Fun and entertainment Egypt

The great institution of cafes and beer bars, a few steps from Tahrir Square, the National Museum and the Museum of Islamic Arts. Here all social classes cross and in Cairo, it's rare. From the diplomat to the taxi driver to the provincial student, they all mix without judging each other. Milad, the gritty bartender who throws beers like you would roll the dice, is a cult figure downtown. A cartridge hole in a window reminds us that the bloody hours of the 2011 Revolution are not so far away.

For a time, this was the most interesting sound and light show in Egypt. It retraces an entire historical period of prime importance, and allows us to appreciate the magnitude and splendor of the festivities celebrating the flooding of the Nile. If you're allergic to dust, bring a scarf. In winter, it can be very cold, and in summer, mosquitoes attack spectators on the stands. The Temple of Karnak under the spotlights is even more breathtaking! However, the show could do with a little refreshment.

Makan is an Egyptian cultural and creative centre, directed by Ahmed el-Maghrabi, who co-authored Mozart the Egyptian, the famous musical encounter between Mozart and traditional Egyptian songs and instruments. The artist created this centre in 2002 with the aim of safeguarding Egypt's artistic heritage by presenting different forms of traditional music. These Mazaher (musical groups coming from the countryside) play in principle on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. By consulting the website, one can access the programming of this Egyptian centre.

The Cairo Opera House offers a fairly rich annual programme, alternating Saturday night concerts by the Cairo Symphonic Orchestra, ballets by the Cairo Dancers, contemporary dance performances, and operas by foreign theatres or inviting internationally renowned soloists. The summer programme provides an opportunity for young talent to express itself. The Cairo Opera House is part of the National Cultural Centre in Cairo. It is located in the southern part of the island of Gezira, close to downtown Cairo.

The most photogenic and at the same time comfortable of the Khan. You are greeted by a statue of the Egyptian icon Umm Khalsoum. In the velvet armchairs, you are watched by amusing portraits of celebrities like the Mona Lisa, depicted smoking perhaps not very legal substances. On the house in front of you, child sized puppets complete this unique theatrical atmosphere. Here you can drink homemade juices or Turkish coffee, just like at home, listening to the sounds that have marked the country.

An incredible terrace, perched high above the Nile, facing Elephantine Island. A superb bar where Agatha Christie, like the world's greatest, used to drink her cocktails... This Sofitel, aptly described as "a Victorian palace built in the ^19th century on a pink granite rock", is a superb address and the ideal place to watch the sun set over the Nile, with the rustle of palm fronds in the background. The break may be a little pricey, but it's well worth it!

The site is divided into two parts: The restaurant, open very early, and the nightclub from midnight. It is a place especially frequented by a very fresh youth and many travellers from the Gulf and Saudi Arabia.

The Camel Bar is the meeting place of Naama Bay. "Three bars in one", on the terrace, lounge or on the roof, to have a drink, follow a match or a concert. The bar welcomes bands, but also offers to give you the microphone during karaoke sessions.... Catering is possible. One of the best atmospheres in the city.

Enjoy a sunset on the terrace, or relax and admire the view from the roof. The three bars serve full menus of dinners and drinks, including cocktails and shooters.

The Wakala el-Ghouri was built between 1504 and 1505. The rooms are well preserved. A cultural center was built here to promote the arts. The upper rooms have become artists' studios, the stables have been transformed into craft stores and the beautiful courtyard into an open-air performance hall. Three times a week, you'll have the chance to see the Al Tannoura traditional dance troupe. 1h30 of dervish whirling awaits you, a magnificent physical and artistic performance. Not to be missed!

Excellent jazz club where local and international musicians perform. You will find the calm atmosphere of the jazzy clubs with some more festive evenings where the music approaches other styles more rock, pop or electro. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings are particularly popular, so it is absolutely necessary to reserve. To make a passage in this club makes it possible to discover the current Egyptian scene, here one leaves voluntarily carte blanche to the underground artists. Admission is reserved for people over 25 years old.

It's primarily a restaurant, but there's dancing around 1am. The best advice is to make a reservation for midnight, eat a dessert, have a drink and let yourself be carried away by the music. Well-known belly dancers perform here on certain evenings (usually Tuesday and Thursday). Please note! Reservations are increasingly essential. The Moon Deck is located on the Blue Nil Boat, which hasn't moved in years. The food isn't very good, but you'll enjoy the dance floor more with a drink in hand.

Films at low prices. Rather male spectators.

The institution was once frequented by Prince Hassan, great-grandson of Khedive Ismail. The place does not lack charm. The entrance, with its wood panelling and arches, is reminiscent of the local British pubs. The clientele is older than usual. One crosses as many Egyptians as Westerners. Good atmosphere, relaxed. You can also eat there very well, even if there is not much choice. Steak dishes seem to be the best choice, but the place also offers dishes of the day. The large bar is well stocked.

The 21-hour sessions are particularly busy.

It's the Alexandrian version of the Cairo opera. Opened in 1921, it was designed by the French architect Georges Baroque. Initially named "Mohamed Ali Theatre", it was renamed in 1962 in homage to the pioneer of Arab music: Sayed Darwish. The gilding and red velvet armchairs of its hall have been renovated, you can visit it or attend one of the performances, which are usually shows that were given at the Cairo Opera House. Call for information on tours and the programme of events.

Located under a bridge in Zamalek the el-Sawy cultural centre, opened in 2003, has succeeded in the process: It is an inescapable place that attracts cairote youth and many foreigners. Among the many activities, concerts almost every evening, from traditional music to the young cairote music scene, el-Sawy is eclectic.

Located on the banks of the Nile River, this lounge restaurant is also a place where you can dance, at the cost of the river.

Beautiful place decorated with pictures of King Farouk, but also of the presidents who succeeded him. It is a café full of history that has a special place in the hearts of the inhabitants. King Farouk himself came here in 1952 before the Revolution, so much so that this café is part of Alexandria's heritage! People come here to drink coffee or mint tea and smoke chicha to the notes of a nostalgic soundtrack. Popular atmosphere that unites several generations: you have to come at least once, if only to live a local experience.

A drink at the Marriott is the best way to console yourself for not having booked a hotel suite. The bar, set up in the open air in the garden, is really very pleasant. In front of the hotel's swimming pool, the service there is quite slow. Hundreds of tables are set up all along the length of the building. The minimum charge is 200 LE. We go there to have a drink, but also to nibble some mezze, under one of the parasols set up to protect you from the sun. The waiters do everything to satisfy the customers, rather smart of the hotel.

3 cinemas in good standing.