Stand in awe at the base of the Pyramids of Giza or discover the glistening riches
of boy-king Tutankhamen at the Egyptian Museum. There's never a dull
moment in Egypt's energetic capital - bargain at traditional markets, then
watch the sun go down over the River Nile.
Background
The mighty River Nile snakes through the centre of Cairo, with the best of the
chaotic city on the eastern side. Head Downtown for busy shopping areas and
over 120,000 exhibits at the Egyptian Museum. Further east is Islamic
Cairo, packed with medieval Islamic monuments such as the iconic Khan-El
Khalili market. To the south you'll find peaceful Coptic
Cairo, hub of the city's ancient Christian churches. Head 20 kilometres
south-west of Cairo to Giza, home of the Great Pyramid, the sole
survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
First-time visit
Get to the Pyramids of Giza early to avoid the midday sun and to wander around
the immense funereal tombs inside and out. At the vast Egyptian Museum you
can see King Tutankhamen's famous golden mask as well as amazingly
preserved animal mummies. Explore the grandiose Al-Azhar Mosque in Islamic
Cairo where the world's first university lecture was given in 975
AD. You'll have to sharpen up your bargaining skills to pick up jewels and
perfumes at Khan-el Khalili medieval market. If it gets too hot then relax
with a cup of refreshing Egyptian mint tea and try a lentil and onion kosheri
street snack.
Return visit
Take a felucca sailing boat down the River Nile at sunset to hear the
echoing call to prayer from Cairo's mosques. Take a break from ancient
history to view contemporary art at the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art in the
plush Gezira neighbourhood. If you were wowed by the Pyramids of Giza,
venture further out to the Step Pyramid, built in Saqqara during the
27th century BC. For a cultural evening watch whirling Sufi dancers at the
12th-century Citadel or, at the white-stone Cairo Opera House, see
opera or ballet and hear classical Arabic music.
Cairo International Aiport airport has undergone extensive modernisation. It is
situated 21 km (13 miles) north-east of central Cairo, and 25 miles from the Giza
Pyramids. A taxi will whisk you downtown in about an hour.
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