Cairo Destination Guide
Cairo Holidays
Colourful Cairo is a vibrant city with bustling streets and a lively atmosphere. As the capital city of Egypt it is a favourite destination for adventure seekers and historians alike. Gaze at the pyramids, sail the Nile and marvel at the ancient wonders in the Egyptian Museum.
Top Attractions »
You cannot go to Cairo and not visit the Great Pyramids. Although you may not climb the exterior, you are permitted to explore the dark interior of this tomb where a laborious uphill journey leads to the burial chamber of Khufu. If that sounds a little too claustrophobic, opt for a camel ride around the pyramids instead. The Sphinx is located nearby the Great Pyramid; an easy walk on a paved connecting road, and separate admission is required.
A round of golf will certainly be in order, especially when you can enjoy it at the foot of the Pyramids. Both the Mena House and Dreamland courses offer breath-taking views of these incredible structures.
For an authentic look at life as the pharaohs lived it, the Pharaonic Village offers a yacht cruise through many ancient Egyptian settings. Not only is the trip educational, it’s entertaining. Explore the authentic museums, have your picture taken in costume, grab a bite to eat and pick up a keepsake from the gift shop.
The awe-inspiring Egyptian Museum should be next on your list. The Museum houses over 100 000 artefacts that are up to 4 000 years old. Here are some great exhibits including the famous golden burial mask, solid gold coffin, and treasures found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun. At an additional fee you can explore the mummy room where real mummies, including Ramses II lie in state.
Finally, visit the Saqqara Carpet School where young artisans weave incredible carpets before your eyes. A guided tour is provided, finishing in the showroom where you can take your time admiring the intricate patterns and designs. Souvenir?
Eat and Drink »
If there were a typical Egyptian dish, it would be koshary – an unlikely combination of rice, macaroni, lentils, chickpeas and spices covered with spicy tomato sauce and onions. It is a delicious, filling dish that you’re going to want to try more than once. Typical at breakfast is fuul, a paste made from fava beans with lots of spices, often served in pita bread. Another favourite is taamiya – fava bean falafel served in a sandwich with vegetables.
For meat lovers, chicken and lamb shwarma and tawouk are served on the streets almost everywhere. Try the street food – it is often far better than restaurant food and it’s very affordable!
If you have a sweet tooth, the Egyptian Pancake House at the Khan el Khalik open-air market is worth a stop.
Ask your hotel about a two-hour lunch or dinner cruise on the Nile. You get to see the city from a different angle, and the beautiful city lights at night make for a very romantic ending to a busy day of exploration.
Where to Stay
Cairo offers a range of accommodation options to suit every taste and pocket. There are impressive luxury hotels that line the banks of the Nile and it may be worth investing in excellent accommodation and booking in advance. At the other end of the scale are affordable options that may be a little far from the attractions. Stay in downtown Cairo if you want to be close to the Egyptian Museum, Ibn Tulun Mosque, and Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, but don’t expect any peace and quiet. The Heliopolis area is close to Cairo International Airport, but very far from anything else.
Zamalek is a very pleasant area with less noise and traffic, and great shops and restaurants, but you will have to travel to reach any of the attractions.
Shopping »
At the Khan el-Khalili open-air market merchants carry anything from fine jewellery to fabric and spices. Haggle with the traders for the perfect keepsake, but beware – they’ve been perfecting their sales pitch for years! This is a fabulous day-trip where you’re sure to find something to remind you of your travels to this exotic location.
If you’re looking for an experience that is a little more familiar, the City Stars Complex in Heliopolis offers over 600 stores, 21 state-of-the-art movie theatres, 2 indoor theme parks, dozens of restaurants and hotel accommodation all under one roof.
Good to know in Cairo
- Nothing is free, no matter what anybody says. While it may be free to get onto a camel – getting off may prove costly and challenging.
- Take your own water and snacks when you go sight-seeing to avoid having to pay ridiculous prices later.
- Dressing conservatively shows respect. The less skin you show, the more respect you’ll receive.
- Crossing the street is an art form. Two lanes turn to three and cars rarely stop for pedestrians. It’s best to keep an eye on the locals to see how they do it!
