Think of Egypt, and the majestic Pyramids of Giza surely come to mind. But Cairo—Egypt’s capital and Africa’s biggest city—has much more to offer.
People say that New York never sleeps, but wait until you visit Cairo. Its electric energy is unrivalled. With Cairo’s bustling souk, its hectic streets and grand boulevards, its ancient mosques and Coptic churches (which hinge on the tranquil but stately Nile) it’s no wonder the city is often referred to as the “mother of the world”.
Actress, model and activist Elisa Sednaoui spent the first five years of her life in Cairo, and has kept strong, sentimental ties with the city ever since. “Cairo is a part of me”, says Sednaoui.
Her love of her native city is in part why she has dedicated the majority of her time to developing Funtasia (her eponymous foundation, which functions both as an educational curriculum development and community-based implementer). “It is still a rare occurrence to find education that does not only teach academic content and specific skills, but supports young people in teaching them how to find creative solutions to life challenges, how to make their own choices, how to live as a contributing member of a local and global community or to empower them to realize their full potential”, she says.
We caught up with Sednaoui to find out her favourite local spots to eat, hang, shop and check out art.
Where to Eat
Abu El Sid, Zamalek
Authentic Egyptian food served in a retro, kitsch-meets-oriental-inspired décor. A classic.
abouelsid.com
Zooba, Zamalek
For simple, fresh and contemporary Egyptian street food.
zoobaeats.com
Taboula, Garden City
Best Lebanese spot in this residential area.
taboula-eg.com
Felfela, Downtown
Where you’ll find the best ta’ameya – Egypt’s famous falafel made of fava beans.
felfela.com
Abou Tarak, Downtown
The Koshary—Egypt’s traditional street food dish made of rice, macaroni and lentils—is so good and cheap; the restaurant recently got featured on CNN.
Helwan, Al Inshaa WA Al Munirah, El-Sayeda Zainab, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Birdcage, Semiramis InterContinental Hotel, Garden City
Excellent Asian-fusion food in a beautiful hotel facing the Nile.
ihg.com
Makino, Hilton, Zamalek
If you’re into sushi, that’s you’re spot.
facebook.com
Mezcal, Zamalek
Mouthwatering Latin American-fusion food. The ceviche is a must have.
mezcalcairo.com
Where to Hangout
Aperetivo, Zamalek
A popular nightspot in Cairo, great for cocktails.
facebook.com
The Roof, Kempinski Nile Hotel
Probably Cairo’s best rooftop, overlooking the Nile. Great for a late afternoon swim and drink.
kempinski.com
Sequoia, Nile
Ever dreamt of sipping wine literally by the Nile?
sequoiaonline.net
Infinity Pool, Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
Most beautiful pool hands down.
sofitel-cairo-nile-elgezirah.com
Makan, Egyptian Centre for Culture and Arts
A great place to catch live music.
egyptmusic.org
Diwan Bookstore, Zamalek
Original colouring books can be found there.
diwanegypt.com
Elle Salon
Egyptian hairdressers are the best. Tager Gamil from Elle Salon understands my hair like no other. Treat yourself a blow dry like a real Cairene would do.
@ellesaloneg
Galleries
Gypsum, Garden City
Cairo’s best contemporary art spot, which showcases international and multidisciplinary artists who engage with social, political themes.
gypsumgallery.com
Wissa Wassef Art Centre
A centre celebrating traditional craftsmanship like tapestry, pottery and batik.
wissawassef.com
Where to Shop
Malaika
The best quality linen and apparel like fun travel bags, towels or pyjamas.
malaikalinens.com
Vartan jewellery, Zamalek
Where I have tailor-made in gold my eldest son’s name in Arabic calligraphy.
vartanjewelry.com
