The International Garden
The International Garden takes its name from the flags of different countries that greet you as you walk in. Each country is represented by its own local and most distinctive flowers and trees; among them are Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Japan and the UAE. The garden is in Nasr City, one of the closest districts to Cairo International Airport.
Al Azhar Park
Al Azhar Park, inaugurated in 2005, is one of Cairo’s largest modern parks and covers about 80 acres. It is named after Al-Azhar Mosque, the oldest surviving Fatimid monument in Egypt and today a centre of Islamic religious learning for the whole Muslim world. The park looks out over the city, and its restaurants face the historic monuments of Old Cairo, such as Saladin’s Citadel and the Mohamed Ali Mosque.
Al Andalus Garden
Al-Andalus Garden, one of Egypt’s historic gardens, lies a few minutes from downtown Cairo at the southern end of Zamalek, between 2 of the city’s main bridges, the Qasr El Nil and 6 October bridges. Zulfaqar Basha built it in 1935 in Andalusian style as part of the royal mansion of Khedive Ismail. The arches and the entrance show the Andalusian design most clearly.
Its 8400 square metres hold palm trees, vine-covered pergolas, statues of Egyptian figures and views over the Nile. The garden is laid out in terraces and narrow passages, with paved walkways where you can sit and rest.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden in Helwan was presented in 1917 by Zulfaqar Basha, the architect of Al-Andalus Garden. It has many unusual Buddha statues, including the well-known seated Buddha on a lotus flower, as well as three elephant statues and a statue of the three wise monkeys.
Al Fustat Garden
Al Fustat Garden is one of Egypt’s better-known gardens. It takes its name from Fustat, the oldest Islamic city in Egypt, founded by the Arab conquerors in the seventh century on a site they chose for its position overlooking the Nile. The garden is planted with many species of plants.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see Egypt's plants and gardens?
Cairo has several historic gardens: the Orman botanical garden, Al-Andalus and Zohria in Zamalek, Al Azhar Park, the Japanese Garden in Helwan and the International Garden in Nasr City. Aswan's Botanical Garden on Kitchener's Island is the best known outside Cairo.
Which garden is best for views?
Al Azhar Park overlooks the Citadel and Islamic Cairo, and Al-Andalus Garden on the Nile in Zamalek has river views.
Where can I see Egypt's wild plants?
St Katherine in South Sinai is known for medicinal herbs, El Omayed near Alexandria for spring wildflowers, and Gebel Elba for its mist-fed African vegetation.
Do gardens charge entry?
Most public gardens charge a small fee at the gate. Check locally for current prices and opening hours.
