Cairo
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Time
5:09 AM
Cairo
Long considered to be the jewel of the orient, Cairo is an international city overflowing with an interesting mixture of different cultures. It is a city steeped in the early civilizations of the ancient pharaohs, blended with the history of Christian and Islamic cultures. It is all brought together by the modern sights and luxuries of a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city.Find your trip
A vast burial ground located at a 32 km distance from Cairo, it is mostly known for its 6-steps Pyramid of Djoser. Archaeologists have recently been discovering more and more artefacts at this necropolis, one of them being the tomb of Mehu, which can now be visited by the public following years of renovations.
On the outskirts of Cairo, these pyramids are the sole survivors of the Seven Wonders of the World. The archaeological site on the Giza Plateau is called the Giza Necropolis, and includes, apart from the three pyramids, the sculpture of the Sphinx and several cemeteries.
More than 12,000 artefacts from every period of Egyptian history are housed in this sprawling structure. In the main building you will find different exhibitions, a library, an education centre and a conference centre.
This sometimes overlooked museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of Islamic Art. The museum holds a collection of over 10,000 pieces, mainly Egyptian, but also from elsewhere in the Islamic world. The are all kinds of artworks, including woodwork, stucco, intarsia, ceramics, glass, metalwork, textiles, and carpets.
This museum houses the barques (boats) that were most likely used to bring the mummies of dead Pharaohs across the Nile to the temple tomb chambers. It is located on the south side of the Great Pyramid.
About 35 km northwest of Cairo, Egypt’s largest camel market - Birqash Camel Market - is held. This is a wild sight to behold. Sudanese traders haggle over the sale of camels in a carnivalesque atmosphere. The best day to visit is supposed to be Friday. Get there in the morning, between 7am and 11am.
The Citadel is a series of palaces and mosques which housed Egyptian rulers for more than 700 years, making up a compound which offers fabulous views of the city.
This compound is home to Egypt’s Christian community as well as being the oldest area of Cairo. It is a wonderfully interesting place to explore the juxtaposition of an ancient Christian community in an Islamic country.
A vast burial ground located at a 32 km distance from Cairo, it is mostly known for its 6-steps Pyramid of Djoser. Archaeologists have recently been discovering more and more artefacts at this necropolis, one of them being the tomb of Mehu, which can now be visited by the public following years of renovations.
On the outskirts of Cairo, these pyramids are the sole survivors of the Seven Wonders of the World. The archaeological site on the Giza Plateau is called the Giza Necropolis, and includes, apart from the three pyramids, the sculpture of the Sphinx and several cemeteries.
Abou el-Sid has a sumptuous, languorously sensual Oriental inspired décor with equally impressive food. Home-style Egyptian cuisine dominates the menu, with authentic dishes that are difficult to find elsewhere.
La Bodega is an excellent restaurant serving unique Italian dishes as well as creative international cuisine set in a lavish décor. The elegant cocktail lounge has its own cigar humidor.
L'aubergine is eternally one of Cairo’s most popular restaurants. The menu changes frequently, but is always inventive and a reliably good mixture of western and Egyptian cuisine.
Felfela Restaurant is a buzzing restaurant equally popular with locals and tourists. Funky décor make for a lively environment and all-Egyptian food make this eatery well-deserving of its popularity.
Maestro is one of the best Italian restaurants in town and a great place to go to for dinner for two, family or business dinner. It is located on the first floor of the InterContinental Cairo Citystars Hotel.
Shiva is an Indian restaurant which is located in the Karvin Hotel. The food with all the spices is amazing and the environment makes you feel at home. The waiters are friendly and helpful and do not mind taking pointers if you would have any.
If you have never tried Lebanese food before you are in for an experience. There are few things that will make your mouth water such as grilled Lebanese meat will do, along with a fresh delicious salad.
Birdcage is an excellent Thai food restaurant located in Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel. The exotic water decor by the entrance makes you feel as if you stepped into Thailand and the flavour of the dishes enhances the feeling.
Abou el-Sid has a sumptuous, languorously sensual Oriental inspired décor with equally impressive food. Home-style Egyptian cuisine dominates the menu, with authentic dishes that are difficult to find elsewhere.
La Bodega is an excellent restaurant serving unique Italian dishes as well as creative international cuisine set in a lavish décor. The elegant cocktail lounge has its own cigar humidor.
An immense market, a bazaar, with sand covered ancient buildings. This place will remain as one of your best memories of Egypt. Use your best bartering skills or you will have to pay double for your goods!
A traditional modern mall which can be found very close to the airport. With a food court, cinemas, and lots of stores, you can be certain you can spend an entire day here. This place is a good start off point for when you just landed in Cairo.
An American inspired super mall with everything you need. Be prepared for crowds on the weekends. The shops offer lots of different brands and styles, and there is a beautiful outdoor cafe and restaurant area. Experience Cairo from a more Western-influenced perspective.
A 'Mall of America' inspired mall and this can clearly be seen from what they offer in size and quantity. From a daily water fountain show to selling all high-end brands, a visitor can find everything their heart desires. There is even a possibility of buying a car in that same mall!
With good prices, a large variety of choices, and high quality, this store is a nice escape from the busy bazaar. Take a walk through the store and check out their wide selection, from bags to books.
This used to be a medieval caravan route but has now been turned into a buzzing marketplace. If you are there at the right times, you might be able to attend and see the Tannoura Dance Troop. Enjoy the cultural heritage that Cairo has to offer and you can easily spend a whole day there.
A whole street dedicated to artisans showing off their skills in turning cloth into all kinds of useful products. Expect to find quality bedspreads, tapestries, carpets, and many more.
An excellent place to stock up on gifts as it offers many varieties of products. You can expect to find carpets, jewelry, and even home accessories. Walk among these shops as you take in the artistic decorations and easy-going vibe.
An immense market, a bazaar, with sand covered ancient buildings. This place will remain as one of your best memories of Egypt. Use your best bartering skills or you will have to pay double for your goods!
A traditional modern mall which can be found very close to the airport. With a food court, cinemas, and lots of stores, you can be certain you can spend an entire day here. This place is a good start off point for when you just landed in Cairo.
Cairo International Airport is located 25 km northeast of the city centre. There are 2 terminals: Terminal II is the new terminal and services most international flights, while Terminal I, the old terminal, is the hub for EgyptAir and services both their domestic and international flights. There are large official taxis (called “limousines”) that charge a fixed rate for a trip to the city centre. A taxi for the same ride will involve some heavy haggling, so the official taxi may be the easier option. There are two city busses and a mini-bus that takes you to and from the Airport. Bus number 356 is the designated airport service, which is a large white, air conditioned, luxury coach. It runs to the city centre at Midan Abdel Moniem Riad (behind the Egyptian museum) and charges extra per large luggage item. Local bus No 400 also goes to the city centre, as well as minibus No 27. The bus stand is at the far end of the car park.
The local buses are like a carnival ride, as they rarely come to a full stop to let passengers on and off! There is a mini-bus that has set routes like the normal bus, but they are smaller and carries fewer passengers, but on the other hand -actually stops properly to let people on and off!
Taxis are inexpensive in Cairo, and the way that most tourists navigate the city. It is important to fix a price before you get into a taxi, and always haggle over the price. Attempting to take advantage of naive tourists is a favourite pastime of Cairo taxi drivers.
The Central Post Office is located at Midan Ataba and is open 7am-7pm.
This pharmacy is open 24 hours: El Ezaby Pharmacy
220V AC, 50 Hz
Country Code: +20 Area Code: 02
Cairo International Airport is located 25 km northeast of the city centre. There are 2 terminals: Terminal II is the new terminal and services most international flights, while Terminal I, the old terminal, is the hub for EgyptAir and services both their domestic and international flights. There are large official taxis (called “limousines”) that charge a fixed rate for a trip to the city centre. A taxi for the same ride will involve some heavy haggling, so the official taxi may be the easier option. There are two city busses and a mini-bus that takes you to and from the Airport. Bus number 356 is the designated airport service, which is a large white, air conditioned, luxury coach. It runs to the city centre at Midan Abdel Moniem Riad (behind the Egyptian museum) and charges extra per large luggage item. Local bus No 400 also goes to the city centre, as well as minibus No 27. The bus stand is at the far end of the car park.
The local buses are like a carnival ride, as they rarely come to a full stop to let passengers on and off! There is a mini-bus that has set routes like the normal bus, but they are smaller and carries fewer passengers, but on the other hand -actually stops properly to let people on and off!
