Al Fish Garden

Overview

Al-Gabalaya Park (Fish Garden) is a quirky, little-visited Victorian-era garden in Zamalek featuring artificial grottos, underground aquariums, and landscaped pathways with Nile views.

Highlights

• Rock Grottos: Artificial caves and tunnels built from volcanic rock, housing small aquariums.
• Victorian Design: A surviving example of 19th-century European garden design adapted for the Egyptian climate.
• Local Atmosphere: Popular with Egyptian families, offering a genuinely local park experience.

History

Created in 1867 for Khedive Ismail's garden collection on Gezira Island, the park was designed with artificial mountains, grottoes, and fish pools in the Victorian naturalistic style. It is now a modest public park.

Visitor Tips

• Entrance Fee: Nominal — just a few Egyptian pounds.
• Combine: Easy to pair with a Zamalek neighbourhood walk.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.