Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt, situated on the banks of the Nile River in northern part of the country. It is not only the political and administrative center of Egypt but also a major cultural and economic hub in the Middle East. With such a deep history, it is sure to be an adventurous visit. To help create the best experience, here is a comprehensive list to help you build your itinerary for Cairo.
Start at the Pyramids
The Pyramids of Giza are the last standing (and the oldest) of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Situated at the edge of the city, this stop is easily accessible. It is highly recommended to book a tour ahead of time to experience the history and magnificence of the area. When visiting, you can check out the inside of the pyramids along with getting unique photos. We have entire post about it here — How to Visit The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt.
Explore the National
Museum of Egyptian
Civilization
Visiting the museum should be high on your list! It focuses on the start of the Egyptian civilizations, one of the oldest in history. The main reason this is a must-do is because of what lies int he basement level. Walk through history as you visit the mummies of the Pharaohs and read about their rule. This was on of the coolest aspects of our visit. If you plan to go to Luxor to do the Valley of the Kinds, make sure to visit here as well. Many of the mummies were found in that valley so after seeing their mummies, you can go visit their tombs! Such a unique experience!
There are multiple museums in Cairo. When we visited they were working to complete this one and move items from the older one into the national museum. Many of them also do different exhibitions throughout the year so make sure to check for special displays.
Address: Al Fustat Street – Ain Al Sira – Cairo
Website: National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
Visit the Citadel of Saladin
Visible from the busy street, the Citadel of Saladin is where the Mohammed Ali mosque reside. Originally build in 1176 AD, the citadel has experienced many changes since then. Inside the area there are multiple things to do. When walking around you get a birds eye view of Cairo and can even see the pyramids in the distance. There is a national police and military museum as well to be visited. Of course also visiting the Mohammed Ali mosque is a must. With the breathtaking alabaster on the outside and the beautiful chandelier on the inside. Due to the religious aspect, it is recommended to dress with the knees and shoulders covered.
Go Shopping at the Local Bazaar
No trip is complete without visiting a local market. It is a great area to grab a souvenir and barter your way to the price you desire. There is a variety of options from clothing, shoes, and bags that are in the local style. This is a great spot to snag a trinket to take home. There are plenty of things to choose from and the vendors are eager to sell you items. The pathways can be confusing so be sure to either have a guide or know where you entered the market to be able to get back out. Many of these areas feel like back alleys that all curve around each other.
Eat Your Fill of Local Cuisine
When visiting a restaurant in Cairo, don’t expect to leave still hungry. Not only is the food delicious, it is often in large portions. Many of the restaurants appear to be less from the outside then upond entering they are in white marble with fish in a fountain in the center. Here is a quick list of food we loved while there:
- Ful medames (served with pita bread and similar to humus)
- Koshary (a combination of pasta with lentils and strong spices)
- Roz Bil Laban (rice pudding, definitely add the cinnamon on top!)
General Recommendations
For Cairo
During our time in Egypt, we hired a guide to take us around the city. This was great because traffic is insane and there are certain areas that are less safe than others. The guide also assisted us when it came to shopping and going to restaurants to communicate and ensure we got the best food! it was amazing to not have to worry and instead just enjoy our experience. Another big rec is do not ride the horses or the camels. I know it can be tempting because it seems so unique and the thing to do in Egypt. They are not well taken care of and often pushed to exhaustion. Women should bring a scarf and wear longer pants if you plan to enter into the mosques. Sometimes they will still provide covers if they deem it necessary. If you plan to use a tour guide, book it in advance with a reputable company. There are many people selling tours upon arrival but they are not always the same quality.
***We visited towards the end of 2023. This was not long after issues arose with Gaza. At the time we chose to stay with a guide at all times for our own safety. Each person has different experiences and different comfort levels. Assess your own needs and take that into account when planning your trip. ***
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