Cairo, Egypt’s capital, is one of the largest cities in Africa and has stood for more than 1,000 years in the northeastern part of Egypt on the banks of the Nile.
To say this city is steeped in history seems somewhat of an understatement, with pyramids, tombs, ancient markets, and mosques reflecting the city’s millennia-old past. Over the years, however, Cairo has developed into a bustling metropolis and now blends its historic routes with a backdrop of modern buildings, exciting nightlife, and a general sense of vibrant modernism, making it a truly exciting and unique place to visit.
Getting there
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the main airport serving the city and is located around 15km from downtown Cairo. There are plenty of shuttle buses and public transport options operating from it as well as car hire options and taxis.
Transport
There’s no getting away from the fact that Cairo is a very busy city, and its roads are pretty jam-packed. While taxis are reasonably priced, the quickest way of getting around is by using the city’s well-connected metro system. It does get extremely congested so it’s best to avoid traveling at peak times.
For something a little different there’s also the option to travel on the water by the Nile River bus or taxis. Not the quickest way to get around but definitely one of the most interesting and a great way to get away from all the traffic!
When to visit
During summer, temperatures can reach 104°F, which can make outdoor sightseeing a little tricky. However, for those willing to brave the heat, as this is low season, it’s often a far quieter time to visit. Although they’re busier times, October to November or March to May are pretty perfect weather-wise.
Budgeting
Cairo is often cited as one of the cheapest cities in the world to visit on holiday. As well as budget-friendly options for food and entertainment, there’s also a lot to see and do that doesn’t cost a penny.
There are a few more things that holiday-makers will need to keep in mind if they intend to keep the costs down:
Accommodation
When it comes to saving on accommodation, Cairo is awash with family run-guesthouses which are often more affordable than the larger hotels. It’s worth bearing in mind that it’s a bit more of a lottery when it comes to the standard of accommodation so travelers will need to do their research! It’s easy to forget just how huge Cairo is; sometimes accommodation can seem like a steal but it’s because it’s miles away from all the action so it’s vital to check the map carefully!
For visitors wanting to stay in one of the large hotels or apartments, it’s still possible to get some fantastic deals on some pretty plush places, particularly when staying outside of the city center. Heliopolis for example remains upmarket but has some great hotels that are a little more cost-effective than those in Downtown Cairo. Heliopolis is a great little neighborhood, full of shops, restaurants, and galleries, and as it’s served by the metro, it’s still easy to travel to the main attractions.
Flights
Flights to Cairo vary in price so shopping smart is imperative. Online travel agencies are a good place to start as they often use a price comparator tool. This makes it easier to compare the prices and availability of several flights in one go with just a few clicks, as opposed to having to trawl through lots of different operators or websites.
Through a platform like this, tourists can then also book a flight and hotel as a package. Booking both in the same place often proves less costly than doing so separately and as Cairo is such a huge city, it can also save time when it comes to sifting through the hundreds of hotels and working out which ones are available to coincide with flight times.
Things to do in Cairo
It’s rare for someone to travel far in Cairo before stumbling upon an ancient wonder, vibrant market place or historic temple. The city’s ancient history and vibrant culture make it one of the most exciting, and unique cities in the world to visit, with a whole host of things to see and do:
Visit the pyramids
It goes without saying that a visit to Cairo isn’t complete without a trip to see the Pyramids of Giza. Everyone’s seen the photos but seeing them up close and personal is a whole other experience.
There is the option to see the pyramids from the outside or to pay a little extra and head inside for a guided tour. In addition to the Pyramid of Giza, visitors can also visit the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and of course the Sphinx.
Unsurprisingly, the area surrounding the pyramids gets very busy so it’s vital to have all bookings in place beforehand as you may be turned away without a pre-booked ticket. Alternatively, for those wanting to go all out, there are several companies and hotels that offer prearranged day tours to the Pyramids and the Sphinx which include hotel transfers, and optional added extras such as a camel ride.
Explore Old Cairo (Masr al-Qadima)
Charmingly chaotic is possibly the best way to describe Old Cairo! The area is filled with several historic sites, many pre-dating the 10th century, and wandering through the narrow streets and alleyways is extremely atmospheric.
The Khan El Khalili market, dating back to the 14th century is particularly worth a visit with vendors selling everything from gold to spices to rugs. It’s also a great place to try some local delicacies and traditional food.
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is the oldest and largest mosque in Cairo. Famed for its beautiful architecture, it provides the perfect tranquil retreat away from the chaos of the markets.
Take a trip to Luxor
A visit to Luxor from Cairo is a must for those wanting to see more of Egypt’s iconic historical sites. Incredible temples, ancient hieroglyphics in the Valley of the Kings, and King Tut’s tomb can all be found in Luxor. Flights take just an hour from Cairo, or for those who want something a little different, overnight sleeper trains are available too.
Drinking and dining
Egypt has a widely diverse culinary scene with lamb kebabs, grilled chicken, koftas, and traditional vegetable stews among its culinary staples. Koshary, one of the national dishes, is a mix of rice, noodles, and tomato sauce and is definitely a must-try!
When it comes to eating out, Cairo’s districts offer everything from street food and market stalls to upscale bars and restaurants to suit every palate and preference:
Zamalek
Those looking for something a little more high-end should head straight to Zamalek on Gezira Island. This is a rather exclusive neighborhood and is well known for its waterfront restaurants and cafes which offer beautiful views of the Nile.
Maadi
The tree-lined streets of Maadi, make for a relaxing and pleasant place to dine. This residential area is popular with both ex-pats and locals and offers a great blend of international restaurants and traditional Egyptian eateries.
Khan el-Khalili
This bustling bazaar is full of street food vendors and traditional Egyptian cafes. It’s a great place to sample a variety of authentic Egyptian dishes at a relatively low cost.
Cairo is a place of wonderful contrasts and contradictions. A city that is constantly reinventing itself, its charm lies not only in the ancient landmarks of the past but also within its bustling and modern present. It’s certainly a destination unlike any other and one that won’t be forgotten in a hurry!
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