The Naguib Mahfouz Café is located in the heart of Khan el-Khalili, Cairo’s most famous bazaar. Opened in 1989 and named after Egypt’s Nobel Prize-winning author, it offers a quiet escape from the market’s busy alleys. The café reflects traditional Egyptian style, with wood carvings, lanterns and traditional furnishings, and pays tribute to Mahfouz, who set many of his novels in this very neighborhood. It's a great place to stop for mint tea, fresh juices and a range of classic Egyptian dishes like mezze, grilled meats and stuffed vine leaves.
The Hill-Top Restaurant in Al-Azhar Park offers stunning views of the Citadel and Old Cairo. Located at the top of the park’s southern hill, the restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor seating in a Fatimid-style pavilion. It’s a great spot for enjoying a meal with a picturesque backdrop of the Citadel and the surrounding city.
The Hanging Church is a historic Coptic church in Old Cairo, built above a Roman fortress gatehouse—hence its name. Dating back to the 3rd century, it's one of the oldest churches in Egypt and a key site for the Coptic Orthodox community. It has served as the seat of the Coptic Pope and features icons from as early as the 8th century
The Citadel of Saladin, also known as the Cairo Citadel, was built in the 12th century by Sultan Salah al-Din (Saladin) to defend the city against Crusaders. Strategically located on a hill overlooking Cairo, it served as the seat of government and military power in Egypt for over 700 years. Successive rulers added mosques, palaces, and fortifications, including the iconic Mosque of Muhammad Ali in the 19th century. Today, it’s a major historical site offering insights into Islamic architecture and Cairo’s medieval past.
The Al-Rifa'i Mosque, located next to the Sultan Hassan Mosque near the Citadel, was built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of Egypt’s modernisation efforts. Designed in a neo-Mamluk style, it was intended to complement the medieval architecture around it. The mosque is notable as a royal mausoleum—housing the tombs of King Farouk, Egypt’s last monarch, and Iran’s last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
The Sultan Hassan Mosque, built in the 14th century during the Mamluk era, is one of Cairo’s most impressive examples of Islamic architecture. Commissioned by Sultan Hassan, it served as both a mosque and a religious school (madrasa) for the four Sunni schools of thought. Its massive scale, soaring minarets, and intricate stonework reflect the wealth and power of the Mamluk dynasty. Located near the Citadel, it remains a key landmark in Cairo’s historic skyline.
The Church of Saint Menas, located in Old Cairo, is dedicated to one of Egypt’s most venerated early Christian martyrs. Built in the 6th century, it reflects traditional Coptic basilica design, with a wooden roof and marble columns. It houses relics of Saint Menas and features beautifully preserved icons and carvings. The church is part of the historic Coptic complex near the Hanging Church and remains an active place of worship.
Granita Cairo is a stylish café located inside the garden of All Saints Cathedral in Zamalek. It blends a nostalgic 1930s–40s Egyptian café feel with a modern menu, offering a mix of Egyptian and international dishes. Popular for breakfast and brunch, it serves everything from traditional fuul and taamiya to fresh pastries, salads, and coffee. The peaceful garden setting makes it a favorite for relaxed meals or afternoon tea in the heart of the city.