Exploring Egypt: Where to hang out in the North Coast's Sidi Abdel-Rahman Heading to the North Coast's Sidi Abdel-Rahman this Eid vacation but clueless about where to go after spending the day at the beach? Ahram Online has a few suggestions With a month left of summer and a long Eid vacation around the corner, it's time to make some plans to get away, and Egypt’s North Coast should be top of the list for everyone looking for a quick getaway from the bustle of Cairo. There are lots of favourite resorts, compounds and towns along the Mediterranean coastline, but over the last two years, Sidi Abdel-Rahman has become the newest cool place to be on the coast, dethroning perennial favourite Marina as the hip destination, known for its amazing beaches and buzzing nightlife. Around 120km west of Alexandria and 30km west of Alamein, Sidi Abdel-Rahman's resorts offer great options for a night out after a long day on the beach; cafes, restaurants, fast food spots, shops and night clubs are all available.

Below our some of our favourite hotspots. Outside the gates of Diplomatic Village 3, at the 126km mark from Alexandria, you'll find a cluster of restaurants and shops including fast food outlets like KFC, Hardees and Pizza Hut, as well as more upmarket options like Mori Sushi and Four Fat Ladies, a dessert and bakery shop. There are also other essentials like a pharmacy, mini-supermarket, and bookshop. Hacienda Bay’s Lake Yard and 6ix Degrees Positioned as the biggest food court in the North Coast, the Lake Yard is located outside the upmarket Hacienda Bay resort, 149km west of Alexandria, and there are an array of choices, from authentic Egyptian restaurants to sushi and Asian fusion restaurants to ice-cream and cafes, as well many more. Hacienda Bay is also home to the famous 6ix Degrees night club, known for its wild parties that host the most famous DJs, belly-dancers and singers from all over the Arab world. Unlike Lake Yard, you will need to make a reservation well in advance in order to get in.

Yes, luxe resort Marassi has a mall and shopaholics can access it for free. Located beside Marassi's main gate at 125km from Alexandria, M-Porium mall also offers a great choice of restaurant outlets. Inside Marassi itself, there are even more restaurant options, including fine dining favourites like La Bodega and The Smokery. Anyone can make a reservation, regardless of whether they own a Marassi property. If you're heading further west along the coast, you'll pass an array of fancy gated compounds like Amwaj, Telal and Hacienda White, and in front of the latter at the 148km mark you'll find Dunes mall. It's got a McDonald's for the fast food junkies and a Farmers Market for those after something a bit health-conscious. Cairo court upholds decision to freeze human rights activist's assets Germany: 280,000 new migrants last year, far lower than 2015 Odds against Renard in quest for third Africa Cup of Nations title UK government expects to lose Brexit trigger case, making contingency plans:.....

Kurdish militants claim responsibility for Izmir attack that killed two Men who eat lots of red meat have higher risk for common bowel disease Nutella maker fights back on palm oil after cancer risk study Eight killed in accident on Egypt's Atfih Road in Giza Moscow denies having compromising information about Trump 2017 Handball World Cup fixtures Obama tears up during tribute to Michelle, daughterssushi conveyor belt animal crossing Egypt's cabinet dismisses reports of higher minimum wage, mandatory military.....sushi grade fish at kroger Trump hit with claims Russia has compromising info on himsushi grade fish stamford ct Afghan bomb killed five Emirates humanitarian workers: UAE

Ivory Coast PM resigns in move delayed by army mutiny Trump calls for immediate Obamacare repeal, quick replacement: NYT Russian, Turkish foreign ministers stress need to maintain Syrian ceasefire US charges former UN chief Ban's relatives in bribery case Egypt hosts meeting of African officials to discuss unified vision on migration..... Ivory Coast's Ouattara names close ally as new PM Egypt's Shorouk newspaper raises price, apologises to its readers UPDATED: Seven dead in bomb attack in Afghan city that wounds UAE ambassador New UN chief urges Security Council to act more to prevent war Critics round on 'political' World Cup expansion Nations Cup Godfather looking to play spoilers' role Few high-level contacts between State Dept, Trump transition team: Kerry Iraq says Turkey relations cannot improve without troop withdrawal Guinea Bissau players settle strike on eve of African Cup debut WhatsApp, Gmail roped into tougher EU privacy proposal

Weekend with culture in Cairo, Alexandria: 12-14 January <.eg/newadv/a.aspx?ZoneID=447&Task=Get&Mode=HTML&SiteID=1&PageID=66245" width=120 height="600" border="0" alt="">In its place along the Nile River, Egypt’s 5,000-year-old capital celebrates an elegance and mystique of an ancient past that is ripe for exploration. To help make the most of your time here, we asked Dalia Khalil, Assistant Chef Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, to share her recommendations for the best things to see and do in Cairo—from day trips to the pyramids to cocktails in Zamalek. Architecture buffs will also enjoy a visit to Bayt Al-Suhaymi, a private residence-turned-attraction that is a beautiful example of Ottoman-era Cairo’s finest non-monumental architecture.Photography Ahmed EldalyThis city’s cultural offerings extend far beyond its famous pyramids. As Cairo’s main performing arts venue, the Cairo Opera House is known for its mix of high-quality cultural events;

productions of first-class ballet, opera and symphonic works; and unique venues and state-of-the-art facilities.For an out-of-the-box Egyptian experience, don’t miss the tri-weekly Al-Tannoura Egyptian Heritage Dance Troupe show at Wekalet El Ghoury, a performance that incorporates traditional dance with instrumentation and other elements that recall whirling dervishes. Built by Sultan Qunsuwah El Ghouri in AD 1504, Wekalet El Ghoury was originally a gathering place for merchants in central Cairo as well as a residence for many of the merchants’ families. Following its restoration in 2005, the building was given new life as a cultural arts centre. Near the city centre in the Muqattam Hills, the Citadel dominates Cairo’s skyline. Home to Egyptian rulers for 700 years, it is one of the major works of military architecture from the Middle Ages.Photography Wayne WilliamsHome to the world’s most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, the two-storey Egyptian Museum features an incredible 160,000 objects on display.

The museum’s 107 halls are filled with artefacts spanning the last 5,000 years, with a primary focus on the pharaonic era. Find the most significant showpieces in the Tutankhamen collection and the display of the reign of monotheistic pharaoh Akhenaten.Outside, the southern district known as Old Cairo is where you can see structures from the city’s varied history, including remnants of former capital cities such as Fustat. Here, you’ll also find the Babylon Fortress, the Hanging Church and other Coptic churches, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Mosque of Amr bn al-As, as well as Fort Babylon.Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile PlazaThe only surviving structures of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are the highlight of a trip to Cairo. Take a tour of the three main pyramids on the Giza Plateau—the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Chephren and the Pyramid of Mycerinus—and stick around for the evening Sound and Light Show, narrated by none other than the majestic Sphinx, located nearby.

Then, journey to the edge of the desert to see the ancient city of Memphis, the first capital of Egypt, home to the Alabaster Sphinx and several colossal statues of Rameses II. Explore Sakkara, the ancient capital’s vast necropolis (“city of the dead”). Here, you’ll find the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, thought to be to be the oldest pyramid in the world.Ten kilometres (6 miles) south of Sakkara is Dashur, the southernmost extension of Memphis and another royal necropolis. The two highlights here are the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both built by Pharaoh Snofru and excellent examples of the transition from step-sided to smooth-sided pyramids.The upscale district of Zamalek, an island located west of downtown in the middle of the Nile River, is filled with some of Cairo’s best restaurants. For upscale Asian cuisine, Asia Bar serves up a variety of authentic Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese dishes, and Mori Sushi features a modern approach to sushi, combining elements of classic and Western-style rolls.

The Lemon Tree & Co is a laid-back café for a unique Mediterranean lunch, and be sure to pick up some gourmet French pastries from Left Bank. For the ultimate pizza-parlour experience, Maison Thomas serves hearty portions, while Aperitivo offers fine Italian dishes and cocktails in a setting reminiscent of Milanese bars and cafés.Diners seeking authentic Egyptian cuisine should look no further than Abou El Sid, a popular, lively restaurant full of Old World charm and quintessential local dishes. Drawing inspiration from the street food trend, Cairo Kitchen is a contemporary take on the traditional koshary restaurant, with a menu that pays homage to classic Egyptian meals in a hip, modern setting.Tucked away in the primarily residential neighbourhood of Heliopolis, Sachi is a hidden gem. With a menu of innovative Japanese and international fusion cuisine, this is an excellent spot for dinner or just for a drink at the elegant bar.If your goal is to see Cairo, head to Cairo Tower in Zamalek, where the 360-degree views from 360 Revolving Restaurant near the top are clearest in the late morning and late afternoon.

Visit the Hotel’s 8 restaurant for a taste of China with views of the Nile. The menu’s extensive offering of seafood, noodle and vegetarian dishes offer something for every palate.Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and ResortsWith a total of nine restaurants at the Hotel, you don’t have to go far to experience fine dining in Cairo. Get your fill of authentic Chinese cuisine at 8, serving up festive dim sum every Friday; or experience a bit of Italy at Bella, with fresh pastas, risottos and freshly caught fish selections. Open 24 hours a day, Zitouni is the place to order classic Egyptian meze or shish barak and finish off with homemade keshta ice cream anytime, day or night.Few places in the world can match the energy of a bustling souk. Investigate the shops at Khan El Khalili bazaar to uncover an excellent variety of leather goods, embroidered clothing and hand-carved woodwork, and make sure to pay a visit to El Sagha for gold and silver jewellery. The Khan El Khalili market dates back to the 14th century, and its charm is best experienced in the small cafés and coffee shops scattered throughout, serving traditional Arabic coffee and usually offering a shisha (hookah).

Photography Francesco BorsottiGrab a table at El Fishawy to refuel before exploring even more of the souk. Or go for a luxury shopping experience at Beymen Mall, Egypt’s first and largest high-end, multi-brand department store, located at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza.Ask the Concierge to book a tee time at Katameya Heights Golf & Tennis Resort, just 45 minutes outside of Cairo, which features a championship course designed by renowned French golf architect Yves Bureau.Or mingle with posh Cairenes at the renowned and exclusive Gezira Sporting Club for tennis, martial arts, swimming, basketball and more. Horseback riding through the desert is another can’t-miss activity while visiting Egypt, and you’ll find various stables near the pyramids that offer lessons and rentals.A spa experience fit for royalty, the Cleopatra Ritual at the Hotel Spa includes a luxurious milk-and-honey bath, topped off with essential rose oil and rose petals, designed to soothe your muscles and prepare your body for a decadent massage.

It’s the perfect treatment after a day spent exploring the desert. In addition to traditional oil massages, the Hotel’s Spa offers Balinese massages and Turkish hammam treatments.Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and ResortsFamilies can spend hours letting imaginations run wild at Fagnoon, a place where you can play, paint, draw, dance and try your hand at different crafts—pottery, carpentry, baking, jewellery making and more.Or head to KidZania, where little ones can unleash their inner chef, firefighter or doctor. Designed as a kid-sized city with 100-plus roles to play, KidZania is the first international edutainment park for children ages 4–14.The Concierge can arrange for a sunset camel ride near the looming Pyramids, a uniquely Egyptian experience that kids of all ages will love. The Hotel also offers a number of on-site activities such as storytelling, movies and swimming in the children’s pool that will keep young guests occupied.Cairo Jazz Club has been a staple of the city’s nightlife scene for years.

Don’t let the club’s name mislead you—you’ll see a variety of live bands and DJs as well as jazz. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are especially popular nights for dancing.Gŭ Bar is an Asian-inspired restaurant and nightclub where you can have early evening cocktails or dinner, and then dance all night while some of the city’s most talented DJs spin the beats.With its edgy, underground vibe, Graffiti Bar & Lounge is another venue for the see-and-be-seen crowd. More eclectic than your typical lounge, Graffiti hosts live bands, guest DJs, stand-up comedians and art installations, creating an atmosphere ripe for fun and creative expression, with a fresh and flavourful menu to boot.Start your day with an early-morning visit to the Pyramids of Giza, followed by a lunch of stuffed pigeons or Egyptian molokhia with white rice and grilled chicken at Zitouni. After lunch, visit the Egyptian Museum, or explore remnants of the city’s long history in Old Cairo. A ride on a felucca, the traditional Egyptian sailing boat, will put you right on the famous waters of the Nile, and it’s an excellent way to relax after an eventful day.