Walking Around the 8 Beautiful Gardens in Cairo

While most of us associate Giza Pyramids and Sphinx with the landscape of Cairo, the city is also known for its splash and luxurious gardens. These greenspaces, in the urban settings of Cairo, give this crowded and noise metropolis a unique character.

Frequented by locals as well as tired tourists, these marvelous gardens are some of the most stunning hidden gems of the city. Here are few of the most beautiful gardens in Cairo:

1. Ezbekiyya / Azbakeya Garden

Address: 8 Abd Al Hak Al Sonbati, Ghayt Al Adah, Abdeen, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Opening time: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
Entry: EGP10

Also spelled as Uzbakeya, this is one of the oldest parks of Cairo designed in the 1870s. The garden, once dubbed as the finest greenspaces in Europe, is spread in the area of 20 acres. One can find numerous international and domestic blooms striving beautifully surrounding an ornamental lake. Although the current orchard is just a fraction of what it used to be, but still is a beautiful space ideal for some quite time after a hectic sightseeing schedule.

2. Al-Azhar Park

Address: Salah Salem St, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Opening time: 9.00 am to 10.00 pm
Entry: EGP25

A beautiful green haven, built over a dump yard, is one of the finest urban spaces in the entire Cairo city. The park was a gift from Aga Khan IV, the supreme of the Ismaili Muslim community, to the Cairo city and was built at the cost of US$30 million. Covered in jogging tracks, benches for sitting, and beautiful lakes – the place is ideal for a quick escape from the city.

P.S: Interestingly, during the construction of the park, workers accidentally discovered remains of a fortification commissioned in the 12th century by the Ayyubid rulers.

3. The International Park

Address: Al-Abbas Al-Akkad Road, Nasr City, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Opening time: 8.00 am – 11.00 pm (Everyday)
Entry: EGP20

While taking about gardens in Cairo, the name of International Park is hard to miss. Located in the busy Nasr City neighborhood, the orchard is home to some of the most exotic blooms in the country. The park is divided into different sections connected via walking tracks, a mini zoo, small Amphitheatre, and a museum of mummified animals. It is one of the preferred destinations among the locals for picnics and social gatherings, and botany-enthusiasts can have a gala time in the park.

4. Aquarium Grotto Garden

Address: El Gabalaya St, Al Gabalayah, Zamalek, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Opening time: 8.00 am to 4.00 pm
Entry: EGP30

Also referred as the El Gabalaya Garden, the Aquarium Grotto Garden was built by Khedive Ismail in 1867. Interestingly, the garden was built in the likeness of fishes. The numerous underground grottoes house a large number of local spices of fishes, collected from the different corners of the country. Also, the garden is beautifully decorated exotic shrubs and trees giving it a romantic overview.

5. El-Andalus Garden

Address: Zamalek, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Opening time: 7.00 am to 8.00 pm
Entry: EGP10

Located on the banks of the beautiful and timeless Nile, the El-Andalus Garden, is one of the most romantic greenspaces of Cairo. Also known as the Hadikat Al-Andalus, the orchard was built as the part of the royal mansion meant for Khedive Ismail – the late 19th century royal viceroy of Egypt and Sudan under the Ottoman Empire. The garden was built in Andalusian-architectural fashion, filed with decorated arches and lavish landscaping of the garden area for beautification.

Divided in numerous sections and decorated with statues of important national figures, it is one of the finest gardens in Cairo.

6. Orman Garden

Address: Oula, Giza District, Egypt
Opening time: 9.00 am to 9.00 pm
Entry: EGP5

The Orman, one of the popular parks in Cairo, surrounded in stunning orchards and walking trails. Commissioned by Khedive Isma'il Pasha, built by Jean-Pierre Barillet-Deschamps (a French architect), for the beautification of his city – the Orman is a safe heaven for plant lovers. The garden is home to 150 varieties of flower and rare plants. The accommodating pool enhances the beauty of the garden to a great extent. Interestingly, the park yearly hosts the annual Spring Festival on March 22. During the festival, numerous botanical exhibitions are hosted showcasing exotic flowers, cacti, and other decoration plants.

7. Family Park

Address: 26, Rehab entrance 2, Suez Rd, Egypt
Opening time: 9.00 am to 10.00 pm
Entry: EGP20

Opened for public in 2015, the Family Park offers education and entertainment to the guests. Specially designed to intrigue children interest, the park houses replicas of the Bibliotheca Alexandria, Martial Museum, and Giza Zoo. Apart from that, the park has a 3D cinema theatre, safari plaza, and mini zoo for the entertainment of the visitors.

8. Al Horreya Garden

Address: Montazah Al Giza, Zamalek, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Opening time: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm
Entry: EGP20

Close to the Cairo Opera House, the Al Horreya Garden is the last name on the list of beautiful gardens in Cairo. But in no way, it is less beautiful. The red bricked pathway, passing through the statues of imminent national leaders and personalities of Egypt, enhances the beauty of entire garden.

Some honorable mention includes:

•   Japanese Garden
•   Gezira Island
•   Al Fustat Garden