Cairo
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23:21
Cairo
Long considered the jewel of the Orient, Cairo is a city shaped by ancient civilisations and steeped in Islamic and Christian history. A place of ancient tombs, dusty bookshops, rooftop sunsets, and late-night falafel—where the past lives on in crowded streets and quiet corners. Cairo is messy, magical, and impossible to forget.Hitta resa
On the edge of Cairo, the Giza Necropolis is home to the last remaining wonder of the ancient world — the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Alongside it stand the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, part of a vast complex that includes tombs, causeways, temples, and smaller pyramids built for queens and nobles. The scale alone is enough to stop you in your tracks. Just below the pyramids sits the Great Sphinx of Giza — carved from a single piece of limestone, with the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, likely Khafre. At around 73 metres long and 20 metres high, it’s one of the largest sculptures in the world.
If you’ve got a day to spare, spend it exploring Egypt’s second city by the sea. Alexandria feels like a world apart from Cairo — cooler, breezier, and full of Mediterranean character. Wander through Roman ruins, stroll the corniche, check out the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and stop by the Citadel of Qaitbay. It’s an easy change of pace, with plenty of history, sea views, and fresh air.
Wander through one of Egypt’s oldest and most active archaeological sites, about an hour south of Cairo. Saqqara is best known for the Step Pyramid of Djoser — the earliest pyramid ever built — but there’s a lot more to see. Recent excavations have uncovered dozens of tombs, statues, and mummies, some as recently as a few years ago. Don’t miss the Tomb of Mehu, now open after a long restoration — its colourful wall carvings are surprisingly well preserved.
Set near the Pyramids and overlooking the Giza Plateau, this massive new museum is built to tell the full story of ancient Egypt — all under one roof. It will house the complete Tutankhamun collection, including many pieces never seen by the public before.
Al-Azhar Mosque isn’t just one of Cairo’s oldest mosques — it’s also the centre of Sunni Islamic learning, going back to 970 AD. The building shows layers of history with its mix of styles from centuries of change. When you visit, you’ll spot all kinds of details in the stonework and decorations that tell that story.
Dive into thousands of years of history at this classic museum just off Tahrir Square. It’s packed with statues, mummies, coffins, and everyday objects from across ancient Egypt. Some of the big-ticket items — like Tutankhamun’s famous mask — are being moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, but there’s still loads to explore here. The building’s a bit old-school, with dusty cases and handwritten labels, but that’s part of the charm. Bring a guide or download an audio tour to get the full story behind what you’re seeing.
Discover one of Cairo’s most dramatic buildings — the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan. It’s massive, quiet, and built to impress. Inside, the stone walls rise up around a central courtyard, and the whole place feels heavy with history. Built in the 14th century as both a mosque and religious school, it’s still one of the city’s architectural standouts.
One of Cairo’s oldest churches, the Hanging Church dates back to the third century and sits above a gatehouse of the old Roman fortress—that’s where it gets its 'hanging' name. Inside, you’ll find a wooden roof shaped like Noah’s Ark, ancient icons, and a calm vibe that feels a world away from the city’s chaos.
On the edge of Cairo, the Giza Necropolis is home to the last remaining wonder of the ancient world — the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Alongside it stand the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, part of a vast complex that includes tombs, causeways, temples, and smaller pyramids built for queens and nobles. The scale alone is enough to stop you in your tracks. Just below the pyramids sits the Great Sphinx of Giza — carved from a single piece of limestone, with the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, likely Khafre. At around 73 metres long and 20 metres high, it’s one of the largest sculptures in the world.
If you’ve got a day to spare, spend it exploring Egypt’s second city by the sea. Alexandria feels like a world apart from Cairo — cooler, breezier, and full of Mediterranean character. Wander through Roman ruins, stroll the corniche, check out the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and stop by the Citadel of Qaitbay. It’s an easy change of pace, with plenty of history, sea views, and fresh air.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar is Cairo’s most famous market, and probably the most chaotic one. This centuries-old souk is a labyrinth of alleyways packed with spices, silver, perfumes, traditional lamps, and handmade souvenirs. It’s noisy, crowded, a bit overwhelming—but completely worth a wander, even if you’re not planning to buy anything. Haggling is expected, and some vendors can be persistent, but that’s part of the experience. If you need a break, grab a mint tea at El Fishawy, one of the oldest cafés in the city, open all night.
Located near the airport, Citystars is one of Cairo’s biggest malls. It’s a typical modern setup with international brands, local shops, a big food court, and cinemas. Not much in the way of local character, but it’s a convenient stop if you’ve just landed or need a break from the heat.
Just off Tahrir Square, this charming little shop is a good stop if you’re after something more thoughtful than a mass-produced souvenir. It’s got a well-curated mix of handmade crafts, homewares, textiles, and local artwork, along with a small book section focused on Egypt and the Arab world.
Mall of Egypt is a sprawling indoor complex — the first shopping destination of its kind in Egypt — housing department stores, global fashion brands, electronics, a decent food court, plus a large VOX cinema and an indoor ski slope.
Just across from Bab Zuweila in Islamic Cairo, this narrow, covered street is lined with artisans who still practise the traditional craft of khayamiya—hand-stitched appliqué. It’s the only traditional covered market still in use in the city. You’ll see workshops and stalls selling detailed tapestries, cushion covers, bedspreads, and wall hangings, all made on-site.
Set on an island in the Nile, Zamalek is one of Cairo’s calmer, more walkable neighbourhoods—leafy, residential, and full of small surprises. It’s home to a handful of boutiques worth checking out if you’re into local design with a modern edge. Fair Trade Egypt stocks over a thousand ethically made handicrafts, Loft Gallery is an antique shop that mixes art with home décor, and Nefertari sells natural body products and Egyptian cotton.
If you’re into traditional crafts and want to skip the bigger tourist crowds, Souk El Fustat in Old Cairo is worth a look. It’s a small market where artisans still hand-make brassware, textiles, and woodwork—often right in front of you. It’s quieter than Khan el-Khalili, with a more local feel and fewer souvenir stalls.
Mall of Arabia is a massive shopping centre featuring a wide mix of international and local brands, a big food court, a movie theatre, and regular fountain shows in the open-air plaza.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar is Cairo’s most famous market, and probably the most chaotic one. This centuries-old souk is a labyrinth of alleyways packed with spices, silver, perfumes, traditional lamps, and handmade souvenirs. It’s noisy, crowded, a bit overwhelming—but completely worth a wander, even if you’re not planning to buy anything. Haggling is expected, and some vendors can be persistent, but that’s part of the experience. If you need a break, grab a mint tea at El Fishawy, one of the oldest cafés in the city, open all night.
Located near the airport, Citystars is one of Cairo’s biggest malls. It’s a typical modern setup with international brands, local shops, a big food court, and cinemas. Not much in the way of local character, but it’s a convenient stop if you’ve just landed or need a break from the heat.
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is about 22 km from the city centre, which usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Travellers can reach the city using official airport taxis (make sure to agree on a fare or ensure the metre is used), ride-hailing apps, or pre-booked private transfers. Shuttle buses and public buses are also available; however, they take longer and are less luggage-friendly.
The best time to visit Cairo is in the cooler months, which go from October to April. Summers here can get seriously hot — we’re talking dry heat that sticks around well into the evening — so if you don't feel like sweating through every market stop and museum, it’s better to avoid June to September. Keep in mind that if you’re visiting during Ramadan, many shops and restaurants may open later than usual or close during the day while locals fast. Be sure to plan ahead, as some tourist sites might also have shorter hours.
Egypt offers several visa options depending on the traveller's nationality and purpose of visit. Citizens from visa-exempt countries can enter without a visa under specific conditions, such as nationals of the GCC (The Gulf Cooperation Council comprising six countries in the Arabian Peninsula: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) in certain cases. Most other travellers must obtain a visa prior to travel or upon arrival. For tourism, many nationalities are eligible for an e-Visa, which can be applied for online through the official Egyptian e-Visa portal. The process involves submitting personal and passport details, travel plans, and payment of the visa fee. The e-Visa is typically valid for 30 days and can be single or multiple entry, depending on the applicant’s choice. Additionally, travellers from certain countries — including the United States, Canada, Australia, EU member states, and more — may obtain a visa on arrival at major international airports in Egypt. This option requires payment in cash and is also valid for 30 days. However, citizens of countries not eligible for either the e-Visa or visa on arrival must apply for a visa in advance at an Egyptian embassy or consulate. For longer stays, a different type of visa must be secured before travel. It is essential to consult Egypt’s official immigration or consular sources to confirm the applicable requirements.
Cairo’s public transport mainly includes metro, buses and minibuses. The metro is the fastest and most reliable way for tourists to get around — it’s affordable, runs regularly, and covers key spots across the city. Buses and minibuses run everywhere, but they can be chaotic and unpredictable. For that reason, many tourists prefer to stick to the metro or taxis. There’s a rechargeable Metro Card you can buy for easy access, with fares that depend on distance. As for safety, the metro is generally fine during the day, but, like in any other big city, it’s best to keep an eye on your belongings.
Taxis are easy to find in Cairo, but they can be hit or miss. Some have meters, others don’t, and even when there is one, the driver might not use it unless you ask. It’s common to agree on a price before the ride starts—just be prepared to haggle a little. That said, most travellers now use ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem. They’re more straightforward, prices are set in advance, and you can avoid the back-and-forth over fares.
Post offices in Cairo are usually open from Sunday to Thursday, typically from 8am to 6pm. They offer standard postal services like sending letters and parcels, both domestically and internationally, along with express mail, money transfers, and some basic financial services. The main post office is located at Ataba Square.
Pharmacies in Cairo are easy to come across, and many central branches stay open until late—often from around 8am until after midnight, with several branches operating 24 hours, especially in downtown areas. The two most reliable chains right now are El Ezaby Pharmacy and SEIF Pharmacies, offering over-the-counter meds, prescription services, basic medical supplies, personal care and some wellness products.
In Cairo — and across Egypt — electricity runs on 220 volts at 50 Hz. The standard plug types are Type C and Type F, the same two-pin plugs used in much of Europe.
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is about 22 km from the city centre, which usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Travellers can reach the city using official airport taxis (make sure to agree on a fare or ensure the metre is used), ride-hailing apps, or pre-booked private transfers. Shuttle buses and public buses are also available; however, they take longer and are less luggage-friendly.
The best time to visit Cairo is in the cooler months, which go from October to April. Summers here can get seriously hot — we’re talking dry heat that sticks around well into the evening — so if you don't feel like sweating through every market stop and museum, it’s better to avoid June to September. Keep in mind that if you’re visiting during Ramadan, many shops and restaurants may open later than usual or close during the day while locals fast. Be sure to plan ahead, as some tourist sites might also have shorter hours.
