Egypt · City Guide
Cairo
Cairo is one of the world's great ancient cities, the gateway to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, combined with the extraordinary Egyptian Museum housing the treasures of Tutankhamun, the medieval Islamic architecture of Old Cairo, the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar and the Coptic Christian heritage of one of the world's oldest churches. From the Pyramids at sunset to the felucca sailing on the Nile, Cairo provides an experience of unmatched historical significance.
Elect's take
"Cairo is overwhelming in the best possible sense — the combination of the Pyramids, which exceed every expectation in scale and presence, the Egyptian Museum's treasures and the chaotic energy of one of the world's great ancient and modern cities creates something I find genuinely unforgettable."
The Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, are extraordinary in scale and presence, with the Great Pyramid of Khufu rising 146 metres and the Sphinx providing one of the most recognisable images in world history. The Grand Egyptian Museum houses the extraordinary treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb including the golden death mask, one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever made. Islamic Cairo contains hundreds of mosques, madrasas and historic buildings including the Citadel and Sultan Hassan Mosque. The Khan el-Khalili bazaar provides one of the most atmospheric market experiences in the Middle East. Coptic Cairo contains some of the oldest Christian churches in the world.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Pyramids of Giza
The only surviving wonder of the ancient world, including the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx.
Grand Egyptian Museum
Housing the extraordinary treasures of Tutankhamun including the golden death mask.
Islamic Cairo
Hundreds of mosques and madrasas including the magnificent Citadel and Sultan Hassan Mosque.
Khan el-Khalili
One of the most atmospheric historic bazaars in the Middle East.
Coptic Cairo
Some of the oldest Christian churches in the world in the historic Coptic quarter.
Nile Felucca Sailing
Traditional sailboat experiences on the river that shaped Egyptian civilisation.
