Where Is Cairo Located? An In-Depth Guide to the Captivating City of Cairo

Cairo is for many the epitome of the Ancient World. From its grand pyramids to the hustle and bustle of its markets and bazaars, Cairo is both exotic and captivating. But before you dig any deeper into the delights of this iconic city, you need to know where it is located.

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and is situated in the north of the country, close to the border with Libya on Africa’s Mediterranean shoreline. The Egyptian capital is also located around 100 kilometers south of the Suez Canal and 120 kilometers north of Lake Nasser, a lake formed by the Aswan Dam.

But let’s take it one step further and look at where exactly Cairo is located. Situated on both sides of the River Nile, it lies on the edges of the Egyptian Desert, which provides it with a hot climate most of the year round. It’s no surprise, therefore, that its name comes from Arabic “al-Qahirah“ which actually translates as `the victorious` or `the conqueror` and refers to the sun.

The city itself covers an area of 180 square kilometers and is divided into various sites including the old city, El Ismailiya and Gezirah. It is a very densely populated city, with over seven million people inhabiting its various districts. This makes it one of the most populous cities on Earth, only slightly less populated than Tehran and Lahore. And with one of its major universities having been founded in 970 AD—making it one of the oldest in the world—it’s also one of the oldest too.

But let’s do a rundown of Cairo’s key features:

Key facts about Cairo

• Capital of Egypt
• Situated close to Libya
• Around 100 kilometers south of Suez Canal
• 120 kilometers north of Lake Nasser
• Situated on both sides of River Nile
• Edges of Egyptian Desert- hot climate
• Comes from Arabic “al-Qahirah“- translates as `the victorious`
• Area of 180 square kilometers
• 7 million people inhabiting its various districts
• One of oldest universities founded in 970 AD

Indeed, Cairo is an amazing city and considered by many to be one of the Wonders of the World. Its various sites are packed with history and culture and the bustling nature of its streets provide a vibrant contrast to some of its more ancient and historical architectural sites. And for those keen to find some culture, there are plenty of theaters and cinemas to keep you entertained.

And if you head out to one of its many souks, definitely make sure you haggle for your purchases as it’s expected in this part of the world! After all, it is a city which lives and breathes artistry, energy and trade and where negotiations are very much a part of everyday life.

Indeed, in many ways, Cairo has remained untouched by modern day life — something which makes visitors marvel even more at its historical grandeur. As Lonely Planet notes, it is a city that “bridges past, present and future“ — something which marks it out from other cities in the world. From its vast desert terrain to its glimmering riverside views, Cairo truly is something quite special — and something you can only appreciate when you experience it yourself.

An Insider’s Guide to the Captivating City of Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, is a mesmerizing destination for history lovers. It is located in North Africa and offers tourists some of the world’s most fascinating and awe-inspiring landmarks.

Local Attractions

Cairo is home to several globally recognized historical landmarks. One of them is the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is a grand structure that is said to have taken about 20 years to construct, around 2560 BCE.

The Egyptian Museum is also not to be missed when in Cairo. It has a broad collection of antiquities, including Tutankhamun’s mask. Another popular attraction is the Al-Azhar Mosque, where visitors can attend Islamic studies, and learn about the religion’s culture.

The Cairo Opera House is an excellent venue for music, ballet, and theater performances, while the Cairo Tower offers a stunning panoramic view of the whole city.

Dining Spots

Egyptian cuisine is delicious and features a wide variety of dishes. One of the most popular meals is ful medames, made of mashed fava beans. Another traditional meal is koshari, a mixture of pasta, beans, rice, and tomato sauce.

Zooba, a restaurant in Mohandiseen, offers an array of Egyptian street food in a fashionable setting. Abou El Sid offers more classic Egyptian dishes in a traditional atmosphere. Fasahet Somaya serves Halal Fast Food in Al Rehab.

Cultural Experiences

Cairo has a long and rich history, and the locals are proud to show their traditions to visitors. The Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza is a beautiful display of laser lights accompanied by music and a narration of the pharaohs’ stories.

Khan el-Khalili is a massive outdoor market that offers visitors an opportunity to explore traditional Egyptian life. Visitors can find an array of souvenirs, spices, textiles, and a range of street foods there.

Sufism, a traditional and mystical form of Islam, is prominent in Cairo. You can witness the traditional Tanoura dance while whirling dervishes twirl to Sufi music.

Local History

Cairo offers some of the world’s most fascinating historical landmarks, including the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx.

However, many historical sites that are off-the-beaten-path can tell visitors a lot about the city’s history. The City of the Dead is a vast necropolis and an essential part of Cairo’s Islamic history. The area is home to beautiful and intricate mausoleums that date back to the fourteenth century.

Another site that visitors may not know of is the Al-Rifa’i Mosque. It was designed to rival the neighbouring Sultan Hassan Mosque, completed in the thirteenth century.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to stray from typical tourist attractions, here are some suggestions:

– Take a felucca ride along the Nile River at sunset and watch the city’s silhouette while sipping on local tea
– Explore the beautiful Garden City neighborhood, which is home to well-preserved architecture.
– Spend an afternoon at the Darb 1718 cultural center in Old Cairo, which hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and excellent cafes.
– Visit the magical Wadi Degla Protected Area to hike along the trails leading to natural waterfalls and cliffs.

In conclusion, Cairo is a city with no shortage of places to visit and things to do. It has a rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, and delicious cuisine that are sure to thrill any visitor.