Jan 31, 2025

Carmen Cairo

My 10/10 mid-day pitstop

""Carmen" in Cairo isn't just my 10/10 -- it's a 10 multiplied by 10! I'd say it's a great mid-day pitstop, but I spend too much time here to call it that."

Amidst the crowd and the daily distractions, it's actually possible to escape for a short while, taking a break and catching a breath that will put you on the right track for proceeding with your daily plans. I remember quite well how I decided three years ago that Carmen would be my pit-stop for fueling my day, the only difference being that pit-stops are supposed to be quick, but you simply can’t be quick when it comes to this secluded, underground piece of peace -- from dates and friends’ ranting sessions to setting up a casual meeting or cheering with a colleague while grabbing the coldest/coolest drinks in town.

If I could rate the place from 0 to 10, I would confidently say it’s a 10 multiplied by 10. The staff is beyond friendly, the other guests are well-aware of personal space and the whole energy is too good to be true. Your wishes are their command and your needs will be immediately fulfilled.

Believe me, I am not being biased, it is a common feeling everyone I know who has visited Carmen can confirm. However, there is one thing that is highly frowned upon: not letting go of any form of negativity the outer world has burdened your shoulders with, no matter how big or small it is. 

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

About this spot

Al Gazira

Sandwich:

LE

80

227350815

Explore Cairo like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Cairo guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Cairo

Alku5

Jungle atmosphere

"Alku5" in Cairo is like a gate to another world. It's a cafe with four different rooms and each room has a completely different style...

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Olfat

Al-Qadi

Mar 10, 2025

BOB's Bar

Where being alone out there is fun

"BOB's Βar" is a hidden gem of a bar in Heliopolis, Cairo. It's darkish, woody, affordable and perfect for any situation -- even watching football matches.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Rym

Abduljalil

Mar 10, 2025

Qahwet Wadi ElNile

Tahrir Egyptian café

"Qahwet Wadi ElNile" in Cairo is a cozy indoor café with a panoramic view of Tahrir Square. The decoration has remained the same since the '60s...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Mohamed

Khaled

Mar 9, 2025

Abdeen Gardens

Outdoor palace food court

"Abdeen Gardens" outside the magnificent Abdeen Palace in Cairo was recently renovated and now has excellent food courts! Great for families...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Mohamed

Khaled

Mar 9, 2025

Abyssinia

East-African gem

"Abyssinia" is for all East Africans and East African cuisine enthusiasts in Caior! The meals there are like a journey to the Horn of Africa...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Rym

Abduljalil

Feb 27, 2025

Souq Al sabbat

Weekly antique souq

The market has an assortment of watches, glasses, furniture, stamps, picture frames, analog cameras & everything that sparks memories from the olden days.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Farah

Safwat

Feb 25, 2025

Simon the Tanner

The miracle of El-Mokattam

The monastery of St "Simon the Tanner" in Cairo is an architectural wonder and a true work of art. Where else will you find a monastery carved in stone?

002-building
Art & culture

By

Farah

Safwat

Feb 22, 2025

Gayer Anderson Museum

House & museum

The "Gayer Anderson Museum" in Cairo is an antique house that will certainly catch your attention. Visiting is like reliving moments of history...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Olfat

Al-Qadi

Feb 22, 2025

Hana Korean Barbecue

Kimchi in Cairo

Do you like or miss Korean food? "Hana Korean Barbecue" will scratch that itch for you... I have been a loyal customer since being introduced to it!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Rym

Abduljalil

Feb 5, 2025

Sufi Cafe and Bookstore

Quiet time

"Sufi Cafe and Bookstore" in Cairo is the little cafe I sit at when I want to finish some schoolwork. I love the sufi chants and the events here, too...

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Farah

Safwat

Feb 4, 2025

Kayaking with Birds

Magic in & outside the city

Here's a fantastic way to get to know the Nile - do some kayaking with birds! You'll watch the sunrise among reeds and water fowl...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Rym

Abduljalil

Feb 4, 2025

BaB SharQy

Shawarma box

What’s better than a box of chocolates or a bouquet of roses? A box of shawarma! That's what you can get at "BaB SharQy" in Cairo...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Farah

Safwat

Feb 4, 2025

Heading to Cairo?

120 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Cairo?

120 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Cairo

Get to know our other Spotters from Cairo

As featured on:

cached_response not present
7317
Filters