Palace Colours & Pistachio Scoops: Zamalek at Leisure

Hours and openings change often — double-check each spot is still open before you head out.

The day, stop by stop

1. 1
   10:15 AM 90 min

   Aisha Fahmy Palace — Gezira Arts Center

   Rich woodwork, stained glass and ornate rooms give changing art exhibitions an unusually sumptuous setting. Public access follows the exhibition programme, so confirm admission beforehand.

   1 Aziz Abaza Street, Zamalek, Cairo 11211, Egypt

   Directions
2. 2
   12:00 PM 60 min

   Diwan Bookstore — Zamalek

   Arabic and English shelves offer a quieter portrait of Cairo. Browse contemporary Egyptian writing, illustrated books and a few tempting additions to your luggage.

   159 26th of July Street, Zamalek, Cairo 11211, Egypt

   Directions
3. 3
   1:15 PM 75 min

   Maison Thomas — Zamalek

   Mirrors, marble and thin-crust pizza make this long-established neighbourhood institution an easy lunch stop. The pleasure is its dependable, bustling simplicity.

   157 26th of July Street, Zamalek, Cairo 11211, Egypt

   Directions
4. 4
   2:45 PM 45 min

   Mandarine Koueider — Zamalek

   Finish among trays of syrup-glossed pastries and cooling ice cream. A pistachio scoop or a small selection of oriental sweets provides a suitably indulgent, daylight finale.

   17 Shagaret El Dorr Street, Zamalek, Cairo 11211, Egypt

   Directions