Places to Visit in Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, the bustling capital of Egypt, is an exciting city full of sights, sounds, and history. Located on the west bank of the Nile River, Cairo is home to nearly 9 million people, making it the largest city in Africa and the Middle East. It is a vibrant and diverse city that has served as Egypt’s capital since 969 AD.

The city is known for its rich history and culture, with many ancient monuments and sites scattered throughout the city. It is also home to a number of world-famous museums, art galleries, and parks. There are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy as well, including shopping, nightlife, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or just a fun-filled vacation, Cairo is sure to have something for you.

History

Cairo has been a major city since ancient times, with its roots dating back to the Pharaonic period. By the 10th century, it had become a major center of trade and commerce. During the Middle Ages, the city was home to numerous religious monuments and structures, including the iconic Mosque of Ibn Tulun. In 1168, the city was conquered by Saladin and became part of the Ayyubid Dynasty.

During the Mamluk period, Cairo grew into a major center of culture and art, with many impressive monuments built during this time. In 1517, Cairo was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, followed by the French in 1798. The city remained under Ottoman rule until 1922 when it was declared the capital of independent Egypt.

Culture & Art

Cairo is a vibrant and diverse city that has something to offer for everyone. The city is renowned for its culture and art scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and monuments scattered throughout the city. One of the most impressive sights in Cairo is the Egyptian Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt. Other popular attractions include the Museum of Islamic Art, Coptic Museum, and Gayer-Anderson Museum.

The city also has a lively music scene, with numerous live music venues scattered around Cairo. There are also several art galleries located throughout the city that feature works from local and international artists.

Shopping & Nightlife

Cairo is a great place to shop, with numerous bazaars and markets selling everything from traditional Egyptian crafts to modern fashion items. The Khan el-Khalili bazaar is one of the most popular spots in Cairo for shopping, with its narrow alleyways lined with shops selling jewelry, spices, and other souvenirs.

Cairo also has a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars and clubs scattered throughout the city. Downtown Cairo is home to many popular nightclubs, while Zamalek is known for its more upscale bars and lounges. There are also several live music venues located around town that feature both local and international acts.

Outdoor Adventures

Cairo has plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular destinations for outdoor activities is Giza Plateau, which is home to the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza. Here visitors can explore the area on foot or take a camel ride around the pyramids. The nearby Saqqara necropolis is also worth a visit, with its impressive tombs and monuments.

The city is also home to several parks, including Al-Azhar Park and Al-Azhar Garden. These parks offer plenty of green space for visitors to relax in as well as activities such as boating and camel riding. For those looking for more adventurous activities, there are plenty of desert safaris available that offer exciting 4×4 rides through the desert.

Popular Tours

For those wanting to explore Cairo in more depth, there are plenty of guided tours available. One of the most popular tours is a walking tour of Islamic Cairo, which takes visitors on a journey through some of Cairo’s most beautiful Islamic monuments. This tour includes stops at some of the most iconic sites in Cairo such as Al-Azhar Mosque, Bab Zuweila gate, and Khan el-Khalili bazaar. At each stop visitors will learn about the history and architecture of each site as well as local stories and anecdotes from their knowledgeable guide. The tour usually lasts around 3 hours and can be booked through Viator.

Another popular tour is a day trip to Luxor from Cairo. Luxor is located around 500 kilometers south of Cairo and is home to some of Egypt’s most impressive archaeological sites such as Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings. This tour includes round-trip transportation from Cairo as well as a guided tour of all the main sites in Luxor with an expert guide who will tell you all about the history and significance of each site. The tour usually lasts around 8 hours and can be booked through GetYourGuide.

Finally, there are plenty of day trips available to Alexandria from Cairo that offer visitors a chance to explore one of Egypt’s most historic cities. Alexandria is located around 200 kilometers north of Cairo and is known for its ancient Roman ruins, impressive mosques, and Moorish architecture. This tour includes round-trip transportation from Cairo as well as visits to all the major sites in Alexandria with an expert guide who will tell you all about the history and significance of each site. The tour usually lasts around 8 hours and can be booked through GetYourGuide.

Conclusion

Cairo is an exciting city full of history, culture, art, and adventure. There are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy during their stay in Cairo, from shopping in its bustling bazaars to exploring its vibrant nightlife scene. There are also numerous tours available that offer visitors a chance to explore some of Egypt’s most iconic sites such as Giza Plateau and Luxor in more depth. Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or just a fun-filled vacation, Cairo is sure to have something for everyone.