Zamalek (Gezira Island)
Zamalek (Gezira Island)
4.5
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This island is located in the Nile River between downtown Cairo and Giza, and is characterized by upscale hotels, restaurants and pleasant gardens.
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Top ways to experience Zamalek (Gezira Island)
The area
How to get there
- Zamalek • 10 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
927 within 3 miles
Attractions
212 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
516 reviews
Excellent
261
Very good
186
Average
56
Poor
7
Terrible
6
Navy K
Santorini, Greece35 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
The island is accessible by walking from Tahrir square. We had a short walk there and probably it was the only place in Cairo we felt we smell fresh clean air, it has huge gardens and Cairo tower is located there next to a private sports club.
There is a street there full of shops and cafes and the rest of the island are private clubs. We had lunch at nice restaurant there called Al Dayaa but generally speaking, the best food we have had in Egypt was with "Food tours by Mila" the famous local food in Cairo on TA. Don't miss it if you look for unique activity in Cairo.
There is a street there full of shops and cafes and the rest of the island are private clubs. We had lunch at nice restaurant there called Al Dayaa but generally speaking, the best food we have had in Egypt was with "Food tours by Mila" the famous local food in Cairo on TA. Don't miss it if you look for unique activity in Cairo.
Written April 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda Y
Frisco, TX5,688 contributions
Jan 2020
We stayed four nights at the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino. The Marriott is in the Zamalek neighborhood on the northern part of Gezira Island, west of downtown Cairo. Once home to magnificent villas and palaces, the neighborhood still retains an aura of exclusivity. It was lovely to stay on an island surrounded by the Nile River, and we enjoyed the river views from our room’s balcony. Other than that, our only other exposure to Zamalek was when we drove on and off the island for sightseeing. At that point, there is no escaping the Cairo traffic! The Opera House and the Cairo Tower are in Zamalek, as well as restaurants and night clubs.
Written April 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anany Center
Egypt290 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
On the Nile island of Gezira, cosmopolitan Zamalek is home to cultural powerhouses like the Cairo Opera House, a grand riverside venue for performing and visual arts. Paintings and sculptures at the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art span the 20th and 21st centuries, while independent galleries focus on emerging local artists. Refined global restaurants and chic cafes sit alongside embassies and upscale hotels.
Written March 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands5,716 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
Seven years ago I walked around the island following the riverbank as much as possible. It was a 9 km hike and took me two hours. Nowadays it is hardly possible anymore as a new circular road is under conctruction around most of the island. Private clubs have extended their activities as well and built new terraces and restaurants off the island in the Nile. There is hardly any public space left. I found the northeastern section of the island the most quiet.
Written June 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada8,627 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This was one of the most walkable areas in Cairo and the area around the restaurants and embassies is quite clean. There are also lots of good restaurants on the island. There are some nice areas for pictures like the Cairo Tower, the 26th of July Street, the bridges, opera house and the area around Iconia. There are many nicely designed buildings here as well with European architecture. We found out that the embassies understandably don't want pictures being taken of their buildings or gates.
Getting to Zamalek might be easiest by ride shares like Uber or Careem and some areas are more walkable than others. We walked on and off the island without issue but we found at many points the sidewalks become very narrow or disappear altogether along the edges of the island. You can easily spend a few hours here but it might be worth a stop for a meal or dessert.
Getting to Zamalek might be easiest by ride shares like Uber or Careem and some areas are more walkable than others. We walked on and off the island without issue but we found at many points the sidewalks become very narrow or disappear altogether along the edges of the island. You can easily spend a few hours here but it might be worth a stop for a meal or dessert.
Written March 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JMDA1984
Connecticut266 contributions
Feb 2020
We stayed on the island It was very cool. Traffic however was awful, and coming back we would often be tied up for long periods of time it the taxi. So I am not sure it was the best choice of location for our visit. But we did love the area.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA17,478 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Very close to downtown, this island in the Nile provides some much needed green space. We drove by in our tour bus and we noted that there were a lot of people around seeking shade and a place to sit down. Good for strolling.
Written May 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
podrozniczka60
New Jersey16,428 contributions
Dec 2021
Zamalik on al-Gazirah island is connected with the rest of Cairo by three bridges. We lived on this island for three days and enjoyed daily walks. It was very interesting to admire the architecture and many buildings had European vibe. We found the examples of Art Deco style.
The Marriott Hotel incorporates the palace of Khedive Ismail and some of his gardens
We walked daily along the Nile and visited the parks. We also walked and accessed the bridges to have a different perspective looking at the island. During our explorations we felt save.
The Marriott Hotel incorporates the palace of Khedive Ismail and some of his gardens
We walked daily along the Nile and visited the parks. We also walked and accessed the bridges to have a different perspective looking at the island. During our explorations we felt save.
Written January 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KeithinSydney2011
Sydney, Australia64 contributions
Feb 2015 • Solo
Stay here if u can and then every day u can walk across the numerous bridges into town . U will meet soooo many guys all wanting to be yr friend and they all have relatives in Australia. A carriage ride is ..wait for it...Only 5 Egyptian pounds..!! until u get out and then there's food for the horse and his mum and sick aunties and the child that needs an urgent operation. No really stay in Zamalek. Ive tried Marriott Sofitel and Novotel...all v good. Cafes galore and great little eating places.
Written July 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pinoytraveller2
Luzon, Philippines15,100 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
This review is quite late. The Zamalek Area is located in Gezira Island which is a favorite destination for tourists. The attractions you can find here include The Cairo Tower, Opera House & Art Museum, and Gezira Gardens, among others. We took a taxi from the hotel to the Cairo Tower where we enjoyed the panoramic view of Nile River and Cairo City from the observation platform; had dinner at the Tower's Revolving Restaurant, walked to the nearby Opera House, and finally left the island on foot through the 6th of October Bridge.
Written January 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello everyone, i just heard of the attack that happened in Mina Egypt, is this far from Zamalek? is it safe to go to Zamalek? what about other parts in Cairo? your answers are much appreciated.
Written November 3, 2018
Zamakek is come Leto y safe it is my best place to stay in Cairo Marriott zamalek is very nice place I hope you enjoy your stay in Egypt
Written January 26, 2019
Hello i have this question please, what day is rest day there? Its Sunday or another day please?
Written October 26, 2018
Its on Friday and every store that isn’t foreign is closed until 1:00-1:30pm other then that, this city doesn’t sleep
Written October 26, 2018
Hello Dear Riyadh, I will travel to Cairo for the first time beginning of November.
I have no idea what is it like?
Do local people speak/understand English?
Is there a metro? how much is the metro ticket inside Cairo?
What about Taxi? how much the fee inside Cairo?
Is it safe city?
I thank you in advance for this!
Written October 20, 2018
Koshari is an authentic Egyptian food..... Just try there. You will love it
Written October 22, 2018
Hello Dear Nada, I will travel to Cairo for the first time beginning of November.
I have no idea what is it like?
Do local people speak/understand English?
Is there a metro? how much is the metro ticket inside Cairo?
What about Taxi? how much the fee inside Cairo?
What is the most famous local food?
Is it safe city?
your answer and information would help me a lot for my trip, i thank you in advance for this!
Written October 20, 2018
When it comes to nightlife is it best to stay in Zamalek or Downtown Cairo?
Written January 6, 2018
there are so many cafes and restaurants don't worry
Written February 8, 2018
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