Of all of Egypt’s affluent neighbourhoods, Zamalek is likely the first to come to mind when thinking about the country’s upper-class areas.
With its uncharacteristically green and quiet streets, Zamalek is a prime choice for those looking to take a stroll in otherwise hectic central Cairo.
The island of Zamalek, formerly known as El-Gezira and situated in the Nile at the very centre of Greater Cairo, first saw significant modern use during the British occupation in the late 1800s, and was the site of an early British military camp.
Zamalek is often seen by some of its residents as somewhat separate from the rest of the city. Given that it is a literal island, some see Zamalek as a refuge from the crowded and often dirty Cairo streets, while others, to be honest, see it as a refuge from the lower-class masses that make up the majority of Egyptians.
Although those who have this outlook may not realise it, this attitude is more appropriate to the history of the island than one might think.
Spots to visit
Zamalek has been seeing a shift towards more and more commercialisation over the years. Given the neighbourhood’s numerous strategic advantages for prospective businessmen, cafes have been multiplying in recent years all over the island.
Walking down 26 July Street, Brazil Street, or the surrounding area, one can find a seemingly endless choice of both indoor and street cafes.
One cafe in particular stands out, however, and it is not as easy to spot as the rest. The Rooftop cafe, as the name suggests, is situated on the roof of a hotel at the spot where Brazil Street ends and Mohamed Mazhar Street begins.
What makes this cafe/bar interesting, other than its prime location, is that it is somewhat of a mix between an Eastern cafe and a Western bar. The spot is convenient if you are looking for what Egyptian cafes traditionally offer – coffee, tea, and most importantly, shisha – or if you want to have an alcoholic beverage.
Rooftop is an ideal choice for a mixed group of Egyptians and Westerners, as it can accommodate locals who cannot do without their shisha and Turkish coffee, as well as Westerners who prefer to have a beer at hand at their choice of hangout.
A little beyond Rooftop one can find another spot of interest for those seeking a good view. If you continue walking past the hotel where Rooftop is located and take the first right after the Hilton Hotel, you will find Montaza Street — a nice spot to sit and enjoy a view of the Nile from the corniche.
Those who grew up in Zamalek may remember Montaza as a prime choice for young couples looking for a quiet, out-of-the-way spot where they can be alone. Although the location is still a main choice for lovebirds who want to enjoy the corniche, in recent years it has also become a gathering spot for groups of young men looking for a quiet spot to park their cars, play some music, and maybe smoke a bit of hashish away from police scrutiny.
Montaza also recently became host to the popular new venue Riverside; a Western-style nightclub for those looking to dance the night away.
On the other hand, if you wish for an even quieter spot on the island to take a stroll, you may want to venture into the southern side of Zamalek, close to where Gezira Club and the Marriot Hotel are situated.
Adjacent to Gezira Police Station lies one of Zamalek’s oldest and most well-known landmarks: Geneinat El-Asmak (The Fish Garden).
