Although the embankment of the Nile, Africa's longest river and the world's 2nd longest, is a busy highway, just at the water's edge, one floor below the road, you'll find a beautiful long and newly landscaped pedestrian promenade called the Corniche el-Nil.
Show prices for luxury hotels in central Cairo
Every evening, the walkways along the Nile transform into a lively corridor of strolling families, lovers, students and tourists, enjoying the damp breeze and the pleasant microclimate of the river together, as well as the views of illuminated bridges and high-rise buildings.
A landscaped pedestrian promenade stretches for nearly 3 km from the bridge at the northern tip of Rhoda Island to the 26th of July Bridge north of the centre (google.com/maps).
At two locations (near the InterContinental and Four Seasons hotels), you can pay for a private ride on the Nile on one of the many boats. Prices depend purely on your bargaining skills; vendors usually start at 500 egp.
Accommodation on the Corniche
The Nile promenade is lined with large and expensive hotels, whose rooms offer the best views of the river. You can stay in the following hotels:
- Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza *****
- Kempinski Nile Hotel *****
- InterContinental Cairo Semiranis *****
- Ramses Hilton Hotel *****
- The Nile Ritz-Carlton *****
For more tips on hotels elsewhere in the city, check out our Cairo Accommodation section.
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