Things to do in Cairo
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a perfect blend of modern and traditional lifestyles. While on one side, you can see the famous Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx throwing a glimpse of the history of the region; on the other, you can see world-class malls and high-end restaurants frequented by expats
If you are planning a trip to the Egyptian capital, here are certain things you should not miss out.
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Visit the Giza Necropolis:
The Pyramid of Giza, constructed for the Egyptian Pharaoh, Khufu, is considered as one of the wonders of the ancient world. Located about 14 km from the capital city of Cairo, the Pyramid of Giza is a must-visit destination if you are in this part of the world. The large pyramid along with two smaller pyramids, a pyramid complex and the Great Sphinx of Giza together form the Giza Necropolis
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Travel back to the time of Pharaohs at the Egyptian Museum:
The Egyptian museum, located at Tahrir square, in downtown Cairo is a storehouse of Egyptian antiquities. The world-famous mummies, Egyptian papyrus, golds excavated from the various tombs, ancient coins, and statues are all displayed in the museum. You can take a guided tour to get to know more about the history and culture of this region.
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Explore the Egyptian market at Khan El Khalil:
Khan El Khalil is the largest open-air Egyptian market located in the heart of Cairo. The market is famous for Egyptian antiques, souvenirs, lamps, clothes, perfumes, and the world-famous papyrus. The best time to visit the market is during the night when all the shops will be lit up and the market exudes a festive glow.
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Understand the history and heritage of Egypt at Islamic Cairo:
Islamic Cairo is the historical area of Cairo with an old walled city and buildings with beautiful architecture. This place has various mosques, madrasas, tombs, and fortifications that throw a glimpse of the Islamic era of Egypt. This area is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and attracts several tourists.
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Take a stroll at the Coptic Cairo:
This area of Cairo is predominantly inhabited by the Christian population and is famous for its beautiful churches and synagogues. The must-visit places in the Coptic region include the hanging church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, the underground passage, and the Coptic cemetery.
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Munch on Egyptian delicacies:
As the saying goes, “when in Rome do as the Romans do,” you should splurge on some Egyptian treats while in Cairo. Few of the Egyptian food worth trying are Hawawshi, Koshari, Fattah, and Kunafa. Vegetarians can relish Falafel and Mahsi. The must-visit restaurants in Cairo are Abou El Sid restaurant, Egyptian Nights, and Zooba.
Various Cairo sightseeing tours take you around the city and provide a glimpse of both old and new Cairo. You can either start the trip from Cairo or other cities. Various tour packages like Hurghada to Cairo tour package and Luxor to Cairo tour package offers sightseeing of both the cities at your own convenience.