Like many travelers, I spent two days in Cairo as part of a one -week trip to Egypt, also visiting Luxor, Asuán and Abu Simbel. As the capital city of Egypt and the main cultural center, it is a popular start and end point for most trips. Two days is the minimum recommended time here, although you can also visit for three or four days to have an idea of the city.
Cairo is chaotic and intense, with constant streets of horn and full, and the nervous experience of trying to cross the road. As a pedestrian, you just have to get to the flow flow and wait for the speed for you to decrease. Sounds stressful, sometimes it is, but it is also part of what makes the city feel alive.
Most people come to Cairo for the pyramids, and to be fair, they are impressive as expected. But what surprised me was that my most memorable moments were not looking at the pyramids or riding a camel in the desert. The city has much more than discovering that. My personal personal aspects of Cairo were to visit the citadel, which gives him radical views about Cairo and wandering around the market of Khan El-Khalili, where he can navigate everything, from spices to memories. It is also one of those cities in which to simply sit with a plate of food or a glass of tea and see the world pass for which it is worth giving time.
Before looking to see and do, let’s take a quick look at the best ways to get to Cairo.
Get there: flying to Cairo
The Cairo International Airport is one of the most busy airports in Africa and the Middle East, and connects with destinations worldwide.
If you travel regionally or within Egypt, Nile air It is a good option. Nile Air is one of Egypt ‘main carriers, operational flights between Cairo and other important Egyptian cities such as Luxor and Asuán, as well as routes throughout the Middle East. This makes it convenient if it plans to combine Cairo with other parts of the country, or if it comes from nearby destinations.
Once it lands, the airport is about 30 to 45 minutes by car from the city center, depending on traffic. Taxis and transport applications are available, but for visitors for the first time, it would suggest organizing an airport transfer through its hotel or tour of Tour so you don’t have to worry about scams or be scammed.
Once you are in the city center, moving through Uber is very cheap and convenient, since you don’t have to worry about bringing effective with you. I felt very sure in Cairo knowing that my Uber walks were tracked by GPS.
Start with museums
I would recommend starting your trip to Cairo with a visit to the museums, since they will give you a solid experience in the history of Egypt before leaving and seeing the great places in person.
The main museum to visit is the Egyptian Museum In Tahrir Square. It is a mass floor and on the roof with statues, sarcophagi, jewels and almost everything else you can imagine. There are more than 120,000 objects on display (which is almost too much to assimilate), but the main raffle here is the golden mask of Tutankhamun: the funeral mask of solid gold that was placed on the face of the young Pharaoh when it was buried more than 3,000 years ago. Even if it is not usually great in museums, I would say this is worth a couple of hours at least.
Another place you would like to visit is the Copto Museum. He does not receive so many visitors, which makes him a bit quieter, and the collection is fascinating if you are curious about Egypt’s Christian history. Beyond the collection of manuscripts, textiles and art, the museum design often attracts people’s attention. Carpentry carpent and airy courtyards make the space feel cozy and serene.
If you have more time, the Islamic Art Museum It is also excellent. This museum covers centuries of Islamic history through things such as ceramics, calligraphy and textiles, and is one of the best collections of its kind anywhere. Since Cairo is known for its Islamic architecture and historical mosques, coming here first helps to put a lot of what will see in the city in perspective.
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Of course, you can’t talk about Cairo without mentioning the Giza pyramids. The pyramids are just 30 minutes from the city center, but once you are standing there in the desert, you seem to enter another world. He would suggest hiring a guide to show him, in this way he will not experience any discomfort when he is there. Many people complain about being disturbed or scammed in Egypt, but when a guide is present, you will not bother. His guide will take many photos with the pyramids and will not have to haggle the price of a camel ride.
The great pyramid, built for Pharaoh Khufu, is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids. You can climb half or even venture inside one of the pyramids to see the cameras, although it can be a bit claustrophobic since the passages are narrow. Another prominent point is the sphinx, the famous statue with the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, which is next to the pyramids as if they protect the site.
My advice: Go early in the morning before tourist buses arrive and before the heat of the day approaches. If you have time, stay for sunset when the light throws a golden brightness on the stones.
Old Cairo
After seeing the old wonders, go to Old Cairo To a completely different side from the city. This district has been the home of Christians, Jews and Muslims for centuries, and you can see that mixture reflected in architecture.
He Hanging churchAppointed because it was built on a Roman fortress, it is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. Inside, you will find wood carvings, icons and a peaceful environment that contrasts with the busy streets outside.
Near is the Ben Ezra Synagoguewhich has a fascinating story linked to Jewish life in Cairo. He MosqueThe first mosque of Cairo is also in this area. The mosque has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, but it is still an important milestone and a peaceful place to enter and take a break from the city chaos.
Khan el Khalili: The famous Cairo market
One of my favorite experiences in Cairo was to roam Khan el Khalili, the historic bazaar of the city. This famous market dates back to the fourteenth century and remains an activity center today. The narrow alleys are full of stores that sell everything, from gold jewels to colored, spices and textile lamps.
Even if you do not plan to buy much, it is fun to navigate and enjoy the atmosphere. Oil is part of the experience here, so you are not shy to negotiate prices. When you need a break, stop at Fishawy, a coffee that has been serving tea and coffee for centuries.
Life in the Nile
The Nile River has shaped Egyptian culture for thousands of years, and still plays a central role in Cairo today. Taking a boat ride in the river is one of the most relaxing things you can do in the city.
A Felucca, a traditional wooden sailboat, is perfect if you want something simple and peaceful. If you take one at sunset, the city lights begin to light and the horizon acquires a warm and magical shine.
For a more alive experience, there are cruises with live music and dance. It is a totally different environment, but both options give you an idea of how important the river for the life and culture of Cairo.
Contemporary Cairo
In addition to history, Cairo also has a growing scene of modern art and music that is worth exploring.
In ZamalekA leafy neighborhood on an island in the Nile, you will find galleries like the Zamalek art gallery and the House gallery. Both galleries show established and emerging Egyptian artists, and the exhibitions change regularly. Even if you are not an art fan, it is a good way to see what is happening in the city creatively at this time.
He Cairo opera It is another must. This impressive building houses everything from ballet and opera to traditional Egyptian music concerts. Before visiting, it is worth checking the schedule to see what is fine so you can get a performance.
Smaller museums are worth their time
Beyond the great museums, Cairo has some smaller ones that are also worth visiting and making a good rhythm change:
- He Gayer-Anderson Museum It is a restored house of the seventeenth century full of antiques, works of art and traditional furniture. It is like entering the house of a rich family of centuries ago.
- He UMM KULHUM Museum It is dedicated to the life of the most beloved singer in Egypt. Umm kultthum It was a cultural icon worldwide, and the museum shows its costumes, instruments and personal belongings.
- He OCTOBER WAR PANORAMA It tells the history of the 1973 conflict with Israel. The highlight is a rotating platform with a panoramic painting of the war, combined with artifacts and exhibitions.
Local foods to try in Cairo
When you explore Cairo, the reference points are only part of the image. You will also want to try local life and try some Egyptian foods while you are there.
Attempt KoshariA mixture of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas and crispy onions covered with tomato sauce and chili. It is stuffed, cheap and very popular among the locals. Ful Medames (FAVA beans) and Taameya (Egyptian Falafel made with fava grains instead of chickpeas) They are also basic dishes that you will see everywhere.
Sitting in a coffee is another essential. Cairo has a long tradition of cafeteria, and many places are both to see people and conversation and drinks. Ask for mint tea or a strong coffee, and see the world pass.
A three -day suggested itinerary
If you have little time but you want to get a good combination of experiences, here is a suggested itinerary for your trip:
- Day 1: Egyptian Museum, Plaza Tahrir and a walk in the sunset Felucca.
- Day 2: Giza pyramids and the sphinx in the morning, then dinner in Zamalek.
- Day 3: Old El Cairo: The Church that hung, the AMR Mosque, the synagogue of Ben Ezra and Khan el Khalili.
One last word
It is possible that Cairo does not always feel easy to navigate, but it is a place that you should not skip if you go to other destinations in Egypt such as Luxor or Asuán. I would recommend giving at least two or three days here to have an adequate idea for the city.
Among museums, food, markets and historical sites, there is more than enough to stay busy. And if you feel adventurous, you can even make a one -day excursion to Alexandria for a landscape change along the Mediterranean coast.
