Cairo Magazine - From behind the kiosk counter

Even in a city of 20 million people, the herds of tourists who stampede to Cairo each year don’t go unnoticed. While traipsing between the pyramids, the Egyptian museum and Khan Al Khalili, though, the tourists may actually be missing the best parts of Cairo. We went to the men behind the kiosk counters to see what hidden gems they think the metropolis is hiding.

“There are many amazing places in Cairo that are worth visiting. Unfortunately all the tourist companies go for the well-known places and don’t take the time to rediscover Cairo, to find new places for the tourists. I suggest that people visit the mosques below Saladin’s Citadel, they are amazing, with very fine Islamic architecture—I guarantee satisfaction for everyone who is interested in history and architecture and I know that there are many people visiting Cairo for both reasons.”
Shaban, 31
Hassan Mamon Street, Nasr City

“Well, I may sound strange by suggesting this, but this is my own favorite place in Cairo and I think that other people would enjoy it too. In winter after midnight go to the 6th of October bridge over the Nile. Standing on the bridge you can enjoy the Nile and feel that the Nile is for you only. I love the cold weather, and the Nile when the temperature is approaching zero is breath-taking.”
Mehanna Atef, 37
Al Hay Al Thamin, Nasr City

“I believe that Cairo has nothing new but the malls—everywhere else in Cairo is completely discovered from south to north. One of the best new malls is City Stars. It is big and has many restaurants and cinemas. Anybody who goes there will find many things to do, so I suggest going there for anyone who wants to have some fun.”
Fatma, 16
Al Nasr Road.

“I believe that for foreigners and tourists there is one life-time experience they will not find any place but Cairo. Try to be in the streets of Cairo when the president or any important figure is passing by with his tashrefa, motorcade. That is what makes life in Cairo unique.”
Ahmed Al Sayyed, 44
Al Marghany Street, Masr Al Gedida

“I believe that many tourists will be of afraid doing this, but one of the best things that you can do in Cairo is to take a boat on the Nile at night. It is frightening, particularly the first time, especially with the shaking of the boat right and left. But after a while you will throw the fear away and have the most enjoyable moments on earth.”
Refay, 19
Al Darrasa (Al Hussein), the street parallel to Al Hussein to the left

“One of the things I see tourists do—and I envy them for it—is taking a tour in a horse-drawn carriage. I always wish I could do something like that and I believe it is enjoyable.”
Hamada, 17
Masaken Al Zobbat, Al Haram

“I hear from many people that there are many museums in Cairo, and I believe that there are many small museums other than the big Egyptian Museum. I think that it might be good to visit these museums, especially for older tourists who come to Egypt just to see things like the pyramids.”
Fathy, 60
Hassan Mamon Street, Nasr City

“One of the amazing places in Cairo is the neighborhood of Al Azhar. I love it, and you can find many things to do and to buy there. There are the old mosques and the renovated houses. Also, of course, there is Khan Al Khalili market, where tourists can buy many things to remind them of Egypt. I believe that to say that you visited Cairo you have to visit Al Azhar, Al Hussein and Khan Al Khalili.”
Mohammed, 22
Saladin Street, Masr Al Gedida