Cairo today: from shopping to skyline
Cairo is often praised for its ancient history, but visitors quickly discover that it also has a vibrant, modern side. Besides pyramids and mosques, you'll discover lively boulevards, ultramodern malls, and colorful neighborhoods, each with its own unique story to tell. Below, we'll take you to a few places that showcase Cairo's contemporary charm.
Mamsha Misr – strolling along the Nile
One of Cairo's newest additions is Mamsha Misr , a modern promenade on the banks of the Nile. Families, young people, and tourists stroll here in the evenings as the sky turns orange with the setting sun. You'll find cozy cafés, ice cream stands, and viewpoints where you can peacefully admire the river. Mamsha Misr demonstrates how Cairo is renewing itself while simultaneously maintaining its connection to the Nile – the heart of Egypt.
The Cairo Tower (Borg Misr) – view over the city
Not far from the Corniche, the Cairo Tower , also known as Borg Misr , rises 187 meters into the sky. Built in the 1960s, it remains one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. From its observation deck, you have a magnificent view: the Nile meanders beneath you, the city stretches out endlessly, and on a clear day, you can even see the pyramids in the distance. At the top, you'll also find a revolving restaurant, perfect for dining with a view. The entrance fee is approximately EGP 250 (approximately €7.50) per adult.
Wast al-Balad – nostalgia and art deco
Cairo's city center, Wast al-Balad , exudes a completely different atmosphere. No modern towers here, but elegant buildings in Art Deco and Neo-Islamic style , often with ornate facades, balconies, and arcades. This part of the city was strongly influenced by European architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries. A special charm is found in the old cinemas like Cinema Radio and Cinema Metro, where the golden age of Egyptian film is still palpable. A stroll through Wast al-Balad feels like stepping back into the 1940s and 1950s, when Cairo was known as the "Paris of the Middle East."
City Stars Mall – luxurious and versatile
For those seeking modern luxury, there's City Stars Mall in Nasr City. With hundreds of international brands, cafes, restaurants, and even an indoor amusement park, you can easily spend an entire day here. Whether you're into fashion, technology, or just want to enjoy an ice cream in the air conditioning, City Stars has it all.
Festival City Mall – shopping with a fountain show
In New Cairo, you'll find Festival City Mall , a modern shopping center with over 300 stores and a beautiful outdoor area where fountains dance to music in the evening. Besides shops and restaurants, there's a cinema complex and an IKEA store. It's a place that comes alive especially in the evenings, when families and young people enjoy the atmosphere together.
Mall of Egypt – shopping and skiing in the desert
One of Cairo's most unique shopping malls is the Mall of Egypt , located in 6th of October City. This enormous complex not only houses top international brands and restaurants, but also Ski Egypt – Africa's first indoor ski slope. While the sun beats down outside, you can ski, snowboard, or simply play in the snow indoors. You'll also find an IMAX cinema, a large Carrefour hypermarket, and numerous children's attractions. For families, it's the perfect combination of shopping and entertainment.
The Grand Egyptian Museum – opening in 2025
Starting November 1, 2025, the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will open its doors next to the Pyramids of Giza. It will be the largest archaeological museum in the world, with over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun. Admission for foreigners will be around EGP 1200 (approximately €25-30) , with a discount for students. This will be Egypt's new cultural highlight.
Aqua Park – water fun for young and old
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle , Aqua Park Cairo, just outside Cairo, is the perfect place to visit. With countless slides, pools, and play areas, it's an ideal day trip for families or groups of friends. Admission is around EGP 300-400 (approximately €10-12) per person.
Khan el-Khalili – the soul of Cairo
No visit to Cairo is complete without a stroll through Khan el-Khalili , the centuries-old bazaar in the heart of the Islamic quarter. The narrow streets, filled with the aromas of spices, the colors of fabrics, and the glitter of copper and silver, transport you to a fairytale world. Here you'll find traditional coffee houses where poets and intellectuals have gathered for centuries, such as the famous El-Fishawi café. Besides souvenirs and handicrafts, Khan el-Khalili is above all an experience: the buzz of traders, the cries of vendors, and the lively bustle make it one of the most authentic places in the city. Our group tours include a visit to this bazaar.
In short
Cairo is more than pyramids and history: it's a city where past and present intertwine. From the modern promenade by the Nile to the nostalgic cinemas of Wast al-Balad, from luxury malls to the ancient charm of Khan el-Khalili – Cairo has something for every traveler.