Midan Talaat Harb (Talaat Harb Square), Cairo

At the opposite end of Talaat Harb Street, you'll find Talaat Harb Square. This area, in the center of the city, is always bustling with activity. Expect heavy traffic and lots of pedestrians enjoying the shops and cafés along the way.

The square's main feature is the statue of its namesake, Talaat Harb Pasha. Talaat Harb was an Egyptian entrepreneur who founded Banque Misr in 1920. The founding of the Egyptian-owned bank was a significant step toward establishing Egypt's own identity apart from the colonial powers. Talaat Harb was later instrumental in establishing many businesses in Egypt's private sector, including shipping, filmmaking, insurance, and the national airline, EgyptAir.

The street and square have been front and center in Cairo life for decades. You'll find many once-famous establishments that have gone out of business, but their presence around the square stands as a testament to their former importance. One of the most recognizable historic establishments is Groppi, whose old tearoom occupies a prominent position directly on Talaat Harb Square. Once one of Cairo's fashionable meeting places, it became famous for its chocolates, pastries, and elegant European-style atmosphere. The historic premises have undergone periods of closure and restoration.

From the square, continue along Talaat Harb Street in the direction of Tahrir Square. At number 17, you'll come to Café Riche, another landmark of Downtown Cairo. Opened in the early 20th century, it became a gathering place for writers, journalists, artists, and political figures. The café still operates today and retains reminders of its long cultural history.

Farther along Talaat Harb Street, at number 35, you'll find the Metro Cinema. The cinema opened in 1939 and became one of the city's prominent movie theaters. Its surviving façade provides another reminder of the era when Downtown Cairo was the center of the city's entertainment scene.

The buildings surrounding Talaat Harb Square exemplify the varied history of the nation's colonial past. Buildings here are designed in the French Neoclassical style. These streets were once home to some of the city's most successful shops. This part of town was once called "Paris on the Nile," thanks to its 19th-century elegance.