Egypt’s capital city Cairo is epic, sprawling in all directions with its chaotic traffic, busy markets, and unique historical buildings and artefacts. Like everything else in Egypt, Cairo’s charm stems from its history and the network of districts and communities spreading out from the Nile’s billowing embankments.
With a new city set to replace old Cairo, located between the Nile and Suez Canal, the Administrative Capital, as it is known, will take the pressure and heat from the constantly growing population of Cairo. Nevertheless, while you are here, there is still time to explore the charms of old Cairo. The ancient metropolis has much to offer, from the Pyramids of Giza on the west bank of the Nile to the Pharaonic Village and the bustling markets of Khan El Kahlili, along with an array of shopping bazaars, museums, night markets, and cafes there much to explore.
The Pyramids
The Pyramids of Giza are the main reason behind the growth of Egypt’s tourism industry. The pyramids were built in the Giza plateau when Egypt was among the richest and most powerful civilizations. Once you arrive here, you can capture unique photos of the Pyramids and the Sphinx.
Take a stroll around the towering edifice of the Pyramids and admire the massive limestone blocks used in their construction. You can also go inside the Great Pyramid for an additional fee or hop on a camel ride for amazing views of the surrounding desert. Each night a series of sound and visual effects take place. Both the Sphinx and Pyramids are illuminated in various colours as a narration of the history of the Pyramids plays in the background in the language of your choice.
Khan El Khalili
The best way to immerse yourself in Egypt’s cultural heritage is to explore its markets and bazaars. Khan El Khalili is considered the historic heart of Cairo; it is also home to a trove of Egyptian artisans and workshops creating unique crafts and souvenirs. A number of restaurants and stalls serving traditional Egyptian food complement the market. Practice your bargaining skills and feast your eyes on a wide range of merchandise, from sparkling silverware to gold artefacts, antiques, spices, Egyptian costumes, and Pharaonic souvenirs. Sip Egyptian tea or Arabic coffee in one of the many cafes nearby as you enjoy Umm Kulthum’s songs in the background.
One of the most iconic spots in Khan El Khalili is the Naguib Mahfouz Café. Tucked around a quiet corner in the mysterious labyrinth of Khan El Khalili’s alleys, it is a welcome respite from the crowds. The café was an all-time favourite stomping ground for the iconic Egyptian writer who won a Nobel Prize for literature in 1988. The café’s unique arabesque ambiance transports you to the days of old Cairo. Inside you will find photos of Mahfouz on the walls, along with titles of his books ingrained in the wood artwork.
Besides serving traditional mint tea, coffee, and herbal drinks, the café is known for its authentic Egyptian cuisine, including the all-time favourite Koshary. Considered Egypt’s national dish, Koshary is made of macaroni and lentils mixed together, topped with tomato sauce, garlic, vinegar, and garnished with chickpeas and crispy fried onions.
The Pharaonic Village
If you would like to experience ancient Egypt as it stood and travel back in time to its distant and glorious past, tour the Pharaonic Village. Located on an island in the Nile, it is just three miles south of Cairo. Visitors sail on comfortable barges along a network of canals while experiencing incredibly accurate recreations of ancient Egyptian life and audible narration in the background. You are transported to ancient Egypt’s historical past through sound and visual effects and dramatic re-enactments of Pharaonic life.
The Pharaonic village has several historical exhibits, yacht cruises on the Nile, souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. Of equal interest is the Cleopatra studio, where you can get a commemorative photograph of yourself and loved ones with traditional Pharaonic clothes set against an ancient Egyptian backdrop of your choice, complete with costumes and makeup.
The Grand Egyptian Museum
Another fascinating way to experience the glory of ancient Egypt awaits you at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Scheduled to open in June 2021, it is located outside Cairo on the Giza Plateau next to the pyramids. Encompassing an area of 490,000 square meters, it is almost the size of an airport terminal. The museum houses a trove of more than 50,000 artefacts, including the entire collection of King Tutankhamun and several acclaimed and recently discovered mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and other royal regalia.
