Situated in the northeast of Egypt, Cairo is a place of overwhelming cultureal distinction, as well as a chaotically fun place to visit. Cairo is a remarkable destination, particularly given its heritage.
Easily the most celebrated monuments in all Africa, maybe the world, the 3 pyramids of Giza – Khephren, Mykérinos and the Great Pyramid of Cheops – deserve their distinction as the last of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Just beyond the pyramids, the magnificent fortress of Saladin Citadel overlooks the city and is an imposing yet delightful attraction, equally worthy of your time. Built by the founder of the Ayyubid dynastic in the 12th century, this citadel is actually one of Cairo’s more “modern” attractions. Visitors to Cairo will also appreciate the magnificent statue of Ramses II, displayed at the grand museum of Giza, where one can easily lose several hours as they take in everything to see.
Cairo Essentials
The popularity of Islam is reflected across Egypt, yet perhaps nowhere else is it quite as prevalent as in Cairo. Situated along the famous Nile River, this enormous, sprawling metropolis is one of the most heavily populated cities in the world and the largest in Africa, with a metropolitan population of more than 17 million. It is an exceptional city to both live in and visit, one of the few places in the world where people can still experience the amazing contrast felt when ancient and modern civilizations clash.
Despite its size, the thought of which can be intimidating to some, visitors to Cairo instantly feel at home thanks to the local people’s great sense of hospitality. Their friendly traits and their great sense of humor will put visitors at ease almost immediately, and they will have little difficulty in finding a guide to accompany them on their adventure. In fact, a guided tour is the best way to fully explore this monumental city that consists of two main parts: Old Cairo and Modern Cairo. The latter extends from Ramses Square and Ataba plaza down the Khulud and Clot Bey Streets, to Muski and the DeGezira Island, which includes several interesting sights such as the Garden of Ezbekiyyeh.
The palace of Al-Manyal and the palace of Manasterli, overlooking DeGezira Island from north to south, both attract huge tourist attention. Old Cairo is home to a large number of people of the Jewish and Christian faith, and features six magnificent old churches, as well as the famous Ben Ezra synagogue, a place of immense heritage. Situated between five religious buildings, the Saint-Serge church, built back in the fifth century, is also quite unique due to its exceptional age, while if you want another adventure, you can leap over to the city of the dead, a very quiet and secluded area nearby that is filled with old cemeteries.
In 1979, the Islamic monuments of Cairo were declared universal cultural heritage sites by UNESCO. Amongst its numerous Islamic buildings, illustrious mosques such as the Al Aqmar, Mohame An-Nâsir, Al-Fath, Ibn Tulun and Al-Azhar mosques are easily the most fascinating. There are also many Islamic museums, such as Umm Kulsoum, the Postal Museum, Al-Manyal, where you can find objects collected by Prince Mohammed Ali Tawfig, the uncle of King Farouk, as well as many great artistic masterpieces.
Other remarkable attractions include the museum of Islamic art, and the celebrated Egyptian museum of Antiquities. The latter is of particular interest, containing room upon room of mummified animals, a ground-floor room dedicated to Akhenaton, a place for royal mummies, and a first floor dedicated to articles from the tomb of Tutankhamen.
Still More to Do
In addition to sightseeing and culture, visitors can partake in various activities in Cairo. Diving fans will have numerous opportunities to discover beautiful aquatic life in the Red Sea. You can also go for a Cruise down the Nile by hailing a traditional boat, known as a felucca, where you will be able to enjoy exceptional views of the city and a sunset like no other if you go in the early evening. Thrill seekers meanwhile, can go on a safari into the desert, though to do so you should hire a professional guide to take you, as it can certainly be a forbidding place should you get lost!
Music is another exceptional treat in Cairo – things like classical music, ballet, and opera are all prevalent in this city that constantly continues to surprise. Music lovers will no doubt fall in love with the Opera of Cairo, while those who want to enjoy the uniquely Egyptian spectacle of Whirling Dervishes - Sufis who perform spinning dances – can so by visiting El Sakia.
Those who enjoy a feast can eat as much as their body can take. Egyptian cuisine is supremely delicious fare and can be enjoyed in the traditional style with mint tea and shisha pipes to wash it down with. Sequoia is one of the top restaurants for an authentic Egyptian dining experience, while those looking to visit a bar for some alcoholic drinks can stop by at the Buddha Bar, located in the Zamalek quarter. Also, live rock shows and jazz shows are regularly scheduled at the Cairo Jazz Club, along with night clubs such as Haroun Al-Rashid and the Nile Hilton, where exotic belly dancers will hypnotize all who enter.
Memories and Souvenirs
As a souvenir, you might like to pick up some fancy shoes, muski glasses, or handmade goods from the local leather craftsman at one of the plentiful street markets in Cairo. The markets are also a great place to find traditional artisan works and even Egyptian jewelry. If you are a serious shopper, it’s best to take a trip to either the Al-Muski market, the Turkish bazaar or Khan el-Khalili, a plaza with thousands of shops which sells virtually everything, including distinctly Egyptian souvenirs that blend the modern and the traditional.
Cairo is one of the few places on Earth that lives up to the hype. Maybe it’s something to do with being in the shadow of ancient greatness. Whatever the mystic or mathematical cause that makes for fascination, Cairo is certainly full to the brim with it.
Main Attractions: Abedin Palace, Saladin Citadel, Egyptian National Museum of Railroads, Babylon Fortress, al-Muallaqa, the Egyptian Museum, the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, and many more superb touristic attractions.
Currency: Egyptian pound
Spoken languages: Arabic
Budget for one week: Over €800 Euro
Taxes and gratuities: Leaving a tip is common practice
Area: 210 Km2
Population: 19,439,541 (Metro)
Electricity:
- Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
- Primary Socket Types: Europlug, Schuko
- Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.)
- 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
- Hair dryers, curling irons, etc.: Plug adapter + voltage converter
Other places to see & things to do: the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Al-Azhar Mosque. Aqmar Mosque, Lulua Mosque, Mohammed Ali Basha Mosque, Cairo Tower, the Military Museum, and too many others to list.
Visas: For travelers coming from the European Union, Canada and Switzerland , a visa can be issued at border crossings or a consulate: a stamp of between 10 and 25 euros is required for the passport, as are two photos.
Medical recommendations: Tap water is drinkable in Cairo, but a filtering system might be recommendable. Vaccinations recommended: at least Hepatitis A.
Images courtesy: Ian Robertson, Christopher Chan, Dennis Jarvis, Nick Leonard
Report an error
Pick from among 3 holiday destinations in Cairo.
Compare 50 reviewed hotels and guest houses in Cairo before booking your holiday.
