10 Things To Do In Cairo

Cairo and the Nile have some of the best things to do and see when it comes to history, museums, architecture and so much more. But this time we’re going to cover something Cairo is much acclaimed for in the Arab world – entertainment! So let’s look at how you can spend your days and nights enjoying the best forms of Egyptian entertainment in Cairo and on the Nile with our top 10 forms of entertainment.

1. Coffee Houses

Egypt’s traditional coffee houses (qahwa) are a million miles from Starbucks. The coffee comes in just two varieties – with sugar and without. Fine you can’t order ‘a tall half-skinny extra hot split quad shot (two shots decaf, two shots regular) latte with whip’,but hey the tea and coffee is still good and it’s more about the atmosphere in a city where tea and coffee are a given when it comes to socializing, watching football, playing backgammon and smoking sheesha pipes. Coffee houses are the equivalent of the English pub or French corner café – they’re great places to meet, socialize and even get to know new people!

2. Cinema

Egyptian cinema is the Hollywood of the Arab world, producing hundreds of films each year. Egypt’s many cinemas tend mostly to show local films, but the multi-screen venues in the modern malls also show subtitled imports. So if you’ve never seen an Arab movie, head down to the cinema and catch a screening, it’s worth seeing even if it is just so you know you have.

3. Restaurants and Bars

The restaurants in Cairo and on the Nile are many and with all the different types, you’ll be spoilt for choice! If you’re out in Egypt and you’re missing home you can even find some household names from TGI Friday to McDonalds. A point to note is that Islam prohibits alcohol due to the ill-effects it has on not only individuals but also society as a whole, but the choice of whether to observe this prohibition is left to the individual in Egypt. However many restaurants do have bars although they tend to be hidden away from the public gaze.

4. Souqs and Shopping

Shopping is another thing you may want to busy yourself with while in Cairo, for two reasons. Firstly, you can find some great deals on hand made pieces, clothing and even jewelry that would sometimes cost more than double back home, but be careful not to be ripped off, as the shop keepers will try as soon as they know you’re foreign – so don’t be shy when it comes to haggling. The second reason for getting to the ‘Souqs’ is just the experience, ‘Souqs’ also known as markets are quite unique in their smells, sights and sounds and are worth visiting. They will keep you entertained and also allow you to experience some day to day Egyptian culture!

5. Traditonal Arabic Music

Cairo’s Opera House and Alexandria’s ‘Sayed Darwish Theatre’ stage many live performances of Arabic classical music. In Islamic Cairo, particularly during Ramadan, there are often music evenings at the Wikala al-Ghouri and Beit Zeinab Khatoun which can be a nice wind down to a day of exploration.

6. Spectator Sports

Football reigns supreme in Egypt – some could get the impression people are crazier about football their than they are here! Top teams in the domestic leagues are Zamalek and Al-Ahly, both in Cairo. Games are played on Fridays and watched in coffee houses throughout Egypt.

7. Folkloric Performances

The most unusual and compelling folkloric performances are given by the Whirling Dervishes, who can be seen at the Al-Ghouri Complex in Cairo twice weekly – which to many is a very spectacular yet mystical event. Some hotels in Luxor and Aswan also put on folkloric shows, so if you’re interested ask around before booking your hotel.

8. Rock, Pop and Jazz

Music is a big part of the Egyptian culture and it goes back quite a way historically, so you’ll find places such as the ‘Al-Sawy Culture Wheel’ in Cairo which has live music several times a week by young, local bands, and the Cairo Jazz Club hosts regular live jazz. Even foreign cultural centre’s such as the British Council and the Alliance Française sometimes sponsor gigs, details of which can be found in the local press.

9. Art Galleries

There’s a vibrant local art scene in Cairo for all you art lovers, with up to a dozen small galleries hosting regularly changing and well attended exhibitions – so get down to these for some Egyptian inspired art from the Egyptian people and also the other international artists. The best of the galleries are usually found ‘downtown’ and also in ‘Zamalek’.

10. Sound and Light Shows

Every major site in Egypt presents a sound and light show once the sun goes down. The monument is illuminated by coloured floodlights while a recorded voice narrates snippets of history and mythology – these are ideal for those of us who don’t always like to read and look around a great deal and just want some history on a plate! Although the narrations often leave something to be desired, it’s definitely worth revisiting the sites by moonlight as well as daylight.