Winter weekend in Cairo
Wintering in Cairo — cosy dinners, skating, holiday lights and the small rooms that feel right when it's freezing out.
Top spots in Cairo
Felucca on the Nile
OutdoorsZamalek
Hour-long sail in a wooden lateen-rigged boat — best at golden hour.
Grand Egyptian Museum
CultureGiza
World's largest archaeological museum — full Tutankhamun collection in one place.
Khan el-Khalili
CultureIslamic Cairo
14th-century bazaar of copper, perfume and silver — finish with mint tea at El Fishawi.
Coptic Cairo
CultureOld Cairo
Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue and Roman walls in one quiet quarter.
Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx
CultureGiza
The last surviving Wonder — go at sunrise on a horse from the back gate.
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.
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Cairo and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.