The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

via Egypt Fwd

Are you a born-and-raised Cairene? Have you recently moved to Egypt’s beloved capital? Either way, you’ll need a helping hand to guide you to the districts that infuse Cairo with the uniqueness and flavour it holds dearly. And, you’ve come to the right place! 

Maadi 

Home to many of our favourite restaurants and hangout spots, Maadi is a district that captures a lot of the quintessentially Cairene experience. What would we do without casual Road 9 cruises? We honestly don’t know! 

Wust El Balad 

As the heart of Cairo, West El-Balad is the first district that comes to mind when you think of the Egyptian capital. Housing important locations such as the Egyptian Museum, Café Riche, and much more, Cairo’s downtown sure knows how to tie its present to its illustrious past.  

El Korba 

Fancy a walk through an architecturally rich district? Then El Korba is where you want to be! With loads of chic cafés and a distinctly vintage ambience, this Heliopolis-nestled district will give you everything you need. 

Haram 

You just can’t have a list of Cairo’s most important districts without mentioning Haram. After all, what is Cairo without its Great Pyramids proudly beckoning us from a distance? But that’s not all that this district boasts either. With the Christo restaurant as well as the spectacular Mena House, Haram continues to bless us with other gems. 

Mokattam 

Fewer things in life are more magical than watching the Cairene skyline from the Mokattam Mountain. So if you’re in the district, take time to gaze upon the city from the mountainside and stop by the charming Sky Rim. 

Garden City 

One of Cairo’s most loved districts, Garden City exemplifies everything about its name—from its well-planned foliage to its chic ambience. When in this district, you can take a ride along the Nile in a wooden felucca or visit ROOM Art Space for some fun tunes. 

Shubra 

So expansive as to be a country of its own, Shubra is a pillar that makes Cairo what it is today. Teeming with life and commercial activity, this district is perhaps most known for the Nile City Towers and stunning views of the Nile.

Old Cairo

Historic and full of stories, Old Cairo has given us more than we can write about. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this district is where Coptic and Islamic influences meet as well as a backdrop for a lot of the city’s modern history. 

Mohandessin

Housing one of Cairo’s most popular sporting clubs in Zamalek SC, Mohandessin is one of the city’s most recognisable districts. Popular and always buzzing with crowds (and traffic!), this district happens to have tons of gems hidden all over it. 

Zamalek 

Posh, effortless, and always up to date, Zamalek is where to be to never miss out on Cairo’s coolness. This trendy district houses a lot of Cairene favourites, such as Pub 28 and Zaza Cuisine, but rest assured that this isn’t all it offers. When in Zamalek, you always discover something new. 

Dokki

We have to admit it: Dokki just has a special place in our hearts. From the Shooting Club to its popular Tahrir Street, this district was always spunky and full of energy and life. It’s also right near the heart of Cairo, which means you’re automatically close to everything. 

Agouza 

Home to Cairo Jazz Club, the prestigious Balloon Theatre, and the National Circus, Agouza is a district that’s set to make you feel at home the minute you step foot inside it. And if you’re not in any lounging or spectating mood, you can always take a walk along the Nile!