Cairo

القاهرة

The sprawling capital of Egypt and Africa's largest city, straddling the Nile River with over 20 million inhabitants and blending ancient pharaonic heritage, Islamic medieval districts, colonial architecture, and modern neighborhoods. Cairo is the cultural and historical heart of Egypt, offering world-class museums, historic mosques, vibrant markets, and an intoxicating urban atmosphere.

Things to do

• Egyptian Museum — Explore one of the world's greatest collections of pharaonic treasures, including the mask of Tutankhamun and royal mummies.
• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar — Wander through Cairo's most famous medieval souk filled with spices, textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts in the heart of Islamic Cairo.
• Mohamed Ali Mosque — Visit this stunning Ottoman mosque perched on the Citadel with panoramic views over Cairo and intricate alabaster decoration.
• Giza Plateau Pyramids — Stand before the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure along with the enigmatic Sphinx, humanity's most iconic ancient monuments.
• Coptic Cairo — Explore the ancient Christian quarter with the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and narrow medieval streets steeped in religious history.
• Al-Azhar Mosque and University — Discover one of Islam's oldest continuously operating universities and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture in the medieval heart of the city.
• Nile River Felucca Sail — Experience a traditional sailboat journey on the Nile at sunset, offering serene views of Cairo's waterfront and a respite from urban chaos.

Food to try

• Koshari — A quintessential Cairo street food layering rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas topped with spiced tomato sauce and crispy onions.
• Ful Medames — A savory breakfast staple of slow-cooked fava beans mashed with garlic, lemon, and olive oil, often eaten with warm pita bread.
• Molokhia — A traditional leafy green stew cooked with garlic and served over rice or bread, considered the national dish of Egypt.
• Mahshi — Grape leaves or vegetables stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices, then rolled and steamed until tender.
• Egyptian Street Falafel — Crispy deep-fried balls or patties made from ground fava beans or chickpeas, served in pita with tahini and fresh vegetables.
• Basboosa — A sweet coconut semolina cake soaked in sugar syrup and topped with an almond, a popular dessert and tea-time treat.

Local customs & good to know

• Negotiation is Expected — In bazaars and markets, haggling over prices is a normal and expected part of the shopping experience, not an insult to the vendor.
• Respect Prayer Times and Ramadan — When calls to prayer sound, some shops close temporarily and restaurants may be closed during daylight hours in Ramadan; plan accordingly.
• Dress Conservatively — Wear modest clothing, especially when visiting mosques or religious sites; cover shoulders, knees, and avoid transparent fabrics.
• Use Local Transportation Wisely — Cairo's metro is cheap and efficient for north-south travel, but negotiate taxi fares beforehand or use ride-sharing apps to avoid overcharging.