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

Image via Alarbiya

Cairo is buzzing with the holiday season with a beautiful merge between Christian and Muslim Eid. To celebrate the end of the holy week, families and friends gather to enjoy the end of the great fast. On this joyous occasion, some people prefer to travel for the long weekend, while others choose to stay to relish the festivities in Cairo. Sham El-Nessim also brings its own set of traditions with it, like feseekh, the famous fermented fish that many people look forward to each year. To enjoy Cairo’s beautiful outdoors, here are five ideas to spend your Easter and Sham El-Nessim this year.

 

Four Seasons First Nile Boat

 

Enjoy a mesmerising blend of restaurants that offer an array of cuisines to suit your every mood, topped with a spectacular view of the Nile. At the entrance of the boat lies Riva, an open-air pizzeria and bar where you could enjoy a traditional Neapolitan pizza fresh from a brick oven and cocktails. Inside the boat at the base of the four seasons, you can find Xodó, bringing you the aroma of Brazilian cuisine. You can enjoy also enjoy Brazilian-style cocktails. Fear not, for we’re not done yet! Across the hall, Nairu & Nairu Lounge offers a variety of Asian cuisine. Their menu contains Thai, Japanese, Indian and Cantonese dishes. If you want to get lost in the view and enjoy the night sky, climb to the top deck, where you can find Zoe, an all-day Greek-inspired restaurant whose location captures the essence and beauty of the Nile and Cairo.

Check out their website here. 

 

Andrea Maadi

Corniche Maadi is home to many restaurants, but Andrea is perfect for finally breaking your fast. Not to mention, it has stunning views since it’s located on a boat overlooking the Nile. Celebrate no longer being vegan with Andrea and their diverse menu of grilled and barbecued food, from kebabs to steaks and grilled chicken charred to perfection.

 

Marriott Mena House, Cairo

Set at the foot of the pyramids, 139 Pavillion inside the Marriot Mena House, Cairo presents stunning views of one of the seven wonders of the world. The menu provides a selection of salads and appetisers as well as a premium selection of steaks. There, you can watch the sunset behind the pyramids while you enjoy your dinner on Easter day with your loved ones.

 

Day Use in a Hotel

Gather your friends on Sham El-Nessim and enjoy a day of use in a hotel of your choice, where you can spend your time splashing around in the pool to cool off during this hot weather. You can also decompress from the stress of life by using their saunas and steam rooms, and if you’re feeling extra, you can book yourself a massage to unwind completely. To finish off your day, you can eat heartily from their open buffet dinner to fulfil your every craving, and don’t forget to indulge in their dessert section as well. The Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel has a special Sham El-Nessim offer, and you can call 02 24063333 to learn more.  

 

Family Park

To properly honour the built-in Egyptian tradition of eating Renga and Feseekh, invite your friends to bring different dishes with the infamous fish and picnic in Family Park, where you have the advantage of being in the fresh air.