Busy, bustling, and bursting at its seams with history, Cairo has seen the rise and fall of civilizations, from the ancient Egyptians to the more modern Arab Spring. Nevertheless, this metropolis in the middle of the desert has endured. With all of its history, art and culture, Cairo is definitely a must-see.
Here is a round-up of some of Cairo’s top sites and activities, along with some advice about how to stay safe and make your trip more pleasant.
The Pyramids at Giza
The main draw for most visitors are the spectacular Pyramids of Giza, which are located among the sand dunes to the west of the city. As one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids have inspired visitors for thousands of years. You will also see the majestic Sphinx, sans nose, sitting in front as a stately guardian. Tourists can also go inside the Great Pyramid via a secret passageway into a central chamber to see what the pyramid looks like inside. Or if you’re up for it, you can also take a short camel ride or hire horses and explore the nearby desert.
Saqqara
At Saqqara, not far from Giza, you will find the Pyramid of Zoser, a step pyramid that is recognized as the first Pyramid built in ancient Egypt and predates the Pyramids at Giza by around 1000 years.
The Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square
After you get tired of pyramid-spotting, you can take a taxi to Tahrir Square, which is directly in the center of Cairo and the location where Cairo’s Revolution began. Have a look around and then cross the street to the Egyptian Museum, a dark red building overlooking the Nile River. Inside you will find countless treasures and artefacts from ancient Egypt, such as the Narmer Palete, which symbolises the unification of the Upper and Lower Kingdoms into the Old Kingdom and contains some of the oldest hieroglyphic inscriptions ever found, dating back to the 31st century BC. And don’t miss the shadowy, temperature-controlled room upstairs where they store the mummies!
Bargain Like a Pro at Khan al-Khalili
If you’re in the mood for a bit of shopping, you can check out Cairo’s open-air market Khan al-Khalili, where you can find anything from toy camels to necklace charms with your name written in hieroglyphs. Just make sure to bargain, as it’s a way of life in Egypt.
Cruise the Nile on a Felucca
Once the sun has begun to set, head down to the port on the Nile and hire a felucca, a traditional boat with one sail. Here you can sit back and watch the sun set while taking in the views of the city from the Nile.
Tips for Staying Safe
To keep your trip pleasant and avoid illness, remember to take care of yourself. Sometimes the standard of hygiene may not be what you’re used to, and food-borne illness is common. Make sure to eat in reputable, clean establishments and only drink bottled water. You don’t want to have to spend all your time filing holiday claims for holiday compensation. Instead, take steps to care for yourself, but don’t let that stop you from exploring all of Cairo’s ancient and modern wonders.
