Room Art Space Garden City

Room Art Space opened in 2014 in the basement of a building in Garden City, the quiet district of old villas and embassies south of Tahrir Square. It was conceived as an evolving art space, dance studio and café, a multi-purpose venue where professionals, aspiring artists and audiences could create, perform and share ideas over coffee. It has since become one of the liveliest independent cultural venues in central Cairo and has opened a second branch in New Cairo.

Events take place almost every day. The programme covers live music, from acoustic sets to full bands, open mic nights, stand-up comedy, film screenings, karaoke, theatre and dance performances, and drum circles. During the day the space works as a café, serving coffee, fresh juices, smoothies, sandwiches, salads and desserts at reasonable prices, and it also hosts workshops and classes. The atmosphere is relaxed and creative, and audiences are mostly young Cairenes.

Room suits travellers who want to see the contemporary, grassroots side of Cairo's cultural life, and it is a good choice for solo travellers looking for a friendly evening out. It is less of a drinking venue than the bars of Zamalek and Downtown, which makes it a comfortable option for those who prefer not to drink. Shows vary in language, with many performances in Arabic, but music and comedy nights often have a mixed crowd.

Check the Garden City events page on the website or the venue's social media for the programme, as it changes daily. Tickets are sold at the door or online, depending on the event. Arrive a little early for popular nights, as the space is not large. Allow two to three hours for an evening show. Dress is casual.

Garden City is a short walk south of Tahrir Square and Saad Zaghloul metro station, and the venue is within easy reach of the Four Seasons Nile Plaza and other Corniche hotels. Taxis can find the street easily, though it is wise to share the location pin with your driver. After a show, Downtown's cafés and bars are a few minutes away. The venue's mix of daytime café and evening stage also makes it a pleasant spot for a quiet coffee if you are sightseeing in the area, and it is a good place to pick up news of other cultural events around the city.