10 Great Places to Walk in Cairo

Road Nine Maadi

On Fridays, Road Nine in Maadi is designated a car free area. If you aren’t looking for history but just want a nice walk with plenty of trees, then we suggest heading there. Lining the streets on both sides are several cafés and restaurants providing a variety of cuisine to choose from.

The Island of Zamalak

Zamalak is essentially a foreigner hub, where you can walk anywhere and find interesting architecture, unique shops, green spaces, and most importantly a good place to drink. Considering it is an island, this means that there are ample places to take a walk along the banks of the Nile, and it holds many secrets that can only be understood by exploring it on foot.

Korba

Located as the cultural hub of Heliopolis, Korba is internationally renowned for its architecture. Commissioned by the Belgian Baron Empain in 1907, Korba architecture is unique as it combines both Islamic and art-deco influences, which is why it has appeared in films like Ahmed Abdalla’s Heliopolis, and Canadian film Cairo Time. If you are lover of architecture then make sure you take a stroll, as not only is it filled with picturesque old buildings, but has plenty of shops to visit.

Coptic Cairo

Part of Old Cairo, Coptic Cairo was established as a stronghold for Christianity in Egypt during the Islamic era. Evidence suggests that the area may have been settled as far back as 6^th century BC. Surprisingly, most of the current structures were built after the Muslim conquest of Egypt. Taking a walk in this area is both serene and historic. Highlights include:The Hanging Church (Al-Muallaka), The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, The Ben Ezra Synagogue, The Coptic Cemetery, The Fortress of Babylon, and The Mosque of Amr Ibn El-As. This may be the only walk you can take in Cairo that proves just how religiously inclusive this country once was. 

Sofitel’s Quai du Nil

Some may know of the Sofitel as a great place to stay, but not many know that the Sofitel has one of Egypt’s finest promenades along the Nile. Surrounded by manicured gardens, the Quai du Nil makes for a relaxing stroll and offers a variety of options for a gastronomic experience when you are ready to sit.

Orman Park

Found in the district of Dokki, this picturesque botanical garden was established in 1920 by Khedive Ismail and was designed to nurture 100,000 kinds of rare plants. There aren’t many places like this in Cairo, so consider taking this walk the next time you need a break from the barren desert view.

Google Street View

If you are type who wants to see all these things without exerting any energy, we feel sorry for you, but are happy to announce that you can visit all these sites from the comfort of your computer with the new Egypt version of Google Street view.