Ecuador-born Margarita Andrade has lived in Cairo for over thirty years. Through her brand Malaika Linens and the women’s initiative Threads of Hope, she combines craftsmanship and social impact. Here she shares the places that shape her daily life and inspire her creative work.
ART & ANTIQUES
Ibrahim & Hoda Sherawy (Downtown Cairo)
A long-established address for rare mirrors, lighting and porcelain rescued from old Cairo palaces. Every room is densely layered with history and well-chosen curiosities. Prices are negotiable and conversation is part of the experience. Ideal for interior lovers seeking pieces with character.
Wagdy Reis (Downtown Cairo)
Known for decorative glass, brass and signed furniture, this antiques dealer offers a changing, carefully sourced selection. Provenance is often meticulously documented, and the advice is expert. Frequent visits reveal fresh finds. A destination for design-minded travellers who value authenticity.
CITY WALKS & GREEN ESCAPES
Downtown Cairo – Khedivial Quarter
Restored Art Deco and Beaux-Arts façades line broad boulevards that hum with cafés, bookshops and galleries. Early morning brings soft light and manageable traffic, perfect for photography. Every corner tells a story of Cairo’s layered modern history. An ideal starting point for urban exploration.
Al-Muizz Street
One of the oldest streets in the historic centre, lined with mosques, madrassas and sabils. Evening light bathes the medieval architecture in a warm glow, while the daytime buzz of craftsmen and spice sellers fills the air. Photographers and architecture enthusiasts will find endless detail. Comfortable shoes and time to linger are essential.
Heliopolis
A residential quarter where colonial architecture meets quiet, tree-lined avenues. Cafés and bakeries give it a village feel within the city. Perfect for a slower, more contemplative walk. Shows a different, elegant face of Cairo.
One of Cairo’s most storied green refuges. Sweeping lawns, old trees and quiet paths offer an unexpected calm. Access is by membership or invitation, rewarding visitors with a different rhythm of city life. Perfect for a late-afternoon stroll.
FOOD & DRINKS
Crimson Bar & Grill, Zamalek
A relaxed yet polished terrace with uninterrupted views of the Nile and the city skyline. Sunset is the golden moment, when lights shimmer across the river. The menu is international but the atmosphere is unmistakably Cairo. A favourite for aperitifs and conversations that stretch into the evening.
CRAFT & CREATIVE SPACE
Malaika Factory, 6th October City
The place where every Malaika design is drawn, cut and hand-embroidered. Visitors by appointment can watch the full process from sketch to finished linen. Quality and timeless design guide every step. A must for those interested in textiles and Egyptian craftsmanship.
Threads of Hope, Downtown Cairo
A social enterprise training and employing women artisans in heritage embroidery. Each piece carries stories of skill and empowerment. Set in a beautifully preserved historic building. Visits are by arrangement and offer an inspiring look at meaningful craft.
CULTURE
Grand Egyptian Museum (Giza)
A striking modern landmark with a pyramidal entrance that frames millennia of history. Inside, vast galleries display Egypt’s ancient treasures with state-of-the-art curation. Allow several hours to explore comfortably. Essential for understanding the deep time of Egyptian civilisation.
Immobilia Building, Downtown Cairo
An Art Deco icon that once housed Cairo’s creative elite. Today its elegant apartments and studios retain their glamour. Centrally located, it is perfect for exploring on foot. A key address for architecture aficionados.
SHOPPING & BOOKS
Madu
Margarita’s own concept store, hidden in a leafy courtyard. Inside, embroidered linens, ceramics and hand-woven accessories showcase Egyptian craftsmanship with a modern touch. Each object feels carefully chosen and timeless. An inspiring stop for distinctive gifts and design pieces.
A welcoming, well-curated bookshop offering both Arabic and English titles. Knowledgeable staff are quick with recommendations, and the selection includes stationery and thoughtful gifts. A cultural meeting point for readers and writers alike. Perfect for a quiet pause between city walks.