Well versed in dealing with travellers and tourists for thousands of years, Cairo is home to some of the most important archaeological treasures of the Egyptian era as well as being a significant centre for medieval Islam and the Coptic Church.

The undoubted stars of the show in Cairo are the Pyramids and the Sphinx, while the Egyptian Museum will allow everyone to channel their inner Indiana Jones as they marvel at the artefacts on display.

The Egyptian capital is one of the great cities of the world, and one of the largest, so expect to be tired after a few hours on the streets. Visitors are advised to choose a hotel that will allow them to relax in comfort and plush surroundings after a chaotic day in the city.

Although hugely significant from a historical perspective, Cairo is still every inch the modern capital city with all of the shopping and amenities one would expect. Zamalek Island is home to several fine hotels, boutiques and restaurants, while the Tahrir Square area of downtown has many fine examples of 19th century European architecture; build by Ishmael Pasha after a visit to Paris in 1867. Cairo, once a centre of global civilisation, may not be as important these days, but it is a must see on any traveller’s to-do-list.

See

There are few better ways to ease yourself into your first day in Cairo than a felucca ride. These sailboats allow you to drift along the Nile and soak in the atmosphere. You’ll pay about $10 for an hour-long trip. Ensure that you negotiate a price beforehand and only pay once you’re back on dry land, otherwise your trip could be somewhat truncated. The best place to find one is at the Dok Dok landing stage near the Four Seasons Hotel.

The Giza plateau is one of those places that has become imbued with a special significance over the years. While few, if anyone has gone through life without seeing a picture of the pyramids and the Sphinx, nothing prepares you for the reality of seeing them up close. The sheer scale of the pyramids and the architectural wonder they represent is awe-inspiring.

If you want to try and get some quiet on the plateau, arrive early and use the second ticket office – near the Sphinx. If you suffer from claustrophobia or any heart related illnesses, visiting the interior of the pyramids may not be advisable. They are hot, humid and difficult to navigate, but the experience is a truly worthwhile one for those willing to endure some hardship.

For a truly memorable experience, and one that will keep you away from hawkers, hustlers and an unending stream of tourists, visit FB Stables (Click here to visit their website) who arrange horse rides and treks around the Giza plateau. Their stables also have a rooftop Barbeque, which is an ideal location to unwind and watch the sound and light show that illuminates the Pyramids every evening. 

With more than 120,000 objects on display, the Egyptian Museum is a daunting prospect, even for the hardiest archaeology fan. Unless you are a master of forward planning and have a desire to see some particularly esoteric exhibits, we recommend hiring a guide. Your hotel should be able to recommend one, there are many guides to be found online, and the official guides who can be found near the entrance are knowledgeable and friendly.

If you want to spend a day ambling around the city, simply hire a guide or bring a guidebook and spend some time exploring the narrow streets of the Old City of Cairo. A wealth of Coptic Churches and medieval mosques lie within, and many are blissfully free of the crowds of tourists around other destinations.

Stay

The Four Seasons Nile Plaza (Book here) is right in the heart of things. Close to all major transport links, near the Egyptian Museum and with impressive views over the Nile and the Citadel, the Four Seasons is Cairo’s hub for VIPs and foreign dignitaries. Many of the 365 rooms have terraces overlooking the river, where guests can relax and dine with a suitably commanding view. River view rooms start from $520 a night.

Le Riad Hotel de Charme (Book here) in the heart of the Islamic quarter of Egypt is owned by a French/Syrian couple, and the French influence shows in the design. A beautiful boutique hotel, with only 17 suites, Le Riad also has an attractive roof garden with views over the old city of Cairo. Rooms start from $340

The Sofitel El Gezirah Cairo (Book here) is a little further out. Gezira is the name given to the southern district on the biggest island on the Nile. With its own promenade and an infinity pool with impressive views of the river, the Sofitel is an ideal location if you want a little breathing space from the hustle of downtown Cairo. Rooms start from $270.

One of the oldest and grandest hotels in the entire Middle East is the Mena House Oberoi (Book here). Opened in 1869, the hotel is overlooked by the Pyramids and mixes old world British charm, Islamic heritage and state-of-the-art facilities. Room rates start at $180.

Eat

Those staying at the Sofitel El Gezirah will only be a short walk away from Abu Sid, which is situated just off 26th of July Street. Well known for its authentic Egyptian cuisine, visitors should expect excellent food, but be prepared for some slightly off putting service, including requests to move to less desirable tables mid-meal. Don’t let this put you off. Try the chicken in walnut sauce and Abu Sid’s own take on koshari, a popular street dish.

Closer to the city centre, in Garden City is Taboula. Situated on Latin America Street, it’s advisable to contact this place in advance, as it is always crowded. Locals will tell you that portions are slightly smaller and prices are slightly higher than they were a year ago, but fear not, the quality of the food remains unchanged.

Jayda is a huge outdoor terrace on the third floor of the Conrad hotel on the Corniche. This is fast becoming a favourite for locals and visitors alike, with many starting off with a beautiful Lebanese meal before moving on to the shisha bar or the slightly more energetic club section.

Shop

Cairo is the ultimate shopping city. For those who relish haggling, there are few places on Earth more fun than the Khan al-Khallili. Some hawkers can be a bit aggressive, but they are easily ignored.  Accept the teas and coffees that are offered – they don’t represent any sort of contract to buy! The general rule of thumb is to halve the original offer from the vendor and work from there. Walking away is a good way to move the negotiation to the next stage.

The gold and silver merchants in the Khan al-Khalili market are worth a visit. Make sure you make your way to Al-Sokkaria Palace (5 Wekalet Al Kotn). The wealth of antique jewellery will almost certainly ensure you leave with a lighter wallet.

Elsewhere, you can find the usual European outlets alongside their Egyptian equivalents at the City Stars Mall in Heliopolis. Slightly more upmarket jewellery shops, bookstores and department stores are to be found in Zamalek, close to the Sofitel El-Gezirah.

Red Tape

Money
The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound. As of the 1st of March, the exchange rate was $1 to 5.5 Egyptian Pounds (LE). Foreign exchange services are available before customs, and ATMs and exchange facilities are freely available at all major International hotel chains.

Telephone
The country dialling code is +20.

Visas
GCC residents can get a 3-month tourist visa on arrival (Kuwait citizens get 6 months). EU, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders can get a tourist visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport. All travellers should check with the Egyptian embassy or consulate for up-to-date information.

Transport
Taxis are everywhere and cheap. The black and white taxis do not operate fixed meters but the newer yellow taxis do and also accept credit cards. These are more reliable and more expensive than the black and white taxis. Cairo also has a metro system, which is cheap and a great way of avoiding the traffic. Airport taxis will cost between LE50 and LE80 to get into central Cairo and there also shuttle buses available in the arrivals hall which can cost up to LE160.