Cairo is a popular holiday destination, but one thing that a lot of people don’t realise is that during the summer temperatures get very high. From 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. you will find yourself enduring a scorching sun. If you want to enjoy yourself in Cairo in the summer you should find ways to stay out of the sun during the hotter times of day, and avoid the microbuses during the afternoon so that you can stay cool. It helps to know where the nearest pool is as well, for when you’re desperate for a break.

Here are a few ideas for things you can do during the summer that won’t leave you too over-heated.

Head onto the water

One certain way to ensure you keep cool is by staying on the water. Being near the river will naturally cool you down, and when you can spend the hottest hours below deck in gloriously cool air-conditioning, what’s not to love? Choose to stay on the luxurious MS Emilio Nile Cruise boat during your trip to Cairo and enjoy all-inclusive options, a spa and pool. 

Check Out the Music Festival at Salah El Din Citadel

Each summer, the Salah El Din Citadel in Islamic Cairo hosts a music festival. It is a popular attraction and with good reason. Visitors get to enjoy not just Egyptian musicians, but musicians from other Arab regions. Tickets are affordable, and you get to hang out on the hilltop and enjoy the breeze. The festival attracts a diverse range of people, and since there’s stuff going on in the evening, you get to escape the worst of the summer sun.

Enjoy a Shisha Late at Night

When the sun sets, you will find that the locals start to come out to play. They love to cool down after a hard day’s work, and you’ll notice that plastic chairs start appearing in the streets as people head out to relax and enjoy their nightly indulgence. Shisha is very popular in Egypt, and there are a lot of flavours to choose from. Cool mint is a good choice if you’ve been feeling the heat and want a refreshing flavour. If shisha isn’t your thing, then you can sit down and enjoy a lemonade or beer instead. The Historic Windsor Hotel is home to the Barrel Bar, which has been a fixture since the colonial times, and that is still a popular landmark. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a beer.

A Night at the Opera

The original Royal Opera House, sadly, is no longer standing. It was destroyed in a fire in 1971. The new Cairo Opera House, however, is still architecturally renowned and is a site well worth visiting. Egypt has a long history of arts and culture, and the Opera House is where you will find some of the best performances. The schedule at the Opera House does usually take a break during August, but those who are visiting in July can enjoy some performances. While the schedule tends to vary, the Heritage Arab Music Ensemble performs regularly as does the Cairo Symphony Orchestra. You will also find performances by a variety of Egyptian modern dance troupes and recitals by young, up-and-coming talent. Traditional ballet makes an appearance on the calendar from time-to-time as well.

The Qasr El Nil Bridge is near to the opera house, and you can enjoy a relaxing walk and some lovely views in the evening after the performances are done.

Relax in a Pool

Pools are common in Cairo. It’s a good idea to always have an idea where the nearest pool is so that you can cool off if things get to be a bit too much. There are some pools that are frequented by people who want to swim for exercise and some that are more for those who want to splash around. You can pick up affordable day tickets for the two pools at Gezira Club in Zamalek, and choose between the small lounging pool or the more serious Olympic-size offering. If you want something more luxurious, the Hilton has a pool as well and offers good poolside service.