Thursday February 12th, 2026
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Your Guide to a Non-Cliche Valentine's in Cairo

Roses are red, dinners are overrated – this is your guide to more creative, personal, and intimate Valentine’s Day experiences.

Karim Moustafa

Your Guide to a Non-Cliche Valentine's in Cairo

You’ve probably seen dozens of Valentine’s Day posts – most of them highlighting romantic dinners. While those are lovely, this year we’re skipping the reservations and trading candlelit tables for hands-on experiences that are intimate, fun, and memorable.

Think painting sessions where a flick of paint on your partner’s nose says “I love you” louder than words. Or a film night where your biggest romantic gesture is simply not spoiling the ending.

Whichever way you plan to celebrate, here is a carefully curated list of the country’s most memorable Valentine’s Day experiences...

Desert Adventures: ‘La La Land’ Pre-Valentine's Film Screening

📍 Wadi Degla Protectorate
📅 Fri February 13th

Swap city lights for starlight as ‘La La Land’ plays against the desert backdrop of Wadi Degla. Hosted by Desert Adventures, the evening blends cinema with open-air serenity for a low-key but atmospheric start to Valentine’s weekend.

Message them on Instagram to reserve your spots.

Darb 15’s Pre-Valentine's Fayoum Trip

📍 Private Meeting Point
📅 February 13th

For those craving fresh air and open landscapes, Darb 15 is organising a Fayoum escape just ahead of Valentine’s. Think scenic stops, a change of pace, and a day outside Cairo’s usual rhythm.

Secure your place by messaging them on Instagram.

Lazuli's Pre-Valentine's Day Party

📍 Private Location
📅 Fri February 13th

If your idea of romance includes a dance floor, Lazuli is hosting a pre-Valentine’s party split between an indoor warehouse space and an outdoor garden. The line-up includes Frogmoose, K-Laff B2B Ali Youssef, Shiko B2B Warda, and Youssef Shazli.

Message Lazuli on Instagram for access details.

Bryan Adams’ Pre-Valentine’s Day Concert

📍 Grand Egyptian Museum
📅 Fri February 13th | 9PM

Bryan Adams takes the stage at the Grand Egyptian Museum with a setlist spanning decades of rock ballads and love anthems. A live concert in one of Cairo’s most striking venues makes for a memorable pre-Valentine’s plan.

Tickets are available via Tazkarti’s official website.

Meow Tours’ ‘Shoflek Kalba’ Animal Shelter Date

📍 Animal Shelter in Giza
📅 Sat February 14th

Spend the day at a Giza animal shelter meeting and playing with rescue dogs — and possibly even finding a new companion. The outing combines a relaxed visit with the option to learn more about adoption.

Contact Meow Tours on Instagram for details and pickup information.

Narmer Palette’s 'Paint & Breath' Retreat (Valentine's Ed.)

📍 The House of Kheops, Giza
📅 Sat February 14th | 10:30AM-3:30PM

Set near the Giza Pyramids, this session blends guided painting with breathwork in a calm, open setting. Refreshments are included, making it a slow-paced daytime alternative to the usual dinner plans.

Reserve by messaging Narmer Palette on Instagram.

Boards & Boats: Kayak & Paint (Valentine's Ed.)

📍 Mountain View Hyde Park, New Cairo
📅 Sat February 14th | 4PM

Start on the water, then move to the canvas. This session combines kayaking with a guided painting activity, offering something active before settling into something creative.

Message Boards & Boats on Instagram for full details.

VeryNile’s The Nile Parade: Third Edition

📍 Qursaya Island
📅 Sat February 14th

VeryNile’s event brings together a photo exhibition, live music, workshops, and a ‘Nile Stories’ discussion — all centred around river culture and sustainability. It’s part cultural programme, part community gathering.

Reach out via their official Instagram page.

‘Tuft Your Pillow’ Workshop

📍 Rustic Gallery, New Cairo
📅 Sat February 14th | 5PM

This hands-on workshop lets participants create their own tufted pillow design from scratch. Ideal for a Galentine’s plan or a relaxed creative evening with friends.

Message Rustic Gallery on Instagram to book.

Qahrawya’s ‘Parev-Alaikum’ Tour

📍 Private Meeting Point
📅 Sat February 14th | 10AM-3PM

Explore Cairo’s Armenian heritage on this guided Downtown walk, tracing stories of migration, culture, and community. It’s a thoughtful alternative for couples who prefer history over heart-shaped décor.

Contact Qahrawya through their social pages.

Vases Paint ‘n Sip

📍 Brush It, Katameya Heights
📅 Sat February 14th | 7PM

Instead of canvases, participants paint decorative vases while enjoying refreshments. Creations can be taken home or gifted — depending on how generous you’re feeling.

Secure your place via Instagram.

Studio El Etnein’s Comedy Night: Valentine’s Edition

📍 Theatro Arkan, Sheikh Zayed
📅 Sat February 14th | 8PM

Ahmed Magdy and Ahmed Hassan bring their stand-up set to Theatro Arkan for a Valentine’s edition packed with observational humour and crowd interaction.

Check the venue’s channels for ticket details.

Mina Nader’s Interactive Comedy Show

📍 Grand Tiba Theatre
📅 Sat February 14th | 7PM & 10PM

Mina Nader hosts two interactive comedy performances, mixing prepared material with audience engagement.

Tickets start from EGP 500 via TicketsMarche’s official website

Animatex: 6th Edition

📍 AUC Tahrir Square
📅 February 11th-15th

This multi-day animation festival includes screenings, talks, and industry sessions. While not Valentine’s-specific, it coincides with the date and offers something different for film and animation enthusiasts.

Passes are available through TicketsMarche.
 

Thai Food Festival

📍 Al Horreya Garden, Zamalek
📅 February 12th-15th

Expect street-food-style stalls, Thai favourites, and an open garden setting that encourages wandering and sampling rather than formal dining.

Contact Yalla Thailand on Instagram for details.

Garden Market: Hearts & Crescents

📍 Osana Family Wellness, Maadi
📅 Sat February 14th | 11AM-5PM

Osana’s garden market features local brands including Magic In You, Jan Jah, Olive You, The Yogenda, and MadeByMarly. It’s a daytime browse for gifts, handmade goods, and community connection.

Message Osana on Instagram for more information.

‘Find Your Tribe’ Valentine’s Dinner

📍 Osana Family Wellness, Maadi
📅 Sat February 14th | 6PM-8PM

Designed for both couples and singles, this dinner focuses on shared tables and conversation, creating a social setting that goes beyond the traditional two-person reservation.

Reach out to Osana on Instagram to book.

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