We all know the feeling: Another week down, another to-do list conquered. But let’s be honest, sometimes the post-work slump hits hard. What if there was a way to turn that “What now?” into an excited “What next?” Hobbies can be a chance to explore, create, and connect beyond the workday grind. Get yourself out of the work-scroll-sleep rut and into these activities.

COOKING-

#1- MAMUSHKA: Mamushka, a kitchen located in Maadi, offers exclusive individual cooking classes for 4-9 people. Gather a group (or just your partner for an exciting date night) and head over to learn how to make pizza or pasta from scratch, or how to prepare chicken and steak to absolute perfection. Once you’ve put the aprons away, you and your companion(s) can sit back and enjoy your own creations. These private classes cost between EGP 600-1k depending on the cuisine.

#2- MON APPETIT: Ready to take your culinary skills seriously? Monappetit is a culinary and hospitality academy that offers short lifestyle cooking courses. Each program spans over 1-5 days, and includes courses in bakery, pastry, hot kitchen skills, food styling, food photography, and modern plating. Whether you’re perfecting your craft or getting ready to impress some loved ones, Monappetit is the place to go to level up. If you frequent West Cairo that is.

#3- THE COOKING SCHOOL:The Cooking School is an aptly named company. They offer a roster of dynamic classes with renowned chefs. Learn to roll your own sushi, make the perfect burger, and explore different international cuisines. You can bring your little ones along for their own special classes too. Courses are announced on a monthly basis, and are priced between EGP 950-1350. You can find The Cooking School in New Cairo, and as summer approaches, you can take your skills on the road and all the way to Sahel.

ART-

#1- IL PENNELLO: Il Pennello is a beautiful introduction to the world of pottery. While it’s a great spot for a good bite, you’ll find yourself staying for the painting. Grab a mug, a plate, a vase, or even a decorative chicken and a paintbrush. Drinking out of a mug you designed is more satisfying than you think, and once you’ve run out of space to store them, they make great handmade gifts.

#2- FOKHARA: Take it one step further and make your own ceramics by hand. Get familiar with the clay at Fokhara. The studio is open four days a week, when you can go practice handbuilding or wheelthrowing (don’t worry, you’ll soon get familiar with the terms). Each single course is three hours long — check their page for the schedule — and runs for EGP 750. Bring along your little ones along for EGP 500. You can commit to your craft by registering for the month-long course for EGP 2.7k or the three-month course for EGP 7.7k.

#3- ART CAFÉ: Try something new at Art Café. You can find drawing and painting classes in their Maadi and Sheikh Zayed branches, but why not pick up a brand new skill? Art Café offers a host of applied arts classes, like metal smithing, carpentry, macramé weaving, staining glass, and working with leather. Children can develop new passions with classes that teach them the basics of photography, fine arts, and photography.

CULTURE CLUBS-

#1- BAB INITIATIVE:Bab Initiative is a community center situated in Maadi, created to bring like- and active-minded people together. If you’re interested in writing but can’t seem to sit down and get clacking, maybe joining a monthly writing club will encourage you to hone your craft. An Arabic writing club is available too.

#2- DIWAN: It’s no surprise that Book Club = Diwan. Members of Diwan’s English and Arabic book club community meet up once a month to discuss works selected by the groups that are available at Diwan. Make time to get lost in a good book and discuss them with other bibliophiles in Diwan’s Zamalek branch. You can register for the book clubs here and here.

#3- BIBLIOTHEK: West-siders can enjoy a book club closer to home at Bibliothek, a cultural hub in Sheikh Zayed. While you’re there, you can grab some extra goodies from their bookstore, meander around their galleries, and grab a bite or a coffee at their café. For details on how to join the book club and more information about their schedule, DM them on Instagram.

SPORTS-

#1- BIKE ZONE: Cycle your way through C-Town with BikeZone. This Heliopolis -based club organizes multiple cycling routes per month, hoping to build a community of cycling enthusiasts. No bike? No problem. You can rent a bike and helmet from Bike Zone.

#2- ASCENT: Looking for an adrenaline rush and a challenge? Ascent is an indoor rock climbing center in Sheikh Zayed that lets you test your limits, conquer challenging routes (or problems — get with the lingo), and help you reach new heights (literally). Both complete beginners and seasoned climbers can find their niche there, whether you’re attending one of their classes or going for freeplay. Youngsters as fresh as six years old can attend instructed sessions. Walk-ins are accepted — You can claim a day pass on arrival.

Once you’ve become comfortable enough to tackle outdoor climbing, you can join the team on one of their local bouldering trips.

#3- OSANA: Looking for something more mindful and less strenuous? Explore the world of yoga at Osana in Maadi. This community-focused wellness center offers a wide range of classes for you to try out, from a gentle ashtanga to a heart-pumping vinyasa. Instructors from all around the world visit Osana to offer yogis diverse classes or teach the art of serenity. You can book available classes on their website.

Getting the itch to take your practice on the road? Osana now organizes holistic yoga-focused trips to Bali.

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