Cairo is a huge city full of the hustle and bustle of downtown madness. Never ending traffic and droves of people can make the city seem all too busy. If you’re looking to escape the concrete for a while, Cairo has a wealth of green spaces at affordable prices. The many parks are great for families to spend time together, to relax, and even picnic. Here are our top parks in Cairo, Egypt.
Al Azhar Park
Located in southeastern Cairo near the famous Khan El Khalili Market, this amazing park is one of the largest in the city covering nearly 80 acres of land. This modern garden was once a garbage dump, and after significant efforts was opened to the public in 2005. It was designed with the people in mind, there are restaurants and cafes as well as spaces to sit and relax. Since it is in the heart of Islamic Cairo you are able to see a number of mosques. If you look to the west you will see the ancient citadel from inside the park, the palatial buildings and minarets climbing high in the skyline. Inside the park, you are also able to see the amazing Ayyubid Wall. Constructed more than 800 years ago, this structure had been lost under a sea of garbage and was only rediscovered when construction on the park began. This is an award winning space, including the 60 Great Public Spaces list by the Project for Public Spaces.
The park is open until 11pm weekends, and is 20le to enter as a foreigner.Cairo Fish Garden
While the name may sound unappealing, don’t discount this small 9 acre gem in Zamalek. This neighborhood is on the island of Gezira, populated by many expats and boasting quiet streets. After seeing your fill of museums or art galleries on the island you can rest your feet at the Aquarium Grotto in Cairo Fish Garden. Built in 1867 the garden hosts a large number of trees and flowers as well interesting architecture. The garden’s clay sculptures (reminiscent of fish gills) stone paths, bridges, and underground areas make it unique. There are still a number of fish exhibits, though many of the tanks no longer hold water. The Ministry of Agriculture issued a statement in 2017 with plans to revive the garden, hopefully with a new fish hatchery and a tourism service station. If you check the schedules you can find meditation sessions, yoga, and even concerts.
The park is open 9am-4.30pm, but is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, and is 20le to enter as a foreigner.Madinaty Butterfly Park
The smallest park on our list, this garden is no less beautiful. Clean and bright, this space has a grass lawn in the center with beautiful white stairs surrounding it. Large alleyways on both sides show off tall palm trees and flowers. Small children would love this park and all it’s plant life but since there isn’t much entertainment older children may be bored; however, it’s quiet side paths are perfect for a walk with a baby pram. It’s quiet and breezy, a gem in eastern Cairo. This family friendly park is perfect for gatherings and is especially beautiful during sunset.
The park free to the public, and is always open.Orman Botanical Garden
This Giza garden is most famous for its annual Spring Festival, held March through April. Artists present nature themed works and gorgeous plants in a unique display. Year round there are over 150 varieties of flowers, including a rose garden, as well as over 500 rare plants. This space was commissioned by Khedive Ismail, the same creator as the Aquarium Grotto, who gave the garden it’s French architecture flair. Meaning ‘The Forest” in Turkish, the Orman was created to model a famous French garden full of lemon trees. At 28 acres, its the perfect space to stroll and take in the rare plants, herbarium, and the famous Lotus Pond.
The park is open 9am-4pm everyday, and is 10le to enter.Whatever green you find in Cairo, be thankful. The Nile blesses it’s shores with fertile land, but the desert makes plants work hard to survive. Public gardens are a wonderful way to curate art, view specialty plants, and interact with interesting people. Any garden you visit in Egypt is sure to be a treasured memory.
If you’re looking for other places to visit in Cairo, check out this post.Contributing editor Meredith Kimberley
