Into the night

There are few cities where men, and especially women, can boast being able to walk around night or day without fearing for their safety. Personal safety in many cities of the world has become a pressing concern: a study published in Foreign Affairs this year asserts that 15 out of every 100,000 urban inhabitants in Latin America are killed each year. And according to the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, 1,900 serious crimes take place in South Africa every day. It is estimated, in fact, that urban violence worldwide has risen by three to five per cent per year over the last 20 years, while the degree of violence has intensified.

One of the most pleasurable things about living in, or visiting, Egypt is having the freedom to roam as one pleases at any time of day or night, knowing that even if there were reasons for distress, at least a handful of the 67 million people that make up this country, will answer to a cry for help.

A typical Cairene evening

The moderate weather year-round inspires many to walk along the Nile Corniche, or enjoy a felluca ride on the rich Nile waters that reflect the city's lights. A walk in the Al-Hussein district, a cup of tea at a coffee-shop, a spot of shopping and perhaps some traditional music played at the restored Mamluke homes of Old Cairo -- Al-Suhaymi, Zeinab Khatoun, or Al-Harawy -- is also an enjoyable way to spend an evening out.

Alternatively, you can head up to the majestic Salaheddin Citadel Complex (Al-Gawhara Theatre, Salah Salem Rd, Tel. 510 0823) and be mesmerised by Al-Tannoura whirling dervishes who perform to live Sufi music.

Something more conventional?

Put on a tie or a pair of heels -- as necessary -- and head to the Opera House (Opera House grounds, Gezira Tel 737 0601) where something is always going on: a classical music concert, ballet, modern dance or classical Arabic music by local and international artists.

Cairo has some dozens of international-standard cinema multiplexes where you can catch the latest movies while munching on hot popcorn and sipping a diet Coke.

Or walk downtown amongst throngs of window-shoppers and stop in at one of the many galleriesoffering diverse work to suit all styles. Head to Townhouse (10 Nabarawy St, Tel 576 8600) for modern work, Arabesque (6 Qasr Al-Nil, Tel 5748677) if painting is your preference, or the Cairo Atelier to check out who and what is exhibiting this season.

Party all night

At the After Eight (6 Qasr Al-Nil, Tel 5740855) bar and restaurant, most days of the week you will be treated to the music of young local talents, such as modern Egyptian fusionmusic by Wist Al-Balad, swing and jazz classics by Risala, and Sabor del Son who play Latin jazz.

If the mood takes you, a ten-minute cab ride will transport you to the Jazz Club (197, 26th July St, Mohandessin Tel 3459939), where dancing is par for the course, as is live music by Yehia Khalil and other famous musicians.

Moreserious dancers should head for El-Morocco (Zamalek) for a bite of excellent Moroccan food while you boogie the night away on a stationary boat on the Nile. Or you can head to Jazzup (Nile Hilton, Tahrir Square Tel 578 0666), which has nights that specifically cater to the Tango and Salsa freaks, to name but a few.

Still not tired?

Head out to the Pyramids and take a horse out for a moon-lit nighttime ride, or head to Sayeda Zeinab and walk around Old Cairo before heading to Al-Gahsh for a midnight snack of fuul and taamiya on the street.

Rest assured, you will tire before the city does, and for every waking moment in this city of 24-bustling hours, it will have something to offer. Prices of all-of-the above are well within average range and separated from each other by short cab drives -- the latter found in abundance on Cairo streets way past the wee hours of the night.

The best part is you do not need to look over your shoulder, even once, while having a great night on the town.