10 Things to Do in Cairo in July

July in the Egyptian capital is marked by high temperatures. This heat won't stop you from visiting all of Cairo's attractions, but in some cases it's a good idea to delay your visits so that they don't coincide with the hottest hours of the day. One advantage of this climate is that, like all summer, these dates are low season and the number of tourists drops a little.

The city also offers some interesting events during this month to make the experience more enjoyable, such as the summer season at the Opera House or the massive Revolution Day parades. Apart from that, I recommend imitating the locals and escaping the heat with a visit to the Red Sea or simply relaxing in the evening with a good tea and a hookah.

If you're in town for Revolution Day (23 July), take advantage of the day to experience the atmosphere throughout the day and attend one of the many events taking place in many parts of Cairo.

Revolution Day is celebrated throughout Egypt on 23 July to commemorate the date on which the country's last king was deposed. In Cairo, this event is remembered in style, with large parades (both military and festive), concerts and many other events.

Note, however, that the day is a bank holiday, so many establishments are closed. However, tourism-related activities usually continue as normal, so you should not be directly affected.

Many of the activities that take place during July in Cairo are designed to avoid the heat of the daylight hours. Among them is the Opera House Summer Festival, which offers a variety of outdoor musical performances.

Note that, despite the festival's name, it only takes place during July, as the theatre is closed in August.

Located in the Zamalek neighbourhood, the Opera House houses seven halls of varying capacities. During the rest of the year, events are held in these auditoriums, but in July, the sensational space offered by its beautiful gardens is used to set up a concert area.

The programme usually features the Traditional Arab Music Company, the city's Symphony Orchestra or some of Egypt's modern dance troupes. There is also room for performances by young artists in both classical and contemporary ballet.

After watching the performance of your choice, I recommend a stroll across the Qsar el Nil Bridge, a place where many families and young people from the city gather to take in the stunning views of the river on summer evenings.

As one of the maxims that every traveller follows states, where you go, do as you please. In Cairo in July, this means sitting quietly as the sun sets, enjoying a cup of tea and a hookah, as the water pipe is known there.

If you're strolling down any street just before the sun goes down, you'll see many Cairoites pulling chairs out of doorways or sitting on cafe terraces as the streets begin to fill with people.

It is at these times, when the heat begins to drop, that the city's inhabitants socialise and relax. To imitate them and choose a quiet terrace is the best way to spend a pleasant time and relax after visiting places like the Egyptian Museum.

Obviously, if you don't feel like trying hookah, you don't have to. In case you are curious, you can choose from several different flavours, although mint is very popular in summer. You can also swap the tea for a fantastic lemonade or, if you're on a hotel terrace, a cold beer.

Once you've taken a tour of the pyramids, visited the Coptic Quarter and other areas of the city, perhaps it's time to escape the heat and bustle of El Cario for a day on the beaches of the Red Sea.

The nearest Red Sea excursion will only take you a little over an hour and a half from the capital. Like the other beaches on the Sinai Peninsula, it's perfect for lying on the fine sand and forgetting about everything.

The temperature in the area is milder than in the capital and July is a month when fewer people visit than at other times of the year.

If you like water sports or are keen to try them, many of these beaches offer the option of scuba diving or snorkelling to see the extraordinary marine fauna of the area. Finally, you can also take a pleasant hot air balloon ride.

As you walk through the streets of Cairo, you are quite likely to wonder what those strange machines with tubes are that line the doors of some cafés and shops. Well, the Egyptians use them to make one of the most popular summer drinks: Asab el Sokar, or sugar cane juice.

Despite what it may seem, the taste of this juice is not overly sweet. In fact, it is a fairly light drink, perfect for drinking in July as it helps to replenish the liquid lost through sweating.

For all these reasons, and simply to try something new, you shouldn't leave the city without ordering a glass of this juice, which is also usually quite cheap.

A visit to Cairo's most important bazaar, Khan el Khaili, is certainly a must when you're in the city. Wandering through its narrow streets (and getting lost in them) goes beyond just buying souvenirs, as it also gives you a better understanding of the Cairo way of life. In July, I also recommend you visit the area at night to see the market from a different perspective.

Khan el Khalili is located in Islamic Cairo and its stalls, shops and artisan workshops are spread through a maze of narrow streets.

When the sun sets, the traditional metal lanterns are lit in almost every shop and the whole area takes on a very different atmosphere. The best time to visit is after 7pm and stroll around Khan el Khalili at your leisure before dining in a nearby restaurant.

Also visit Al Moez Street

Before (or after) entering Khan el Khalili, it's a good idea to walk the kilometre-long nearby Al Moez Street. In July, this popular pedestrian thoroughfare comes alive at dusk when the coloured lights are switched on.

During this walk you will not only enjoy the great atmosphere of the street, with a multitude of shops and cafes at every corner, but you will also be able to admire some interesting buildings, both mosques and madrasas. Among all these buildings, I recommend you don't miss Beit al Suhaymi, a truly impressive Ottoman-style house.

Cairo's streets, monuments and markets are irresistible to any visitor, but in July you might want to cool off somewhere. The best option is to go to a swimming pool and spend some time swimming in it or just lying around while you have a drink.

Most of the hotels located near the pyramids have swimming pools for their guests. Similarly, some of the hotels located in the centre, such as the Hilton, also offer these facilities, albeit on their terraces. In these latter places, you will be able to combine a stay in the pool with wonderful views of the city.

If your hotel doesn't have a pool, the best place to go is Zamalek, specifically the Gezira Club. The only problem is that, if you're not a member, entry can be a bit pricey (around €10), but the facilities are worth the effort.

As you are no doubt aware, Egypt is one of the places where the famous belly dance is most widely practised. In recent years, there have been more and more belly dancers and it is to this group, as well as the professionals, that the Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival is dedicated, which is held in Cairo for a whole week in July.

The event takes place at the Mena House Hotel, one of the hotels located next to the pyramids. Although part of the activities are aimed at professionals of this type of dance, amateurs and the curious can also come and, if they wish, receive a class from a teacher.

You can also see samples of the costumes used to perform the dance, listen to the music that accompanies it or take a look at the different accessories worn by the dancers.

If you're looking for some greenery with plenty of shade and undeniable charm, Al-Azhar Park is definitely your best bet. For starters, it's centrally located, which gives it great views of the medieval part of the city, especially the Citadel of Saladin.

For another, this park is home to numerous trails to stroll along in absolute peace and quiet, a beautiful lake to cool the atmosphere, hills with views, gardens and picnic areas. In short, a true oasis in the heart of the city.

As for the vegetation, it includes a wide variety of species, although the most important are those that come from Egypt itself.

To enter, via Salah Salem Avenue, you have to pay an entrance fee, although the price is no more than one and a half euros. As soon as you enter, you will find a map showing all the places to visit, including a restaurant and a cafeteria. On certain dates there are events for children and adults.

For centuries, Egyptians navigated the Nile River in a type of wooden boat powered by the wind. These boats, called falukas, are still widely used in the south of the country, though much less so in the capital.

However, you can still find falucas in Cairo dedicated to giving tourists a ride at dusk. Unlike the boats that offer dinner and shows, these rides are only meant to take in the views of the city from the Nile and provide an experience that takes the passenger back in time.

Of course, if you prefer, you can always book one of the smaller Nile cruises on larger boats. These usually include dinner (in summer it's much nicer to do this activity at night so you don't get too hot on deck) and various types of shows, especially belly dancing and traditional music performances.

There's only one word to explain the weather you'll find in Cairo if you travel in July, as there is in August: hot. Average highs are around 35°C, which means that many days will reach 40°C without a problem.

Although it feels a little better when the sun goes down, the lows don't get much cooler either, averaging around 23ºC (73ºF). Most hotels are air-conditioned, but it's a good idea to make sure before you book.

In any case, it's always good to check the weather forecast shortly before you travel, but in this case there won't be too many surprises.

Although in Spain we tend to leave the maximum amount of skin uncovered when the heat arrives, the truth is that in this case it is best to look at the traditional way of dressing of the desert people. Cool cotton clothes are best, and it's not a bad idea to cover your arms to avoid burns and sweat.

It's also a good idea to bring something to cover your head, as well as sunscreen for your whole body.

On the other hand, it is essential to avoid any risk of dehydration. Even if you are not thirsty, it is very important to drink water (always bottled) regularly.