Egypt’s capital, Cairo, is a picture of seemingly unending desert on one side and a bustling modern city filled with
Cairo hotels and buildings on the other side. It is called the City of Thousand Minarets as Islamic architecture dominate the cityscape the most famous being the Al-Azhar Mosque. It is Cairo’s first mosque and is home to the world’s oldest university.
Cairo was established more than a millennium ago. A trip to Cairo’s western part is like a walk down ancient Egypt with sites like the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. More historical immersion happens in the museums of Cairo. The Pharaonic Village takes visitors to the days when the pyramids were still being constructed. It is an interactive museum where guests get to tour the villages via barges. Another historic place in Cairo is the Citadel which dates back during the medieval period. It was a witness to the many battles which transpired in Cairo.
If the western and eastern parts of Cairo boast of Egyptian icons, the city’s centre, Midan Tahrir, is the hub of affordable
Cairo hotels, museums, and institutions. Midan Tahrir, dubbed as Paris of Nile, is a picture of modern day Cairo which is also well-served by trains and buses. The Khan al-Khalili is another lively place in the city. It is populated with souqs selling inexpensive stuff which range from sheesha to mother-of-pearl, from painted papyrus to gold jewellery. Meanwhile, upscale shopping and luxurious Cairo hotels are nestled on the districts of Mohandeseen, Zamalek, and Dokki.
If the noise and crowdedness of the city centre is too much for you, a felucca ride along the Nile especially at night is the perfect way to relax. Nature lovers could go on a solitary walk on Al-Azhar Park, an engineering wonder which took almost a decade to finish. It features lush surroundings with a restaurant and art gallery.
The country’s train system is very efficient. It connects Cairo to other cities in Egypt like Aswan and Alexandria. The city also has the Cairo International Airport which has just opened a new terminal.
With warm and friendly people, it is not difficult to get used to
Cairo. It invites more people to see the beauty of the ancient world with a touch of modern day wonders.
