. It was founded in 1908 and is known for being a beloved meeting place of historical revolutionaries, intellectuals and prominent figures in modern Egyptian history. A few examples: it was here where members of the Egyptian resistance planned the 1919 revolution against the British; where an assassin lay in wait to attempt (and fail) to kill the last Coptic Prime Minister, Youssef Wahba Pacha; where King Farouk first saw his second wife, Nariman Sadek; where beloved singer Umm Kalthoum performed in 1923; and where Gamal Abdel Nasser planned the 1952 revolution. Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz was a regular patron as well -- his novel Karnak Cafe is based on Cafe Riche, its customers and their stories. Relics of these people and times in history still adorn Cafe Riche’s walls until now. Estoril Built in 1959 by a Greek couple in a passageway between two buildings in Downtown, this restaurant and bar was named after the town of Estoril in Portugal, where the couple had their honeymoon. Similar to other vintage resto-bars in Downtown, Estoril was a popular meeting place for political activists, writers, artists and intellectuals. One wall is dedicated to local art while the other is full of memorabilia and clippings of articles and other old press about Estoril in its heyday. Estoril’s menu now is not much to write home about, but it remains a popular spot to have a beer and chat with the bartender about years past. Le Grillon Founded in 1941 and originally a restaurant and beer garden, Le Grillon was famous for being the spot where Cairo’s well-heeled would gather for drinks and a meal before and after national icon Umm Kalthoum’s performances in the nearby Qasr el Nil Theatre (and even during the intermission). In the 50s, Le Grillon was popular with all the biggest names in Egyptian cinema: Roshdy Abaza, Sabah, Amina Rizk, Samia Gamal, Nadia Lotfy and more. This vintage restaurant has even witnessed some unforgettable scenes that had nothing to do with the movies, like when Fareed el Atrash had a heart attack there and the waitstaff had to rush him to the hospital, or how Abdelwahab was so specific about how his fruit was washed that he had the waiters bring him a pitcher of water to the table so he could wash the fruit himself. Today it’s more shabby than chic, and we wouldn’t recommend eating there. But it’s still a good spot to go for a drink and a shisha in their closed terrace. Greek Club Located above the patisserie Groppi on Talaat Harb Square, the Greek Club when it first opened in 1906 was just that: a Greeks-only club where members could gather for dinner, drinks and live music. It opened to the public in the 1950s, when Egyptians and visitors of all nationalities could enjoy its terrace, vaulted ceilings and Greek specialties. Today it’s still popular as a Downtown bar, especially its open-air terrace, and while it doesn’t feel particularly Greek anymore, they still take a stab at it with the menu and blue and white checked tablecloths. Baladi Bars Horreya Founded in 1936 over the remains of Ahmed Orabi, an Egyptian officer who led a mutiny in 1879 against the Anglo-French loyalist Khedive Tewfik, El Horreya is one of the most famous cafes and bars in Downtown Cairo. It has a distinct ‘cafeteria’-ish look, with bright lights, high ceilings and scattered tables. It’s open from the afternoon until 2 am, and was popular throughout the years with artists, poets, intellectuals, foreigners and expats and students from the nearby American University (their new campus is now in New Cairo). People go there for an affordable beer, to play chess or backgammon or just to chat. Carol Carol started off as a French bistro in the 1960s, but over the years it deteriorated until it was a seedy baladi bar. A few years back though it was completely renovated, so while it’s still a baladi bar, it’s now what we’d consider a NICE baladi bar lol. They have a long wooden bar that goes well with their narrow space, and offer a range of tapas dishes to go with your beer. Le Bistro This restaurant and bar is a good choice in Downtown Cairo if you want to have a drink with your meal, but want to avoid the subpar food of Cafe Riche or Estoril. Their menu is full of meat, chicken and fish dishes as well as an extensive appetizer list if you want to go for something lighter with your drink. There’s also a DJ on Thursday nights. Cap D’Or Not to be confused with the famous Cap D’Or bar in Alexandria (also known as Sheikh Ali), this Downtown Cairo Cap D’or is another extremely old baladi bar – it opened over 100 years ago in 1908! It’s still frequented mainly by locals for the beers and free termis (lupin beans) and other random bar snacks. Other (rather downtrodden) baladi bars of note: Stella Bar Le Comte Bar Rooftop Baladi Bars Odeon Odeon’s a 24/7 rooftop bar (on top of the shabby Odeon Hotel) and has been a Downtown Cairo staple for decades now. Popular with Cairo’s artistic and cinematic crowd, as well as foreigners, it’s always an interesting mix of people. The view may not be able to compete with the Nile or the Pyramids , but it has its own quirky charm. They serve local alcohol and shisha, as well as a few dubious food offerings (stick to something safe, like fries). Carlton On top of the dated 3 star Carlton Hotel is a surprisingly nice and breezy rooftop. The hotel has been open since 1935 and definitely hasn’t taken any steps into the 21st century (the interiors seem stuck somewhere in the 1980s), but the rooftop is simple and straightforward. They serve local beer and wine and shisha, and at night you can see the High Court of Justice building lit up. Happy City Atop another shabby hotel in Downtown of the same name, the Happy City rooftop bar is actually more well known than the hotel itself (although to be fair, the bar's real name is Wadi el Melouk, but no local calls it that. Being a baladi bar, it’s cheap and cheerful, and popular on weekends or nights with football matches. Happy drinking! You may also like: 7 Best Bars, Pubs & Restobars in Zamalek

  • 9 Museums in Cairo You Have to Visit at Least Once

    If we're going to be honest, if you have limited time in Cairo, then run don't walk straight to the Grand Egyptian Museum at the foot of the Great Pyramids of Giza. That's the must-see. However if you have more time on your hands in Cairo, or are a local or expat looking to indulge in Egypt's vast and fascinating history, then you're in luck because Cairo has a plethora of eclectic museums for all interests. 1. Grand Egyptian Museum Type of museum: Ancient Egyptian history Location: Giza, next to the Great Pyramids The largest archaeological museum in the world , need we say more? It’ll be the permanent home for over 100,000 Ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the complete King Tut treasure collection, for the first time ever. It's truly spectacular in both its sheer size as well overall experience. You can currently see the Grand Hall, the massive 6 storey Grand Staircase with 60+ statues, the stunning 12 main galleries, the commercial area and outside gardens, but the long-awaited King Tut Galleries are still closed to the public. Visitors to the GEM have two options: they can either purchase an admission ticket  to explore the open galleries themselves, or they can book a 90 minute guided tour  (which includes the admission ticket price). Read more: Grand Egyptian Museum - A Local's Guide To Everything You Need To Know 2. National Museum of Egyptian Civilization Type of museum: historical Location: Fustat, Old Cairo This large museum hosts over 50,000 artefacts from all eras of Egyptian civilization, from prehistoric times, through the pharaonic era up until now - and good news, because it's been recently renovated, all displays have clearly stated information, so no guide needed! The museum is divided into two sections: chronological and thematic. The chronological runs through Archaic, Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Medieval, Islamic, modern and contemporary Egyptian eras, and the thematic covers Dawn of Civilization, The Nile, Writing, State and Society, Material Culture, Beliefs and Thinking and the Gallery of Royal Mummies. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is also touted as the first museum of civilization in the Arab world. The gallery of the Royal Mummies is definitely one of the highlights of this museum - in this quiet, tomb-like space, you can see 20 royal mummies that are thousands of years old, including some of the most famous pharaohs of all time like Ramses II. For more info, here's their website . 3. Egyptian Museum Cairo Type of museum:  Egyptian history Location: Tahrir Square, Downtown Once the most well-known museum in Egypt and the Middle East for the past century: the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, built in 1902. Home to over 170,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts, the Egyptian Museum has relocated many of its never-before-seen collections to the newer Grand Egyptian Museum and National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, but still remains impressive and worth a visit. It’s currently here where you can see the infamous King Tutankhamun collection before they move it permanently to the Grand Egyptian Museum, complete with his sarcophagus and gold burial mask. Local tip:  it’s worth going with a guide (there are also relatively knowledgeable touts there who will offer to work as a guide for a negotiable fee), because many of the exhibits don’t have descriptions. 4. Museum of Islamic Art Type of museum: Islamic art heritage Location: Old Cairo This art museum holds over 100,000 pieces of Islamic heritage from not only Egypt but also Arab and non-Arab countries alike. Many of the pieces were gathered from the first Islamic capitals of Egypt (Fustat and Askar), prior to the rise of Cairo. Pieces were also selected from the Delta, Fayoum, Luxor and Aswan . As for displays from outside of Egypt, the Museum of Islamic art is known for its Persian and Turkish pottery as well as some amazing Arabian carpets. Other collections of note: their wooden collection, which has some of the most beautiful and intricate woodwork from the days of early Islam, as well as beautiful ceramics and lamps. 5. Coptic Museum Type of museum: Coptic Christian heritage Location: Coptic Cairo Known as the best place to learn about Coptic history in Egypt, this museum hosts over 1,600 pieces, dating back to the early days of Coptic Christianity in the 3rd and 4th century AD. This museum is known for its bibles written in the 11th and 13th centuries in both Arabic and the Coptic language on deerskin, as well as Christian writings on papyrus dating back to the 6th century. Other collections of note: its icon display, as well as pottery, glass, metal, wooden and textile collections. Local tip: the museum is located in an area of Old Cairo called Coptic Cairo, walking distance from some very worth-seeing churches such as the Hanging Church and Mar Girgis church. Read: Coptic Cairo - A Detailed Local's Guide 6. Gayer-Anderson Museum Type of museum: art and Islamic architecture Location: Old Cairo The Gayer-Anderson Museum is found in a beautiful historical house in Old Cairo, built in 1631. It’s a great remnant of Islamic architecture at the time. The house belonged to several different wealthy families over the years, but gained its name during its stint as home of British officer Gayer Anderson in 1935. He amassed a stunning collection of art, furniture, carpets and Egyptian handicrafts that remain in the house until present day. After he left Egypt due to illness, the house became a museum for visitors to appreciate the beauty of the Islamic architecture and the house’s treasures, as well as added collections. It’s also known for its original ‘sabil’, an Islamic water feature with the purpose of providing fresh drinking water to the public. This is rare in a private residential home, more commonly found in mosques. 7. Abdeen Palace Type of museum: historical Location: Old Cairo This palace turned museum was first built by Khedive Ismail in 1863, with the function of being governmental headquarters as well as the designated venue for official events and ceremonies. It was later a royal residence until the monarchy was abolished in 1952. The museum today is divided into the upper floors, which used to be the living quarters of the royal family, and are now only open for visiting foreign dignitaries. The lower floors hold the main sections of the museum: the Silver Museum, the Arms Museum, the Royal Family Museum, the Presidential Gifts Museum and the Historical Documents Museum. 8. Manial Palace & Museum Type of museum: art and history Location: Manial This palace was built by Prince Mohamed Ali Tawfik, the first cousin of King Farouk, in 1875 and completed in 1929. The Islamic architectural style is a mix of Ottoman, Persian and Moorish, while the inner design is a marriage between European Nouveau and Rococo. The palace is home to the prince’s extensive collection of art, furniture, clothing, silver and Medieval manuscripts from the Middle Ages. The ceramic tilework in the mosque and entrance was done by an Armenian ceramist. Today the palace and its historical gardens as well as King Farouk’s hunting lodge are all part of a public museum. 9. Oum Kalthoum Museum Type of museum:  biographical Location : Manial If you’re a fan of Oum Kalthoum (if you’re not familiar with the singer, look her up -- she’s probably the most famous and beloved Egyptian and Arab artist of all time), then this little museum is for you. Found on the outskirts of Manasterly Palace in Manial, this museum holds not only relics of the Arab icon’s life and body of work, but also airs a short documentary of her life to really bring the experience full circle. Because the museum is so small, it’ll only take about 30-45 minutes to check out all the displays and watch the documentary. Local tip:  close by is the Nilometer, which is also worth checking out. You might also like: Grand Egyptian Museum: A Local's Guide To Everything You Need To Know

  • 11 Historical Hotels in Egypt That You Can Still Stay At Today

    Listen, Egypt is a country with a 7,000 year old civilization, 5,000+ year old modern cities, 1,000+ year old mosques, and some of the oldest functional monasteries in the world. And while our hotels might not be quite that old, they bear witness to many decades of modern Egyptian history -- and are still around to tell the tale. Here are some of Egypt's most historic and fascinating hotels: 1. Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino Location: Zamalek, Cairo Established: 1869 Original name: Palace Al Gezirah This modern-day Zamalek favorite was built by Khedive Ismail over 150 years ago to be a guest palace for foreign royalty and other VIPs visiting during the Suez Canal’s inauguration celebrations. Khedive Ismail decided to design the palace in the neoclassical style which was popular in Europe at the time. He signed on Austrian architect Julius Franz (later known as Franz Bey) and French architect De Curel Del Rosso, who had also designed the Abdeen Palace (for more awesome Cairo museums you need to check out, read our article here). The interiors were done by German architect Carl von Diebitsch. Interesting story: the building’s own architect, Franz Bey, a man apparently not known for his modesty, said the Palace Al Gezirah was “the most beautiful building of modern Arabic style in its category”. Its first royal guests, the Prince and Princess of Wales, called the palace “uselessly extravagant” (lol). The palace operated as the exclusive Gezirah Palace Hotel until it was seized by the government in 1879 for unpaid debt and acquired by the Egyptian Hotels Company. It was later nationalized in 1969 during the time of Gamal Abdel Nasser, and became the Omar Khayyam hotel, later to be taken over by Marriott International in the 1970s. They were the ones who undertook the project of adding two large Nile-facing towers to the palace. The Cairo Marriott that stands today is still the same palace that housed Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, and hosted the wedding of Khedive Ismail’s son which lasted for 40 days; many of the original artwork and furniture can be found in the hotel’s reception rooms and lounges. Cairo Marriott's website. 2. Marriott Mena House Location: Giza Plateau, Greater Cairo Established: 1869 Original name: Mena House Family Hotel 1869 must have been a busy year for Khedive Ismail, because not only did he build the Gezirah Palace we spoke about above, but he also created the hunting lodge at the foot of the Pyramids which would later become the famous Mena House hotel. When Empress Eugenie came to Cairo for the Suez Canal inauguration, it wasn’t enough that Khedive Ismail built a whole guest palace for her and other royalty to stay at; he also built a road that led from Cairo to the Great Pyramids of Giza, and built a royal hunting lodge for her to rest and have lunch at during her Pyramids trip. The hunting lodge was then bought by a wealthy English couple on their honeymoon, Frederick and Jessie Head, because Frederick thought the air there to be beneficial (one living in modern-day Cairo can only laugh and/or cry at the irony). The couple enlarged the lodge into an estate and named it Mena House, after the first pharaoh of Egypt. After Frederick died, the house was bought by another English couple and turned into a hotel in 1887 --- the “Mena House Family Hotel”. A swimming pool was added a few years later, becoming the first swimming pool in Egypt. The hotel changed hands several times throughout the years before its management was acquired by the Marriott. Interesting story: tons of famous politicians, celebrities and royalty stayed at the Mena House over the years, including Frank Sinatra, who performed at a charity event at the Pyramids in 1979 and sang “Strangers on the Nile”. Marriott Mena House's website. 3. Sofitel Winter Palace Location: Luxor Established: 1886/1907 Original name: Winter Palace Hotel Interesting story: so, the official hotel website for the Sofitel Winter Palace states that the hotel opened in 1886, and they went so far as to literally name one of their restaurants ‘1886’ -- talk about doubling down. But apparently, according to historians, that’s false -- the hotel actually opened its doors in 1907, according to, among other things, the announcement of its opening in the Egyptian Gazette newspaper in 1907. Today’s modern management might have gotten its founding date confused with the Luxor Hotel, another historic hotel that used to be right next to the Winter Palace. Oops. The Winter Palace Hotel was created by Cairo hoteliers in collaboration with Thomas Cook and Sons, and its construction was done by an Italian company. In January 1907, they celebrated its inauguration by a picnic at the Valley of the Kings. What really put the Winter Palace on the map was Howard Carter’s discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Reporters, foreign press and interested visitors from all over the world poured into Luxor and the Winter Palace was used as Carter’s newsroom to keep everyone up to speed on the discovery. Sofitel Winter Palace's website. 4. Windsor Hotel Location: Downtown Cairo Established: 1893 Original name: Hotel Windsor-Maison Suisse **Editor's note: Sad news -- the Windsor has recently permanently closed. We'll keep this listing though for those who are interested in its history. RIP Windsor. The Windsor in Downtown Cairo was built back in 1893 as part of a baths complex for the royal family, and its architecture is very reminiscent of the interior courtyards of the caravanserai Wekalet el Ghouri in Old Cairo, next to Khan el Khalili. People call it ‘colonial-era neo-Mamluk architecture’ which is a mouthful, but there you go. Windsor was mainly known for being a British Officers Club during the First World War, and little had changed decor-wise since those days, albeit much older and more faded. Until recently, their vintage ‘Barrel Lounge’ was popular with Downtown bar-hoppers -- it got its name due to the seats being made of old wooden barrels. After its stint as the British Officers Club, Windsor was bought by a Swiss hotelier with plans to make it an annex of the world-famous Shepheard’s Hotel in Cairo (RIP). It was named the Hotel Windsor-Maison Suisse until it was taken over in 1962 by the Doss family. Interesting story: the Windsor’s manually-operated wooden elevator (which was still in use until it's closing) was the oldest elevator in Egypt and one of the oldest operating elevators of its type in the world. Windsor Hotel's website. 5. Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel Location: Aswan Established: 1899 Original name: Cataract Hotel This world-famous hotel was built in 1899 by Thomas Cook and Sons, after the Cairo-Aswan railway was built in 1898 and there was a sudden influx of visitors and and not enough hotels. They bought nine feddans from the government and hired architect Henri Favarger, the same architect who designed the Mena House. It was an instant hit and quickly garnered a lot of famous guests over the years, including Tsar Nicholas II, Winston Churchill and Princess Diana. It became literally the stuff of ‘legends’ as its current name suggests, when Agatha Christie used it as the backdrop for her famous novel, Death on the Nile. The 1978 movie they made out of the book was shot there too (so was the famous Egyptian series ‘Grand Hotel’). Interesting story: when the construction workers were leveling the ground to build the hotel, they came across 200 mummies buried there. The sad part is that they destroyed them with their shovels. Sofitel Legend Old Cataract's website. A full city guide to Aswan is here. 6. Paradise Inn Le Metropole Location: Alexandria Established: 1902 Original name: Le Metropole Even though the hotel Le Metropole was built in the early 20th century by Greek and Italian architects, the history regarding the piece of land where the hotel was built is *much* older. Like, around 2,000 years older! Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt who probably needs no introduction, built the Caesareum of Alexandria, a temple to honor her lover Julius Caesar. After her suicide, Roman emperor Augustus turned the Caesareum into his own cult temple, and brought over two obelisks from Heliopolis to adorn the exterior. Even though it was Augustus who had brought them over, they became known as ‘Cleopatra’s Needles’. The temple later became a church in the 4th century AD, and was destroyed in 912 AD. Cleopatra’s Needles were given away in an economic and political move by Khedive Mohammed Ali in 1879 -- one obelisk now stands in Central Park, NYC, and the other on the Thames embankment in London. The hotel that was built where the obelisks once stood is none other than Le Metropole, and instead of the Caesareum, there’s now a statue of Saad Zaghloul, a nationalist leader. The hotel today is dated but still carries a lot of its original turn of the 20th century charm, as well as original paintings and antiques. Interesting story: the Greek-Alexandrian poet Constantine Cavafy, who was one of the most prominent poets of the 1920s and 1930s, spent the last 25 years of his life in Le Metropole, writing poems. A suite in his name remains there until today. Paradise Inn Le Metropole's website. 7. Paradise Inn Windsor Palace Location: Alexandria Established: 1906 Original name: Windsor Palace This classic Alexandrian hotel is not at all related to the Windsor Hotel of Downtown Cairo -- apparently we just really like the name around here. When it was built in 1906, it was named after John Windsor, one of the ten partners in the new hotel. They thought 'Windsor Palace’ sounded aristocratic, which is the vibe they were aiming for. The Windsor Palace was in quite the enviable location back 100 years ago -- it was close to the Ramleh train station and Alexandria’s old port harbor, as well as the shopping district and seaside promenades. Since it was right on the Mediterranean Sea, it was definitely more of a ‘resort hotel’ back in the day than it is now. Like Le Metropole and The Windsor in Cairo, the current hotel that stands today has seen much better days, but holds on to its original paintings, antiques and choice furnishings, to give modern guests a feel of what the hotel was like back in its golden days. Paradise Inn Windsor Palace's website. 8. Semiramis Intercontinental Location: Garden City, Cairo Established: 1907 Original name: Semiramis If you want to get technical, the Semiramis Intercontinental that stands today isn’t the same Semiramis that was built in 1907 -- that one got demolished in 1976 to make way for the current, modern hotel. But it’s the same location and bears the same name, so we’re going to consider it historical just the same. The Semiramis was built by Swiss hoteliers and named for an ancient queen of Babylon, and was actually the very first hotel built on the Nile in Cairo -- most others were built in the Ezbakiya area or Downtown Cairo. It was four floors and had views of the pyramids, the Citadel, the Moqattam Hills, and obviously the Nile (this was before there was even a Nile Corniche!). The Semiramis was nicknamed ‘the queen of the Nile’. Interesting story: T.E. Lawrence (you know, Lawrence of Arabia) stayed there in 1921 and wrote to his mother that the Semiramis was “very expensive and luxurious: horrible place: makes me Bolshevik.” Rupyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book, also stayed at the Semiramis several times, and wrote “The Swiss are the only people who have taken the trouble to master the art of hotel-keeping. Consequently, in the things that really matter – beds, baths, and victuals –they control Egypt”. Semiramis Intercontinental's website. 9. Steigenberger Cecil Hotel Location: Alexandria Established: 1929 Original name: Cecil Hotel The Cecil Hotel was originally a ‘romantic’ colonial-style hotel opened by a Jewish French-Egyptian family, the Metzgers, on the same square near the sea where Cleopatra’s Needles were (yes, the Cecil and Le Metropole are neighbors). It was extremely popular in its heyday and hosted everyone from Umm Kalthoum to Josephine Baker and Al Capone. During World War II, it was used as headquarters for British Intelligence (not so romantic anymore, we guess). The Metzger family were expelled from the country in 1957, and 50 years later in 2007 won a court case over ownership of the Cecil Hotel, which they then sold to the Egyptian government. Interesting story: the Cecil Hotel is written about in Naguib Mahfouz’s famous novel Miramar, as well as Lawrence Durrell’s Alexandria Quartet. Steigenberger Cecil Hotel's website. 10. Helnan Auberge Location: Fayoum Established: 1937 Original name: Auberge du Lac Fayoum, about an hour and a half from Cairo, has always been known as a great nature retreat and break from the city. And that was probably what King Farouk had in mind when he built a hunting and fishing lodge in Fayoum in 1937. The lodge, which was built on the shores of Lake Qarun, was used as a base for his hunting expeditions and parties, and King Farouk built an old port there as well. The lodge later became the Auberge du Lac Hotel, and the old port still stands. And while the hotel was always popular with hunting and fishing aficionados, it also was the setting for important political meetings, such as King Abdel Aziz Ibn Saud and Winston Churchill in 1945. Interesting story: the Auberge was also the darling of the Egyptian film industry back in the day, and many Egyptian black-and-white (and regular) movies were shot there, like هذا هو الحب (That’s Love) in 1958, شمس لا تغيب (A Sun That Never Sets) in 1959, سر امرأة (A Woman’s Secret) in 1960, ست البنات (The Girl of All Girls) in 1961, and الكل عاوز يحب (Everyone Wants Love) in 1975, among many others. Helnan, a Scandinavian hotel group, took over Auberge du Lac in the 1980s and renamed it Helnan Auberge. Helnan Auberge's website. 11. Helnan Palestine Hotel Location: Alexandria Established: 1964 Original name: Palestine Hotel This hotel located in the former royal palace of El Montaza in Alexandria was built in 6 months in 1964 under orders from President Gamal Abdel Nasser. He wanted to build a hotel specifically to house all the Arab royalty, heads of state and dignitaries who were flying to Alexandria to attend the second ever Arab League Summit, and needless to say, he wanted to provide the very best in luxury, comfort and views; he handpicked the location of the hotel himself. It was at this summit that they formally approved the establishment of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (hence the name of the hotel). El Montaza is 350 acres of gardens on the Mediterranean Sea, and was the summer palace of King Farouk; its ownership was transferred to the government in 1952. Helnan took over the Palestine Hotel’s management in 1987. Interesting story: for the 2002 opening of the new Library of Alexandria, or Bibliotheca Alexandrina, presidents, royalty and celebrities flew in to attend and stayed at the Helnan Palestine, including Jacques Chirac, Sofia the Queen of Spain, and Rania the Queen of Jordan. Helnan Palestine's website. Interested in more modern historical spots in Egypt? Check out these 14 Egyptian dessert shops and patisseries more than 50 years old.

  • 25 Fun Things To Do in Hurghada and El Gouna

    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 the resort town of El Gouna are about 25 km apart, so it’s an easy trip by car or bus 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. 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 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 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

  • 9 World-Class Beaches in Egypt

    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 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 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. 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 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 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. 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, Soma Bay is famous for its water sports, especially kitesurfing and windsurfing due to the ideal wind conditions. Soma Bay is home to only 5 beach resorts, so 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 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 was 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. 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

  • 10 Best Things To Do in Marsa Alam, Egypt

    Chances are you may have heard of Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada when it comes to Egypt’s best Red Sea destinations, but what’s quickly gaining in popularity after decades of being a local secret is Marsa Alam. Marsa Alam used to be a remote fishing village in Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast, far away from the hustle and bustle of other tourist hotspots. And that exact reason is why it’s still such an amazing spot to dive, swim and snorkel – the beach and sea are literally almost untouched still, and eco-conscious efforts are being made to keep it that way. Should you go to Marsa Alam? First of all, let’s talk about if Marsa Alam is the right destination for you, and then let’s talk about the best activities there are to do in Marsa Alam. Go to Marsa Alam if: you want to scuba dive, snorkel, kitesurf, participate in other water activities or just have a sunny beach vacation at your resort Don’t go to Marsa Alam if: you’re looking for restaurants, nightlife or easy access to other places outside your resort If you’re looking for something with a little more action but still on the beach, then we suggest Hurghada, El Gouna or Dahab. Local tip: Marsa Alam gets extremely hot in the summer months (June through to August), so it might not be the best time to engage in some of these activities – the water gets super warm too. Marsa Alam is at its most ideal during spring, fall, and the early and tail ends of winter. So if Marsa Alam sounds like the destination for you, then let’s dive (haha) right into the best things to do there: 1. Scuba dive in some of the best diving spots in the world Egypt’s Red Sea wins awards year after year as being one of the best places to dive globally, and Marsa Alam is home to many of those spots. The great thing about diving in Marsa Alam instead of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh is that you don’t have to worry about the reefs being crowded. If you're really lucky, in certain seasons you might even see a whale shark! Read more: 7 Best Diving Destinations in Egypt For Divers of All Levels Best Marsa Alam dive spots: Elphinstone Reef, Daedalus, the Dolphin reefs (more info below) and Abu Dabbab Bay (more info below) 2. Snorkel (potentially with dugongs or sea turtles) You can easily snorkel from the beach of your resort or ecolodge, and you’ll be impressed by the array of fish and other marine life you can see so close to shore. Even better, in Abu Dabbab Bay (which is a great place for beginner divers), or nearby Marsa Mubarak, snorkelers might even be lucky enough to see sea turtles and Marsa Alam’s resident dugongs (also known as a sea cow, a close cousin of the manatee). These dugongs are elusive but they love the warm shallow waters of Abu Dabbab Bay and many a snorkeler and diver have seen them there. Who knows, you may be one of the lucky ones! 3. Swim with dolphins in the wild Who wouldn’t love to swim with a dolphin? And even better, a dolphin in its natural habitat, who is happy and playful and not forced to interact with humans if it doesn’t want to. Marsa Alam has two different reefs, Satayah and Shaab Samadai, that are known to be frequented by dolphins (so much so that they’re both called ‘Dolphin House’ or ‘Dolphin Reef’. Shaab Samadi is closer to Marsa Alam, whereas Satayah is further down into the Deep South. 4. Explore and swim in Nayzak Off the beaten path on an empty stretch of coast is one of Marsa Alam’s hidden gems: Nayzak. This little natural pool of water, shaped like an eye and surrounded by rock, was believed by locals to be the result of a meteorite hitting the beach (hence the name: ‘nayzak’ means ‘meteorite’ in Arabic). While geologists have unfortunately disproved this beloved myth, Nayzak still remains one of the coolest places to swim in all of Marsa Alam. There’s nothing else to do there but the natural wonder of it makes it worth the visit. 5. Day trip to Wadi el Gemal Less than an hour’s drive south of Marsa Alam is Wadi el Gemal (Valley of the Camels), 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. For a small entrance fee, you can enter the park with a guide (the park is massive!), and spend the day by its stunning beaches (below), or explore inland, where the oldest emerald mines in the world are (called ‘Cleopatra’s Mines’). You can still see the remains of the old Roman mining settlement Sikait, which they called Mons Smaragdus, which means ‘Emerald Mountain’. While driving through Wadi el Gemal, you can see everything from wild camels to acacia trees to Egypt’s last desert gazelle. 6. Swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling at Sharm el Luli (Ras Hankorab) Sharm el Luli (known by locals as Ras Hankorab) is known for being the most beautiful beach in Wadi el Gemal, and people can spend the day there and then drive back to Marsa Alam at night. It’s completely undeveloped, meaning there are no restaurants, bars or even bathrooms – this stunning white sand lagoon and virgin reef are completely untouched. Even during Marsa Alam’s high season, Sharm el Luli never gets as crowded as other Marsa Alam beaches. Local tip: make sure to bring your own lunch, drinks and bathroom essentials because there’s absolutely nothing here. Oh and snorkeling equipment is a must, because the snorkeling at Sharm el Luli is fantastic. 7. Take a boat to Qulaan Islands Qulaan Islands (also known as Hamata islands) are an archipelago of four islands in a protected bay off of Wadi el Gemal. 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 and spend a few hours picnicking, swimming and snorkeling on the islands. Read more: 9 World-Class Beaches in Egypt 8. Kitesurf in Marsa Alam’s flat seas Egypt is one of the best places to kitesurf in the world (read more: 7 Best Kitesurfing Spots in Egypt), and Marsa Alam has several great spots due to its flat water but abundance of windy days, plus the water is warm for most of the year. There are several kitesurf centers where you can either take a beginner’s course, or if you’re more advanced, then you can rent your equipment and after a long day of kiting enjoy a drink at the adjacent beach bars. Best places to kitesurf in Marsa Alam: The Lagoon at Royal Tulip Beach Resort, El Naaba Lagoon and Blue Lagoon next to Hotel Dream Lagoon Beach 9. Desert safari via quad bike, Jeep or camel If you’ve had your fill of water activities and want to experience some desert adventure, then look no further than a desert safari. You can either do the safari via quad bike/ATV that you ride yourself (with a guide leading the way), or a Jeep with an experienced driver, or even by camel if you want a more slow-paced, traditional way of exploring the desert. The guides in Marsa Alam know the interesting desert destinations to take you, and make sure to ask about Wadi Hammamat a little north of Marsa Alam, where you can find pharaonic graffiti (yes, you read that right) from when Wadi Hammamat was smack dab in the middle of an integral trade route between Arab merchants and Egyptians, and part of the famous Silk Road trade with the Han Dynasty in China. Read more: 10 Natural & Historical Sites in Egypt That Most People Have Never Heard Of 10. Day trip to Luxor It would be a shame to be so close to Luxor, aka paradise for anyone interested in Ancient Egypt, and not visit. Luxor is around a 5 hour drive from Marsa Alam, so it’s doable in a day (albeit a long day). You can either go via tour bus arranged with an agency, or hire a private car and driver if you want your trip to be more private and flexible. Alternatively you can spend one night in Luxor and then head back to Marsa Alam the next day. Read more: 10 Best Things to See & Do in Luxor - As Told By Locals You May Also Like: Hurghada - A Local’s Guide For First-Timers

  • Egyptian Cotton: 7 Places in Cairo To Buy Good Quality Egyptian Cotton and Linen

    It’s one of those ironic things in life: Egypt is known the world over for its top quality, luxury bed linens and famous extra-long staple cotton, so you would think the best place to splurge a little and buy them would be… Egypt, right? Well, yes, but it’s not as easy as you would think! The truth of the matter is most of Egypt’s high-quality cotton is exported overseas, so the cotton used in regular everyday life here is usually the same cheap Chinese polyblend everyone else wears around the world. Despair not however, because it *is* possible to find the quality linens and cotton you’re looking for (and way more affordable than buying its exported equivalent), you just need to do a little hunting. LOCAL TIP: if you’re in the market for good quality Egyptian linens or cotton, you WON’T find them in Khan el Khalili or other touristic souqs and markets. The vendors might tell you they are, but that is *very* debatable. So where can you actually find great Egyptian linen and cotton products in Cairo? We got you: Malaika Linens Founded over 15 years ago by two Ecuadorians living in Egypt, Malaika Linens saw the lack of high-quality Egyptian bedding and home linens in the local market. They paired that with their background in design and embroidery to create some of the best locally-made linen and cotton beddings and homeware in Egypt. They established their own factory in 2009 to have total control over quality and craftsmanship, and recently opened an embroidery school to help underprivileged Egyptian women develop their skills and improve their economic standing. Where you can find Malaika Linens: they have their own flagship shop in El Gouna, but also sell in different shops around Cairo and Alexandria. You can find a full list of where to buy them here. For more info: Malaika Linens website Nillens Looking for top-quality Egyptian bedding, towels, loungewear, beachwear or even super-soft items for your baby? Then Nillens is the way to go. They have an extensive product list, all of which use the highest 100% Egyptian materials and fabrics, including their famous cotton bedding. Their sheets range from 300 thread count percale to 800 thread count sateen, so you can choose depending on your taste. Some people prefer the lower TC (thread count) due to its being lighter and airier; others prefer the silkiness and density of higher thread counts. In either case, all bedding is made in Nillens with 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton. Where you can find Nillens: they have 3 shops, in Zamalek, Degla (Maadi) and Sheikh Zayed (6 October City). You can find the shop details here, and you can also buy online. For more info: Nillens website CottonBall Back in 2013, the founders of CottonBall also sensed a need in the local market; but their focus was on the lack of quality cotton basic apparel. They also wanted to focus on simplicity and comfort -- no big logos or distracting designs, just simple, quality Egyptian cotton pieces like t-shirts, tank tops and other daily staples, in an array of colors, sizes and cuts. The end result: a line of products that they call "Quality Necessities and Bare Apparel". Where you can find CottonBall: you can shop online or visit their Zamalek store, on Ahmed Heshmat street next to Seoudi Market. For more info: CottonBall website Lilly Linen Launched in 2012, Lilly Linen started off as a range of premium bedding, using famous Egyptian flax linen - duvets, bed sheets, quilts and more. They were such a hit that the brand started incorporating other collections, such as bathroom (towels etc), dining, and ‘Lillywear’ (loungewear, beachwear and nightwear). All collections focus on artisan-woven Egyptian cotton textiles. Where you can find Lilly Linen: City Stars, Downtown Katameya, Mall of Arabia and Zizinia in Alexandria For more info: Lilly Linen website Mobaco Cottons The oldest player in the game (or at least on this list), Mobaco Cottons has been in business since 1974, selling quality but affordable Egyptian cotton, linen, wool and other natural material clothes. Their t-shirts, polos and jeans are all comfortable and durable, and their stores have opened in almost every neighborhood in Cairo, plus other Egyptian cities (and they also have two stores in Paris!). They have a wide range of clothing and a juniors section as well. Where to find Mobaco Cottons: you’ll find a list of their stores here. For more info: Mobaco Cottons website Heba Linens One of the leading luxury Egyptian home linens manufacturers since 1995, Heba Linens focuses on quality, embroidery and craftsmanship, and uses 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton. Their products range from bedding to towels, bath mats, dining linens, toiletry bags, robes and even custom pieces. Where to find Heba Linens: City Stars, Designopolis, Zamalek, Intercontinental Semiramis Hotel, Four Seasons First Residence For more info: Heba Linens Facebook page Caico Cotton If you’re in the market for super-soft, 100% organic Egyptian cotton items for your baby, look no further. Caico Cotton is based in Egypt and Denmark and focuses on making the softest and most comfortable baby basics. Not only is the material all natural, but they keep their colors as close to the natural color of cotton as well. Where to find Caico Cotton: you can order from them online For more info: Caico Cotton website You may also like: 5 Best Egyptian Natural Skincare, Haircare and Beauty Brands

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Hi and thanks for visiting! We're a group of Egyptian locals who love to share our insider info with travelers when it comes to all things Egypt.

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