Summer weekend in Cairo
How locals do summer in Cairo — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Cairo
Felucca on the Nile
OutdoorsZamalek
Hour-long sail in a wooden lateen-rigged boat — best at golden hour.
Cairo Jazz Club
NightlifeMohandessin
Live jazz, electro and oriental fusion — the city's longest-running music room.
Where to eat
Abou El Sid
$$Egyptian · Zamalek
Velvet banquettes, molokhia, koshary and stuffed pigeon — the classic Cairo dinner.
Felfela
$Street Egyptian · Downtown
Since 1959 — taameya, foul and koshary in a kitschy garden setting.
Sequoia
$$$Mediterranean · Zamalek
Sprawling Nile-side garden with shisha and grills — locals' favourite weekend spot.
Zööba
$Modern Egyptian · Multiple
Street-food classics done bright and clean — koshary cones, hawawshi sandwiches.
139 Pavilion
$$$$Pan-Asian · Garden City
Nile views, sushi and ceviche — date-night staple.
Live & on stage
Cairo Jazz Festival
AUC New Cairo · Oct 16–18 · Jazz
Cairo Opera House Season
Cairo Opera House · Sep – Jun · Opera / Ballet
Pyramids Sound & Light
Giza Plateau · Nightly · Cultural Show
Sandbox Festival
El Gouna · May 30 – Jun 1 · Electronic
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Felucca on the Nile, Cairo Jazz Club. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Cairo and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.