Your guide to everything Eid: What to do, where to go, and what to eat

🎉 The long-awaited Eid El Adha break is right around the corner — and with a six-day break like that, it’s a chance to kick back, relax, and find an activity (or lack thereof) to do while you enjoy the Cairene spring. In this week’s edition of The Enterprise Guide, we’re breaking down where to go, what to eat, and what to watch this Eid. Let’s dive right in.

What to watch

There’s never a shortage of great Eid film releases in cinemas, and with this coming break, it may be time to hit the theaters and enjoy all that Egyptian — and international — cinema has to offer. Here are our top picks from this Eid’s releases, as well as other films that we enjoyed that are currently showing in cinemas.

#1- 7 Dogs: Egyptian cinematic legends Kareem Abdel Aziz and Ahmed Ezz rekindle their insane on-screen chemistry after Kira & El Gin in this hard-hitting action flick from the directors of Bad Boys and the stunt team behind John Wick. 7 Dogs is directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. The film — which holds a Guinness WorldRecord for the Biggest Explosion in the History of Cinema — follows Interpol agent Khalid Al Azzazi, who joins forces with Ghali Abu Dawood of the 7 Dogs crime syndicate to fight drug trafficking.

The film stars Tara Emad, Hannah El Zahed, and Sayed Ragab alongside worldwide legends Monica Bellucci and Salman Khan. 7 Dogs comes out in cinemas on 27 May. Watch the trailer on YouTube (watch, runtime: 2:17).

#2- Ezma: Brought to life on the big screen by the creative mind behind Hepta and Badaa Saat Fi Yawman Ma, Mohamed Sadek, Ezma is the newest novel -turned-film. The film follows Issa, who, on his 36th birthday, receives a mysterious gift from his 18-year-old self. The gift shakes him out of his passionless life and sets him on a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, unraveling his reality alongside his childhood friend Sera.

The film stars Ahmed Dawoud and Salma Abu Deif, alongside Hamza Diab and Jessica Hossam El Din, who play Issa and Sera’s younger selves. Ezma comes out in cinemas on 27 May. Watch the trailer on YouTube (watch, runtime: 1:39).

As for other films worth checking out in cinemas this Eid, we enjoyed these releases: Michael, The Devil Wears Prada 2, and Asad.

Where to eat

There’s no shortage of restaurants across Egypt that serve lamb and grilled dishes for Eid. These are our top favorite oriental grill eateries for the ultimate “Eid El Lahma” experience.

#1- Haty Ahmed Nada: Starting us off is the hot new grill favorite in C-town. AhmedNada started off as a small restaurant in Ain Shams and later became a TikTok phenomenon — one we’d argue is worth the hype — with a total of four branches across Ain Shams, Almaza, and New Cairo. The restaurant also delivers on Talabat if you’re looking to enjoy its signature grills from the comfort of your own home (couch, to be specific) this Eid.

#2- El Dahan: A cult classic known for its range of Egyptian grills, El Dahan keeps us hooked with its signature grilled kofta and a collection of sandwiches, from classic staples such as kofta, sausage, and Alexandrian liver to a slew of chicken sandwiches. El Dahan has branches all over Cairo and also delivers on Talabat.

#3- Qasr Elkbabgi: Who doesn’t love dinner and a show? A steaming bowl of molokheya and an accompanying show are a QasrElkbabgi essential, and you’d be getting the extra-special treatment if you sit at the famous Qasr Elkbabgi throne. Serving up grilled dishes and a hearty menu of dishes like mombar and vine leaves, Qasr Elkbabgi is a must-try this Eid. The restaurant has branches across New Cairo and Sheikh Zayed, as well as on the North Coast, and can be found on Talabat.

#4- Hadramot Antar: Hadramot Antar serves up oriental food in style, with a cozy, Bedouin vibe, spectacular service, and ample portions. Perfect for big family gatherings in the Eid season, the restaurant caters to a variety of meats, including chicken, mandi, lamb, and beef grills. Hadramot Antar has branches in GesrEl Suez, New Cairo, and near Obour.

Still hungry? Check out our reviews of El Mohammady, Mazeej Balad, Tasht Tut, and Al Khan for further inspiration.

What to do

There’s never a dull moment in Egypt, whether you’re spending your Eid in Cairo or embarking on an Eid adventure outside the city — thinking of taking a day trip? Here are a few ideas.

#1- Take a day trip to the Wadi Degla Protectorate: Perfect for bonfires, camping, barbecuing during the day, and stargazing in the evening. If you’re looking for inclusive packages for your trip to Wadi Degla, you can check these out: Waffarha, DesertAdventures, or Cairo Top Tours.

#2- Head up to Hazel Farm for assured family fun, where your kids can enjoy a multitude of activities tailored to their whims, and you can enjoy a mini zoo, baking and pottery-making, picking fruits and vegetables on the farm, and ending the day with a big Eid feast.

#3- Keep things eco-chic with a trip to Il Campo eco-lodge and resort, where you can enjoy the quiet of undisturbed nature, equipped with barbecue facilities, a farm, and myriad activities designed for families, individuals, or friend groups to get away from the bustle of the city.

#4- Spend a day by the sea at Fins Kitesurfing center in Kai Sokhna, where you can pick up a new skill (or fear, depending on your tastes) with curated kitesurfing workshops, or simply spend the day lounging on the beach at this high-end seaside lounge.

If you’re looking to get out of the city and spend the weekend away, it may be worth it to check out our Fayoum weekend guide and Alexandria weekend guide as well.

Want to keep it low-key in Cairo? Say less. We have a carefully curated list of guides, from museums and galleries — including a special two-part guide to the GEM museum here and here — to green spaces in Cairo and picnic spots. We even have a Cairo staycation guide for those hoping for a quiet moment or two this Eid break.