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

Image credit: Cairo Gossip

While living in Cairo may seem like a daily adventure on its own, there are several places worth exploring with young kids and teenagers alike. Out-of-the-ordinary sporting facilities, wide-open spaces, and establishments that foster artistry and creativity all exist just around the corner! Here are a few to kickstart your weekend plans…

FingerLock

Via FingerLock

Located at the Gold’s Gym in New Cairo, FingerLock sports an artificial mountain over 10 meters tall and offers over 20 routes for rock climbing enthusiasts. Praised as the only one in Egypt, this may be the most authentic option for seasoned climbers who need a quick fix and beginners who want to try the sport before facing a real mountain. 

Ascent

Via Ascent Climbing Egypt

On the other side of the city and known as “Egypt’s Biggest Indoor Climbing Facility,” Ascent offers indoor climbing more similar to bouldering in Sheikh Zayed. This type of climbing involves no ropes or harnesses and involves more lateral movement than a high, vertical climbing wall. 

Walk of Cairo

Via Cairo Gossip

Also found in Sheikh Zayed, Walk of Cairo provides a beautiful collaboration between architecture and greenery. Designated as a space to explore and discover, with quirky attractions like the Museum of Illusions, bird sanctuaries, trampolines, and larger-than-life installations, everyone in the family is guaranteed to find something of interest!

Mall of Egypt

Via Techno Alpin Indoor

Staying on the west side of town, we have Mall of Egypt in 6th of October City, which contains Ski Egypt, Africa’s premier ski resort and snow park. Between learning to ski or snowboard, playing in the snow, and meeting penguins, Ski Egypt is ideal for whisking the family away on a winter vacation — even if just for the day! The resort even offers private and group ski lessons for athletes of all ages and experience. 

Fagnoon

Via Fagnoon Arts & Crafts Center

Finally, just west of the Nile and nestled in the lovely countryside of Cairo, Fagnoon remains an institution for arts and crafts. From spinning pottery and weaving carpets to painting, climbing, mud fights, and more, Fagnoon is a must and particularly wonderful due to its somewhat remote location.