Best Bookstores and Libraries in Cairo
Summary: Interested in finding the best bookstores and libraries in Cairo? Here is a great list to get you started exploring the world of books and more in Cairo.
Diwan Bookstore
Diwan is a contemporary bookstore chain offering a wide selection of English and Arabic books, as well as gifts and a cozy café.
Website: www.diwanegypt.com
Address: 159, 26th July St., Zamalek, Cairo
Alef Bookstores
Alef is a modern bookstore chain with multiple locations across Cairo, known for its diverse collection of books in various languages and genres.
Website: www.alefbookstores.com
Address: 12 Sayed Zakaria St., from Makram Ebeid, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
Shorouk Bookstores
Shorouk offers a broad range of books in Arabic and English, including bestsellers, academic texts, and children's literature, along with stationery and gifts.
Website: www.shorouk.com
Address: 19, 26th of July St., Sphinx Sq., Mohandeseen, Cairo, Egypt
Al Kotob Khan
Al Kotob Khan is a local independent bookstore that provides a curated selection of books, hosts cultural events, and fosters a community of readers.
Address: 3/1 El Laselky St., New Maadi, Cairo, Egypt
Madbouly Bookstore
Madbouly is one of the oldest bookstores in Cairo, known for its extensive collection of Arabic literature, educational books, and historical publications.
Address: 19 Talaat Harb St., Downtown, Cairo, Egypt
The Egyptian National Library and Archives (Dar el-Kotob)
The Egyptian National Library and Archives, also known as Dar el-Kotob, houses a vast collection of manuscripts, books, and periodicals, serving as a repository of Egypt's cultural heritage.
Website: www.darelkotob.gov.eg
Address: Corniche El Nile, Boulaq, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
The Greater Cairo Library
The Greater Cairo Library is a public library offering a wide range of books and resources, with a mission to promote reading and lifelong learning among the community.
Address: 15 Mohamed Mazhar St., Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt
Maadi Public Library
Maadi Public Library is a local library in the Maadi neighborhood, providing a quiet space for reading and study, along with a selection of books for all ages.
Address: 17, 153 St., Maadi, Cairo, Egypt
Al-Balsam Bookstore and Library
Al-Balsam is both a bookstore and a library, offering a unique selection of books, particularly in the fields of art, culture, and philosophy, and hosting regular literary events.
Address: 14 El Montazah St., Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt
American University in Cairo Library
The AUC Library provides comprehensive resources and services to support the academic programs of the university, with extensive collections in English and Arabic.
Website: www.library.aucegypt.edu
Address: AUC Avenue, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo, Egypt
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.