Cairo may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of romance but hidden within its bustling streets are moments of romance and calm waiting to be discovered. Here are four activities to ignite the flames of love in Cairo, accompanied by some holiday reading suggestions that will immerse you deeper into this amazing country.
We also offer custom tours of Egypt and, if you’re looking for a creative getaway we’ll soon be launching a series of creative writing escapes. If you’d like to be amongst the first to get details get in touch, and we’ll send you the information hot off the press!
Sunset felucca trip
Step aboard a traditional felucca, a wooden sail-powered boat that has gracefully sailed the Nile for millennia. As the sun dips below the horizon, feel the gentle breeze caress your skin and watch as the waters shimmer with the hues of twilight. For a perfect romantic touch, pack a basket filled with delectable treats and your favourite beverages. Toast to your love against the backdrop of Cairo’s skyline.
There are several places to find feluccas to hire, including in Garden City in front of the Four Seasons Hotel, around Zamalek and at Maadi Ferry. This is a popular activity, so make sure you get there in plenty of time so you don’t miss the sunset, or book ahead of time by calling Roma Boats Felucca on (+20) 1006 411060.
We Recommend: A Woman of Cairo by Noel Barber – a mesmerizing tale of love, betrayal, and resilience set against the backdrop of Egypt’s tumultuous history. Through its vivid storytelling, readers are transported to the exotic streets of Cairo, where the protagonist’s journey unfolds.
Picnic in Al Azhar Park
Listed as one of the world’s sixty great public spaces by the Project for Public Spaces, Al Azhar Park is an oasis of green in the middle of the city. It has spectacular views across Cairo, especially the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque. Ask your hotel for a lunch basket or choose your own delicacies by visiting the excellent food store, Gourmet (branches around Cairo), they also have an app for online orders. Find yourself a shady, secluded palm tree and enjoy your picnic.
Any taxi or Uber will get you to Al Azhar Park. There is a small entry charge. There is also an excellent restaurant, Studio Masr, if you don’t feel like a picnic. Alcohol can’t be drunk openly in Al Azhar Park.
We Recommend: Palace Walk by Naguib Mahfouz – Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Egyptian culture with this novel set in Cairo during the early 20th century, offering a glimpse into the intricacies of family life and societal dynamics.
Dinner at the revolving restaurant in the Grand Nile Tower Hotel
The Grand Nile Tower Hotel in Garden City boasts the highest rotating restaurant in the Middle East. It rotates 360 degrees in 105 minutes, bringing the Pyramids, the River Nile and the entire city of Cairo all into view. It is a French style restaurant with a show kitchen and has a Romantic Set Menu Dinner from Wednesday till Saturday each week.
The hotel can be easily reached by taxi or Uber and is open from 6:00pm – 11.00pm. Reservations are essential, call (+20) 223 651234.
We Recommend: The Map of Love by Ahdaf Soueif – A sweeping tale of love and longing that spans generations, intertwining the lives of characters across continents and centuries, with Egypt as a central motif.
Watch the sun set behind the Pyramids with a cocktail and dinner
It’s hard to beat a sunset for romance, which is why we have two sunset activities. What could be more romantic than watching the sun set over the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World? There are several great locations to choose from including Mena House Hotel, 9 Pyramids Lounge and Akemi Sushi & Steakhouse, or you could even take a bottle of champagne and a horse and carriage into the desert for an uninterrupted and mind-blowing view.
Any taxi or Uber will take you to the Pyramids area where you can find the restaurants mentioned above. Horse and carriage drivers can also be found here. Booking at the restaurants is recommended.
We Recommend: The Egyptian by Mika Waltari – Journey back to ancient Egypt with this classic novel that follows the life of Sinuhe, a physician whose adventures unfold against the backdrop of pharaonic splendor and intrigue.
Whether you’re sailing down the Nile or dining with a view of the Pyramids, Cairo offers endless opportunities for romance amidst its ancient wonders. Let love blossom in the City of Pharaohs as you explore its timeless allure together.
