Heliopolis, Nasr City and beyond

The area east of the city center started being developed at the end of the 19th century. This district has numerous Western-style shops and restaurants. The elegant arcaded buildings in the area around Midan Roxy are architecturally appealing. Interesting sites in this area include the October War Panorama and Sadat’s Tomb, erected on the site where the late President was assassinated in 1981.

Northwest of Heliopolis, and easily reached by Cairo’s Metro line, is Matariyya. This contains the site of ancient Heliopolis, the City of the Sun - the earliest settlement in the Cairo area. The granite Obelisk of Senusert I (dating from around 1900 BC) stands at Midan al-Misallah, and 500 metres south stands the Virgin’s Tree, which supposedly shaded the Holy Family during their time in Egypt.

Maadi

To the south of Cairo, the suburb of Maadi is a popular residential area for foreigners, the tree-lined streets camouflaging private villas in the older sections of the district are wonderful. Felucca rides on the Nile departing from the docks along the Corniche in Maadi are a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

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