Overview

Cairo, Egypt's capital, is often called the "City of a Thousand Minarets," and its streets are alive with energy, color, and constant motion. The city offers an extraordinary mix of historical marvels, cultural gems, and modern-day attractions. From the vibrant street life and bustling markets to a diverse and rich culinary scene, Cairo provides an immersive experience at every turn. With a history stretching back thousands of years, it showcases the grandeur of ancient civilizations alongside the pulse of contemporary urban life.

Located along the iconic Nile River, Cairo is home to over 20 million people, making it one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East. It’s famous for its archaeological wonders, most notably the Giza Necropolis on the outskirts of the city. Here, you’ll find the awe-inspiring Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as the Great Sphinx and smaller, fascinating pyramids.

Cairo is also home to many historic mosques and landmarks like the Egyptian Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, and the Coptic district, where you can visit the Hanging Church, one of Egypt’s oldest churches. Food lovers will delight in traditional Egyptian dishes, from street food favorites like falafel and koshary to flavorful meals such as kofta and stuffed grape leaves.

In essence, Cairo is a city where ancient wonders meet modern vibrancy. Its rich history and culture make it an enthralling destination for travelers seeking a deep, immersive experience in the heart of Egypt. Whether you're passionate about history, a foodie, or an explorer in search of new adventures, Cairo offers something unforgettable for everyone.

Things to See & Do

Get acquainted with the city and wander around the downtown area where you will find plenty of eateries and coffee shops to stop in and enjoy some lunch and refreshments. Explore the shops in the city and be sure to stroll the narrow alleyways in the city to uncover hidden treasures and unique souvenirs to take home.

Discover Gezira Island and the upscale districts of Zamalek and Gezira, both areas boast European architecture on beautiful wide tree-lined boulevards that are perfect for a stroll. These luxurious neighborhoods are filled with exquisite boutiques, upscale restaurants, quaint cafes, and intriguing galleries.

Visit the Cairo Tower, the tallest building in Egypt standing at 614 ft tall, this distinguished landmark of the city stands on the River Nile. Take a trip up to the top of the observation deck and enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the city as it starts to light up at night. The tower offers a rotating restaurant if you wish to dine at the highest place in the city. Alternatively, you can choose one of the many amazing restaurants situated on Gezira Island which is a well-known area for upscale dining.

The Great Pyramids of Giza, situated on the Giza Plateau, is where you can visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World the three Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menakaure along with the famous Sphinx and Valley temple. Explore this amazing ancient world filled with spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime sights, discover the deep ancient history of one of the greatest places in the world. The Pyramids are also a splendid sight to see at night when the Sound and Light show takes place and the pyramids come to life in a stunning array of lights accompanied by music.

Head south to the Ancient City of Memphis, where more fascinating Ancient Egyptian sites and stone temples to explore. Check out the outdoor Memphis Museum, The Djoser Pyramid (the very first pyramid), and Danshur (the red pyramid).

Explore the historic neighborhood of Old Cairo, the oldest part of the city with narrow winding cobblestone streets adorned with churches and mosques including the famous , and the Church of Saint George. Ben Ezra Synagogue, the oldest mosque in Africa can also be found here.

Babylon Fortress is situated in Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo) next to the Coptic Museum, this is one of the greatest citadels ever built and one of the best surviving fortresses of the Roman era. Here you can walk along the fortress walls and get a glimpse of the churches and fortress grounds below.

Visit the Khan al Khalili Market, the main trade center in Cairo since the 1400`s. The streets and narrow alleyways are filled with gold and silver workshops, a popular spice market and many other stalls filled with Egyptian crafts, antiques, and unique souvenirs. Visit the famous Fishawi`s café, the oldest coffee shop in the city for coffee and a snack and explore the traditional atmosphere and surroundings of this famous `souk`.

See the Al-Azhar Mosque, a magnificent Fatimid monument that dates back to 970 AD referred to as`The Splendid` due to its beauty and intricately detailed architecture. The central courtyard is paved with marble and the mosque features five minarets.

Visit many of the city`s ancient landmarks including the Saladin Citadel of Cairo, a medieval Islamic Fortification and one of the most popular attractions in the city. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a number of museums and mosques including the Mosque of Mohammad Ali, the Sultan Hassan Mosque, and the National Military Museum. Take a stroll along the walls of the Citadel and enjoy magnificent views of the city and the surrounding desert and hills.

Explore the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities (also known as Egyptian Museum), set in the heart of the city this massive museum features the world`s most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian Antiquities and houses over 136,000 items. The most famous collection here is from the Tomb of Tutankhamen; check out the artifacts on display with a history dating back to the Roman times spread throughout 107 display halls.

Check out the Museum of Islamic Art, one of the greatest museums in the world housing the finest collection of Islamic art and featuring rare collections such as woodwork, plaster, ceramics, glass, and crystal.

Cuisine

Cairo boasts a vibrant culinary scene that blends traditional Egyptian cuisine with a touch of international flavors. Food lovers will be delighted by the variety and richness of authentic dishes, known for their hearty use of fats, carbs, and a wide selection of meats. Vegetarians will also find plenty of delicious options to enjoy. The city's cuisine is also influenced by North African and Middle Eastern flavors, offering a diverse and flavorful dining experience that caters to all tastes.

Traditional Egyptian Cuisine: Authentic Egyptian dishes such as koshary, a popular street food made with rice lentils, pasta, and topped with crispy onions and tangy tomato sauce. A must-try includes ful medames, a nutritious dish consisting of fava beans cooked with herbs and spices. For the more adventurous, try the local delicacy of stuffed pigeon.

Egyptian Street Food: Try ta’ameya, similar to falafel but made with fava beans, served with freshly baked beans and tahini sauce. Savor freshly squeezed sugarcane juice or try a refreshing glass of hibiscus drink known as karkadeh.

Rooftop Dining: Cairo offers several rooftop restaurants boasting fantastic views of the city's landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza and the Nile River. Enjoy your meal while admiring the breathtaking sunset or the glittering city lights across the city.

International Cuisine: Cairo offers a diverse culinary scene with a wide array of international cuisines. From Italian and Lebanese to Indian, Chinese, and more, you'll find global flavors across the city. The neighborhoods of Zamalek and Maadi are particularly known for their vibrant and eclectic dining options.

Cairo Food Markets: Immerse yourself in the colorful atmosphere of Cairo's food markets. Khan El Khalili is a famous souk where you can discover spice shops, taste traditional sweets like baklava, and sip aromatic Egyptian tea.

Shopping

Cairo offers a unique shopping scene with a major focus on antiques, glass products, and artisan goods. The capital is filled with souks and bazaars, world-class shopping malls, and street markets. Whether you’re on the for a unique vintage piece or a traditional Egyptian hookah, the country’s capital is a shopper’s paradise.

Khan-el-Khalili is a lively 14th-century market is a perfect way to experience Cairo’s shopping scene. Known as teh ‘king of souks’, the alleyways are renowned for its array of authentic Egyptian goods, featuring entire streets dedicated to specific trades and goods. From the Gold Market to the Street of Tailors and the Spice Market, browsing through Egypt’s most beloved market is the perfect way to spend any day.

Zamalek offers a great selection of charming boutiques and antique stores, it’s one of the best places to pick up artisan handicrafts or locally made garments. This area is regarded as Egypt’s cosmopolitan center, shoppers come from near and far to enjoy the charming, shaded streets. From art galleries to fair-trade and eclectic homeware stores, Zamalek is a shoppers' paradise.

Tentmakers Bazaar (Souk Al Khiyyamia) is Cairo’s only remaining traditional covered market. This is the best place to find affordable, authentic Egyptian-produced textile crafts. The market is a portal to the medieval world. From colorful carpets to tapestries, pillowcases, and wall hangings, merchants have been selling along the same street here for centuries.

Egyptian Cotton Products: Egypt is renowned for its high-quality cotton, so purchasing Egyptian cotton products like bed sheets, towels, and clothing is a great option. The Khan El Khalili market is one of Cairo’s oldest bazaars with many shops selling authentic cotton products.

Papyrus Art: Papyrus is an ancient Egyptian material that was used for writing and artwork. You can find beautiful hand-painted papyrus artworks depicting scenes from ancient Egypt. The Papyrus Institute in Giza is a reputable place to purchase authentic papyrus art.

Handmade Jewelry: Egypt offers jewelry with intricate designs and the use of precious stones. The Gold Market (Souk Al-Sagha) and the Khan El Khalili are great places to find unique pieces crafted by local artisans.

Traditional Crafts: Local crafts include ceramics, pottery, and glassware. The Al-Azhar area in Old Cairo has several shops selling these items. You can also find a variety of crafts at the Egyptian Handicrafts Emporium or the Wekalet El-Balah market.

Perfumes and Essential Oils: The Perfume Market, Souk Al-Attarine, in Khan El Khalili offers a wide range of fragrances, essential oils, and perfume oils.

Spices and Herbal Teas: Spices can be found throughout the city at markets such as Souk Al-Bisat (Spice Market) in Khan El Khalili offers a variety of spices including saffron, cumin, and cardamom. You can also find a variety of herbal teas and medicinal herbs.

Traditional Clothing: A galabiyas (loose-fitting robes) and shawls are a unique souvenirs. Souk Al-Ghuri, located near the famous Al-Azhar Mosque, is a good place to find traditional clothing.