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

It’s the weekend. You feel an itch. You want to do something. Not just anything, though – something new. Something different – but what?

We’ve all been there; at a certain age, when the world has withered your sense of adventure, you feel like there’s nothing new to do or see. You’d be forgiven for thinking that, but you’d also be wrong – oh, so wrong. You see, in the nooks and crannies of this most random and eclectic of cities lays some pretty weird and wonderful experiences – ones that you might never have known existed in Egypt, or existed at all.

Here are five of these weird and wonderful things you can do when ‘the usual’ just won’t do anymore.

Frolic in the Gianaclis Vineyards

Cairo newbies always raise an eyebrow when they discover that there is a vineyard in Egypt that’s ripe for visiting. They invariably raise their other eyebrow when they find out that a trip to Gianaclis Vineyards is something of a five-star experience. It’s a unique day out that will see you tasting the winery’s best tipples, taking a tour around the historic site, learning about the process and indulging in a lavish lunch. Having been founded in 1882, the vineyard stands as a monument to Egypt’s long history in the field. And it’s just a cool day out.

Find out more here.

Let Out All of Your Frustrations at Unleashed

 

This one’s a really strange one – but it’s also kind-of brilliant. Located in New Cairo, Unleashed lets you, well, unleash all your inner anger in a safe and controlled environment. Essentially, you’re locked up in a room with a bunch of old stuff (everything from old televisions and computer monitors, to various pottery pieces and glass bottles) and a bunch of destructive weapons to smash them with. It’s all rather simple, but it’s been a hit with Cairo’s exasperated because, if we’re honest, we’re pretty angry people.

Find out more here.

Wonder Through the City of the Dead

Originally a large necropolis, the City of the Dead now stands as a living, breathing community – one steeped in historic significance. Beyond the tombs and graves, the City of the Dead – which sits at the bottom of Mokattam Hills – is also home to madrasas and Sufi colleges, several stunning mosques and a a number of shrines for female saints, including Sayyida Zainab, Nafisa, Ruqqaya, Atika and Sukayna. Although it’s estimated that it has around 500,000 residents, it’s one of the most unique and unlikely places in Cairo for a blast from the past. One for the bucket list.

Find out more here.

Travel Egypt on Two Wheels with the Cross Egypt Challenge

Although it may go largely unnoticed, Egypt has a special relationship with motorsports and other vehicular entertainment. Over the years, we’ve seen several expos that attract petrol-heads and auto-enthusiasts far and wide – something that eventually gave birth to the annual Cross Egypt Challenge. Having launched in 2011 as a way to promote tourism in Egypt, CEC has gone on to become a fixture on every two-wheeler’s calendar; with the route growing and changing every year,  it takes bikers on off-the-beaten-track routes to everywhere from Alexandria to Luxor. It’s as unique a way to take in the sights of Egypt as any. This year’s challenge takes place in October.

Find out more here.

Kayak Along the Nile

Taking in the sights and sound of the Nile and its surroundings on a felucca has become a must-do over the years, but a new way to traverse the waters of the world’s longest river has emerged more recently – kayaks. Nile Kayak Club offers various options with rides in and around The Platform in Maadi, Royal Club Mohamed Aly, Manial and more under the guidance of experienced kayakers. It’s a unique way to experience the Nile and it’s great exercise to boot!

Find out more here.