Top Destinations to Explore in Cairo

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Top Destinations to Explore in Cairo

1 The Sphinx and Great Pyramids of Giza

The primary motive for people to travel to Cairo is this, thus let's begin with it initially

Upon my initial encounter with the Pyramids of Giza, I was overwhelmed with emotion I let out a loud cry and shed a few tears The excitement of being able to cross off a long-held desire from my bucket list since childhood was indescribable

The Pyramids hold a mysterious quality that I will always be fascinated by These ancient structures will leave a lasting impression on your heart, even after you have departed



One can admire the Great Sphinx, explore the only remaining ancient marvel of the Great Pyramid, and soak in all the breathtaking sights available!

However, despite their stunning appearance and captivating experience, there are several preparations that must be made before one can visit the Pyramid Necropolis Giza represents a balance between being a magnificent wonder of the world and a hub for the booming tourism industry

Important guidelines for touring the Pyramids

The Giza Pyramids can be found approximately one hour from Cairo International Airport Being the vibrant capital of Egypt, the city is always crowded, especially during rush hour in the late afternoon and evening Therefore, it is important to consider this when planning your schedule

Tourists can visit the Pyramids between 8am and 4pm during October to April and between 7am and 7pm in May to September This allows for the opportunity to take a desert excursion in the Sahara before or after these designated hours It is recommended to go earlier in the day to avoid large crowds and high temperatures

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The entrance fee for the complex is £160EGP (£7) If you wish to visit the Great Pyramid, there is an additional charge of £360EGP (£15) Furthermore, an extra £100EGP (£4) is required for entry into the second and third Pyramids

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It is advisable to come prepared with a guide when visiting, as scams, hassling, and pickpocketing are prevalent Without a guide, the visit may not be enjoyable Additionally, guides have the ability to bribe the guards, allowing you to climb a Pyramid

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Top 10 Must-See Spots in Cairo for 2024 - Don't Miss Out! 7 Top 10 Must-See Spots in Cairo for 2024 - Don't Miss Out! 8

2 The Saladin Citadel in Cairo



As you make your way from the airport to Cairo, the towering Citadel can be spotted from various points in the city Its elevated position on the hill is reminiscent of a siren, beckoning you to explore its secrets within

The Citadel of Saladin, also known as the Cairo Citadel, is a medieval fortification located on Mottakam Hill It is currently included in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Cairo

The construction of this monument dates back to the 12th century when it was commissioned by Saladin, the inaugural Sultan of Egypt and Syria

His leadership of Islamic armies during The Crusades was his most well-known achievement, and this fort played a crucial role in Egypt's defense

Saladin, as he is commonly known in history books, was actually named An-Nasir Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, which can be quite a mouthful

The main attraction of this fort is the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, which draws the majority of visitors

Constructed from 1830 to 1848, this is truly a magnificent work of art The exterior may already be awe-inspiring, but the interior is even more breathtaking!

3 The Grand Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha

Upon entering, your jaw is sure to drop

The building's central dome, adorned with stained glass windows, utilizes natural light to illuminate the space I couldn't help but admire the Islamic design elements and was greatly impressed by the hanging mosque lamps crafted from glass, which emitted a radiant glow all day long



The amount of time I spent in this location was brief, yet the optimistic atmosphere made the trip worthwhile Although it was bustling with both tourists and locals, arriving in the morning would result in a less crowded experience

Suggestions for a Trip to the Citadel and Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Admission to the Citadel is priced at 100EGP per individual (£4), covering access to the mosque, military museum, and several other minor attractions located within

To get to this location, I suggest taking an Uber in Cairo rather than a regular taxi The taxi drivers in this area can be difficult to negotiate with in order to get a reasonable fare

There is no need for a guide to explore this place, I ventured alone and felt entirely secure

Before entering the mosque, it is necessary to remove your shoes You have the option to either leave them on the shoe stand outside, take them with you, or put them in your bag

While there is no restriction on entry, women are advised to cover their heads and ensure their shoulders and legs are covered when visiting the mosque The same applies to men who are wearing shorts

Remember to enjoy the cityscape from this spot while indulging in some ice cream The elevation of this hill allows for a panoramic view of Cairo

I adored the Squizz ups, they had a similar texture to Calippo but with a delectable Mango taste!

4 Market Place of Khan El-Khalili



Despite numerous warnings from others, I still decided to visit this place Many claimed it was overly crowded with tourists and that the souvenirs were all fake, but I found out that these were just baseless assumptions

I am extremely happy that I did not heed their advice, as the Khan El-Khalili market turned out to be one of the most beloved destinations during my trip to Cairo!

According to historical accounts, Khan El-Khalili is considered to be among the most ancient markets in the Middle East It was established in 1511 as a hub for both local and international traders to exchange valuable commodities

At present, the market remains lively with a variety of souvenirs available for purchase including perfumes, spices, leather goods, textiles, and all the traditional Egyptian souvenirs one can imagine!

It is possible to discover that many of the stalls in this location are excessively expensive This is when your ability to negotiate becomes crucial

The merchants at this location are skilled at overcharging customers Negotiating is actively promoted, so it's important to stay alert

For those who are not fond of bargaining but still looking for good deals, a visit to the well-known fixed-price store, Jordi, is a must

At this store, you can purchase extremely affordable Egyptian souvenirs to bring back with you and they even provide complimentary Egyptian tea to their patrons I stumbled upon this place on my final day, but I regret not discovering it earlier I made numerous purchases here and felt reassured that I was getting a good bargain

The Bab al-Ghuri gate is known as the most renowned spot and is also a highly sought-after location for taking photos





Attention ladies! Every single man in this place will undoubtedly propose to you (seriously)! You will experience continuous catcalling, constant requests for selfies, and offers of "free gifts" Be cautious when being invited into stores and always keep your guard up Stay strong and simply ignore their advances

During my visit, I was alone and did not experience any feelings of insecurity However, the size of this place can be overwhelming and it is quite simple to lose your way Do not worry, as the majority of the residents are approachable and willing to assist with providing directions





5 Restaurant Khan El Khalili & Coffee Shop Mahfouz

While making my way through the market in search of lunch, I unexpectedly came across this peaceful haven After navigating through the chaos of the market, I was delighted to discover this serene spot for a refreshing break

The well-known Khan El-Khalili Restaurant and Mahfouz coffee shop are highly regarded in this area Naguib Mafouz, a renowned Egyptian author and Nobel Prize winner for literature, wrote a book about the Khan Currently, it is under the ownership of Oberoi hotels

Upon entering, you will be greeted with the charming Moorish design, refreshed by the strong air conditioning, and witness the traditional livery and tarboush hats worn by the waiters

At this location, you have the opportunity to taste a variety of Egyptian cuisine I personally experienced the Koshari, a classic dish consisting of macaroni, rice, and lentils, all drenched in a flavorful spicy tomato sauce It was truly remarkable On my second trip, I also indulged in the delectable Baladi sandwiches In addition to the food options, there are also various beverages available for purchase, such as juices, coffee, tea, coolers, and even Shisha The prices are quite affordable, and my entire meal only cost £150EGP (£6)

There is a lack of regulations against smoking indoors in Egypt, so I feel obligated to inform you Smoking is a common occurrence everywhere in this country However, the strong air conditioning system provides relief and I did not detect any odor



Section 6 The Museum of Egypt

After viewing the film "The Mummy", my desire to explore the Cairo Museum has only grown However, I must admit that it does not resemble the movie Nonetheless, this does not diminish its value and it is still a worthwhile destination

During my childhood, I frequented the British Museum in London to admire the Egyptian exhibits and presentations As a result, I have seen numerous shabti statues, canopic jars, mummies, and sarcophagi However, there was one particular artifact that I was eager to witness - the mask and sarcophagus of Tutankhamun!

Currently, the remains of King Tut are located in the Valley of the Kings However, his magnificent gold mask, coffin, jewelry, and a selection of his treasures that were buried alongside him are currently being exhibited in this location Ever since Howard Carter's excavation, it has been a fascination for thousands to witness

For me, it truly fulfilled all the expectations surrounding it The display contained approximately 20 stacked coffins, each adorned with meticulously painted designs on the masks and sarcophagi The collection also included an abundance of gold jewelry, featuring a variety of ancient gems and amber Despite its age, everything was remarkably well-preserved, giving off the impression that it was just unearthed yesterday



The display was incredibly remarkable, but it is being closely monitored and if you linger for too long, you will be requested to leave Taking pictures is also prohibited, even with a photo permit As a memento, I purchased a postcard

Essential tips for touring the Egyptian Museum in Cairo

The museum's operating hours are from 9am to 5pm, except on Fridays when it stays open until 7pm According to others, it is recommended to visit during the late night hours as it is less crowded However, during my own visit, it was extremely crowded

The cost for a standard entry ticket is £160EGP per person Additionally, there is an option to purchase a photo pass for £30EGP and access to the Royal Mummies Hall for an extra £180EGP However, after visiting this area, I personally did not find it to be worth the additional cost Alternatively, one can also sneak photos if desired

There is no requirement to employ a guide at this location, however, it should be noted that there is a lack of signage that provides information about the various exhibits, with the exception of the Tutankhamun exhibit Outside the venue, guides may be available for hire Although I personally did not hire one, I did feel that it would have been beneficial

Plan to spend approximately 2 hours at this location, and be prepared for high temperatures by bringing water and utilizing a few fans



The River Nile

I highly suggest visiting the river Nile in Cairo if you are unable to go on a Nile cruise or explore Luxor and Aswan due to time constraints



It may come as a surprise, but in the past, the Nile River had a closer proximity to the Pyramids During ancient times, the Pharaohs made the decision to construct the pyramids on the West Bank of the Nile However, due to the growth of the city and the passing of time, the river now lies 22 kilometers away from its original location This fact is truly astonishing

One can experience a river journey on a steam or traditional sail boat, try their luck on casino ships, attend a dinner show on the Nile, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the river For a unique accommodation option, there are boat hotels available, although the feedback from previous visitors was not positive

Although it may not offer the same breathtaking view as Luxor, which is surrounded by industrial buildings, you can still enjoy a decent view of the Cairo Tower from this location

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8 Explore Memphis, Saqqara, and Dashur in a Single Day

I regret not having the opportunity to do this, as I did not have the time or financial means However, if you have not yet explored the Pyramids, I highly suggest taking a day trip to places like Memphis, Dashur, and Saqqara, which are approximately an hour away from Cairo

The oldest Pyramid known as Saqqara is located in Memphis, serving as the burial place for the ancient Egyptian capital It was constructed for King Djoser by the renowned architect Imhotep (not like the one in the Mummy movie) Admission fee is £150EGP

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Dashur, known for its famous Bent and Red Pyramids built during the rule of Pharaoh Sneferu, is also the location of the Royal Necropolis According to some theories, the bent pyramid was a result of a construction failure, while the Red Pyramid is believed to be the first smooth-sided pyramid in the world The entrance fee is £60EGP

In the past, Memphis served as the capital of ancient Egypt during the old kingdom It was established by Pharaoh Menes and has a history of 5,000 years Menes was renowned for bringing together Upper and Lower Egypt Presently, it is considered an outdoor museum and a designated world heritage site Visitors can view the statues of Ramses II and another Alabaster Sphinx The admission fee is £80EGP

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9 Explore the Zabbaleen Cave Church and the community known as Garbage City



Zabbaleen, also known as Garbage City, is a poverty-stricken area in Cairo where the residents, who are mostly garbage collectors, make a living solely from collecting and dealing with the city's waste This community of thirty thousand people survives by relying on the garbage that is sent to their city

Prior to criticizing it, it should be noted that this is a highly devout community consisting of Coptic Christians, a religious minority in Egypt, who are dedicated to promoting peace and progress This involves establishing multiple educational and medical facilities for the community's benefit

One of the must-see attractions is the Cave Church, which has a unique amphitheatre-style structure and is intricately carved within the cave If you have limited time, this is the spot you should prioritize This remarkable architectural masterpiece is sure to captivate your interest

It is advisable to employ a guide to accompany you while exploring this area

10 Enjoy a leisurely walk through the gardens of Al-Azhar Park

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the city's high-rise structures, congested streets, and pollution, a stroll through the gardens of Al-Ahzar Park might be the perfect escape Known as the "oasis in the midst of an urban desert," it certainly lives up to its name

The gardens are remarkable because they originated from the transformation of a garbage dump in 2005

Today, we are able to appreciate the stunning gardens, fountains, and lakefront cafes, as well as a play park, thanks to the incredible transformation that has taken place



The Studio Masr restaurant, offering a stunning panoramic view, is the perfect location to enjoy a picnic or dine The entrance fee is only £20EGP (£1) and it is open from 9am to 10pm daily

The perspective captured in Studio Masr by Yasser Nazmi, available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3 0 license on Wikimedia Commons

Cairo has many other places that are worth visiting

The city of Cairo offers a plethora of attractions to explore, and the list above highlights only a few of the top destinations With its vast size, it's possible to spend a whole week in Cairo and still not cover all the sights it has to offer

The City of the Dead, the Mosque of Ibn-Tulun, the Pharaonic Village, the Coptic Museum, the Hanging Church, and Abdeen Palace are just a few of the many attractions to be found in this area

Cairo captured my heart and I am certain that I will return The city is bursting with energy and the presence of the Great Pyramids of Giza only adds to its uniqueness and charm

Choosing Accommodation in Cairo

In my opinion, it would be beneficial to choose Giza as your base instead of staying in downtown Cairo or Tahrir Square Giza offers a more peaceful atmosphere and a variety of affordable lodging options Plus, waking up to the Pyramids every morning is an unparalleled experience

The following are some top-rated hotels for accommodation near the Pyramids



Inn of Panorama Pyramids

The hotel offers great value for your money and the staff is truly dedicated to ensuring you have a pleasant experience Upon arrival, you will notice that their reception area is adorned with notes and photographs of contented guests from different parts of the world

At this location, I received a complimentary airport pick up, free soft drinks throughout my stay, a breakfast big enough to feed a large group every morning, and a free dinner every night!

My room was both adorable and spotless, with a stunning view of the Pyramids and Sphinx from the window The rooftop also offered a magnificent view of the Pyramid Necropolis, perfect for watching the Light and Sound show during dinner in the evenings at no cost

In addition, they offered reasonably priced tours to explore the Pyramids, Cairo, and surrounding areas

Inn at the Pyramid Village

Located in Giza, this newly built hotel offers single, double, and suite-style rooms, some of which have views of the Pyramids Situated on a peaceful street, guests can enjoy a quiet stay without being disturbed by the busy city life in the mornings or evenings

As the initial visitor, I had the honor of being accommodated here Amidst my illness in Cairo, the staff showed great kindness in taking care of me When it was time for me to depart, I felt a strong sense of belonging, almost like being part of their family



The rooftop of the hotel is equally amazing, providing a spectacular view of the Pyramids Guests can enjoy their complimentary breakfast while taking in the scenery, or savor the delicious Egyptian coffee and tea that are provided for free

Cairo's Marriott Mena House

The Mena House Hotel is not your average hotel, but rather a significant historical landmark For decades, it has been a popular residence for many individuals, including royalty and renowned figures like Roger Moore and Winston Churchill While it has changed ownership numerous times, it currently operates as the Marriott Mena House, offering a luxurious 5-star retreat

Watching the sunrise over the Pyramids from your own personal balcony is akin to a cinematic experience It's hard to believe what you see with your own eyes This oasis in Cairo, away from the hustle and bustle, is a worthwhile investment for those who value comfort

Keep these Top Cairo Tourist Spots in Mind for Future Visits!

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