Nile Corniche, Cairo

This riverside boulevard runs for miles along the eastern bank of the Nile through central Cairo, lined with hotels, government buildings and gardens facing the water. A favorite place for evening strolls, it offers views of feluccas under sail, illuminated bridges and the towers of Gezira Island across the river. Vendors, cafes and boat landings animate the promenade, which links many of the city's central landmarks. As one of the few open waterfront spaces in the dense metropolis, it draws residents seeking cooler air and river breezes.