Often tourists come to Cairo for a day to see the pyramids only, but I would suggest staying for at least 3 or more days if you have the chance to fully explore the city beyond the pyramids. Between the Nile, the Red Sea, Alexandria, Cairo, and pyramids that date back to 2500 BC, there’s so much history and culture to experience.
Egypt’s fascinating capital once spread across the district that is known today as Old Cairo, but today continues to expand into the surrounding desert, drawing the iconic pyramids closer towards the city’s boundaries. Soon the capital will be moved to New Cairo leaving behind the historical parts of the city just for the tourists and low-class people.
What to know before travelling?
Safety
As a tourist, when you will pass souks, markets, and other touristic places, many people will try to sell you things, and this is something totally normal. Either decline them politely or explore their shops if you are looking for something.
Culture of tips
Something we have soon learned in Egypt is their tipping mentality and culture. You basically need some small cash all the time to tip on every occasion. Whether it is in a restaurant, your driver, or tours. Doesn't matter whether you already paid for the services or if you like it or not, everyone here expects to get tips. This can be frustrating sometimes, especially if you haven't enjoyed the service or you don't genuinely know if they are nice to you because they are a nice person or they just want tips at the end. Therefore, something to bear in mind while you are in Egypt. Tipping is the way of life for them.
Best time
Egypt country has many deserts, therefore it gets very got in peak seasons. We've travelled end of March/beginning of April time and it was a great time to be there! The temperature is warm and the sun is out. It is not boiling out, but you can still get a nice tan. Therefore I would suggest travelling to Egypt from October to April time.
Dress code
Make sure to dress modestly while in Egypt, as it is a Muslim country. Of course, if you are on a beachside, you can get your summer outfits out. However, if you are staying in Cairo, dress modestly to respect their culture as well as to not pay attention to yourself that much. Think about covered shoulders and long dresses/skirts or pants.
Getting around
Even though Cairo may not be the best city to just wander around the streets, just because the pathway systems are not well developed and it is sometimes impossible to walk from A to B, using Uber or other ride-sharing apps is a great way to get around and see things. Not only it is super cheap, but also it will save you from walking around the traffic madness. You'll notice that Cairo does have public transport and tube systems, but they are predominantly used by low-class people. The majority of Egyptians have cars.
What to do and see?
1. Pyramids of Giza
The Giza Pyramid Complex, also called the Giza Necropolis, is the site on the Giza Plateau in Greater Cairo, Egypt that includes the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with their associated pyramid complexes and the Great Sphinx of Giza. All were built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. It is not located in a desert as some images may look like that. From one side you have views of pyramids and on the other side, you will see the view of Cairo.
You will be offered tours, camel rides, and horse rides everywhere you go around this complex. Your tickets are covering the entrance to the Giza Pyramid Complex. However, you will have to get separate tickets if you would like to go inside.
2. Egyptian Museum
Egyptian Museum is home to an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities. It has 120,000 items, with a representative amount on display and the remainder in storerooms. It is a fairly big building holding so many collection items, from mummies, sculptures, as well as Tutankhamun throne and tomb items.
3. Khan Al Khalili
Khan Al Khalili is a famous souk (market) in the Old Islamic center of Cairo. The skinny lanes of Khan Al Khalili are basically a medieval-style mall. You will find anything from alabaster stones, shisha pipes, jewelry, clothes to touristic souvenirs. In certain places, you will find like back in time to an old Arab souk. Just outside the market on the main street of Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi you can take a stroll around here to mesmerize the beautiful old architecture around.
4. Zamalek
Zamalek is the glamorous northern part of the Gezira island on the Nile. Dotted with elegant townhouses, this area is very safe and easily walkable around. You'll find many art galleries, such as Zamalek Art Gallery, boutiques, and amazing restaurants around this island offering incredible Nile views. On Zamalek, you will find Cairo Tower and Cairo Opera House.
5. Hanging Church
Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, also known as the Hanging Church, is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. The Hanging Church is named for its location above a gatehouse of Babylon Fortress, the Roman fortress in Coptic Cairo (the Christian part of the city). It is definitely something different if you want to see the contrast of different areas in Cairo.
6. Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
The Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan is a monumental mosque and madrasa located in the historic district of Cairo, Egypt. It was built between 1356 and 1363 during the Bahri Mamluk period, commissioned by Sultan an-Nasir Hasan.
7. Al-Azhar park
Al-Azhar Park is a public park located in Cairo, Egypt. It is very rare to see a park or even a bit of greenery space in Cairo. Therefore this park is just a peaceful place popular among the locals as well to go for picnics or photoshoots. If the day is nice and not cloudy, you will be able to see the city in distance as well. However, since green spaces are rare, you will have to pay for entrance to get to the park. Moreover, they do charge extra fees if you are bringing a camera with you.
8. Mosque of Muhammad Ali
The Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha or Alabaster Mosque is a mosque situated in the Citadel of Cairo in Egypt and was commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha between 1830 and 1848. The dominant mosque can be seen from different places. Once up there, you will be offered spectacular views of the city.
9. Mosque of Ibn Tulun
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is located in Cairo, Egypt. It is one of the oldest mosques in Egypt as well as the whole of Africa surviving in its full original form and is the largest mosque in Cairo in terms of land area.
10. Gayer-Anderson Museum
The Gayer-Anderson Museum is an art museum located in Cairo, Egypt. It is situated adjacent to the Mosque of Ahmad ibn Tulun in the Sayyida Zeinab neighborhood. This museum, made up of two very old homes (16th and 17th centuries) is definitely one of the lesser-known attractions, but worth visiting if you are around.
11. The Cave Church
The Monastery of Saint Simon, also known as the Cave Church, is located in the Mokattam mountain in southeastern Cairo, Egypt, in an area that is known as ‘garbage city’ because of the large population of garbage collectors or Zabbaleen that live there.
Where to stay?
1. Cairo Marriot Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino
Located in Cairo's Zamalek district, the Marriott Omar Khayyam offers luxurious rooms with a balcony overlooking the Nile or the gardens.
A romantic Five Star hotel close to the Pyramids. Elegant traditional suites have four-poster beds, kilim rugs, and Egyptian antiques. Excellent Italian, Indian, and traditional restaurants. A top-of-the-range spa, enormous pool, and stunning grounds. Located in Giza part of the city, just a few steps away from pyramids. Therefore slightly longer route to the Old City.
3. The St.Regis Cairo
The St. Regis Cairo draws guests to the heart of Egypt's timeless metropolis, weaving a powerful new story of luxury in the newly opened hotel near the river Nile. You'll find a spa, indoor & outdoor pools as well as many restaurants and bars.
4. Villa Belle Epoque
The best boutique hotel in Cairo. A country house with colonial verandas, a luscious garden, a swimming pool, and an excellent traditional restaurant. Characterful rooms have antique furniture, delicate fabrics, and private balconies. Romantic, family-friendly, a chic home from home.
5. Airbnb
If you are thinking about where to stay, I would suggest looking for areas like Zamalek, Downtown, 6 October or New Cairo. Cairo has many high-end hotels to choose from!
Where to go eat & drink?
When we think of Egyptian food, it’s not so well known. Where you can you should explore the Egyptian street food market or try one of these places for Oriental food. One of the best-known dishes that you should try at least once when you are there is for example Kushari - This filling meal is made up of rice, macaroni, and lentils, topped with tomato sauce, garlic vinegar, and garnished with chickpeas and fried onions. It’s a perfect meal that is substantial, nutrient-packed, and cheap. Or other famous meat dishes are for example Kofta and Kebab. Kofta is minced beef or lamb with plenty of spices thrown in, which is then rolled and grilled. You could call it an Egyptian-style sausage. Kebab is prepped with pieces of meat such as lamb or veal that are grilled over a coal fire on a skewer. These meat dishes are always accompanied by sides of dips, rice, slices of bread, and veggies.
2. Eish + Malh - Modern Italian restaurant in Downtown Cairo
3. Cafe Riche - Café Riche which opened in 1908 at 29th of Talaat Harb Street, is one of the most renowned landmarks in downtown Cairo.
4. Garden Promenade Cafe - An open-air cafe dining restaurant surrounded by a beautiful garden of Marriot Hotel
5. Nile Zamalek Hotel Roof Top - Easily missed place, and an absolute gem. A rooftop bar offering stunning views of the river Nile and the district of Zamalek. Perfect for drinks in the evenings.
6. Zaza Cuisine - Modern Egyptian restaurant in Zamalek island.
7. Zooba - Cairo-based chain serving Egyptian street food bites in colourful spaces.
8. La Terrace - Food with a view at the President Hotel in Zamalek at La Terrace serving international cuisine
9. Sky Rim - High-end dining place with spectacular views of Cairo.
10. 9 Pyramids Lounge - an unforgettable location where you can enjoy great hospitality while gazing at the full splendor of the Pyramids of Giza
Lastly, Cairo has many high-end hotels offering a number of restaurants and bars and it is very common for people to book a table and dine in those hotels, even if they are not guests.
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