Ultimate Guide to Garden City, Cairo: Discover the Best Local Activities

Garden City, a prestigious neighbourhood in Cairo, Egypt, was established by Khedive Ismail near the Semiramis Hotel. Designed to accommodate the upper echelons of society, it served as a venue for hosting international guests during the historic inauguration of the Suez Canal.

Today, the district is renowned for hosting numerous foreign embassies from countries including the United States, Britain, and Canada. It also boasts an exquisite collection of palaces and villas, each showcasing unique and rare architectural designs that reflect its storied past.

Historically, the area now known as Garden City was once submerged beneath the Nile’s waters. In response, Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad bin Qalawun, the ninth Sultan of the Mamluk Bahri dynasty, transformed it into a grand square named al-Midan al-Nasiri. This space was adorned with lush trees and roses, creating a vibrant park where public horse shows thrived under King Al-Nasir’s enthusiastic patronage.

During these times, the square would come alive with giant horse races every Saturday for two months following the day of Wafaa El-Nil. Sultan Al-Nasir, accompanied by knights in splendid attire, would ride from his mountain castle to the square, greeted by the cheers of the Egyptian populace.

In a notable endeavour, King Al-Nasir attempted to construct a building on this site, leading to extensive excavation that inadvertently formed what is now known as the Nasiriyah pond, adding yet another layer to the area’s rich historical tapestry.

Previously known as Basateen Al-Khashab, the land that Garden City occupies was strategically positioned between notable landmarks such as Al-Mubtian Street, Al-Khashab Street, Al-Burjas, the Nile, Al-Qasr Al-Ainy Hospital, and Bustan Al-Fadil Street. The division of Al-Khaleej Street into two sections, “Al-Marais” to the east and a section flanking the eastern bank of the Nile to the west, marks the evolution of this district into the Garden City we know today.

This blend of deep historical roots and modern diplomatic presence makes Garden City not only a key residential area but also a significant cultural and historical hub in Cairo.

Things to Do in Garden City, Cairo

Garden City, one of Cairo’s most affluent areas, offers a plethora of exciting activities. Below is a curated list of top attractions and experiences.

Historical Insights

Delve into the rich tapestry of Garden City’s past, a neighbourhood steeped in history and elegance. Founded by Khedive Ismail to host the world’s elite, this area showcases architectural marvels and tales of grandeur. From the transformation of submerged lands by Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad into the bustling al-Midan al-Nasiri, to the cultural haven of Beit El-Sennari—a meeting point for scholars and artists since the Napoleonic era—Garden City offers a glimpse into Cairo’s luxurious and storied past. Explore these historical sites and immerse yourself in the narratives that have shaped this prestigious district, making it a key cultural and historical hub in modern Cairo.

Beit El-Sennari

Beit El-Sennari was built in 1794 by a Sudanese occultist named Ibrahim Katkhuda El-Sennari. After Napoleon arrived in Egypt, it became home to many French artists and scholars. The house is now affiliated with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which is based in Alexandria. 

The museum is open to the public, and visitors can attend the numerous artistic events and workshops held there. They can also walk around the courtyard, open gardens, and various house sections to admire the artworks on display.

Visit the Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum was inaugurated in 1895 at the Egyptian Geographical Society, founded by Khedive Ismail in 1875. The museum’s collection includes valuable objects depicting the life and customs of the people who lived around the Nile Valley, which were collected by expeditions sent by the society to discover the Nile’s sources. There are also rare photographs and objects from the 19th century that depict everyday life in Sudan. 

The museum is divided into six sections. The first section is dedicated to Cairo with objects from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. The second contains traditional crafts that have become extinct today. The third section has furniture and objects from an upper-class house in Cairo. 

The fourth section holds objects used in the daily life of the rural population in the Egyptian countryside. The fifth section is dedicated to Africa and the Nile Valley, with a valuable collection of weapons and musical instruments and an extensive collection of photographs. The final section focuses on the Suez Canal.

Today, it is one of the top landmarks in Cairo.

The museum opens from 8:00 am to 5:00  pm and is closed on Fridays.

Top Attractions

Experience the essence of Cairo with a felucca ride on the Nile from Garden City, offering breathtaking views of the cityscape. Don’t miss the vibrant evenings on a dinner cruise, complete with live performances, or take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets, where architectural gems and serene landscapes await your discovery. Garden City is truly a treasure trove of activities that encapsulate the spirit of Cairo.

Boat Rides

One of the best things to do in Cairo, especially in the summer, is to go out on a felucca, Egypt’s ancient form of sailboat, and have a picnic right on the Nile. There are several felucca docks in Garden City, across from the Four Seasons, where you can ride for around EGP 70 to EGP 100 per hour. 

This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal while admiring the Cairo skyline and many of its famous attractions from a different vantage point.

Take a Walk by the Corniche

Take an evening stroll along the Corniche to the Qasr el-Nil Bridge, where you can admire the famous lion statues at the foot of the bridge. The bridge is a popular spot among young couples, who can sit for hours admiring the beautiful view and buy some roasted lib (peanuts, pumpkin seeds) in small paper cones and hot sweet tea. 

Have Dinner on a Cruise or Scarabee

From 8 pm to 10:30 pm, you can book dinner and a show on a cruise or scarabee. This offers a delicious dinner, and you also get a great view of the Nile as the boats or ships take you on a two-hour trip along the water. 

You can also perform by singers and dancers for the night.

Walk around Garden City

Take a walking tour around Garden City and admire the architecture of its famous historic buildings, villas, and streets, which were once home to the crème de la crème of Cairo. The British Embassy on Ahmed Ragab Street was built in 1894, and the Grey Towers Building at 10 Itihad el Mohamyeen el Arab Street was also dubbed 10 Downing Street as the British Army’s headquarters during World War II.

Cultural Sites

Garden City is a cultural mosaic, home to the iconic Dobara Palace and Fouad Pasha Serageddin Palace, each telling stories of diplomacy and grandeur. These sites not only boast exquisite architectural designs but also serve as custodians of Cairo’s rich historical dialogues. Explore these landmarks to uncover layers of Egyptian culture and heritage that continue to influence and inspire.

Marvel at the Dobara Palace Church

In January 1940, a new church was established in Cairo, provided that this church would meet in the hall owned by the Nile Mission Editorial House in central Cairo. Reverend Ibrahim Saeed, the preacher known for his beautiful sermons, was elected as pastor of this church in March of the same year. Attendance in this new church increased to the point that the need for a large building became necessary. In 1941, a palace was bought in Tahrir Square, which was to be demolished and replaced with a church.

The palace contained a beautiful garden. King Farouk, King of Egypt at that time, authorized the building of the church on 11 March 1944, after he was asked by his private mentor, Ahmed Hassanein Pasha, who, like Farouk, had studied in England where he lived in the house of Reverend Alexander White, the great preacher, and writer of many books on the characters of the Bible. 

After Dr. White passed, his wife came to Egypt, where she met up with Ahmed Hassanein Pasha, who took her to meet Reverend Ibrahim Saeed. Ahmed Hassanein Pasha asked Reverend Ibrahim Saeed if he could help him with anything. So the latter asked him for a permit to build the church and asked if Mrs White could see the license signed by the king before she travelled.

The building of the Evangelical Palace of Al-Dobara Church began in December 1947 and was completed in 1950. 

The church provides cultural, social, sports, youth, and recreational services and holds religious and recreational conferences.

Admire Dobara Palace

The Dobara Palace is located on Simon Bolivar Square in Garden City. It is also known as Villa Casdagli. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Dobara Palace witnessed many conflicts and negotiations.

Palace’s design is inspired by Central European hotels and was built in the early 20th century by Austrian architect Edward Matasek (1867-1912) for Emanuel Casdagli, a British-educated man and his Levantine family. The Casdaglis also rented their villa to prominent diplomats or agencies like the American Embassy.

Matasek also designed several of the city’s landmarks, including the Jewish Synagogue, the Austro-Hungarian Rudolf Hospital in Shubra, the German School, Villa Austria, and his own house, which he passed away before finishing. 

Midan Kasr al-Dobara, since renamed after Simón Bolívar, is one of Cairo’s most renowned landmarks. Its name commemorates the liberator of South America. Its streets hold a restored Central European hotel, the Mosque of Omar Makram, several banks, the Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel, and more. 

Learn More about the Fouad Pasha Serageddin Palace

The palace was a gift from Serageddin Pasha to his wife, Mrs. Nabiha Hanim Al-Badrawi Ashour, on their 25th wedding anniversary. Italian architect Carl Burley designed it in 1908 and stayed in it for one week until he died of a heart attack. Later, his two daughters rented the palace to the German embassy, ​​and in 1914, the First World War was declared, and the British occupation government confiscated the palace. 

After the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, the confiscation was lifted, and it was rented to a Swedish school, which was then turned into a French school competing with the Merdi Dieu school at the time.

The school lasted for 12 years and closed after its bankruptcy, so the palace was offered for sale in 1929. That is when Serageddin Pasha stepped in and bought it in 1930.

The palace has an area of ​​1800 m2 with 16 rooms, a garden, and a garage. The palace is where all the sons and daughters of Serageddin Pasha Shaheen and some of his grandchildren were married. 

The palace was designed in the latest style of its time. It was the first palace in Egypt to feature a central heating system, which contained 10 heaters, four of which were crafted from hand-carved Italian marble.

From 1940 to 1952, the palace witnessed many secret political meetings related to the formation of governments. Prominent figures, led by Nuqrashi Pasha, Mustafa al-Nahhas Pasha, and King Farouk, visited to attend political meetings.

La Mère De Dieu College

In 1880, Khedive Tawfiq invited the nuns of El Mir de Dieu to teach students in Egypt. La Mère de Dieu College became an educational institution known for its excellence. 

The number of students gradually increased, and Sister Mary St. Clair established the Alexandria School in October 1881. The school teaches French as its first language. While the schools keep pace with the development of Arabic programs, the nuns try to direct their students to social work to help the poor, join programs to eradicate illiteracy and visit impoverished areas to provide aid.

The school has received many visits from prominent figures throughout its history. 

Dining and Nightlife

GarCity’s dining scene is anchored by the illustrious Shepheard’s Hotel, famed for its luxurious ambience and historical significance. Here, visitors can indulge in fine dining, enjoy evening cocktails, and experience the vibrant nightlife that Cairo is known for. This iconic venue, once a gathering spot for Cairo’s elite and international visitors, continues to offer a taste of the city’s rich social tapestry. Shepheard’s

Shepheard’s Hotel

From the middle of the nineteenth century, the Shepheard Hotel was the most important hotel in Cairo and one of the most famous hotels in the world until it was destroyed during the Cairo Fire in 1952. Five years after its destruction, a new hotel was built near the original, which still stands today.

The hotel was officially opened in 1841 by Samuel Shepherd as “his Angels Hotel”. Later, it was renamed “Shepherd’s Head”. Shepherd was an Englishman described as”an undistinguished junior pastry chef” from Preston Cups, Northamptonshire. Shepherd brought on a partner in the hotel named Mr. Hill, who was also MohamAli’s head coach. 

On one occasion, the soldiers staying at the hotel were taken to Crimea and left behind unpaid bills, so Shepherd personally travelled to Sevastopol to collect the debts.

In 1854, Mr. Hill gave up his interest in the hotel, and Shepherd became the sole owner. Shepherd sold the hotel for £10,000 and retired to England. Richard Broughton, a close friend, left a detailed account of Shepherd’s gracious personality and career success. 

The Shepheard Hotel was famous for its luxury, with stained glass, Persian carpets, gardens, terraces, and huge columns resembling ancient Egyptian temples. Not only Americans but also French and British officers frequented the American pub at the hotel. There were nightly dance parties where men appeared in army uniforms and women in evening gowns.

The pub was known as “The Long Row” because it was always crowded and required a wait for a drink.

In 1941-42, there were real fears that Rommel’s armies might reach Cairo. Among the British and Australian soldiers waiting in line for service, a joke spread: “Wait until Rommel gets to Shephethat’ll stop.” The tavern’s signature cocktail was a remedy for the suffering of soldiers who complained about the poor quality of the wines in these areas. During the fighting, Nazi General Rommel would cla”m, “I will drink champagneShepherd’srd’s main wing “oon”.

“he “Long Row” was famous among the Greek government in exile. Harold Macmillan wrote on 21 August 19″4: “The government must move to Italy to escape the poisonous atmosphere of intrigue that fills Cairo. All the previous Greek governments went bankrupt. Shepherd’s Tav” rn.“

Across the street from the hotel were tourist shops and a storeroom where officers could leave their baggage. 

In the mid-20th century, the food served at the hotel was described as “like anything good at the Ritz in Paris, or Adlon in Berlin, or the Grand in “ome. 

Many distinguished guests stayed at the hotel, including a set of international films. The British film Beauty Is Co”ing” was shot there in 1934. The hotel was the location for some scenes of the 1996 film “The Sick English”, but the film’s central scenes were shot at the Grand Hotel de Ban in Venice Lido, Italy. The hotel also inspired Agatha Christie’s novel The Crooked House. 

The modern Shepheard Hotel, which is about half a mile from the original, was established in 1957 by the Egyptian Hotels Company Ltd. in the Garden City of Cairo. The Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels owns the new hotel and the land on which it is built. Helnan International Hotels Company manages the hotel, so it is known as Helnan Shepherd.

Belmont Building

The Belmont Building is a skyscraper overlooking the Nile in Garden City. The 31-story building was designed by Naeem Shebib and completed in 1958. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest building in Egypt and Africa.

The building’s rooftop featured a giant advertisement for Belmont cigarettes, which is why it gained its current name.

Transportation Tips

To reach Garden City, taking a taxi to Qasr al-Aini Street is advisable, as it provides direct access to the heart of the neighbourhood. Alternatively, the metro station at Sadat Square offers a scenic route along the Corniche, leading directly into Garden City.

Why Visit Garden City, Cairo

Garden City is a well-known district in Cairo, which has plenty of locations to explore, whether you’re looking for old buildings or modern activities. Garden City has a lot to offer for everyone who wants to visit it.

For more information on Cairo, check out our ultimate Egyptian vacation planner.