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Capital and largest city of Egypt
Photo: Faris El-Gwely, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Cairo (pronounced KY-roh; Arabic: القاهرة al-Qāhirah) is the capital of Egypt (until the New Administrative Capital is completed) and, with a total population of Greater Cairo metropolitan area in excess of 16 million people, one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East (the regions which it conveniently straddles). It is also the 19th largest city in the world, and among the world's most densely populated cities.
The modern city centre. Midan Tahrir (meaning "Liberation Square") was the scene of the 2011 Egyptian revolution. Just north of the square is the (old) Egyptian Museum, and many big hotels are nearby. The Downtown area stretches east 2 km to Midan Ramses, which contains Cairo's main railway station and a burgeoning retail and accommodation zone.
A district close to the city centre and the Corniche el-Nil, a good option for central accommodation.
Located south of downtown, includes Coptic Cairo, Fustat (Cairo's historical kernel) and Rhoda Island.
Located east of downtown, this was the centre of historic Cairo beginning in the 10th century. Contains the Citadel, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Khan el Khalili (the main bazaar or souq), historic mosques and medieval architecture, as well as some of Cairo's Turkish baths (hammams).
Located on the west bank of the Nile, with upscale restaurants, shopping, and accommodation.
Upmarket district on a large island in the Nile. The Cairo Tower, the Opera House, Zamalek neighborhood, and some nice shopping, restaurants, cafés, and accommodation are located here.
Everything west of the Nile's west bank is actually in Giza city rather than Cairo city. So it's a sprawling conurbation in its own right, including the Nile islands of Gezira and Roda, and the riverside districts of Dokki and Mohandeseen. But above all it's renowned for the pyramids, at Giza's western edge: this area is known as the Haram (pyramid) district. It also includes the Grand Egyptian Museum.
A quiet upmarket residential district south of the centre, catering to many foreign expatriates.
A series of planned communities which have been built away from the congestion of historic Cairo. From oldest to newest, they include Heliopolis, Nasr City, and New Cairo. These areas are mostly upper-class and commercial centres. Cairo's airport is also here.
A vast area of mostly low-income, unplanned neighbourhoods.
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المتحف المصري الكبير al-Matḥaf al-Miṣriyy al-Kabīr
The Grand Egyptian Museum is the primary replacement for the venerable Egyptian Museum in Midan Tahrir, with much bigger exhibition, storage and workplace areas. Not to be confused with the Egyptian Museum or the Museum of Egyptian Civilisation. The main galleries cover Egyptian history from prehistory to the Greco-Roman period. The highlight is the Tutenkhamun gallery. At least four hours are needed to see the whole museum at a comfortable pace.
Much of its collections were moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2022.
NMEC
A relatively small museum, with a main hall, a textile hall, and a Royal Mummies Hall. The main hall covers Egyptian culture including prehistory, the dynastic period, Greco-Roman period, Islamic period, the modern and contemporary era, as well as exhibits of Coptic art and traditional art. The highlight is the underground hall of mummies.
مسجد أحمد بن طولون
Arguably the oldest mosque in Cairo, built between 868-884.
A landscaped garden overlooking the Citadel
Cairo's souk area where visitors will find many merchants selling perfume, spices, gold, Egyptian handicrafts.
About 1 km east of Midan El-Tahrir, it was the royal residence until the Egyptian monarchy was deposed in 1952.
Welcome to Egyptland! Especially if you've kids in tow, this showground and retail park will give you an instant Egypt-in-miniature. In Giza about 20 minutes drive from Downtown.
For a contrast to touristy Pyramids of Giza, head south to the oldest known pyramid, the Red Pyramid. The neglected Dahshur Pyramids are interesting and worth a visit, considering its history and the hassle-free atmosphere. Also, see the weird Bent Pyramid there and hike around the area to the Black Pyramid. The Red Pyramid has an entrance to the inside, which you can climb down.
الساقية Al-Saqia
The largest independent cultural centre in Cairo, offers concerts almost every night.
In Al-Azhar Park offers a range of musical performances. The venue is also a great place for an evening stroll.
It hosted the Cairo International Film Festival in 2012 and screened some international films with very cheap subsidized ticket prices.
MAKAN
Egyptian Traditional music.
Live entertainment from local and international musicians, a great food and beverage menu (happy hour from 7-9PM) and a relaxed atmosphere. 7 nights a week.
مسرح الهوسابير
Mostly erroneously known and spelled as Hosabeer. A small theater which hosts cultural plays and concerts for independent artists.
By plane
By train
Eastern Arabic numerals, instead of Arabic-Hindu numerals as used in the west, are used to indicate train numbers, departure times, seat numbers, and other key information.
By bus
Buses connect Cairo with the entire country.
By metro
Cairo is home to Africa's first and largest metro system. While modern and sleek, the three lines are all too limited in scope.
By bus
The large red, white and blue public buses cover the entire city and are much cheaper, costing LE4-6, but are usually crowded and slow.
By taxi
Taxis in Cairo are solid white. They are equipped with meters but these are not always used.
By ride-hailing service
If you are using Uber, here are some tips:
By car
Driving in Cairo is not recommended or necessary. The traffic is, at the least, overwhelming for the common traveler. The driving has a consistency, but not in any official way.
By bicycle
Cairo is generally not safe for cycling. A small bike sharing system called Cairo Bike does exist.
Disabled access
Access in Cairo is patchy. Anyone with moderate to serious mobility issues should expect to spend a lot of time in taxis.
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Cairo · International · CAI
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