Curator’s statement
Exotic is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Cairo. It is a feast for the eyes of the Western traveler. There are the famous Pyramids of Giza and remnants of ancient civilization, but also a new modern city that rivals any major city. Zamalek is an area within Cairo that is an incredible place to spend a couple of days exploring, with amazing street food, shopping, and locals out enjoying life until late at night. Zamalek is a great base for tourists and business travelers.
The Fora Difference
Book with Kristel to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Zamalek, Cairo
Unlock perks by contacting Kristel to book your trip.
Things to do in Zamalek, Cairo
Khan el-Khalili: Cairo's famous street bazaar
Diwan Zamalek
This is not only a fantastic bookstore with books in multiple languages, but also a movement in and of itself. I picked up a copy of "Chronicles of a Cairo Bookseller" by Nadia Wassef to read on the way home. It is the amazing story of how this female-owned bookstore came to be and full of local insights into the culture and history.
Local cosmetic stores
There are so many amazing boutique cosmetic stores in Zamalek. The quality and prices were great. Two of my favorites were KENI and Nefertari.
Khan el-Khalili
This is a famous bazaar outside of Zamalek, an amazing experience to find local goods and experience the culture. It is a swarm of people, so be sure to go with a guide if you aren’t comfortable negotiating and navigating such a large market. Most vendors do speak English, among many other languages.
The Grand Egyptian Museum
I had the pleasure of experiencing this before it was officially open. It has an amazing collection of ancient treasures, but also has an upscale food court to make spending the day here a great experience. Views of the Pyramids of Giza are seen at the lookout in the museum.
Pyramids of Giza
These are a must and definitely ride the camels. The guide will expect a tip, so be sure to have one ready. It is iconic!
Cairo Tower
A great way to experience the Nile and sights of the city is to enjoy a meal in the Cairo Tower, which has a restaurant at the top and rotates while you eat.
Coptic Cairo tour
We enjoyed a private tour of this historic area, which ended with the widely documented Garbage City and the incredible Cave Church, which is the largest church in the Middle East, seating nearly 20,000. My goal is to come back and participate in a service one day!
Places to eat & drink in Zamalek, Cairo
Endless baklava shops line the streets of Zamalek!
Zooba Zamalek: This is a fast-casual spot with a great assortment of traditional Egyptian food and a modern vibe.
Rotto Coffee and Bakery Zamalek: A cozy coffee shop with local pastries.
Shag and Shawarma Zamalek: This is street food with delicious local shawarma—we went back multiple times!
Great Egyptian Museum Food Hall: This is an upscale area with a wide array of high-quality options.
Revolving Restaurant Cairo Tower: Sit-down meal with views and local fare.
City Stars Mall: This is an expansive, modern mall with a wide range of choices to try many different foods. We enjoyed an incredible variety of Egyptian-style donuts and pastries. It’s a great place to stroll!
Need to know
Cairo is for the traveler who enjoys culture and adventure. While I felt very safe with our tour group, I think it is best experienced with a guide for most Western tourists.
Also noteworthy: Be aware of local holidays, such as Ramadan, when many restaurants will be closed during the daytime for approximately one month.
Reach out to me so I can match you with one of our travel partners to explore Cairo and beyond!
Travel Advisor
Kristel Finns
Get in touch with Kristel
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Kristel within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cairo page.