Cairo
The vibrant capital of Egypt, Cairo is a beautiful and chaotic adventure buzzing with 22 million locals and tourists exploring its Fatimid Caliphate and Mamluk Sultanate era monuments, colourful markets that still relive their medieval past and flavourful Egyptian food.
Things To See & Do
Aisha Fahmy Palace
Renamed after Princess Aisha Fahmy
Located in Aziz Abaza area at St. Zamalek, this ancient mansion belonging to Ali Fahmy, an Egyptian aristocrat and the army chief of King Farouk was built in 1907 and restored as an arts centre in 2017.
2-3 hours
Suggested Time
Citadel
The seat of Egypt government from 13th to 19th centuries
Located atop the Mokattam hills in Cairo’s centre, this fortification pertaining to the medieval Islamic era was built by Saladin, the first sultan of Egypt during 1176-1183 and modified twice in 14th and 19th centuries.
3-4 hours
Suggested Time
Al Azhar Mosque
Houses World’s 2nd Oldest Continuously-run University
This grand mosque was built in 970 AD and has since then seen many other architectural enlargements over a period of more than 1000 years, making it a unique amalgamation of various Egyptian styles and eras.
1-2 hours
Suggested Time
Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
Locally known as Cairo Museum or Egyptian Museum
Located in Downtown Cairo, near Midan Tahrir, this structure built in 1901 is one of the largest museums in the region and houses the world's biggest collection of Pharaonic antiquities.
3-4 hours
Suggested Time
Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
Storehouse of Innovative Architecture
Located near the Citadel in Historic Cairo, this mosque and madrassa was constructed from 1356 to 1363 after being commissioned by Sultan an-Nasir Hasan during the Bahri Mamluk dynasty reign.
1-2 hours
Suggested Time
Cairo Tower
Locally known as ‘Nasser's Pineapple’
Located on Gezira Island across Nile River, this 187 metres high concrete tower built during 1954-1961 was designed by an Egyptian architect called Naoum Shebib. Oh, it is also the tallest structure in Egypt.
3-4 hours
Suggested Time
Manial Palace and Museum
Also known as Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Al Manial Palace)
Located on Rhoda Island in the Sharia Al-Saray area in Southern Cairo, this grand museum and palace was built by Prince Mohammed Ali (King Farouk’s uncle) in the early 20th century.
2-3 hours
Suggested Time
Museum of Islamic Art
Reservoir of Cairo’s Islamic History
Overlooking Cairo, this two-storeyed museum designed by an Italian architect called Alfonso Manescalo in neo-Mamluk style, was completed in the year 1902. It was partially demolished in the 1970s and again in 2014 but has subsequently been renovated.
3-4 hours
Suggested Time
Qalawun Complex
Highlight of Historic Cairo
Located at the Bayn al-Qasrayn district plaza, this sprawling complex consisting of a madrassa, mausoleum, and a hospital (destroyed in 1910) was built during 1284-1285 by the 7th Bahri Mamluk Sultan called Al-Mansur Qalawun.
3-4 hours
Suggested Time
Coptic Museum
Witness the Finest of the Coptic Art
Founded in the year 1908 by an Egyptian Coptic leader called Marcus Simaika, this museum sprawls over an area of 8,000 square meters and houses the world’s largest-ever collection of Egyptian Christian artefacts.
2-3 hours
Suggested Time
Best Time To Visit Cairo
Best during winters, spring and fall
DEC-FEB
Peak Season
SEP-OCT
Moderate Season
MAR-AUG
Off-season
- What To Expect:Pleasant days with bearable heat and crowded tourist spots.
- Things You'll Love:Embarking on cruise and pyramid tours, visiting the art fair and restaurant hopping.
