Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a bustling metropolis that sits on the banks of the River Nile. Residence to an estimated 22 million individuals, town has extra not too long ago expanded right into a sprawling jumble of recent buildings, historic landmarks and winding roads.

Many vacationers fly into Cairo primarily for the pyramids of Giza. One of many world’s historic wonders, the spectacular web site sits on the outskirts of the capital and welcomes 14 million vacationers every year. Most then shortly head to different areas corresponding to Luxor, Alexandria or the Pink Sea.

Landmarks such because the pyramids are testomony to Cairo’s historic heritage, however the capital has rather more to supply – together with some modern surprises. A number of days in Cairo will unlock a complete vary of cultural websites, numerous neighbourhoods and vibrant markets, and with airways persevering with to launch or broaden direct flight routes, now’s the best time.

e rounded up one of the best issues to do in Cairo, together with the place to remain and prime eating places for embracing Egypt’s tradition. Right here’s learn how to benefit from any journey to “town of a thousand minarets”.

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Finest issues to do in Cairo

Discover the pyramids of Giza 

The pyramids are jaw-dropping feats of expertise that also maintain many mysteries. Within the Giza Necropolis, there are three fundamental pyramids, in addition to a number of smaller ones, a number of burial websites and the Sphynx. Don’t miss the 20-minute path that results in a panoramic lookout of all of the pyramids.

Most Cairo resorts provide excursions that embody transport, tickets and a information. Nonetheless, the most cost effective strategy to go to the pyramids is to take a taxi (simply half-hour from central Cairo) and pay the entry payment on the gate. Ticket costs will range relying on how a lot of the Necropolis you wish to go to.

When on the Necropolis, be cautious of tour guides promoting entry tickets and excursions at elevated costs. Keep away from accepting camel or horse rides, because the animals may not be well-cared for.

Go to the Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum is the oldest archaeological museum within the Center East. It has greater than 17,000 artefacts, together with a set of mummies and sarcophagi. It may possibly get critically busy, so attempt to arrive early.

A number of delays slowed down the development of the bigger Grand Egyptian Museum. Touted as “Egypt’s new marvel within the making” this would be the greatest archaeological museum on the earth; the most recent stories say it’ll open in in direction of the top of 2023.

Take a ship journey on the Nile

Crusing down the Nile in a felucca is a primary strategy to catch Cairo’s sundown. Journeys on these picket crusing boats can take a number of hours, and you’ll select between fundamental excursions or luxurious eating experiences. To rearrange a felucca, head right down to the banks of the River Nile. You may spot the boats docked near the 4 Seasons resort in Backyard Metropolis, or in Zamalek.

Finest time to go to Cairo

For sunny days and nice climate, go to Cairo from October to November or from March to Could.

Throughout summer season, temperatures can attain a sweltering 40C, which deters many from any outside sightseeing. Nonetheless, that is additionally off-season, providing a quieter expertise for these keen to courageous the warmth.

The place to remain in Cairo

Zamalek, Downtown Cairo or Maadi are extremely really useful neighbourhoods, as they’ve quick access to main vacationer websites.

Holy Sheet Hostel 

A well-liked selection amongst travellers, Holy Sheet Hostel is positioned minutes away from the Egyptian Museum and inside attain of loads of eating places and cafes. The hostel options each female-only and blended dorms, in addition to personal rooms.

Villa Belle Epoque 

Situated in Maadi, Villa Belle Epoque is a surprising boutique resort boasting a mix of historic allure and trendy comforts. The resort is about in a fantastic, historic mansion and comes with a variety of luxurious rooms, a number of swimming pools and eating places.

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Classic boho personal room on Airbnb

Airbnb is a well-liked selection in Cairo, and there are a lot of trendy rooms to select from, corresponding to this boho-style possibility in Downtown Cairo. Company right here can take pleasure in a peaceable keep in a double bed room, with shared entry to a kitchen, dwelling house and balcony.

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Marriott Mena Home

Even for those who don’t find yourself staying on the Marriott Mena Home, it’s price a go to to savour the breathtaking surroundings whereas eating on the resort’s restaurant. Who wouldn’t wish to catch a glimpse of the pyramids over breakfast?

Finest cafes and eating places in Cairo 

Egyptian delicacies may not be all that well-known however guests can unlock many scrumptious dishes throughout their keep. Cairo has a vibrant restaurant scene, and a mixture of native and worldwide plates that can fulfill most tastebuds.

Abou Tarek 

Probably the most well-known spots in Cairo, this native hang-out has been serving staple Egyptian koshary because the Fifties. Koshary is among the nationwide dishes, a mixture of rice, noodles, fried onions and tomato sauce. Not solely is it a must-try dish, however that is the place to pattern it.

Fasahet Somaya 

This cosy hole-in-the-wall is famed for its home-cooked, hearty Egyptian dishes. With a small, but continually altering menu, proprietor Somaya places her coronary heart and soul into making each meal scrumptious.

Sufi Cafe & Bookstore 

Stepping inside Sufi immediately transports you to Nineteen Sixties Cairo. This book-shop-turned-coffee-house boasts a variety of cosy rooms the place you may nestle in a nook, drink a espresso and get caught into a superb novel.

Estro Ristorante 

These on the lookout for panoramic views and scrumptious dishes ought to head to Estro. Situated within the upscale neighbourhood of Maadi, this eating spot with Sicilian fare offers each scrumptious plates and reasonably priced costs.

Finest bars in Cairo 

Not essentially famed for its consuming tradition, Cairo is packed stuffed with hidden gems and a thriving celebration scene, if you already know the place to look.

Cairo Jazz Membership is a well-liked live-music venue recognized for its line-up of native and worldwide acts in addition to its laidback vibe. Different well-known consuming holes embody Offers, Carol Bar and Harry’s Pub. To get a style of actually native consuming tradition, attempt the legendary El Horreya in Downtown.

For these on the lookout for an escape from the busy metropolis, attempt Odin the Pool Home. Situated in Uptown Cairo, though this upscale bar is just a little out of the best way, it comes with a cool aesthetic, DJs to match and a pool that’s good for a day dip.

The place to buy in Cairo 

Probably the most well-known place to buy is Khan al Khalili Market. The busy bazaar covers a wide selection of winding streets and has a historical past that spans again to the 14th century. You may shortly get misplaced within the tight alleyways filled with trinkets, Arabian lanterns, gold and antiques. Take a break by stopping in one of many previous cafes dotted about, the place you’ll discover native Egyptians consuming tea or smoking shisha pipes.

How one can journey round Cairo 

Navigating Cairo can generally really feel difficult, and guests must be ready for heavy site visitors. Nearly all of vacationers keep away from utilizing the underground, except accompanied by an Egyptian. Probably the most reasonably priced strategy to journey across the metropolis is by Uber or inDrive.

FAQs

What forex do they use?

Egyptian pound (EGP).

What language do they converse?

The principle language spoken in Cairo is Arabic, however you may get by with English.

What to put on in Cairo

Men and women ought to put on loose-fitting garments that cowl their legs and shoulders.

How a lot ought to I tip?

Tipping isn’t anticipated in Cairo, however leaving some change is welcomed.

What’s the time distinction?

GMT+3.

What’s the typical flight time from the UK?

Flights between London and Cairo take simply over 5 hours.

What’s one of the best view?

Dawn or sundown at one of many rooftops overlooking the pyramids.

Insider tip

Get used to haggling, because it’s a part of Egyptian tradition (try to have enjoyable with it!).

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