Al Tannoura Dance Show at Wekalet el-Ghouri, Cairo

Few evenings in Cairo feel as local as this one. The Al Tannoura heritage troupe performs in Wekalet el-Ghouri, a restored caravanserai in Islamic Cairo. Sultan al-Ghuri had it built in 1504 as a lodging and trading house for merchants, and its stone courtyard now serves as the stage.

The show opens with Egyptian folk music played on traditional instruments. Then come the tannoura dancers in their wide, brightly colored skirts. The high point is the whirling dervish dance, in which a performer spins without pause for a long stretch. The tradition has roots in Sufi practice.

Performances take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. A driver and an English-speaking representative collect you from your hotel in the evening. Doors open at 18:15 and the show begins at 19:30, so arriving early gives you a better choice of seats. After the show you are driven back to your hotel.

The outing suits travelers who want culture without a long day of touring, and it works well for families. It also fits neatly after a day of sightseeing, since the show takes place in the evening. Photography is usually allowed, though flash can distract the performers. Your show ticket, private air-conditioned transport, bottled water and all taxes are included. Tips and personal spending are not. The courtyard seating is simple, so a cushion or light jacket can help on winter nights.

Prices start from $23 per person. The rate per person drops as the group grows, so solo travelers pay more than groups of five or six.