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Nestled on the banks of th Nile River, Cairo is the bustling capital city of Egypt, located in the northeastern part of Africa. It is known for its awe-inspiring historical landmarks, including the iconic Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Right by the pyramids, is popular is the Sphinx, a giant statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human. But Cairo isn't just about history. It's a modern city too, with skyscrapers, bustling streets, and delicious food.
Cairo is a warm, tropical city housing numerous mosques, castles and churches and thus, came to be known as "the city of a thousand minarets". Boasting a rich history and society, Cairo perfectly blends modernity and olden culture. Cairo is also known for its bustling markets, like Khan El Khalili where one can wander among the haggling crowds and appealing shopkeepers. Take a stroll in the local streets and explore the best of the Pharaonic landmarks. Visit Egyptian Museum of antiquities to expand your knowledge of ancient egyptian history. Witness the land of contrasts with the daily hustle and bustle of the busy downtown and the extravagance at Zamalek.
Cairo is divided into three distinct parts: Downtown Cairo, Islamic Cairo and Croptic Cairo. Downtown Cairo can seem European and modern with squares and grand buildings, while Tahrir Square is the heart of Cairo. It is the perfect place to stay in Cairo. Islamic Cairo is a labyrinth of mosques, souks and breathtakingly beautiful Islamic monuments. The oldest neighbourhood is Coptic Cairo, the site of the Roman settlement of Babylon. It is famous for its historic Christian monuments.
Cairo is packed with little boutiques and unique shops. Some of the areas and markets one can visit to shop are:
Souvenirs to buy from Cairo:
Cairo's nightlife is a vibrant blend of modern trends and traditional culture, offering something for everyone after the sun sets. While the city may not boast the same reputation for nightlife as some other global metropolises, it's nonetheless an exciting and diverse scene waiting to be explored.
For budget travelers exploring Cairo, managing daily expenses efficiently is essential.
In total, a budget traveler can expect to spend approximately 324 to 484 EGP per day in Cairo
Cairo International Airport (CAI) serves as a major gateway to Egypt and is well-connected to cities worldwide. Numerous airlines operate direct flights to Cairo from major hubs across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
As soon as you reach the capital city of Egypt, you may take a bus or a cab to your hotel. You can also possibly take a cab till the nearest metro station and then commute to your area of stay via metro.
Navigating Cairo's bustling streets, akin to the flowing Nile, requires adaptability and a sense of adventure. With nearly 10 million people in constant motion, the city pulses with energy, offering various modes of transportation to explore its vibrant neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.
Metro: The most convenient means of getting around in Cairo is by the Metro. There are three Metro Lines you can take to get around Ataba being ideal to go Downtown, Mar Girgis for Coptic Cairo and Bab al-Shaaria for Islamic Cairo. The Cairo metro ticketing system operates on tiered pricing based on the number of stations traveled.
Taxi: Taxis remain a popular choice for travelers, albeit with some negotiation required to agree on fares. Uber, Careem and Didi are major service providers with fares typically around EGP 50–60 for downtown destinations. Alternatively, private taxis can be taken fro the road. Expect fares ranging from EGP 50 to EGP 150 for a 30-minute journey, depending on traffic and destination.
Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks offer a swift and thrilling ride through Cairo's labyrinthine streets, with fares ranging from EGP 5 to EGP 25 for short distances.
Shared bikes: With shared bikes available for just EGP 1 per hour and wide sidewalks in areas like Midan Taalat Harb.
Buses: There buses, minibuses and private buses (microbus) to get around Cairo. While Cairo's bus network lacks route maps, it offers an authentic way to experience the city, with tickets priced between EGP 5–10.
River buses: There is also a River Bus that takes you from Downtown Cairo to Giza as well as Cairo University.
Saifudeen Habeebulla
on The Egyptian Museum 6 years ago