Cairo

What You Should Know More About Cairo

• Q. Travel Advice

  ·         Do not entertain the beggars.

  ·         Make sure you have at least one proof of your identity.

  ·         Do not let anyone deceive you. It is always a good idea to gather sufficient information whenever you are traveling to any new destination or location.

  ·         When getting involved in any adventure sport or water activity, make sure you hire a professional to help you.

  ·         Never neglect your safety when trying any adventure activity.

  ·         Do not leave your valuables in the hotel room.

  ·         Ensure that the hotel you have book has a room safe.

  ·         Do not book a room in the hotel that is not recognized or known.

  ·         Do not get involved in any form of drugs.

  ·         Keep away from the drug peddlers.

  ·         Educate yourself about some of the instances of local culture and traditions.

  ·         Learn some of the words from the local cultures and traditions that are prevalent in the region.

  ·         Carry at least one proof of your identity with you at all times.

  ·         Do not get involved in any fight or brawl with any of the locals here.

  ·         Never film or make videos without the necessary permissions.

  ·         If an area calls for a dress code adhere to it.

  ·         Do not travel alone in the night hours. 

• Q. Drinking Law

  The legal age for drinking in Cairo is 18 for beer and 21 for wine and spirits. 

• Q. Our recommendations: What you can't afford to miss?

  Pyramids of Giza

  
  

  The Pyramids of Giza is the number one tourist attraction that ought to be included in everyone making a visit to Cairo. Situated right on the edge of the city, the fourth dynasty funerary temples have been attracting travellers for centuries. It also continues to be one of the major highlights of the city. Despite the dust, the heat and the tourist hustle, you simply cannot miss a trip to this place. The largest pyramid of the Pyramids of Giza group is the Pyramid of Cheops. Its interior comprises of the narrow passages that need to be explored. Although there isn’t much for you to see, except an empty sarcophagus and the plain tomb chamber, you still cannot afford to miss this attractive tourist attraction. Behind the great pyramid lies the Solar Boat Museum that displays one of the ceremonial solar barques unearthed in this area that has been painstakingly been restored to its original glory.    

  
  

  Egyptian Museum 

  
  

  The Egyptian Museum of Cairo is a great place to see. It has an incredible collection of antiquities which add to the glory of the museum. You actually need to spend a lifetime to see all that is on display. Founded by the French Egyptologist August Mariette in the year 1857, the collection in the museum is poorly labeled and not very well set out due to the lack of available space. However, you can’t be impressed by the sheer majesty of the exhibits. In case, you lack time you can make a straight go to the Tutankhamun Galleries.   

  
  

  Al-Azhar Mosque 

  
  

  Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the finest landmarks of Cairo’s Fatimid era. It is one of the city’s earliest surviving mosques that were completed in AD 972. It was also one of the oldest universities in the world. The principal entrance of the mosque is the Gate of the Barbers that lies on the northwest end of the building. You ought to leave your shoes at the entrance when you walk into the central courtyard. On your right will be the El-Taibarsiya Medrese that has a mihrab which has been in existence ever since 1309. Right from the central courtyard, you can get the best views of the mosque and its 5 minarets towering the building. The main prayer hall here is spread over a 3000 square meter area. Located right in the heart of the Islamic Cairo district, you can reach the museum via a taxi. 

  
  

  Old Cairo

  
  

  Old Cairo is a small church filled cluster of twisty laneways. It lies amidst the walls of the Old Babylon where the citadel was built along the River Nile by the Roman Emperor Trajan. Parts of the Roman towers are still present on the main street. Church also has a Coptic Museum which comprises of a wealth of information of the early Christian period of the Egypt. It is also a home to one of the finest collections of the Coptic art. On the next door is the 9th century Hanging Church that has some of the finest examples of the Coptic architecture. The church was founded in the 4th century and was built over the Roman gate towers that were further rebuilt during the 9th century. For several Christian travellers, the major highlights of the visit to the district is the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus. 

   

• Q. What you will like there?

  Cairo Never Sleeps

  
  

  Just get over New York, Cairo is one city which never sleeps. There are only a few cities in the world that offer delivery services 24/7. Here in Cairo, it is completely normal to have drinks, movies and pizza delivered to you even as late as four in the morning. Pharmacies too make a delivery no matter what time of the day it is. More so, you always have a doctor that will make house calls. Summer nights here are long and hot and it is just normal to see families swamping the parks even at midnight or eating at a restaurant till the wee hours of the morning. The nightlife of the city lasts up till as long as early hours of the morning. Nightclubs, bars and the shisha places really pick up night before midnight and the cabarets are open till around 1 AM keeping the heart of Egypt beating just round the clock.

  
  

  Marvel at the Myriad of Minarets

  
  

  Cairo is nicknamed, ’The City of a Thousand Minarets.’ The capital of Egypt boasts of a wealth of architecture and tradition. You can check out the spindles towering the countless mosques of the city which are mottled across the horizon, illuminating the capital at night time with a soft glow of neon lights. Every day, five times there is a beckon for prayer emanates from these echoes and minarets all across the city. Go ahead and plan your unforgettable day trip by visiting many of the noteworthy mosques such as Mosque of Mohammad Ali, Al Azhar Mosque and the Ibn Tulun Mosque, all of which present to you phenomenal displays of the classic Islamic art.  

  
  

  Shop ‘Till You Drop

  
  

  The ultimate treasure trove of the market is the Khan El Khalili. A number of locals and tourists come here to find the produce and spices, fine jewellery and beautiful scarves. Chatting with the shop owners is also a great means for you to pick up a bit of haggle and Arabic for prices. If you delve in the depths of the market, you might even come across workshops where a number of products of the market are crafted.

  
  

  Coffee Craze

  
  

  Right from the early hours of the morning till the late hours into the night, the traditional Egyptian coffee shops serve some aromatic Turkish steaming tea or coffee with smooth shisha. Coffee is taken very seriously in Cairo. A number of spices are added to the coffee however you must request for the sugar before the preparation of the coffee starts. Most of the guests who come here prefer the city’s modern coffee chains for trendy snacks and lattés. Cairo definitely has a serious café culture.    

  
  

  Arab Hospitality

  
  

  Cairo is a Middle Eastern city which has a long standing reputation of Arab hospitality. Egyptians are considered to be some of the most welcoming and helpful people in the world. If you are ever invited to sit in a home or shop of someone, you’ll be offered something to drink over and over again until you finally accept it. More so, if you are ever lost in the busy city, just request the locals and they’ll very well guide you with the designated routes and directions.

  
  

  Shake and Twirl

  
  

  Long flowing skirts, sequined bars and those shimmying hips are the ingredients to the long standing art of belly dancing in Cairo. The cabarets here are a home to some of the most stunning performances of this traditional dance form. A single performance from any of those hill popping belly dancer will have you grooving along in your seat to the hot beats of Arab music all night long. To enjoy a more spiritual experience, you can watch out for the Sufi dance at one of the best venues of the world. This indeed will be one mystical experience.
  

  
  

  Carb Load

  
  

  Egyptians, know how to consume those hearty and delicious carbs. One of the best restaurants for you to visit is the koshary restaurant which is known for its ubiquitous styles of eatery in Cairo. Just at every street of Cairo, you can relish on the cheap and delicious National dish. Do try the bowls of rice, chickpeas, lentils, pasta and fried onions which are mixed in bowls and garnished with spicy tomato sauce. Another must try dish is the Fava beans which offers a delicious dietary breakfast staple not just in Cairo but whole of Egypt. It is prepared mashed and boiled as fried or foul in patties as falafel.  

  
  

  A River Runs Through It

  
  

  North flowing Nile passes through the city of Cairo. It is very well capable of defining the scenery and irrigating the city. Visit the Kasr El Nil Bridge and enjoy the breath taking panoramic night time view of the skyline of Cairo which is very well reflected in the river. This is also one of the most prominent hangout spot for the Egyptians and romantic couples who come here for a relaxed evening by the river. One important thing to do here is cruising around the river on one of the iconic feluccas of the city. The river is a home to a plethora of cruise ships as well which offer an incredible opportunity to experience the majestic landscape of Egypt.

  
  

  Sweet & Juicy

  
  

  The obsession of Cairo with sugar can actually cure even the strongest of the sweet tooth. You can find sweet shops scattered all around the city which serve traditional treats such as basbousa, konafa along with the syrup infused semolina pastries. Sticky sweets of Cairo are a favourite amongst the people all round the year. Popular on religious holidays, feasts and birthday celebration, simply don’t keep yourself away from these sweets. You can find a variety of refreshing delights in just about every neighbourhood at the juice bars. Most common and delicious juices for you to enjoy include the tart lemon juices, sweet orange juice and thick mango juice.  

  
  

  Ancient History

  
  

  How can we wrap up here without mentioning that Cairo is home to the World’s remaining Ancient Wonder? Take a trip to the Sphinx of Giza and Pyramids which are an absolute essential stop for anyone who comes to Cairo for a holiday. The monuments here are awe inspiring. Make sure you come here in the morning to avoid the large crowds and harsh sun. 

• Q. Recommended reads for destination (govt. websites, travel forum articles)?

  Website: Official Website

  Forum: Official Forum