Located 30 minutes south of Downtown by car or metro, Maadi is the most Americanised part of Cairo.

The area was originally developed in the early 20th century as a suburb for the British and well-off Egyptians. The tree-lined streets and villas are now bisected by major roads and shopping malls, but Maadi is still one of the greenest and most pedestrian-friendly areas of the city.

It is also one of the most child-friendly. The area is the location for many of the best international schools, including the Cairo American College (also the most expensive) and the French Lycee, and is close to the small satellite city of Qattamiya for others. Like Zamalek, Maadi has lots of (relatively expensive) western-style restaurants and cafes.

Shopping caters mainly for westerners and ranges from road-side boutiques to malls. Culturally, the area is less interesting and after dark feels rather dead. Average rent for a two-bedroom furnished apartment: 5,000 LE.