A Millennial's Guide To Wust El-Balad, Cairo

Wust El-Balad has always been home to special cafes that attract both locals and tourists. You can pass by the old cafes like “Zahraa El Bostan” (one of the oldest cafes there), or “El Nadwa El Thaqafia” at Bab El Looq. If you move on to Tallat Harb street, you’ll find “Al Taakeeba” cafe, and in Hoda Shaarawi street you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you’re looking for a nice and cosy place then “Kafein” and “Kunst” at Sherif street are the perfect places.

As it is a cultural spot, the area is full of cinemas such as Kosmos, Pigalle, Diana, Cairo Palace, Lido, Metro, and Karim. Odeon, located in Abd El Hameed Saeed street, is the most famous of them all, and has three large halls. Zawya, a part of Odeon, is a contributer to spreading the cinematic culture in Egypt. It shows different movies from different cultures and places around the world including documentaries, feature films, short films, and experimental works.

If you’re up for an affordable drink while sitting in a calm place, go for a drink at Wust El-Balad. Try “Stella” bar, “Le Grillon” or, “Estoril” bar. Cafe Riche is one of the most well-known places in Wust El-Balad, and it goes back to 1908. The place has so much history. Moving to Hoda Shaarawi street, “Le Bistro”is a bar and a restaurant where you’ll be surrounded with Leila Murad’s photos while sitting there. The bar serves Egyptian traditional food, cocktails, and fresh juices.

Located in Youssef El Gendy street, “Fasahet Somaya” is a place that serves special meals showcasing a true home-cooked experience! For Italian and European food, head to “Eish & Malh” located in Adly street. For a variety of foul, tameeya, and shawerma, you can go for “Kazaz” located in Sabry Abu Alam street.

The Egyptian Museum now opens its gates for visitors at night on Sundays and Thursdays. You get to enjoy the night shows and visit the mummies halls. From 6pm to 9pm, the tickets cost 20EGP for Egyptians and 120EGP for non-Egyptians.

You can enjoy the most amazing views from different hotels’ rooftops. “Carlton”, located in 26th July street, is the most renowned of them. There is also “Happy City” hotel located in front of Mohammed Naguib metro station, and “Odeon Palace” hotel next to the Odeon cinemas.

There are plenty of places where you can enjoy cultural events, from concerts, book clubs to movie nights. “Makan” which means “Place” in English, is an Egyptian centre for arts and culture. The venue hosts different music projects, and bands like “Mazaher”, an Egyptian folk band, and “Sahara”, a Nubian band.