? The only downside to Sahel season is that sometimes we have to miss out. Heading up north every weekend is ideally the goal — but alas, life gets in the way. If you find yourself spending your weekends in Cairo, however, staying in to binge watch Grey’s Anatomy — or your comfort show of choice — doesn’t necessarily have to be your sole option. After all, Summer season is a mindset, and one you can adopt right in the heart of the capital.

Care for a proper staycation? We’ve gathered up a few ideas on how you can spend your weekend in Cairo without getting stuck in routine. From daily excursions to adrenaline-fueled activities, this is our staycation guide.

THE 12-HOUR ESCAPADES-

Leaving your house and not looking back is arguably one of the most defining aspects of Sahel season. In Cairo, this proves a little bit difficult to achieve — but what if it doesn’t have to be? Here are a few ways you can spend a full day outside (and actually enjoy it).

#1- A make-believe resort day. Vacationing is all about taking care of yourself — and in the process, letting others take care of you. Maadi’s Osana Family Wellness is one such place where both can happen. Open from 8am-8pm, you can grab a health-conscious breakfast from the Osana Café — we recommend the muesli bowl — book a morning yoga class, re-energize with a fresh glass of juice, and head back up for a personalized massage therapy session. When all is done, you’ll find that the café doesn’t hold back on lunch options. When all your appetites are satiated, you might want to grab a book and lay down in the shade. Need to scratch that retail therapy itch? Osana’s store — and weekly vintage markets — got you covered.

Can’t make it to Maadi? Check out our spa and wellness center guide for similar excursions.

WHERE TO FIND OSANA- Osana is located at 4 El Nadi Street, Maadi.

#2- A Greater Cairo day trip. Day trips are Qahrwya’s bread and butter. The sight-seeing tour agency has been hosting weekly tours all around the capital — and neighboring districts — since its inception in 2018. The best part? You won’t have to exert an ounce of effort planning anything out — all you have to do is show up. Primarily cultural in nature, Qahrawya’s tours encompass everything from quick afternoon visits to cultural sights, all the way to full-day trips.

Feel like getting in touch with your artsy side? Qahrawya’s tours include Wrapped in Silk, a day trip to Al Haraneyah and Dahshour that includes visits to the Ramsis Wissa Wassef Center, the Adam Hanin Museum, the Glass Museum, and real-life farms. A traditional lunch is part of the itinerary, and so are a selection of workshops. Can’t commit to a full day? Qahrawya often offers short visits to destinations such as the City of the Dead and El Mounira. If you’re looking for something a tad more specific, they can personalize a tour just for you.

WHERE TO FIND QAHRAWYA- You can check out Qahrawya’s upcoming tours through their official Instagram account, and peruse their tour brochure through the link in their bio.

#3- Want a picture-perfect picnic? Cairo lacks open green spaces, but if you know where to look, you’ll make yourself quite happy. Whether you’re treating yourself to a “me day” with a charcuterie board in tow, or going all out with your friend group on a full-fledged picnic experience, we’d suggest paying Family Park a visit. Time indeed flies when you’re having fun — but it somehow slows down at the New Cairo park.

Sun, shade, and…camels? You might worry that spending an entire day at a park will get old pretty quickly, but Family Park has enough to keep you entertained. If you’re with the kids — or self-identify as one — you’ll find games, a “magical” river, and a zoo filled with curious furry friends. The park has a few F&B outlets, but we’d recommend going prepared. Not sure what to pack in your picnic basket? Check out our picnic guide.

WHERE TO FIND FAMILY PARK- Family Park is in New Cairo, right next to Rehab City Entrance 2.

THE CULTURE FIX-

This one’s for those amongst us that could use some precious quiet time. What better way to get your mind off your 9-5 than by immersing yourself in art? From art galleries to destinations that have stood the test of time, here’s where to go to revisit the past — and the passions of those from it.

#1- TAM Gallery. Amongst Egypt’s biggest art galleries, The Arts-Mart (TAM) — the gallery behind Cairo Art Fair — is a maze even Theseus would have a hard time navigating — but only because he’d be too busy admiring the art. TAM’s Grand Hall on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road is a 1k sqm behemoth hangar housing thousands of art pieces from hundreds of contemporary multidisciplinary Egyptian artists — both established and rising.

Naturally, you’ll want to go home with a piece or two — but do you break the bank? You won’t really have to. TAM is currently holding The Summer Affordable Art Show — an exhibition at the Abu Rawwash flagship TAM Venue — and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Pieces are priced between EGP 1k-60k, with the exhibition running until the end of August.

WHERE TO FIND TAM GALLERY- TAM Gallery has many branches, including at District 5, but you’ll find the flagship venue on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, 2km after exiting the 26 July axis.

#2- Bibliothek Arkan. What’s an art gallery, a café, and a bookstore? You guessed it — Bibliothek. A 3-in-1 arthouse, Bibliothek is every old soul’s dream; you can peruse their selection of books — many of which you won’t find at mainstream bookstores in Cairo — grab a coffee and a croissant while you read, and end your visit with a tour through Bibliothek’s multidisciplinary art gallery. Bibliothek has two branches; one in Arkan Plaza and the other at New Cairo’s U Venues. While both are 3-in-1 arthouses, we found ourselves more in tune with ourselves at the Arkan branch.

WHERE TO FIND BIBLIOTHEK- You can find Bibliothek on the second floor of the F3 building at Arkan Plaza.

#3- The Baron Palace. It may come as a surprise, but the Baron Palace isn’t just a wedding venue or Suhoor tent destination — it’s also a museum. The Hindu-style palace is amongst the very first buildings to exist in Heliopolis, and it still towers over the district. The museum consists of several floors and rooms, each with their own displays detailing the history of the palace, as well as that of Heliopolis, and all the historical events its colossal walls have borne witness to. Its crown and glory? Its panoramic roof.

WHERE TO FIND THE BARON PALACE - The palace is quite difficult to miss, being situated right in the middle of El Orouba street, Heliopolis. Ticket details are available on the official website, with tickets purchased in-person at the gates.

GAME ON-

Is laying low simply not your thing? We get it, sometimes we crave a little competitive chaos too. Here’s where to go for a last-minute adrenaline rush.

#1 - El Malahy. From mild to wild, you’ll find rides and games to keep you busy for hours. Rollercoasters? Check. Ice-skating? Check. Gilmore Girls-esque town carnival games? You got it. El Malahy also boasts a number of crowd-favorite F&B outlets — so it’s a sure shot that you’ll have fun, one way or another.

WHERE TO FIND EL MALAHY- El Malahy is located in Katameya on the Cairo-Sokhna road. Tickets are sold at the gate, with prices starting from EGP 525.

#2 - Ground Control. The New Cairo spot offers the kind of arcade experience you didn’t know you needed. You’ll find all the classics; think basketball, cup pong, table football, air hockey, and axe-throwing, and there’s also a bowling alley and a few pool tables if you think you can win a game of 8 Ball.

Just show up and show out. Once you get your rechargeable card, you can spend as much or as little as you want. Each game comes at its own cost, and is just one swipe away from delivering joy. There’s also a food outlet, but we’d recommend hopping on over to Jimmy’s Pizzeria next door when you’re all gamed out.

WHERE TO FIND GROUND CONTROL- Ground Control is right next to the Scene Cinema complex at District 5.

DIPPIN’ IN THE CAPITAL

You can do quite a lot in Cairo — as we’ve already established. But what if that’s not enough? Sometimes to escape the heat, nothing works quite like a few hours in a pool. If you don’t have one in your vicinity, we’d recommend heading to the New Sakkara Country Club to kick back, relax, and spend the day. Miss the feel of sand between your toes? New Cairo’s JW Marriott has its own artificial beach. Need further inspiration? Check out our pools guide.

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