Even though New Years was like, last weekend, apparently it’s Valentine’s Day next Tuesday *groan*.
Now, there are two reasons to panic: 1- you’re ‘unattached’ 2- you’ve got a special someone, but are stuck for date ideas. The latter, we can help with (sorry, singletons, we don’t pimp staff out).
Here’s the best of what Cairo’s got going for the occasion:
The Weekend Before…
Not sure what to get your Schnookums? Head over to Cairo Festival City Mall for their Valentine’s Bazaar this weekend (Feb 9 -11), which is set to feature 40 exhibitors. Get your girl a pretty bath bomb from Bubblzz, or perhaps a special silver token of affection from Al-Ayouty Jewelry. Keep your guy cozy in a UFW hoodie (they’re on sale!) The bazaar will be open till midnight, for all you night-owls.
For you folks in Sheikh Zayed, no need to make the 4-hr post-Friday Prayer- trip to New Cairo. Head over to Americana Plaza, where their Valentine’s Bazaar (Feb 10) will host Akeela Cushions, Genie Collection and Amy Handmade Accessories, to name a few!
Gotta work late on Tuesday? Celebrate early by going to the Cairo Opera House‘s Love is in the Opera concert, with Eman Shaker & Friends performing your favourite classic romance tunes ( Feb 10 at 8PM, 50LE tickets).
The Day Of…
Hotels
Cairo’s hotels are going all-out for Valentine’s Day this year. Have a luxurious Spa Day at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza (Feb 12th – 19th) complete with a sea salt scrub, aromatic massage and chocolate-covered strawberries, OR, treat your S.O. to a fancy dinner at one of their restaurants, Bella, 8, Zitouni and Upper Deck (prices start at 525+++LE). Feeling extra? Book a night’s stay with inclusive breakfast.
In the mood for some dancing? Head over to the Conrad, where the Farid Sisters will be singing live with Hassan Ramzy, backed by the Abydoss Symphony Orchestra (Reservation-only).
The Nile Ritz-Carlton will also host a dancing dinner party, featuring DJ Johnny and Les Petits Chats (Tickets start from 750LE per person). Also at the hotel, Vivo is offering a three (450LE++) or five-course dinner (700LE++) with wine and live entertainment in the form of a violinist and an opera singer. Meanwhile, Nox is set to welcome Beatles cover band, Glass Onion, for a special performance. You can find out more about Valentine’s Day at The Nile Ritz-Carlton here.
You could also keep it cool at the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski that night, where Ramy Sabry will be performing Arabic pop.
Over in Garden City, the Kempinski Nile has plenty going on, including a five-course dinner at Turkish restaurant, Osmanly, (550LE++) and The Blue Restaurant (600LE++), as well as a lavish six-course dinner in the Nile Ballroom, where Amy Frega is set to perform.
For a charming treat, book a special suite at Villa Belle Époque, where you will be surrounded by red roses and scented candles, while enjoying a a five-course dinner in front of a live performance, with chocolate to follow!
In Alexandria for the special day? Check out what the Four Seasons at San Stefano has in store: The Pool Lounge will have a buffet with a live saxophone player (350LE++ per person), while restaurants Kala, Byblos and Stefano’s will offer special set menus (prices start at 510LE++).
Restaurants/Cafes
Downtown Cairo’s Eish & Malh have got all types covered this holiday: Brunch for the sophisticated folk (8AM-3PM), then a candle-lit dinner for the nighttime nuzzlers (6PM-9PM). Both will boast heart-shaped cheesy [in both senses of the word] food, with live music on for the latter.
Bars/Pubs
Make your way over to Cairo Jazz Club for some dirty dancing to DJ Ramy DJunkie at the My Ugly Ex, Anti-Valentine’s Party.
Ditch the dinner party and hit up Wunderkind, where DJ Amr Hosny will be spinning.
Meanwhile, Graffiti is set to do things a little oriental, with belly-dancer, Oxana, set to perform and live oud, tabla and percussion shows rounding the night off.
Concerts
Get a great deal on opera this Tuesday (at 100LE per person) and take your dearest to the Cairo Opera House‘s Valentine’s Concert, which will feature the best of both French and English love songs with Ahmed Harfoush guest starring for the night (8PM)
You can also catch Ahmed Harfoush later at the Gomhouria Theatre, which will host the Cairo Symphony Orchestra for a night of magical music (8PM, 75LE tickets).
Dusit Thani is set to present Egyptian mega pop star Amr Diab at their L’elite Valentine concert (8PM, reservation-only).
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By Salma Thanatos Rizk