The Capital of Egypt
The capital of Egypt and the largest city in Africa, the name means “the victorious city”. It is located on both banks of the River Nile near the head of the river’s delta in northern Egypt and has been settled for more than 6000 years
Cairo is a vibrant, exhilarating, exotic, fascinating and welcoming city. Home to the best Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic sights in Egypt, this city is where you never know what incredible, half-forgotten monument you might stumble across while wandering around. Enjoy the Nile view from your hotel room balcony, visit the capital’s medieval markets by Khan-El-Khalili, or walk down the Nile promenade. There are also plenty of cinemas, theatres and modern malls. Go for an opera or enjoy oriental music dance shows. Good for short breaks and long stays; you’ll get to see the Giza Pyramids, thousands of ancient artifacts in the Egyptian museum of Antiquities and much more.
Moreover, Cairo is for everyone, there are plenty of mid range and budget accommodations to choose from. Pick a charming boutique hotel in the heart of downtown or indulge in utter luxury in one of the city’s most luxurious establishments. These usually house professional Spas and wellness centers where you’ll be treated like royalty. There are more than 75 four and five-star hotels in Cairo, which all offer stunning views over amazing landmarks such as the majestic Nile, the Pyramids beautiful parks and gardens, and upscale clubs and compounds.
The weather in Cairo is moderate and low in humidity at almost any time of the year, except for some specific times in summer. Highs of 36°C are common in July and lows of 21°C have been witnessed; the winter months in Cairo, especially January, are much more pleasant with temperatures ranging between 21°C and 15°C. Accommodation by the Nile offers some relief from the summer heat due to the lovely breeze that comes from the river. In March, April, and June the Khamaseen winds blow from the desert bringing with them higher temperatures and sand.
The centre of downtown Cairo is Tahrir Square, located on the east bank. A hub of tourist activity, the vast and open square contains numerous attractions, including the Egyptian Museum, the Arab League headquarters, and the modern Umar Makram Mosque. Extending from north to south along the east bank of the Nile is the Corniche, Cairo’s main thoroughfare. Located nearby is the narrow strip of land known as Garden City, one of the city’s newer residential areas. In the centre of the city is the river island of Zamalek (also called Jezerah, meaning “the Island”), which contains the upscale residential and commercial neighborhood also known as Zamalek, the Cairo Opera House (founded in 1869), and the Cairo Tower (1961). Three bridges link the island with both banks of the river. The island of Al-Rodah, located to the south, is linked to the mainland by two additional bridges, while another bridge to the north carries road and rail traffic across the Nile.
What you Should See in Cairo:
The Pyramids of Egypt, which served as tombs for the Ancient Pharaohs , and the statue of the Sphinx, which dates from 2565 BC and is probably the country’s most famous monument, are located just west of Cairo in the suburb of Giza. Despite the desert background usually depicted in photographs, the Pyramids are extremely close to Cairo and are likely to be affected by the city’s continued expansion.
Cairo contains numerous religious and governmental structures. The ornate architecture of the Citadel, in eastern Cairo, enhances the city’s skyline. Begun by Saladin in 1176 and modified and expanded by later sultans, the Citadel is famous for its Mosques, Museums, and fort; within the complex the Mohammad Ali Mosque (1830) is particularly notable, with its storied domes and twin minarets. The Coptic Church known as Al Mu’allaqa, located in Old Cairo, is believed to be the earliest known site of Christian worship in Egypt; the church was built in the 3rd century, though it has been almost entirely replaced through successive restorations. Old Cairo also contains the Ben Ezra synagogue, the central house of worship for Cairo’s small Jewish population, and the distinctive and imposing gates of Cairo. Once part of a wall that encircled the city, these three gates are all that remain of the original eight. Among Cairo’s modern buildings are the Cairo Tower, which stands at a height of 187 m (about 614 ft) and commands a view of the Pyramids and the Citadel.
The Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx.
The Step Pyramid at Sakkara
The Open Air Museum of Memphis
The Pyramids of Dashur
The Pyramid of Meidum
The Egyptian Museum
The Castle of Saladin
The Old Market “Khan El-Khalili
The Hanging Church
ST. Barbara church
St. Sergious Church
Ben Ezra Synagogue
Cairo Tower
Mohamed ali Mosque
Sultan Hassan Mosque
Ahmed Ben Tulun Mosque
EL Hakhim Mosque
EL Azhar Mosque
El Rifiae Mosque
Sabil Katkhuda
Night Life and top activities in Cairo:
Most of the tourists who come to Egypt have no worriers of where they are going to spend their mornings, as they would be spending the morning exploring the numerous monuments that Cairo, Luxor , aswan , and Alexandria host.
If they are in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab, Marsa Alam, or Ras Suder, they most probably would be spending their mornings on the beach . However, the question that most tourists ask is “what is there to do in Egypt at night?” “What kind of activities can one do in Egypt other than visiting monuments and enjoying the sea.
Most people think that the range of entertainment activities in Egypt, especially outside Cairo, is quite limited. However, this is practically not true. There are many activities for tourists to enjoy in Egypt at night and there are many cities outside Cairo that offer a wide variety of night spots like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. We will try through this article to shade some light on the night activities that Egypt offers to its tourists.
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