Day Tour to Abdeen Palace and the Giza Pyramids in Cairo

Service charges are by default included in the bill when dining in a restaurant. However, these fees go to the restaurant and not the waiters. Knowing this it is advisable and courteous to directly tip the servers with an additional 10 %.

Enjoying local cuisine is a delightful part of any visit to Cairo. During your Cairo day tour, you can savor traditional Egyptian dishes at various restaurants and eateries. Here are some places to enjoy local cuisine in Cairo:

Khan El Khalili: This historic market in Old Cairo is not only a shopping destination but also home to many restaurants and street food vendors. You can try dishes like kebabs, falafel, shawarma, and traditional Egyptian sweets like baklava and kunafa.

Abou Tarek: Famous for its koshary, a classic Egyptian dish made with rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and a tomato sauce, Abou Tarek is an iconic spot to taste this beloved local comfort food.

Felfela: Located near Tahrir Square, Felfela is a well-known restaurant serving Egyptian and Middle Eastern dishes. Try items like grilled meats, stuffed pigeon, and mezze platters.

Al-Omda: Situated in Khan El Khalili, this restaurant offers a traditional Egyptian dining experience. You can enjoy dishes like tagine (a slow-cooked stew), grilled fish, and molokhia (a leafy green soup).

Naguib Mahfouz Café: Named after the famous Egyptian writer, this café is a part of the Khan El Khalili experience. Sip on Egyptian tea or coffee while enjoying local sweets or snacks.

Andrea El Mariouteya: This restaurant specializes in grilled meats, including kebabs and kofta. It's a great place to savor authentic Egyptian barbecue.

El Abd Bakery: Don't miss trying traditional Egyptian pastries and sweets at El Abd Bakery. Basbousa, a sweet semolina cake, and qatayef, a stuffed pancake, are popular choices.

Zooba: For a modern twist on Egyptian street food, Zooba offers a variety of sandwiches and dishes made with local ingredients. Try the baladi (local) breakfast or their take on traditional street food items.

El Fishawy Café: Located in Khan El Khalili, this historic café is perfect for sipping tea, smoking shisha (hookah), and people-watching while enjoying a local ambiance.

Local Street Food: As you explore the city, keep an eye out for street vendors selling local treats like falafel, ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel), and grilled corn on the cob.

A long time ago, a leader named Kedive Ismail wanted to build a special palace. He started building it after becoming the ruler in 1863, and it took 10 years to finish. The palace is called Abdeen Palace because there was a brave military leader named Sultan Abidin Bey who had a big house in the same place before.

Abdeen Palace is situated in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. Abdeen Palace is a historic and opulent royal residence, and its history is closely tied to Egypt's modern history and its monarchy. Here is an overview of the history of Abdeen Palace:

1. Construction in the Mid-19th Century: Abdeen Palace was built during the reign of Khedive Ismail, the ruler of Egypt from 1863 to 1879. Construction of the palace began in 1863 and was completed in 1874. The palace was designed by French architect Rousseau.

2. Named after Abdeen Pasha: The palace was named after Abdeen Pasha, one of Khedive Ismail's ministers. It was originally intended to serve as a government building.

3. Royal Residence: Abdeen Palace became a royal residence during the reign of Khedive Ismail and continued to be used as such by subsequent monarchs. It was the principal royal residence during the rule of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty, serving as a symbol of Egypt's monarchy.

4. Modernization and Expansion: The palace underwent several renovations and expansions during the reign of Khedive Ismail, including the addition of numerous reception halls and the development of the surrounding gardens.

5. Role in the 1952 Revolution: In the 20th century, Abdeen Palace played a significant role in the Egyptian Revolution of 1952. The palace was one of the focal points of the events that led to the overthrow of King Farouk and the establishment of the Egyptian Republic. The palace was occupied by military officers and revolutionaries during this time.

6. Historical Significance: Abdeen Palace is historically significant not only for its role in the 1952 revolution but also for its association with the royal family and its stunning architecture and interior design, which reflect the opulence of the era.

7. Museum and Official Residence: Today, Abdeen Palace serves as a museum, displaying a vast collection of art, historical artifacts, and memorabilia from Egypt's modern history. It is also used for official state functions and ceremonies.

8. Public Access: While Abdeen Palace is often used for official events and is the residence of Egypt's president, some parts of the palace, including the museum, are open to the public for tours.

Most Cairo day tours last for about 6 to 8 hours, allowing travelers to explore key attractions in a single day.

Yes, it is possible to visit Abdeen Palace in Cairo. Abdeen Palace is one of the historic palaces in Egypt and was once the principal residence of the Egyptian royal family. Today, it serves as a museum that showcases various artifacts, historical items, and collections from different periods of Egypt's history, including the royal family's belongings.

Visitors can explore parts of the palace and its grounds, witnessing the opulent architecture, ornate decorations, and impressive interiors. However, access to certain areas might be restricted as the palace is still used for official functions and ceremonies by the Egyptian government.