CAIRO UNVEILED: PYRAMIDS, BAZAARS AND UMM ALI
Cairo is one of the most mystical travel destinations in the world. This, in turn, makes it one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. According to statistics from travel expert Simon Calder, the Egyptian city welcomes 14 million tourists every year. However, as Calder also writes in his column for The Independent, most people make the trip so they can see the pyramids of Giza before heading off to other parts of Egypt, such as Luxor and the Red Sea.
We’re not here to deter you from seeing the pyramids. In fact, these ancient icons are one of the main reasons airlines work hard to make Cairo as accessible as possible to everyone. Even a cursory look at the flights to Cairo with eDreams reveals a plethora of options for short and long-haul travellers. From London and Barcelona to New York and Riyadh, there are not only plenty of flights to Cairo but affordable ones.
The abundance of flight options is, as we’ve said, partly down to the popularity of the pyramids. However, we’re here to tell you that they’re not the only reason to visit Cairo. As you’ll see when you read any of our travel guides, we like to get under the skin of a city and pick out its hidden gems as well as its iconic landmarks. For example, almost everyone who visits Seattle goes to the Space Needle and Pike Place market. However, in our guide, we took you on a tour of the city’s artistic side.
Start With the Pyramids but Don’t Stop There
It’s this commitment to going beyond the norm that’s helped us create a comprehensive guide to Cairo. Of course, we have to start with the pyramids of Giza. These natural wonders are said to date back to 2550 BC and, still today, there are debates over how they were built. This mystery and wonder, combined with the sheer scale of each pyramid, is what makes them world-famous tourist attractions. Anyone planning a trip to Cairo should book a tour ahead of time to save fighting through dozens of eager local vendors. A quick Google search brings up plenty of reputable options from companies such as Viator.
You can’t overlook the cultural and historical significance of the pyramids. They’ve made Cairo an international tourist hotspot, but their influence can be felt throughout the city. For example, a trip to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities shines a light on Cairo’s long history. With over 120,000 artefacts on display, including Tutankhamun’s famous gold death mask, it’s the perfect place to add some historical context to the pyramids you’ve seen. This trip back in time continues as you snake your way around the maze-like mediaeval quarter.
Otherwise known as Islamic Cairo, the mediaeval quarter is the area built during the Muslim conquest of 641 CE. The city was expanded in the 19th century under Khedive Ismail’s rule and, today, you can see where the old city walls once stood. You’ll also find a variety of historic cemeteries and ancient monuments, including the Citadel. No trip to the mediaeval quarter would be complete without a walk around the Khan al-Khalili. This souq (aka a bazaar or marketplace) has been the commercial centre of mediaeval Cairo since the 14th century and provides a true insight into city life.
Soak Up the Atmosphere and More
A top tip for anyone visiting Khan al-Khalili is to take it slow. There’s a lot going on in the market, so don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with the sights and sounds. Most tourists suggest visiting the Al-Hussein Mosque at night so you can see it lit up and in relative calm. Another tip is to find a spot to eat so you’ve got a chance to escape the hustle and bustle. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to eat in Khan al-Khalili. El-Fishawi café is regarded as one of the best, not just by tourists but by Nobel prize-winning writer, Naguib Mahfouz.
El-Fishawi café has been serving since 1797 and still serves drinks the traditional way. The top item on the menu for anyone wanting a taste of Cairo is shai barad. The tea is heated in a basin of sand which is thought to give it a unique flavour. Away from the bustle of Khan al-Khalili, Cairo has plenty of fantastic restaurants. Everyone with an open mind and diverse palate should try the local dessert of choice, Om Ali. ElMalky is known as one of the best places to get Om Ali. For something slightly different, head to almost any restaurant in the ElSayeda Zeinab neighbourhood and try Sobia ElRahmany. This dessert is based on the Ramadan drink, sobia, and can be served sweet or sour.For something a little more luxurious and modern, head to the Revolving Restaurant. Much like the rooftop bar at One Hundred Shoreditch provides great views over London, the Revolving Restaurant lets you see Cairo in all of its glory. Add to that a view of the Nile and plenty of tasty dishes, including the famous steak menu, and it’s the ideal way to round off a trip to Cairo. From the traditional to the modern, cultural to historical, Cairo has it all. People from all over the world might fly there with one thing on their mind but, as we’ve shown, there’s a lot more to Cairo than pyramids. So, the next time you’re planning a trip, consider putting Cairo on your list.
