Cairo
Pyramids one of the wonders of the world resides in Cairo. Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt. Cairo is incredibly crowded with almost over 20 million population and filled with traffic and pollution. It’s a blend of Old & New Egypt.
Old Cairo is the historic area where the famous Tahrir Square stands giving you a feel of Egyptian street life and the main area to stay when in Cairo. New (Greater) Cairo is a modern city that was built to alleviate the congestion of the city. Cairo offers all sorts of accommodation suiting every type of traveler (budget to luxury) and even 5* falls within the required range.
However, if one plans to stay near pyramids for 1 night then Le Meridien is the best-suited option near to the Pyramids which isn’t very expensive and provides good pyramid views. If travelers are ready to shell out a bit then Marriott Mena House is for them and is an excellent stay option boasting pyramid view rooms.
Experience the ride on the Traditional Egyptian Sailboat often known as Felucca to see the Cairo sights from the water along with the sunset at the Nile River located within Cairo.
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Destination
From our gallery
Gallery
Sightseeing
- Pyramids of Giza
- Egyptian Museum
- Khan-e-Khalili Bazaar
- Citadel
- Perfume Industry
- Egyptian Cotton
- Papyrus Institute
- Egyptian Sailboat
The pyramids of Giza are a must-do attraction for any traveler. They are massive and a treat to an eye to watch this structure. They were the burial complexes (tombs) made for their King’s Mummies (Pharaohs) to rest.
The kings were expected to become gods in the afterlife. Hence, the pyramid tombs were built to provide them with things a ruler would need to survive in the next life. The tombs were decorated with pictorial scenes showcasing every aspect of life and are incredibly beautiful.
The Pyramids are built from limestones and granite and all three of them were looted in ancient medieval times. So, the height of the main pyramid has reduced from the original one.
However, if you wish to go inside the Pyramid it's bare as the mummies have been taken away from the pyramids. The Great Sphinx lying to the south of the pyramids hold the face of a man (Pharaoh's Face) & the body of a lion is carved out of limestone and said to be a tomb of the King’s mother.
A leisure camel ride around the Pyramids is the best way to explore Pyramids and you can see other 3 small pyramids right behind the massive ones – making it 6 in total. It’s extremely amazing to take wonderful photos here and you can admire Pyramids at your own pace.
Usually, tourists are suggested to opt for the Sound & Light show at Giza. The show is old and not everyone would like it.
Egyptian Museum serves as the highlight for the Cairo sightseeing along with the Pyramids. This charming museum exhibits antiques, artifacts, and objects from the pre-historic era.
The ground floor hosts huge statues of Pharaohs. 1st Floor holds the real treasure with the famous mummies room, Tutankhamen treasures, jewels, and small statues. Mummies room gives a profound insight into the rituals of ancient Egypt and one can understand the mummification process in detail.
Though one has to pay additional for buying tickets to the mummies' room. If you wish to take pictures you need to take an additional ticket wherein you are allowed to take the camera along. Sooner, Grand Egyptian Museum right next to the Pyramids in Giza has been planned to open up soon.
Khan-e-Khalili is an essential place to visit if you want to explore the Egyptian Bazaar. The alleyways are filled with perfume and spice markets, antiques, and souvenir shops with good-quality products. It is usually crowded and gives you a feel of old times, the best part is that one can bargain.
It’s a medieval Islamic-Era fortification on the hill with panoramic views of Cairo and dominating its skyline. It was the residence of many rulers (nearly 700 years) and major work of military architecture during those times.
The tomb of Muhammed Ali is inside this mosque. It even served as an important political building when it was under Ottoman Empire, British reign, etc. The structure of the citadel reminds us of Blue Mosque in Istanbul. It is said that the Ottomans carried much of its interior off to Istanbul.
Learn about the features and preparations of perfumes and essential oils while watching glassblowers making perfume bottles. Some of the perfumes possess amazing aromas especially lotus flowers. They also had nasal diffusers for cold which are indeed helpful – one has to put 3-4 drops in hot water and smell it which will clear your nose immediately.
Egyptian Cotton is famous worldwide and few good shops sell this luxurious cotton as it's one the major export in the country.
Papyrus plays a paramount role in Egypt’s history. Papyrus plant's raw material is used to make the oldest ancient paper which helped Egyptians prosper with export and its making process was kept hidden for several years.
Staff at the institute guide visitors with how it's manufactured by giving them demonstrations. One can even buy the customized papyrus souvenir and it's a little expensive because of its quality ranging from $5 to $150 and more.
Experience the ride on the Traditional Egyptian Sailboat often known as Felucca to see the Cairo sights from the water along with the sunset at the Nile River located within Cairo.