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

We’ve already written part one of this article, where we recommended the great parks and gardens, Al-Azhar, Al-Horreya, Al-Orman, and Family park. Cairo still has a lot more to offer, though, as is to be expected from this city: it always has more hidden up its sleeves! So stick around, and check out which park or garden will be perfect for you and your family to head to on Easter/Sham El-Naseem! 

Al-Andalus Garden

Al-Andalus Garden is one of Cairo’s best. Located between the Qasr El Nil and the 6th of October bridge, just on the edge of Zamalek, Al-Andalus is also gifted with a great view of the Nile. The park carries a fascinating history that gives it the beauty it has today—it was designed in 1929 by Zulfugar Pasha and gifted to his wife, and was originally built to be part of the royal palace of Khedive Ismail. Although often ignored, it’s one of the most stunning parks in Cairo due to its Andalusian and Moorish-style architecture and the wide variety of trees and plants that adorn it. In other words, it’s perfect as a beautiful reprieve for families to celebrate ancient holidays!

Japanese Garden

We don’t exaggerate when we say you’ll find something of each culture in Cairo! Located in Helwan, the Japanese Garden is another botanical garden designed by Zulfugar Pasha, a decade or so before he designed Al-Andalus Garden. Green, spacious, and quiet, the garden is also full of fish ponds, canals, hills, trees, Buddhist statues and otherwise Asian-style entrances and lanterns. It also has a promenade and a gazebo. So if you live near Helwan, it’ll be perfect for you!

Merryland Park

Over the last decade, Merryland Park in Heliopolis had earned itself a bad reputation due to its run-down state. But in the past couple of years, the park has been renovated and returned to its original condition! Essentially, Merryland park has always been a beloved space for Cairenes, and Heliopolis residents in particular. Spacious, verdant with paths, grassy lawns, and fountains, and full of game structures for children, it’s one of the most suitable parks in Cairo for families, and even couples and individuals!

Aquarium Grotto Garden

One of the oldest on this list, the Aquarium Grotto Garden—known locally as Hadequt al-Asmak or El Gabalaya Garden—has been there since 1867. Also in Zamalek, the Aquarium Grotto Garden is so stunning that it has been featured endlessly in Egyptian cinema since the 1960s. Originally, it had underground grottoes that housed a wide variety of unique and rare fish. Now, the caves still exist, but most of them are empty. However, the garden also houses trees, flowers and many different plants and still retains its original beauty!