Cairo for The Slow Weekenders: a Friday-to-Monday weekend
Pyramids at the edge, a thousand minarets in between.
The weekend as rest. A hotel worth staying in, a hammam or a thermal bath, one unhurried sight each day, lunches that run into the afternoon, and early nights.
Friday: Settle in
- Felucca on the Nile
The slowest transport in town: a felucca drifting along the Corniche at sunset, with nothing to do but watch the sun go down.
- Sequoia
A Nile-side terrace in Zamalek, shisha and grills; a long dinner at the end of the island with the river lights across the water.
Saturday: One sight, and lunch
- Giza Pyramids Plateau
Make the pyramids the day's one sight, an easy two hours; the heat builds from eleven so go early.
- Andrea Mariouteya
A long lunch under the palms with tahini salad, grills and sweet tea that lasts well into the afternoon.
- Orman Garden
A quiet botanical garden by the zoo, benches and fountains; read, doze, or watch the families on the grass.
Sunday: A hilltop and a hammam
- Al-Azhar Park
Water terraces and a restaurant with a view over the old city; a perfect slow Sunday morning.
- Abou El Sid
Linger over mezze and pigeon at a Zamalek townhouse, then walk back along the river.
- Cairo Tower
Arrive for the sunset view over the Nile; tea at the top.
Monday: No rush
- Hanging Church
A small and quiet church in Coptic Cairo; the old lanes beside it are sleepy.
- El Fishawy
Mint tea and a shisha for the road.