Written by Kayla Doris

The juxtaposition of ‘new meets old’ is thrown around a lot in travel, but Cairo takes it to the extreme. Where else can you see ancient iconic marvels and centuries-old mosques sitting alongside a rapidly modernizing metropolis? This striking contrast is just one of the reasons why few cities in the world offer an experience like Egypt’s capital. From its epic landmarks to extravagant architecture, grand celebrations, diverse neighborhoods, and 24/7 ‘always on’ culture, Cairo doesn’t do anything by halves. Its lively and bustling energy is hard to match elsewhere—we won’t deny that Cairo is intense and for a first-timer is probably best experienced with local guidance. The city is huge and densely populated; this combined with its high energy and traveler expectations of pyramids, pharaohs, and temples can lead to it being misunderstood. As we always encourage at ECT, do your cultural research before you go for a richer experience. You’ll discover its rich artistic heritage, from literature and poetry to music and cinema, an underappreciated culinary scene, and fascinating modern history that will help you grasp the dynamics that shape Cairo today. 

We’ve gathered intel from our own Egypt tours and included insights from ECT Egypt Expert, and founder of Tripscaper—Eric Monkaba, ECT member and founder of Alma Secret Supper Club—Malak Yacout, ECT Remote Travel Expert and founder of Archipelagos Travel—Jen Curran, and Managing Partner at Egypt Serai Travel—Hossam Targam. We also included tips shared by friend of ECT, Reem Hamed and ECT member, Megan Black, to curate a list of insider recommendations for eating, drinking, shopping, and sightseeing your way through the city.

Eat

Don’t miss Abou El Sid in Zamalek, a favorite of ECT for its playful interiors and quintessential Egyptian dishes. Along with all the traditional Egyptian dips, the standout appetizer is the thoroughly authentic mombar (a fried, rice-stuffed intestine). Pass on the pigeon, unless you’re fully committed to eating it the Egyptian way (bones and all). Don't miss the flavorful fish sayidia, shrimp tagine, or any of the veal dishes. They serve wine and beer too (which isn't super common in Cairo). Reservations are essential.

Also included in the guide:

• A unique dining concept where a female chef creates a new menu each day inspired by different parts of Egypt

•  "Legit legit legit the best bakery in Egypt" according to our expert

• Where young and trendy locals go for Egyptian-Italian fusion food

Shop

“Madu store in Zamalek is my absolute favorite concept store,” said RAMLA founder, Reem Hamed in our Deep Dive interview.  Go here for beautiful Malaika linens, stunning pottery, and other fine goods. You can also shop RAMLA shoes, beautiful hand-stitched Egyptian slippers handmade by female artisans.

Also included in the guide:

•  Bold, pop-arty stationary, tableware, and clothing

• A historic bookshop selling beautiful coffee table books and hard-to-find books about Egypt

• A boutique selling bucket hats, hand-stitched purses, and embroidered linens made by artisans

Stay

“I highly recommend Ville Belle Époque in Maadi,” says expert Hossam Targam. “Its design perfectly captures Cairo in its glory days and it has a nice energy to it.” Built in the 1920s, the boutique stay has been refurbished to create a modern setting with an old-world vibe—think four-poster beds, wooden furnishings, and patterned rugs and curtains. Make use of the swimming pool and patio deck surrounded by lemon, mango, olive and guava trees.

Also included in the guide:

• A stylish, sun-drenched apartment in Zamalek, where you can enjoy your morning coffee from a private terrace overlooking the Nile

• A whimsical boutique stay two hours outside of the city that we had to include for its playful interiors

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