Romance is a very personal thing, but in Cairo, if you’re not careful, you’ll end up even more in love. Everything in the Egyptian capital is exciting, the temples, the treasures guarded in the museums, the history that spreads around every corner, and that special atmosphere that surrounds everything. If you’re looking for a destination to travel as a couple, this city on the banks of the Nile has a lot to offer you whether you want a weekend getaway or if you want to experience it in depth for at least a week.
The romantic things to do in Cairo will depend a lot on the personality of you and your partner, since you can choose between getting lost in its streets and discovering all its spots or going on cultural visits to delve into Egypt’s rich history. If during the day, the effervescence of the capital is non-stop, when the sun goes down everything becomes much slower and invites you to walk more leisurely and with your senses more relaxed. This may be your favourite part of the day and the one you make the most of, watching the sunset from a felucca in the middle of the Nile, sitting in a restaurant with a view, or enjoying a night at the opera house. Cairo is a special city and discovering it as a couple is an unforgettable experience.
- Admiring the pyramids of Giza
- Touring the city centre in a horse-drawn carriage
- Shopping in Khan el-Khalili
- Spa session for two
- A night at the opera
- Romantic dinner with a view
- A felucca cruise at sunset
- Tips and recommendations
- Where to stay in Cairo
Admiring the pyramids of Giza
The first time you see the pyramids of Giza can be one of those moments in the history of any couple. No one is left unmoved when admiring these grand monuments in person that have been part of our history books for a lifetime. A walk on the Giza plateau, among the pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus is a dream come true and immortalised in dozens of photographs. Take the opportunity to see the Great Sphinx, and the dream is almost complete.
Touring the city centre in a horse-drawn carriage
Yes, Cairo is also popular for horse-drawn carriage rides. We recommend do this at sunset and ride through the historic centre. Watching the city light up as you enjoy the views in comfort is a privilege. Before your eyes you’ll see the frenetic Tahrir Square, mosques, and the Egyptian Museum. This activity usually lasts several hours, which means the tour can be very comprehensive and informative as you’ll be given information along the way.
Shopping in Khan el-Khalili
Whether you’re a fan of shopping or not, a fun activity to do as a couple is to look for souvenirs to take home in one of Cairo’s historic bazaars. One of the oldest is the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, which began as a “caravanserai” (where caravans stopped on routes between the East and West) and today houses a micro world that will captivate you as soon as you arrive. Wander through this historic maze of streets lined with shops where products jostle for your attention. You won’t come back empty-handed.
Spa session for two
How about taking advantage of your trip to Cairo for a spa treatment or relaxation session? Egypt’s dry climate has always been one of the things that has attracted those who want to enjoy a treatment that uses the properties of the desert sand or the thermal waters. In the Egyptian capital, you’ll find excellent thermal spas and hot springs where you can get a new lease of life. One of them is the spa at the Barceló Cairo Pyramids, which offers sophisticated facial and body treatments, hot tubs, and a sauna, among other things, perfect for leaving you full of energy.
A night at the opera
This is one of the romantic experiences that you have to make a note of because it’s unbeatable. It’s hard to imagine a more special experience than attending a play, ballet, or opera in the wonderful Cairo Opera House. It’s located in the Zamalek neighbourhood and was inaugurated in 1988. As a curious fact, this structure was made possible thanks to a donation made by Japan after Hosni Mubarak’s visit there. Try to book your ticket in advance.
Romantic dinner with a view
After a non-stop day when emotions run high, a romantic plan that never fails in Cairo is a dinner in a relaxed setting, with candlelight and panoramic views. There are many choices in the capital, but one of the most popular is the Horus restaurant, which serves both Egyptian and international cuisine and is located on the 12th floor of the Barceló Cairo Pyramids. The views of the pyramids of Giza provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dinner. On another night you can take the opportunity to dine at other romantic restaurants such as the modern Nox Restaurant, Bar & Lounge, that also has beautiful panoramic views, or Beeja, which offers good value for money.
A felucca cruise at sunset
A sunset cruise on the Nile in a felucca isn’t to be missed among the romantic things to do in Cairo. There are small, intimate boats that can be rented for you both alone with dinner included, or you can sail on a larger boat with dinner, live music, and drinks included, alongside other travellers. The views from the river are a real treat, and the prices are very affordable.
Tips and recommendations
For Cairo, our travel recommendations are the usual common-sense ones. When it comes to your luggage, bring cotton clothes because if it’s hot, they allow your skin to breathe. If you want to enter mosques that allow visitors, you’ll have to wear more modest clothing or cover yourself up. With regard to food, if you suffer from stomach upsets, be careful what you eat and watch out for any tampering with food. Don’t drink tap water, always ask for bottled water, and make sure there’s no ice in your drinks. In any case, it’s a good idea to take some anti-diarrhoea medicine and some sachets to protect your intestinal flora in your first-aid kit. Last but not least, buy sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
Where to stay in Cairo
A trip to the Egyptian capital deserves a hotel where you can make the most of every moment of the day and that is close to the main attractions. One such establishment is the Barceló Cairo Pyramids, a four-star hotel where you can relax, located just a few kilometres from the pyramids of Giza with 236 comfortable rooms. Its facilities range from a heated swimming pool with views of the pyramids to a number of restaurants and bars, a spa, and a gym where you can indulge in hedonism. It’s without a doubt a hotel where you can enjoy an ideal romantic getaway.
