Travel to Cairo
Travel to Cairo
If you havent seen the Giza Pyramids up close, then Cairo is a destination that will likely be top of your must-visit places. While the city itself is a hive of activity that most people prefer to avoid, the nearby ancient attractions rank among the worlds most important, making this city an Egyptian adventure you cannot afford to miss. The citys museums add an educational slant to this Islamic hotbed of bazaars, shisha pipes and architectural treats, while the mystery that surrounds the centuries-old monuments is one of Cairos biggest appeals.
Transportation to Cairo
Cairo International Airport offers a good selection of international connections as well as domestic flights with Egyptair, the national airline. Those already in Egypt can link with the city by rail, with regular trains arriving at Ramses Station. Arriving by bus is less popular as services are not as reliable or comfortable. Only experienced drivers should attempt to reach Cairo by car as the citys traffic can present the uninitiated with an overwhelming challenge.
What to see
The Pyramids of Giza are the main iconic attraction here for which you will need at least a day. The nearby ancient monuments including the Sphinx are also notable must-sees. Less ancient wonders are the Citadel, built by Mohammed Ali, and the Al Azhar Mosque, home to one of the oldest universities in the world. The Egyptian Museum will help you to consolidate all that you see and put Cairos archaic wonders into perspective.
Daytrips
Take a cruise along the worlds longest river to enjoy the beautiful Egyptian countryside and a refreshing change from the hectic pace of Cairos frenetic streets. Bahereya Oasis is a few hours drive from downtown Cairo and offers hot and cold springs set among date trees and turkey farms. Dont miss the Black Desert made from iron ore; mummies have been found nearby this site.
Activities and leisure
To get a taste of modern day Egypt, try discovering the capitals culture through sampling a shisha pipe and a strong coffee at a typical coffee house and watching the world go by. Soak up a performance at Cairos cultural centre or theatre, where musical performances and concerts are held regularly. Those with green fingers will enjoy a stroll through the Botanical Gardens. If the peacefulness of flowers and plants is too tame for you, get busy betting on horses Egyptian style at the Gizira Club.
Safety issues
Most people enjoy a trouble-free visit to Cairo, but it can take a few days to adjust to the way of life here. For the most part, Egyptians are very helpful and friendly towards tourists, but there are minorities that will try to help you with a fee in mind. Dont accept offers of free guided tours, which will likely result in a trip to somewhere where will be pressurised to spend money. Women should also be wary of walking alone if they are unfamiliar with the city.