//
Garden City is a great place to wander around admiring architecture. Its streets are filled with what once were beautiful palaces and villas, homes to the elite of Cairo, and places of negotiation, intrigue, and brutal realpolitik. The British Embassy (Bayt al Lourd) on Ahmed Ragab Street, built in 1894, saw delicate garden conversations on the engagement of Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II of Britain) to Prince Philip; and in 1942 saw the British Envoy storm forth in a military convoy to force King Faroukh to appoint a pro-British cabinet. The Grey Towers Building at 10 Itihad el Mohamyeen el Arab St was also known as 10 Downing Street as it was the British Army's GHQ during World War II, and here the independence of Syria and Lebanon were constructed.
Built in 1794 by Ibrahim Katkhuda El-Sennari, a Sudanese occultist, Beit al-Sennari housed French artists and scholars after Napoleon arrived. The house was restored in 1995, and opened to the public in 2000. The house is home to the Institute for Applied Arts, which has glassware, pottery, and other works on display. You can also see the courtyard and open gardens, and the various sections of the house.
Home to the People's Assembly. There are tours offered and a museum chronicling the Egyptian government. Unclear if the tours and museum are operating since the revolution.
Museum of modern life
Part of the Geographical Society created by Khedive Ismail in 1895, this rather neglected museum displays more modern Egyptian cultural artifacts, and examples of daily life.
Sail over the Nile in an original Egyptian ship. Felluccas are waiting in front of the Four Seasons Hotel. No reservation needed. In the summer it is recommended to sail a Fellucca late in the evening or at night because of the heat during the day. The view at night is also very spectacular. As with most things in Egypt negotiating about the price is needed. LE50 for an hour is a reasonable price.
An evening stroll along the Corniche is always a good idea. Take a stroll up to the Qasr el-Nil Bridge, where you can see the lion statues at the foot of the bridge. Qasr el-Nil Bridge is a popular spot for young Egyptian couples to have an inexpensive date. Many couples stay out for hours on the bridge, where you can often find vendors renting plastic chairs by the hour, and selling roasted lib (peanuts, pumpkin seeds) in small paper cones, and hot sweet tea served in glasses. Occasionally you will see amateur fishermen landing Nile perch from the bridge. A great place to see the lights over Cairo city at night.
Enjoy a romantic evening cruising the Sofitel owned M/S Scarabee on the Nile. Scarabee offers belly dancing, live music, and international cuisine, grilled meats, and vegetable platters served buffet style.