Overview
Cairo is considered to be the 16th largest metropolitan and one of the largest cities in both the Arab world and Africa. It is the capital of Egypt and a famous tourist destination for adventurous travelers and historians alike. Cairo has the oldest and largest film and music industries in the Arab World, as well as the world's second-oldest institution of higher learning.
The area around present-day Cairo, especially Memphis, had long been a focal point of Ancient Egypt due to its strategic location just upstream from the Nile Delta. Known to its nearly 20 million residents as Um ad-Dunya (Mother of the World), modern Cairo is a hotchpotch of recent growth barely superimposed on a dense bed of history. Wander down to Islamic Cairo and you’ll be sucked in through the looking glass to a bygone medieval era. . Meanwhile, the city’s main museum bursts at the seams with the priceless wealth of ancient Egypt’s antiquities.
The Giza Pyramids are right outside of the town, and the Egyptian Museum is in the center. The Sphinx and the Citadel are two other popular tourist attractions. It is located near Nile Delta.
The Hanging Church, are located along the fortress walls in a section of the city known as Coptic Cairo.
Famous Sightseeing’s and Things to do in Cairo
1. Nile River Dinner Cruise in Cairo
River dinner cruise aboard the Nile Maxim, one of the most elegant cruising restaurants sailing the world's longest waterway. One can enjoy top-class service aboard your Nile cruise, gliding past Cairo's illuminated skyline while you dine, and with entertainment provided by a spectacular belly dancing and folklore show.
2.Cairo International Film Festival
Egypt's love of the arts in general can be traced back to the rich heritage bequeathed by the Pharaohs. In modern times, Egypt has enjoyed a strong cinematic tradition since the art of filmmaking was first developed, early in the 20th century. A natural progression from the active theatre scene of the time, cinema rapidly evolved into a vast motion picture industry.
Other famous Attractions are:
• Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Sakkara
One can step back in time to the days of ancient Egypt on while visiting Great Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, the necropolis of Sakkara.
• Al-Azhar Park
Al-Azhar Park was opened in 2005.It changed Islamic Cairo’s eastern horizon substantially. It is a beautifully landscaped swath of green, the city’s first (and only) park of significant size.
• Abou Shakra-The Famous Restaurant
Abou Shakra is been serving up its kebab-and-kofta plates and shwarma sandwiches at this main branch. There's a takeaway at the front and a dining room behind it.
• Simonds-Cafe
The recent overhaul of this century-old French-style cafe .The coffee is good.
• Mosque of Ibn Tulun
Its high walls topped with neat crenulations that resemble a string of paper dolls easily identify the Mosque of Ibn Tulun.
• Bent Pyramid, Dahshur, Egypt
These are examples of experimenting with ways to create a true, smooth-sided pyramid, which are steep angled and inward-leaning courses of stone.
Things to do in Cairo
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Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza
See the Pyramids of Giza coming to life with strong narration and unique use of lightning. See the Sound and Light show which is the most advertised tourist things around Pyramids. You will be enchanted by the Sound and Light show sitting under the dark sky and surrounded by the vast wilderness. The show incorporates the use laser lights, dramatic voice narration and interesting use of lights which will surely captivate you. The strong voice narration comes from the Sphinx, the legendary half human half lion, the guardian of the three pyramids commissioned by Cheops, Chepren and Mycerinus. Hear the story of the pyramids and learn a great deal about the rich history and facts about the pyramids.
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Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour
Explore the rich Islamic and Christian heritages of Cairo and learn a grea deal about Cairo’s culture and history. Admire the historical Christian monuments which are of important religious and historical significance. The Christian heritages are regarded as a transitional period between Pharaonic & Islamic period and arts. On this half day tour you will explore the Old Cairo which is renowned for its antique churches. The Coptic Museum in Cairo is renowned for its collection of the first Christian relics, architectural ruins, manuscripts, icons and many Christian artifacts and artworks. Visit the famous and historic Suspended Church of El Moallaqa and the Abu Serga Church both of which were built in 4th century BC. See the fine examples of Islamic architecture in mosques, palaces, fortress, houses and cultural centers. Visit the Ahmad-Ibn Tulun Mosque, one of the earliest and the largest mosques built in Islamic Egypt. Admire its gypsum ornamentation and religious Islamic engravings. See the Sultan Hassan School & Mosques which is considered as the pearl of Islamic architecture. Visit the Al Azhar university one of the earliest Islamic universities and is renowned in the world as a premier seat of Islamic learning,
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Egyptian Museum and Pyramids of Giza
The Egyptian Museum is one of the most important, popular and must visit attraction of Cairo. The Egyptian Museum houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts and historical relics of the bygone glorious Egyptian civilization. Enjoy a visit to the famous Pyramids of Giza and see the mythical Sphinx on this half day tour. The museum is located in a sprawling palace in the iconic Tahrir Square. Explore the rich history of Egypt starting from the ancient Egyptian civilization to the modern era. The Museum has 107 halls displaying huge statues of kings, gods and goddesses and vast collection of Egyptian artifacts. The upper floor houses small statues, jewels and Tutankhamen treasures. The Pyramids of Giza is considered as the icon of Egypt and is the last remaining wonder of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. See the three huge Pyramids that are guarded by the mystical Sphinx, a creature with human head and a body of Lion. Enjoy the tour and experience the rich legacy and heritages of Egypt.
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Memphis and Sakkara Half Day Tour
Enjoy this half day tour of Memphis and Sakkara and learn a great deal about the ancient Egyptian Civilization. You will first visit the ancient capital city of Memphis and will see the last remains of this once glorious city. See the huge fallen images of the King Ramses II of Egypt in Memphis and see the historically rich open air museum which will give you a glimpse of the bygone era. Next you will visit the Sakkara the ancient burial grounds of Egypt. See the famous Zoser Step Pyramid which is a funeral complex including temples and tombs and delicate wall carvings. Visit the tombs of nobles and other prominent figure of the bygone Egyptian civilization. This tour will offer you lot of insight into the great Egyptian Civilization.
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Dinner Cruise in Nile River
Enjoy a perfect romantic night in Cairo while cruising in Nile River. The Cruise includes live entertainment with belly dancers and live band performances which will make your evening a memorable one. Enjoy a fine dinner comprising of finest culinary delicacies of Egypt and cruise along the night under the beautiful moon and twinkling stars. See the lights and illuminated buildings located on the banks of Nile River. The tour is perfect for couple who are looking for a romantic experience.
Weather of
Cairo
In Cairo, and along the Nile River Valley, the climate is a desert climate, but often with high humidity due to the river valley's effects. Windstorms can be frequent, bringing Saharan dust into the city during the months of March and April. The best time to visit Cairo is during the winter from November to March, when daytime highs generally stay below 25°C, with nighttime lows around 10°C with occasional rain showers clearing the air. Visitors should always pack a few warm jumpers and a warm jacket for evening wear.
Food of
Cairo
When it comes to eating in Egypt, traditional food can be found everywhere.
One traditional meal is the kebob. Kebobs have become extremely popular, and have morphed, in the past fifty years.
Falafel is another traditional Egyptian food that can be found in Cairo. Falafel is a fried ball that is created using fava beans that have been spiced
Ful medames is considered by some Egyptians to be the national dish. It is served at breakfast time
When it comes to dining in Cairo, visitors have a number of choices to make. There are restaurants that serve traditional Egyptian cuisine, and restaurants that serve foods that are popular outside of the country
How to Reach
Cairo
By Air:
Cairo International Airport is the second biggest airport in Africa with more than 16 million passengers a year. It is well served by Egypt air the national carrier and its Star Alliance partners One world (British Airways) , Gulf Carriers as well as budget carriers TUI-fly and Jet-Air-Fly.
By Bus
For the adventurous, catch a public bus to Midan Tahrir or Midan Ramses from the bus station.
Finally, there are also direct express buses from the airport to Alexandria every 30-60 min; however, the buses operate only during daylight hours.
Micro Buses and London taxis can be pre -booked:
Micro Bus-These are Cairo airport Shuttle buses.
London Taxi
By train
Egypt is fabulous, and Cairo one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Cairo's main railway station - Ramses Station (Mahattat Ramses) - is on Midan Ramses, which is also the location of the Martyrs Metro Station. Egyptian Railways are easily the most comfortable way to travel between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, and Port Said & Suez. The views from the train can be wonderful, especially on the Cairo-Luxor-Aswan and Cairo-Alexandria routes. Visitors wishing to connect with trains to Luxor, Aswan, and the rest of upper Egypt should take the Metro fromMidan Ramses Mubarak Metro Station, on line one to Giza Metro-Train Station which should take approximately twenty minutes.
Trains also depart to the canal cities, but buses are much faster.