Cairo
Cairo is Egypt's sprawling capital and the largest city in the Arab world. It's a city of ancient wonders, Islamic architecture, and chaotic energy, serving as the gateway to the Pyramids of Giza.
History
Cairo was founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid dynasty, though the area has been inhabited for millennia. The nearby Giza Plateau was home to ancient Egyptian civilization over 4,500 years ago. Cairo became the center of Islamic learning with Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest universities in the world.
Famous for
How to reach
By air: Cairo International Airport (CAI). By rail: Ramses Station connecting to Alexandria and Luxor. By road: connected to all major cities.
Nearby attractions
Emergency contacts
About
Cairo is a chaotic, vibrant, and unforgettable city. The Pyramids of Giza are the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. The Great Pyramid of Khufu stood as the world's tallest structure for over 3,800 years. The Sphinx, with its lion's body and human head, guards the pyramid complex.
The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square houses over 120,000 artifacts including Tutankhamun's golden death mask and treasures. The new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the pyramids has partially opened and will eventually display the full Tutankhamun collection.
Khan el-Khalili is a historic bazaar dating to 1382, with narrow alleys of shops selling spices, jewelry, lanterns, and souvenirs. Islamic Cairo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning mosques, madrasas, and mansions. A felucca (traditional sailboat) ride on the Nile at sunset is a magical experience.