Overview

Cairo holds one of the world's most comprehensive collections of ancient architecture, headlined by the Pyramids of Giza and their iconic Sphinx. Numerous Islamic mosques are situated in the old city alongside even older Coptic Orthodox churches. The Egyptian Museum is the city's finest museum and houses an extensive collection of treasures from Tutankhamen's tomb. The Citadel is a must-see attraction housing mosques and museums.

Pyramids

There are nearly 100 pyramids in Egypt, the greatest of which are the three on Cairo's Giza Plateau. This is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing today. Two million massive stone blocks were used to build the Great Pyramid where Pharaoh Khufu was entombed. In the evening, the Great Pyramid doubles as a projection screen for a sound and light show that covers the region's history and legends.

Sphinx

Also on the Giza Plateau, the Sphinx has become an iconic emblem of Ancient Egypt. Its name is Greek, but the legends surrounding this human-headed lion are completely Egyptian. Ancients built it as a temple to worship the Sun God, carving this 150-ft long monument from a sole block of sandstone.

Citadel

A window into medieval Cairo, the Citadel was built in several stages between the 12th and 19th centuries. From its high vantage point, visitors enjoy panoramic views of the city and the distant Pyramids of Giza. Several ancient mosques (including Al-Azhar Mosque, the oldest operating university in the world) are located in or near the Citadel. Inside are the National Military Museum, the Al-Gawhara Palace Museum and the National Police Museum.

Coptic Cairo

Together with the Old City, this portion of town is the ancient core of Cairo. The Coptic Orthodox Church is a highlight, claiming St Mark as its founder, and there are several other churches open for tours. For an excellent window into the city's Christian community, visit the Coptic Museum, with its art and artefacts spanning Roman and Islamic empires.

Sultan Hassan Mosque

One of the largest Islamic structures in the world, this 14th century mosque and school may have been built with stones from Giza's pyramids. The architecture is striking, seen from the grand entryway, the lavish courtyards and sitting rooms. The school (madrasa) was once an important proponent of Sunni Islam.

Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

The famous Egyptian Museum is located at the heart of Cairo in the Midan Tahrir district. This is the world's most comprehensive collection of Egyptian antiquities with hundreds of thousands of display items. Many treasures of Tutankhamen (including his funerary mask and jewellery) are on display, along with ancient royal mummies and artwork dating back thousands of years. The museum's contents will eventually move to a new museum at Giza.

Saqqara

This ancient city is found in Memphis and hosts a massive archaeological site. Daytrips to Saqqara from the city centre are quick and easily arranged. Egypt's first-dynasty rulers were buried here, placing the pyramids and ruins found here among Egypt's oldest. The greatest attraction is the ancient Step Pyramid (Cairo's oldest), which is significantly cruder than Cairo's younger models.

City of the Dead

A cornerstone of local tourism, the City of the Dead (or ‘Northern Cemetery' for those who find the ominous name unsettling) flanks the Citadel in the city centre. The impressive shrines and tombs found here date to the Mamluk Dynasty (13th to 15th centuries). Visitors can access the sites on a series of well-maintained walkways but are discouraged from straying from key sites as a remote portion of the City of the Dead doubles as a shanty town.

Overview

A range of excellent outdoor activities await visitors in Cairo including organised sporting events and chartered activities. Horseback riding tours of the Pyramids of Giza are particularly popular. Golf, football and rugby are also well catered for, and in most cases visitors can hire all the equipment they'll need and even enrol in classes. Al Azhar Park in the city centre is a nice place to relax, with walking paths, fountains and onsite dining facilities.

Boating

A memorable way to tour the region is to join a tour of the Nile River. Visitors can charter felucca boats in the Garden City district, where outings are booked by the hour. The best time to go out is before sunset, when temperatures are pleasant. After sunset, the emerging stars shine clearly through the arid atmosphere. Non-charter boats are available at a fraction of the price, though they play loud music and are subject to crowds.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is a popular local pastime with ample facilities for tourists. The most popular stables are found in Giza near the Sphinx, and visitors can join guided tours exploring the area around the pyramids. Overnight riding tours are fun, taking riders into the desert where they can sleep under the stars. Another option is to ride further out to Saqqara. Riding lessons and equipment are provided.

Football

Football is a popular sport in Egypt, so there are plenty of facilities for those who enjoy watching or playing. Tourists are welcome at fitness centres like Wadi Degla Sporting Club, which have facilities for football and other sports. Naser Stadium and Cairo International Stadium regularly host matches. The most popular teams are Al Zamalek and Al Ahly, and their annual face-off is one of the most popular in the Arab world.

Golf

Golfers have several options in Cairo including the 18-hole courses at the Hilton, Katameya Heights and Dreamland. Mena House Golf Course sits on covetable real estate overlooking the Pyramids of Giza, offering golfers a truly memorable experience. All major golf courses hire out equipment and offer golf lessons.

Walking

Tourists looking for light, outdoor exercise won't find many parks in Cairo. Al Azhar Park is the best, and it's large enough to accommodate long afternoon walks. Visitors can take advantage of well-maintained, shaded walkways passing fountains and offering views of the adjacent architecture in the Old City. A variety of restaurants are onsite.

Rugby

Fans of rugby have the opportunity to train alongside seasoned, semi-professional players on the fields at Victory College. Training sessions are held twice a week, and tourists are welcomed to practice alongside the Cairo Rugby Club trainees. The club supplies all the necessary equipment except running shoes.

Dining and shopping

Cairo offers excellent dining and shopping options with plenty of authentic and international venues to chose from. Shopping in the colourful souks and street markets is especially rewarding. Plenty of international restaurants and fast-food chains are available for those craving a taste of home, though authentic Egyptian food is what Cairo does best. Alcohol is available but not ubiquitous (as it's forbidden under Islamic code) and is more common in upscale restaurants and hotels.

Cairo's dining scene is eclectic and international, and visitors will find options to suit all tastes and budgets. The most affordable eateries include street vendors and basic restaurants serving local cuisine in the Old City. Western style fast-food restaurants are also widely available. Shisha water pipes used for smoking sweet, flavoured tobacco are found in many local establishments.

The finest restaurants are often operated in conjunction with five-star hotels. Establishments like these hire accomplished chefs and serve a range of Egyptian and international fare, all of which is beautifully presented. Other upmarket dining districts include Mohandesin and Zamalek. European, North American and Asian cuisines are all featured.

Given the vast number of local restaurants onsite, those looking for an authentic Egyptian dining experience may have trouble deciding which restaurants to visit. It is usually a good bet to take a seat in a venue where locals are congregating. Egyptian cuisine fuses Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary traditions.

Popular local dishes include Egyptian falafel (taamiyya) and Egyptian moussaka (muzagga), which is virtually indistinguishable from the Greek variety. A favourite Egyptian dish is called ful medames, a fava bean dish seasoned with onions, olive oil, parsley and citrus. Kebabs are available from small restaurants and street vendors, as are kofta meat balls. Both of these are served with flatbread and a light salad.

Shopping aficionados will have plenty to do during a holiday in Cairo. Upscale shopping centres and department stores are found in affluent neighbourhoods, but the greatest treasures await those who shop in the traditional souks and street markets.

Bargaining is essential in these venues, and tourists are advised to shop around before agreeing to a price. Walking away may reduce the price, but even if it doesn't you are still likely to find the exact same item a few stalls away. Bear in mind that a sense of humour goes a long way when haggling over prices.

Souks are the mainstay of Egyptian shopping, and many of them convene in historic environs that have operated for centuries. Khan El-Khalili is a popular souk in Egyptian Cairo, and it looks virtually the same as it did in the 1300s. Myriad items are for sale, ranging from rolled carpets to camels. These well-established bazaars are no stranger to the tourist trade, and souvenirs are widely available.

The street markets spanning the Old City's main avenues are less centralised than the souks, but they offer many of the same products and services. Street markets are less specialised, targeting practical shoppers with simple household goods, clothing and accessories. These colourful venues offer tourists the opportunity to get a glimpse of everyday life while looking for souvenirs.

Cairo's restaurant offerings are eclectic, spanning international establishments and unpretentious local joints. There are a few street food restaurants that are worth investigating, though it is also possible to sample local fare in classy restaurants. Cash may be required in humbler restaurants. In Cairo, even the upmarket restaurants are affordable by Western standards, giving tourists an excellent opportunity to splurge.

Overview

The easiest way to reach Cairo is by air via Cairo International Airport. This dual-terminal facility sits 14 miles outside of town and maintains adequate facilities. Arriving by bus or train from other Egyptian cities is also possible, and both modes have comfortable berths aimed at tourists. The continent's only metro system is found here, shuttling passengers between key tourism districts. Minibuses and taxis are also available.

Airports

Cairo International Airport is located 14 miles outside the city centre and offers frequent connections to major destinations worldwide. This is Egypt's premier air hub, serving numerous cities across the country. As there are non-stop flights to and from most continents, Cairo International handles a large volume of passengers in every season.

The airport operates two terminals linked by a complimentary shuttle bus. As only two shuttles depart per hour, passengers are advised to board the first available vehicle to ensure an on-time connection. Bear in mind that passengers may not check in more than an hour before their departure time, so arriving early won't expedite travel.

Cairo International Airport is large and busy, but the facilities and infrastructure are dated. Both terminals offer porters, baggage trolleys and left-luggage facilities as well as duty-free shopping outlets. Boutiques, newsagents and pharmacists are also available. A single restaurant is found in each terminal as well as in the transit hall. Terminal 1 hosts a business centre that connects to the transit hall.

Long- and short- term parking is available, but there are no parking spots for disabled passengers. Public Bus 400 offers hourly or half-hourly connections to the city centre depending on the time of day while an airport shuttle loads passengers outside the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 1. Hire cars and taxis use Salah Salem Road.

Public transportation

It is also possible to reach Cairo by train via long-haul overnight service. Ramses Station is central Cairo's central rail terminal. Tourists usually book first or second-class berths which are clean and comfortable.

Travel by bus is also available, and five stations serve the city centre. Four major bus companies serve Cairo: Superjet, West Delta Bus Company, East Delta Bus Company and Upper Egypt Bus Company. Quality of coaches fluctuates, though most are comfortable and air-conditioned. Tickets can be purchased at the terminal.

Travellers can also reach Cairo from other Egyptian cities via hire car, though driving conditions are hectic. The Delta Highway connects Cairo to Alexandria (3 hours). Other popular destinations include Port Said, Suez and distant Luxor (10 hours).

The local public transportation network is efficient and affordable. Taxis are widely available, and drivers won't hesitate to pick up a second or third passenger if the route permits. Hiring a car with a driver is also relatively inexpensive. Congestion and reckless driving conditions dissuade most tourists from driving themselves.

The city operates the only metro system in Africa. There are only two lines so transport is limited to key areas of interest. Railcars run from 06:00 until 24:00, and each train has two cars set aside exclusively for women. The most popular line for tourists runs to Giza Station, where passengers can board minibuses bound for the pyramids. A flat rate is levied per trip.