Cairo boasts several pyramids and rich Eastern African culture, but there is more to this ancient city than that. Go on a trip to Egypt to explore some of the best-kept secrets of Cairo, the capital. It promises to be revelational and broaden your mind. I’ve listed below a few of the many mysteries that make this ancient city worthy of a visit.
The best-kept secrets of Cairo, Egypt
Here are some of the best-kept secrets of Cairo
Visit Darb
Darb represents the very heart of ancient Cairo, and it is a cultural centre with a difference. Besides contemporary Egyptian art, enjoy rooftop concerts when the weather is benevolent. Why not also spare time to attend movie and film festivals while here? It would be best if you never forgot to visit the ceramic workshops in the city.
Close by sites
Aside from the concerts and festivals, Darb also offers several incredible sights within walking distance, including the following:
- Hanging Church
- Mosque of Arm Ibn Al-As
- Church of St George
- Coptic Museum
City of the dead beckons
Remember to say the city’s name in a whisper to respect the dead. Zawiyyet al-Myyiteen is a city where people live among the graves, and also some believe criminals hide here.
The city of the dead is one of the best-kept secrets of Cairo but is still a welcoming place to tourists. It is even a UNESCO heritage site, where locals and tourists gather for events, workshops, and concerts.
How to get there
Take an uber to Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaytbay Mosque and Mausoleum, marking the beginning of a walking tour.
A place for art lovers
Cairo street arts may be everywhere, but many tourists seem to miss them. When checking out Cairo street crafts, a visit to Access Art Space will be in order. This venue houses modern sculptures and artwork that will blow your mind away. Each item gives an excellent representation of Egyptian pop culture. Plus, the Arabic calligraphy just outside speaks volumes about the ancient beauty of Cairo.
Aside from ancient artwork, many modern Egyptian paintings also abound here. After seeing the paintings at the site, relax in the evening with Hookah at any cafe around.
Close by sights
When at Access Art Space, you can visit any of the sites below, which are all within walking distance:
- Tahrir Square
- Egyptian museum
- Said Halim Palace
Exquisite Palaces
Cairo has several palaces worthy of attention, and they are among the best-kept secrets of Cairo. There are the Abdeen Palace and the Said Halim Pasha Palace. The latter is located downtown and has been abandoned for years. Nevertheless, the 1,800 square meter compound remains impressive, and its regal architecture confers opulence on the structure.
The palace was built by Antonio Lasciac, a Slovenian-Italian architect, who also built the palaces in Istanbul and other parts of Cairo. Series of garages, street cafes, and mechanic shops litter the surroundings, making the place lively.
Abdeen Palace was built in 1863 and housed the royal family of Egypt. It, however, later housed the presidents. The palace houses paintings and Parisian furniture. It has up to 500 suites stuffed with royal treasures and presidential gifts. Furthermore, the palace has a museum capable of taking you down history lane. Visit this breathtaking museum from 9 am to 3 pm every day except Fridays.
Things you can find nearby
Other incredible sights worthy of note close to the location are:
- Egyptian museum
- Tahiri Square
- Access Art Space
The metro takes you to Mohamed Naguib station, where you can take a short walk to the palaces.
Al Horreya café is exciting.
The bar may look like a rundown drinking joint, but its charm is not mistaken. Buy coffee or tea here and join the locals at chess. Cold beer is always available to set the right mood among the players.
If you want to see more locals at the café, you should schedule your visit for a weekend. The drinking goes on all night until the early hours of the morning. The place opens around 2 pm and closes by 5 am.
Extra tips
Al-Yemeni Café is known for its ground coffee. It is close to the Al Horreya Cafe. Gad, a nearby restaurant, equally serves street foods, like sandwiches with falafel to the hungry stomachs. The fastest way to get there is by taking the metro to Sadat Station and then walking to Bab al-Louq from there.
Don’t miss Al Azhar Park
Al Azhar Park is at Darb al-Ahmar, and it is one of the best-kept secrets of Cairo. It is Public Park adjacent to Islamic Cairo with a welcoming aura and a perfect relaxation spot after a busy day.
The gardens, water fountains, and green rolling hills at the park confer the appearance of a secluded relaxation spot. Even the Crystal Lake and beautiful rows of palm trees make the location especially exciting. Furthermore, Studio Misr’s classic décor makes it a truly fantastic restaurant for all visitors.
Extra tips
The park is usually crowded on weekends since many come here for a family picnic. If you’re not a fan of mixing with crowds, you should avoid the site on weekends.
Best kept secrets of Cairo, Egypt – FAQ
How safe is Egypt to tourists?
Egypt is a very safe place to visit. Everywhere you go, army officials and police keep watch over the citizens and visitors. The Tourists Police also keep a close eye on tourists to protect them from harm.
Is it difficult to get a tourist visa to Egypt?
Yes, it is easy. All you have to do is apply to the local Consulate General or Egyptian embassy in your country. You can also get your visa on arrival from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Western Europe, or North America.
Conclusion
Cairo is not just about the pyramids but about several other incredible sights that rarely make it to the front pages. These secret spots in Cairo beckon tourists to see the city in an entirely new way. When next you visit Cairo, endeavour to check out these mysterious places.
