Fun and entertainment Cairo

More than just a chic shisha café, the Café Naguib Mahfouz was opened to pay tribute to the writer and emblematic figure of Egyptian intellectual circles. Located in the heart of Khan el Kahlili, this commemorative venue is a pleasant place to be. The paintings by Naguib Mahfouz on the walls, the titles of his books engraved on wood, the arabesque decor, the comfortable seating areas and a selection of hot and cold oriental drinks invite you to more than just a snack. It's a pleasant place to spend some time, even if it quickly becomes crowded.

Coffee to chicheño very frequented by the youth of Doqqi and Mohandessin. No alcohol.

Chicha bar overlooking the Nile, facing Mohandessin. Well frequented. This café, which has no particular charm, is part of a chain that has opened all over the country. However, its location has an interesting feature. As well as overlooking the Nile, it's just a few meters from the statue of Oum Keltoum and her home, now a hotel. This tribute is dedicated to the singer who, with each of her radio appearances, moved the hearts of an entire population.

The mythical café of the Islamic city, where Naguib Mahfouz, who won the Nobel Prize in 1988, and other writers and thinkers, like Gamal El Ghitani, liked to come. Now a tourist hotspot, it's a must for hawkers selling all sorts of artefacts. If you can, stop by in the morning, when it's still quiet. Also known as the Café des Miroirs for its many ice creams. Despite the Khan's narrow, winding streets, the café is easy to find, if you ask for directions from the al-Hussein mosque.

A unique address in Cairo, for its decoration, and its chichas served while listening to the diva... It is located on Orabi Street, in the centre of Cairo, opposite the "Cairo" cinema, which used to be a theatre. A café that the diva used to visit when she gave a performance at the theatre. It was during one of these visits that the owner of the café, then called Café Tawfik, negotiated with Oum Keltoum to use his name as a sign to pay tribute to him. This was in 1948, and since then the name of the queen of oriental music has resonated throughout the world.

Less select than the Cairo Jazz Club, it was opened by the same team that led the famous After 8 of the city center, forced to close in 2016. The authorities seemed to think that there was a little too much animation and artistic emulation in this neighborhood that embodies the revolutionary dream of 2011. Even though it is now eccentric, Underground does not demerit and you will have no difficulty finding the evening that sill your taste in its eclectic (and quality) programming of music groups and DJ mainly Egyptian.

A unique arthouse cinema that screens independent films from all over the Middle East as well as from Europe and the United States. It is the lair of auteur cinema that is giving Egyptian cinema back its golden letters. It is frequented by cinephiles and broadcasts different types of productions: films, documentaries, fiction, short and feature films. The admission price is deliberately low in order to encourage a less informed public to discover another cinema than usual. Subtitles in English, and often in French as well.

Rooftop fashionable for its breathtaking view of the Nile banks loaded with towers, which seem infinitely high even from the 18th floor. This place is very popular with young Egyptians who come in groups to occupy the large tables on the beautiful terrace. If you wish to have an outdoor seat, it's best to start a little early. You can have a drink and a few mezze. The bar also offers some cold dishes, but the choice is rather limited. To avoid a sandwich at mealtime, it's best to plan to have dinner beforehand.

Large terrace and comfortable sofas. Crowded on the evenings of European championship football matches. This rooftop is frequented by the Egyptian youth who come here to drink a beer after a day of work or study. This hotel overlooks the headquarters of the mythical Wafd party. First Egyptian political party created in 1919, it embodies the vestiges of the first Arab nationalisms. The state of the building says a lot about what remains of this period. A reminder of the political effervescence that brought a democracy, which today is in a bad way.

This rooftop , accessed by entering through the hotel door, has a special charm with its wicker chairs and small mezzés of fool, cheese and raw vegetables. The advantage of being a little higher up is that you can breathe easier. This place welcomes all generations. Young and old Egyptians alike can be found here, smoking a chicha, accompanied by a cold beer. A limited choice of alcoholic beverages, but you'll be able to taste some Egyptian wines, which keep getting better every year. Such is the case with the famous Omar Khayyam.

The Zamalek rooftop is a nice place to come for a coffee at the end of the day or a beer in the evening. Its greatest advantage? Its superb view of the Nile. In a 100% Egyptian atmosphere, you can relax behind your glass and enjoy the moment. You can see the capital's biggest hotels, but also the boats cruising on the Nile... and the pollution that is all too often present. Despite this, this is still a great place to spend a relaxing moment in the somewhat chic Zamalek district!

Hoda Shaarawi Street and the surrounding streets have been annexed by small terraces filled with tables where Cairoites come to hang out with friends. The atmosphere is very relaxed, very pleasant and very local: plastic tables spilling out onto the street, a simple but friendly decor under the trees... People come here for a kawa, tea or hookah in the heart of downtown Cairo. A good time, in an atmosphere that's different from the rest of the city. A must-try before dining in one of the good little restaurants in the area!

The most famous of all belly dancers, Dina, who has published a book in defense of her art, Ma Liberté de danser, performs at this unique venue in Cairo where all lovers of Arabian dances will be delighted. Given the dancer's notoriety, prices are rather high, but the performances are of the highest quality. Once the show is over, the dance floor is opened up and transformed into a veritable dance-floor. Make sure you ask beforehand, as on some evenings Dina leaves the floor to other dancers, who may be talented, but the queen is the queen!

Bar rather frequented by the youth of Maadi.

Bellini Cockail Lounge is the bar of the InterContinental Hotel, which is close to the CityStars shopping centre, Heliopolis and a few minutes from the International Garden. Its subdued lighting gives the place a somewhat serene atmosphere that allows you to cut the infernal rhythm of the city. The bar is excellently stocked with a variety of alcoholic beverages. Open until 4am, the place seems perfect for after parties . You can also stop there for a sandwich at lunch time and a quick drink atHappy Hour.

He wanted to compete with the Umm Khalsoum and its garden. An interesting atmosphere.