Fun and entertainment Cairo

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

A mythical establishment founded in 1908. Its cellar connected to tunnels served as a hideout for many revolutionaries who wanted to put an end to the English occupation. In the 1950s, it became an intellectual mecca, where journalists, politicians and spies met! Black and white photos and outdated costumes of the waiters accentuate this journey through time. You can smoke there without being smoked. Mezze, fries and salads to accompany the beer. The service is quite slow, however, so don't be in a hurry when you go there.

Located in the green Maadi, the founders Hoda, Rana and Nadia decided to create this space to provide interested people a place where art can be enjoyed and artists a place to flourish. The Café organizes multiple artistic workshops for adults and children (painting, mosaic, jewelry making, photography, woodworking...). It also offers a place where you can simply drop by to buy or sell art. The Café promotes a family atmosphere to please both children and parents.

Très Bon is a chain of cafés and restaurants whose owner, Seif Bakr, has opened several branches. The food is varied, from Egyptian and Oriental to Italian and international. A variety of pastries are available to accompany your cappuccino once you've finished your chicha. A varied choice of chichas is also available. The address also boasts an attractive terrace. No alcohol is served, but fresh juices and hot drinks are available. Popular with the youth of Heliopolis.

Commercial offers of food, drinks and accommodation for big players.

Like all the other branches in the country, the French Institute in Cairo offers a rich cultural programme: cinema, theatre, conferences, performances, concerts, in partnership with the largest private and public institutes in the country. If you are staying in Cairo for a while, we advise you to take a look at the programme of events. Every year for the Music Festival, it organizes an open-air concert in the Salah el Din citadel