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

There is a very long weekend ahead of us, Cairenes, and we couldn’t possibly be more excited, especially considering that this is the perfect opportunity for us to a plan a mini-getaway. Don’t get us wrong we absolutely love Cairo, but sometimes we just need a change of scenery, without having to plan a 6-hour road trip. Luckily, Cairo lies near several destinations that make for a perfect getaway:

Ain Sokhna

Ain Sokhna is approximately a 90-minute drive from the capital. While Ain Sokhna is home to blue waters, it’s also coupled with views of mountains. You can even catch a glimpse of the large boats stopping before entering the Suez Canal as part of their journey. Sokhna is home to several luxurious resorts and hotels, including Stella di Mare (approximately 3, 900 EGP per night), Jazz Hotel in Little Venice (around 6, 000 EGP per night), and Mövenpick Resort El Sokhna (approximately 5, 887 EGP per night).

Alexandria

Over the past few years, Alexandria has become a bit overshadowed by Sahel. Maybe this long weekend will give you the opportunity to head there. Alexandria combines everything we love about Cairo, with everything we love about coastal cities. Alexandria is also home to several must-see sites like the Library of Alexandria, Citadel of Qaitbay, the Montaza Palace, and much more. Places to stay in Alexandria include Paradise Inn Windsor Palace Hotel, which dates back to the 19th century, and Cecil Hotel which dates back to roughly the same period and is currently managed by Steigenberger. A night’s stay at the former will cost approximately 2,000 EGP, while a night at the latter will cost you about 4,000 EGP. What we love about both these establishments is that they have managed to maintain a lot of their original decor, furnishing, and overall ambience. You can also grab a bite of delicious seafood at Alexandria’s Greek Nautical Club, or some comfort food at Alban Swisra. Finally, you can grab some creamy and unique ice cream at Gelaty Azza. 

Faiyum

This gorgeous location is about an hour’s drive away from the capital. With its incredible waterfalls, moderate year-round weather, and sites like Tunis Village, Lake Qaroun, and just breathtaking natural scenery all around, it is no wonder that this city has regained popularity as a vacation and destination wedding spot. Now, if you are a history buff, you can find diverse sites to visit that date back hundreds of years. From Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic artefacts and sites, Faiyum stands as a true testament of Egypt’s historical, cultural diversity. Now, if you are looking for a cool place to stay, we highly recommend getting a room at the Helnan Auberge Fayoum. This decades-old established has managed to maintain its unique nostalgic charm; the great news is that a night’s stay costs about 2,000 EGP. You can also mix things up a bit and spend a part of your stay at Tunis Village’s Lazib Inn Resort & Spa; we say “part of your stay” because this venue is a bit more pricey (but totally worth it) at approximately 3,500 per night. You can also stay at the gorgeous Byoum Lakeside Hotel; a night’s stay will cost you around 3,000 EGP per night.

Fayed, Ismailia

Just over 100 km from the capital, Fayed is a small town in Ismailia. Fayed is home to beautiful views, luxurious villas, vast green spaces, sandy beaches, and stunning palm trees. You can enjoy some history by visiting the Fayed Air Base, relax at the Great Bitter Lake, or enjoy the delicious seafood. Top resorts in Fayed include Tolip Inn Resort Fayed, and Bonita Hotel Fayed.

Port Said

Found on the northern end of the Suez Canal, Port Said takes about 3 hours to reach from Cairo, and functions as a great five-day vacation spot. At Port Said, you can catch a glimpse of the Military Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Port Said Lighthouse. You can also visit Port Fouad, and of course, the Suez Canal. Speaking of Port Fouad, a stay at Helnan Port Said Hotel is just what you need (it’s best that you contact the property for rates by calling 066 3320890). Some of the most popular restaurants include Al Burj Seafood Restaurant, Pizza Pino, and of course, Egypt’s very own Central Perk, designed after Central Perk, the coffeehouse in Friends.