Some travelers prefer out-of-the-box experiences or prefer doing fun activities over sightseeing. If this sounds like you and you’re visiting Egypt soon, I put together a list of unusual things to do in Cairo just for you.
If you’re planning a grand trip to Egypt, moving to Cairo to work remotely, or this is simply not your first trip to the country, read along!
BUT FIRST…
What to do in Cairo?
In case you still have some catching up to do with the basic, or the lesser-known, attractions in Cairo, here are some useful reads:
- Giza Pyramids Tour: A Local’s Ultimate Guide
- Old Cairo Tour: Where All Three Abrahamic Religions Meet
- The Saladin Citadel: A Cairo Day Tour You Can’t Miss
- All About Cairo’s Baron Palace and Its Spooky Stories
- Cairo Tower: Where to Capture the City’s Best Nile Views
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will earn a small commission if you purchase through my link at no extra cost to you. Please see full disclosure for more information.
Unusual Things to Do in Cairo: 7 Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities
Cairo is a really big city, especially that it’s often paired up with its neighboring governorate, Giza, making up Greater Cairo. That being said, the options are endless! Aside from its numerous tourist attractions and a wide array of eateries, there’s a ton of fun things to do in Cairo.
DON’T FORGET TO GET INSURED
#1 Hiking
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, I bet you’d be stoked when you find out that you can actually go hiking in Cairo! That’s right! One of the city’s hidden gems is none other than the beautiful Wadi Degla Protectorate, where you can go hiking, bouldering, camping, mountain biking, or BBQing.
#2 Rock Climbing and Bouldering
Speaking of bouldering and similar activities, Cairo offers several facilities where you could enjoy some monkey business. But where to go?
Mario’s High Ropes
The only outdoor rock climbing wall in Cairo is at Mario’s High Ropes, an adrenaline-fueled facility at St. Simon’s Monastery in Al Mokattam Hill. As the name of the place suggests, they don’t just offer rock climbing, but also high ropes, low ropes, and ziplining!
Working Hours:
- 11 AM to 7 PM
- Telephone bookings available from 10 AM to 10 PM
Prices:
- Rock climbing: EGP 50
- Low Ropes: EGP 75
- High Ropes: EGP 100
- Captain Ropes: EGP 120
- Ziplining: EGP 100
*Cash payments only. No walk-ins. For booking, contact +20 102 051 1597.
Fingerlock
Looking for an indoor facility? Well, Fingerlock, located at New Cairo’s Gold’s GYM, is the highest indoor rock climbing wall in the country. And you don’t have to worry about equipment – shoes, harnesses, chalk, and everything you need is made available. There are also instructors around to guide beginners.
Working Hours:
- Saturdays – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sundays to Wednesdays – 3 PM to 11 PM
- Thursdays and Fridays are off
Prices:
- Day pass costs EGP 185.
- There 1-month and 3-month unlimited passes for EGP 1,000 and EGP 2,000 respectively.
*Prices are subject to change, so always make sure to message Fingerlock in advance, especially if you’re a complete beginner as you’ll have to book an instructor.
Ascent
Another super cool indoor climbing facility is Ascent, located at Eden Mall in Sheikh Zayed. This one’s a bit different as the walls offer bouldering and free climbing routes. So, it’s a very interesting way to challenge yourself! And did I mention they offer climbing workshops?
Working Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM
Prices:
- Day pass costs EGP 200.
- There are 10-day passes, 1-month, and 3-month memberships available starting at EGP 1,600. Check Ascent’s page for more details.
*Prices and hours are subject to change.
#3 Pottery Classes
Pottery is one of the earliest forms of art in the world, and here, it’s considered a traditional craft that dates back to ancient Egyptian. So, taking a pottery class or workshop is one of the finest ways to immerse oneself into the Egyptian culture. But where can you explore the world of pottery in Cairo?
- Darb 1718 – Al Fustat
- Abouzeid Ceramics – Al Fustat
- Fokhara Studio – New Cairo
#4 Kayaking in the Nile
Kayaking is a super fun activity, but I bet it never crossed your mind that you can kayak in the Nile river. That’s definitely one of the most unusual things to do in Cairo because it’s not just an unexpected activity, but it’s also a great way to see the city.
Nile Kayak Club
The best perk of Nile Kayak Club is that it has 3 branches across the city; one in Maadi, the other in Manial Shiha, and the third one in Dokki. So, wherever you live, there’s probably a kayaking heaven nearby.
Working Hours: Only open on weekends (Friday and Saturday) from 6 AM to 5 PM
Prices:
- 1-hour ride costs EGP 180 at the Maadi and Manial Shiha branches, and EGP 150 at the Dokki branch.
Zamalek Kayak
Do you know those Instagramable transparent kayaks everyone’s obsessing over? Well, Zamalek residents and goers can enjoy these at Zamalek Kayak.
Working Hours: 8 AM to 4 PM
Prices:
- 1-hour ride costs EGP 100 for Egyptians and EGP 125 for foreigners.
- Transparent kayaks are rented for EGP 125 an hour.
Cairow Watersports
As the name suggests, this place doesn’t just offer kayaking, but you can also enjoy rowing, windsurfing, and SUP. Cairow Watersports offers induction sessions, coaching for beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels, as well as private one-on-ones.
Working Hours: Open daily, except on Sundays, from 6 AM to 11 AM and from 3 PM to 6 PM
Prices:
- 1-hour ride costs EGP 150.
- 4-session package is for EGP 600.
- 1-month package is EGP 1,300.
- Bookings made through their website.
Ahimsa
This place is a perfect weekend getaway, and not just for kayaking enthusiasts. This lovely, energy cleansing space also offers yoga workshops and retreats, as well as other events.
Working Hours: Only open on weekends (Friday and Saturday) from 11:30 am to midnight.
Prices:
- 1-hour ride costs EGP 200.
- Bookings made through their website.
#5 Paint N’Sip Sessions
As the name suggests, this is all about unleashing your inner artist while sipping on your favorite drink. Brush It brings this awesome concept to Egypt where they hold paint parties around Cairo and across the countries. But before you jump to the conclusion that this is a painting class, it’s not!
When I attended one of Brush It’s sessions, it was held at Sofitel El Gezirah hotel by the Nile. It was indeed a great way to enjoy a lovely afternoon. It cost me around EGP 600 back then, which included the art supplies and a drink of my choice. Dates and locations vary.
#6 Skiing
Skiing sounds just like another fun activity, but skiing in Cairo? This sounds like one of the most unusual things to do, right? Well, Mall of Egypt’s Ski Egypt makes it possible by introducing the only indoor skiing facility in the country. Snow, slopes, penguins, it has it all! And if you’re interested in snowboarding, that’s also available!
Working Hours: 10 AM – 11 PM
Prices: EGP 380 for a 2-hour slope pass or a 1-hour discovery lesson (skiing/snowboarding).
*Ski Egypt also offers a ski school.
#7 The Museum of Illusions
Did you there’s a branch of the world-famous Museum of Illusions in Cairo? Just head to Walk of Cairo in Sheikh Zayed for a mind-boggling experience! From the infinity room to the bumpy Vortex, this place hands down has some of the most unusual things to do in Cairo.
Working Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Prices: Tickets for adults are for EGP 200, EGP 175 for kids, and there’s a family ticket for EGP 650.
So tell me, would you try any of these activities in Cairo? If so, which ones are you excited for the most? Drop a comment and let me know!
Need help planning your trip to Egypt? Click here to learn more about my travel planning services.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!
Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.
SafetyWing offers different travel insurance packages, tailored to your needs, but their Nomad Insurance is my favorite option.
This travel medical insurance is perfect for frequent travelers. It covers lost checked luggage, travel delay, doctors, hospitals, and more. It even covers the COVID-19 emergency quarantine period if deemed necessary by a physician.
GET INSURED NOW – Nomad Insurance
Booking a trip soon? Here are some useful travel resources:
- Book your flight with Skyscanner, Kiwi, CheapOair, or WayAway.
- Book your hostel with Hostelworld.
- Book your hotel with Booking.com or Agoda.
- Get your travel insurance with SafetyWing.
- Hire a car with Skyscanner, Discover Cars, Rentalcars, or AutoEurope.
- Book your tours with Viator or Klook.
- Download an eSIM from Airalo.
- Check out my trip planning tools for more travel resources.
Sharing is caring!
You might also like:
- 25+ Activities in Cairo – Complete Local Travel Guide Included
- Ramadan in Egypt & Why It’s a Special Time to Visit
Meanwhile, if you like my content and would like to see more of it, subscribe to my newsletter here.
Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing with us.