Hidden Egypt: Stories And Places You Have Never Heard Of

by Alexandra Mansilla

Hidden Egypt: Stories And Places You Have Never Heard Of — Mashaweer By Sara

29 Jun 2025

She has explored every corner of Egypt — her home country — simply because she genuinely loves the place she lives in. Sara is always searching for hidden gems that aren’t marked on any map or guidebook — places that truly capture the spirit and soul of Egypt. At some point, she realised she wanted to share everything she was discovering — and to prove that Egypt is so much more than just pharaohs and pyramids. So she started her own blog.

Meet Sara — you may already know her, and if not, you should definitely follow her. She is the creator behind Mashaweer by Sara, where she shares all kinds of unique finds and stories from around Egypt (including her obsession with doors — yes, she is a total door fan).

We sat down for a chat and quickly realised Sara is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to Egypt’s secret spots.

— Sara, could you tell me a bit more about yourself? Where were you born and raised?

— I am a travel and culture content creator, and I have always been passionate about discovering stories hidden in different corners of Egypt. I was born and raised in Giza.

My love for exploring began at a young age. My father used to take me on long walks through Old Cairo. We would spend hours wandering its streets while he shared stories about the places we passed — the buildings, the alleys, the history behind every street.

Alongside my content creation work, I am also a social media manager at one of the top proptech real estate portals in Egypt. I have been working in this field for around 10 years.

— At what point did you realise you wanted to tell stories about your home country, Egypt?

— I started travelling after COVID, because at that time, everything felt closed off, and it really affected me emotionally. I felt like the world would never open up again. As soon as things started to open, I travelled to Taba and Saint Catherine, planning to climb Mount Sinai — but I didn’t make it to the top because I just wasn’t ready at all.

After that, I started using any vacation or free time to travel or just wander around historic Cairo. One day, I went for a walk in the Mamluk Desert area, and there was a photography competition called Visit Qaitbay. After the walk, I took some simple photos — nothing fancy — but I felt like people had to see them. They weren’t even that great, but I started sharing them, posting pictures and videos about the area. Still, no one really paid much attention — they were just photos.

That was the beginning of what became my page "Meshawer" (Trips). After that, I made a video about El-Borollos, and my sister told me, “We want to hear you talk in the videos.”

Honestly, I didn’t even know I could talk or tell stories well, but I gave it a shot. I made my first voiceover video about fun places in Egypt you can visit for under 20 pounds. After that, I kept making videos, some with narration, some without, focused on historical places around Egypt.

Then my sister suggested we go to Haret El-Mazzayeen — an alley our father used to take us to when we were kids. She knew I loved earrings, so she told me, “Why don’t you talk about the place and buy some materials to make your own earrings?” So I went, made a video, and it ended up getting over 2 million views. That is when I reached nearly 10,000 followers.

From there, I kept travelling, visiting lesser-known places in Egypt, and sharing their stories.

— What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about Egypt?

— One common misconception that some foreigners have about Egypt is that it is just the Pyramids and ancient pharaonic civilisation.

At the same time, many Egyptians themselves aren’t fully aware of the beautiful places that exist right here in their own country. Every time I post about a new spot, people are often surprised that it is even in Egypt.

— Are there any legends or stories about Egypt that you know, but most people don’t?

— Every place I visit in Egypt has a story. There are so many places I love, not just because of how beautiful they are, but because of the history echoing through them.

Like the gates of the Topkapi Palace that now stand in the middle of the Mamluk Desert. They originally belonged to Khedive Ismail’s palace, but after he went bankrupt, they were moved to a house on Al-Wakkad Street. Imagine — royal palace gates in an ordinary home!

When I visited Sohag, I discovered the mysterious story of Omm Seti, and the historic houses where each one feels like it opens a page from an ancient book.

Like Bayt al-Sinnari in Cairo, which witnessed the French Campaign. Napoleon himself chose it as the headquarters, and it is where they started writing the famous Description de l'Égypte.

In Minya, I was captivated by the stories of Gabal El-Tair and the Church of the Virgin Mary — a place the Holy Family passed through while fleeing danger.

And I can’t forget the majestic temples in Sohag, like Abydos and Dendera, where every column and carving tells a story older than imagination.

Egypt isn’t just about ancient civilisation… It is a country filled with living stories, hidden in every stone and street.

— I saw that you are in love with doors! Let’s talk about the most beautiful houses with amazing doors you have seen — maybe we have some door lovers among our readers who will want to go and check them out. Is there a particular door whose story really touched you?

— I have a deep love for old doors. Whenever I visit a place, I have to photograph its doors. I always feel like each door holds a different kind of soul.

The door of a small village house feels so different from one in a busy city. The colours, the carvings — they always draw me in.

I am especially drawn to the doors of old mosques and historic homes.

And if I had to choose just one story to tell, it would be the gates of the Topkapi Palace, now standing in the middle of the Mamluk Desert — moved there after Khedive Ismail went bankrupt.

When I visited New Valley (El Wadi El Gedid), I was fascinated by the doors of El Qasr Village.

They didn’t just build doors — they wrote poetry on them. Literally — verses carved right into the wood.

Each door, to me, is not just an entrance; it is a memory. A personality. A story waiting to be told.

— You wrote that your favourite neighbourhood in Cairo is Zamalek. Why? And can you tell me about a street or a spot there that you love the most?

— I absolutely love walking around Zamalek. Its old buildings always catch my eye. No matter how many times I walk its streets, I never get bored — there is just so much beauty and a kind of peace I can’t really explain.

It is not just about how pretty it is… Zamalek is full of history too.

New Valley

Every corner feels like it has been there forever, quietly telling stories to anyone who will stop and listen.

I have travelled to 20 governorates across Egypt, and honestly, every place has its own unique charm and holds a special place in my heart. These are some of the places I would love to visit again:

Minya is truly a hidden gem — it is rich in stunning Pharaonic, Islamic, and Coptic heritage. It definitely deserves more attention.

New Valley is one of the most beautiful regions in Egypt, filled with amazing spots like the Islamic city of Al-Qasr, the Al-Labkha area, and incredible Roman temples.

El Burullus and Lake Burullus are simply breathtaking.

Saint Catherine has an enchanting energy — it is a place I believe everyone should visit at least once a year. The valleys there are perfect for hiking lovers.

Al-Tīh Plateau is packed with wonders like the ancient city of Umm Bogma and the only Pharaonic temple in Sinai.

Al-Tīh Plateau

Of course, there is Aswan — and this time I want to highlight the lesser-known temples beyond the High Dam. The journey I took across Lake Nasser was unforgettable.

Cairo has so many places I love, but if I were to recommend a few, I would say: the City of the Dead, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, the Geographic Society, and of course, the Grand Egyptian Museum.

— I personally love discovering hidden places in my hometown — tiny family-owned shops that have been around for generations, little stores on narrow streets only locals know about, or museums and markets that aren’t in any guidebooks but are beloved by residents. Do you have any stories like that? Please share, maybe three such places in Cairo!

— Every inch of Cairo hides a story — it is a city full of heritage and hidden gems.

These are some of my favourite spots in Downtown Cairo:

The Geographical Society is one of the oldest in the world. It has a stunning royal hall and a fascinating museum — I highly recommend visiting it.

Stephenson’s Pharmacy, over 100 years old, is a beautiful piece of living history.

And when it comes to historic houses, Cairo is full of them: Bayt Al-Sinnari, Bayt Gamal Al-Din Al-Dhahabi, Bayt Gaafar Al-Kurtiliyya, Bayt Al-Sitt Wasila, Bayt Al-Harrawi, Bayt Zaynab Khatoun.

I also love walking through Al-Darb Al-Ahmar and the vast, historic City of the Dead (Desert of the Mamluks) — both are rich with architecture, culture, and soul.

— You made a video about the temples in Aswan — could you tell us about your trip there? Which temple left the strongest impression?

— I travelled to Aswan twice to film all these temples.

The first time was to visit the temples located in Lake Nasser, beyond the High Dam. What I really liked was that we were the only ones there — no crowds at all. But when we got to Abu Simbel Temple, the crowds came back, of course!

Abu Simbel is an absolutely magnificent temple, and I also really loved Wadi Al-Sebua Temple, built by Ramses II — it is truly stunning.

The second time I went to film the temples was on a cruise, where I filmed the rest of them.

I loved them all, whether it was Edfu or Kom Ombo.

— Egypt has some truly stunning architecture. Could you name your personal top 5 buildings that every architecture lover should see?

— Honestly, I love architecture from every era — whether it is the ancient Egyptian temples, the stunning Coptic churches, the grandeur of Islamic architecture, or even the modern buildings in Downtown Cairo.

If I had to pick just five, it would be really hard!

But, for example, from the Coptic era, I really love St. George Church in the Religious Complex.

As for mosques, I am a big fan of Al-Azraq Mosque and the Mosque of al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah.

When it comes to architecture, I adore the Aisha Fahmy Palace.

And honestly, I love all the buildings in Downtown Cairo — every single one of them.

From the Pharaonic era, one of my favourites is definitely the Temple of Hatshepsut.

— Good! Now, can you tell me about a place in Egypt where you feel happiest?

— There are so many places that make me happy, but the ones I love the most are in Old Cairo — from Al-Darb Al-Ahmar all the way to Al-Muizz Street and Khan El Khalili.

That whole area has a special place in my heart — I absolutely love it.

— A place in Egypt that makes you feel nostalgic.

— Definitely Downtown Cairo — walking through its streets and past its buildings always takes me back in time. There is something about the atmosphere that feels like stepping into another era.

— A place in Egypt where you got goosebumps.

— Of course, Abydos and Dendera Temples — both gave me a completely different feeling, because they are just so magnificent. Their greatness is something you can truly feel the moment you step inside.

Dendera Temples

— And finally, is there a café in Cairo that everyone should visit to really understand the local food scene?

— I love any café or restaurant that has an old, nostalgic vibe. Places like Café Riche and Groppi — those are real classics. I also really enjoy Studio Misr in Al-Azhar Park — it is one of my favourites.

When it comes to food, I love eating traditional Egyptian dishes. Of course, Koshary Abou Tarek is a must! And Farahat in Al-Azhar is another favourite. Plus El Karnak and Baha in Sayeda Zeinab — I just love the whole experience.

by Alexandra Mansilla