Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world and Africa. It straddles the Nile River, with a metropolitan population exceeding 20 million. Founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid dynasty, Cairo is a city of layers — Pharaonic, Roman, Islamic, and modern — all visible within its chaotic, sprawling expanse. The Egyptian Museum, the Citadel of Saladin, the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and the nearby Pyramids of Giza make it one of the world's great travel destinations.

By Plane

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is Africa's second-busiest airport, with flights from every continent. Taxis and ride-hailing (Uber, Careem) connect to the city centre (30–60 minutes).

By Train

Ramses Station is the main railway hub, with services to Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan.

By Car / Road

Inter-city buses from Go Bus and other operators connect Cairo to all major Egyptian cities.

The Cairo Metro is the fastest way to traverse the city. Buses and microbuses are extensive but chaotic. Uber/Careem are widely available. Walking is feasible in central districts but not across the city.

• Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx — the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World

• Egyptian Museum — Tahrir Square, the world's greatest collection of Pharaonic antiquities

• Grand Egyptian Museum (opening near Giza) — the new state-of-the-art museum

• Citadel of Saladin — medieval Islamic fortress with the Muhammad Ali Mosque

• Khan el-Khalili — historic bazaar dating from the 14th century

• Al-Azhar Mosque — one of the oldest mosques in the world (970 CE)

• Coptic Cairo — the Hanging Church and other ancient Christian sites

• Nile Corniche — walkway along the river

• Take a felucca sail on the Nile at sunset

• Explore the Islamic Cairo district on foot

• Visit the City of the Dead (Qarafa) cemetery

• Eat at a traditional Egyptian restaurant in Zamalek

• Koshari — Egypt's national dish of rice, lentils, pasta, and tomato sauce
• Ful medames and ta'amiya (Egyptian falafel)
• Grilled meats, stuffed pigeon (hamam), and fresh Nile fish
• Street food is excellent and safe at busy stalls

Fresh cane juice (aseer asab), hibiscus tea (karkadeh), and Egyptian tea. Avoid tap water.

• Budget: Downtown hostels (150–400 EGP)
• Mid-range: Hotels in Zamalek or Mohandiseen (500–1500 EGP)
• Upscale: Four Seasons, Marriott Mena House near the pyramids (2000+ EGP)

Papyrus, perfumes, spices, gold, and traditional crafts at Khan el-Khalili.

• Alexandria (2.5 hours by train) — Mediterranean coastal city
• Luxor (1 hour flight) — Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple
• Giza (adjacent) — the Pyramids
• Saqqara (30 min south) — Step Pyramid of Djoser