Cairo Travel Guide

Cairo

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is steeped in history and culture. With its close proximity to the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo is a great base from which to explore the sights and sounds of Egypt. Travelling through Cairo, it’s hard not to miss the dominance of Islamic architecture and has led to Cairo being nicknamed the ‘City of a Thousand Minarets’.

Not only is Cairo the largest city in Egypt, but is also one of the largest cities in the Middle East and Africa. Get to know about the hustle and bustle of Cairo here before you book your flights to Cairo with Webjet.

 

Cairo Culture

The population of Cairo is diverse, encompassing many different cultural backgrounds. The majority of Cairo's population are Muslim, but there are pockets of the city that are predominantly Christian. There is a strong Arab influence in Cairo, which extends from the food to the architecture - evident in the city's 500 mosques.

 

Cairo Restaurants

As Cairo has continued to grow as a tourist hotspot, so too has its restaurant scene. You will find dishes to suit any palate, from Lebanese, Turkish and Indian meals, to Thai, Japanese, French and Italian bites. Unsurprisingly however, Cairo also serves up some of the best Egyptian food in the country. One of the most popular Egyptian dishes you’ll come across while in Cairo is ful medames, a breakfast dish of mashed fava beans that is often served with a boiled egg or Egyptian bread. When eating in Cairo, plan around slightly later mealtimes, with lunch starting at 1pm and dinner often enjoyed from 9pm.

 

Cairo Attractions

Giza Pyramids

The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Located across the River Nile in Cairo's sister city, Giza, the pyramids in Giza are a sight to behold and a definite must-see when travelling to Cairo.

Sphinx

Located adjacent to Cairo, the Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the oldest and largest sculptures in the world. This 20-metre-high statue of a lion with a man's head has drawn in tourists for many years, and has even served as a backdrop for striking light shows.

Cairo

Egyptian Museum

The artefacts housed within the Egyptian Museum in Cairo are varied and many. The large collection of Egyptian antiquities on display include objects from Tutankamun's tomb, sarcophagi, jewellery, mummies and more. Another museum, known as the Grand Egyptian Museum, is currently under construction in Giza. Slated to open in 2021, it is set to be the largest museum of its kind, housing an impressive collection of Egyptian artefacts. Many artefacts currently housed in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum will be transferred to the new museum, so be sure to factor this into your holiday itinerary. The new museum will showcase more than 5,000 items related to Tutankamun and his tomb.

Kahn el-Khalili

Khan el-Khalili is a popular marketplace in Cairo for tourists and locals alike. Often referred to as ‘the Khan’, this bazaar is where you can get a taste of medieval markets. Don’t forget to haggle for the best price on clothing, spices, jewellery, perfumes and more.

Bab Zuweila

Bab Zuweila is a relic from Cairo's medieval past. Bab Zuweila functioned as the southern gate of a wall that was built around Cairo in 1092. It is a major landmark of the city, and the Bab Zuweila gate features two twin minarets that are visible throughout Cairo.

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