Cairo
The 'Mother of all Cities'
One of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East, Cairo is a huge, sprawling metropolis, crammed full of exotic sights, sounds, culture and over 6000 years of history. It’s no surprise that Cairo is dubbed the ‘Mother of all Cities’ by Egyptians.
The frenetic, bustling Khan el-Khalili market in the Old City of Cairo is a great place for shopping, souk style, with a sprawling mass of narrow alleys crammed with merchants pedalling their many and varied wares.
Wander around the Al-Azhar district for a taste of Islamic Cairo. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the most historic parts of the city, packed with ancient buildings and significant religious and cultural monuments.
Of course, most people come to Cairo to see the ancient Pyramids and the Sphinx, and no trip to Egypt would be complete without a visit to Giza. Once you’ve had your fill of exploring the ancient tombs, head to one of the many five-star resorts overlooking the site, order a cocktail and settle back to watch the pyramids glow every shade of pink as the sun sets behind them.
Insiders' Tips
- Watch the World Go By: For the perfect place to sit, relax and watch the world go by, visit Fishawi’s Coffeehouse.
- Discover the Origin of Belly Dancing: Belly dancing originated in Egypt many centuries ago, and the best place to catch a show is at the nightclub of one of the five star hotels in Cairo.
- Khan-el Khalli Market: Take a trip to Cairo’s famous medieval Khan-el Khalili market, where haggling for spices, copper, perfume and trinkets has been refined into an art form.
