Cario, the Jewel of Egypt

Cairo, Egypt is perhaps one of the most exotic and beautiful places one could ever see in a lifetime. One of the oldest cities in the world, Cairo is the capital of Egypt and is home to over sixteen million people. Because it is so large and things seem to happen at such a fast pace, it’s easy to become confused and wonder where you should be going and what the top sites to see are. This travel guide will explain the main sights to see, how to get around, and everything else that this wonderful city has to offer!

If it’s mainly the history of the city that interests you, you will have to go to Old Cairo, an area of the city that has housed many different civilizations for over two thousand years. Not only are there many churches to explore that are centered around Coptic Christianity including the Hanging Church but there are also intriguing remains of Babylon. Walk along the charming cobbled streets and feel as though you have been transported back in time!

For those that would rather shop than tour mosques and churches, Cairo definitely has some unique shopping experiences that are nothing like anything else you will ever find! Forget about malls for this shopping experience, you will have to head on over to the many different bazaars that are offered where you can find everything from camels to veils to carpets. The Khan Al-Khalili is one of the oldest bazaars in the entire world but that’s not the only reason that this bazaar ranks among the top for a lot of visitors. Practice your bartering skills and collect some great treasures that will forever be a wonderful reminder of your trip! Also be sure to enjoy a cup of tea with any of the shop owners that offer it. It’s a nice custom and does not mean that you are required to buy anything.

It would be a real shame to travel to Egypt and not even catch a glimpse of the pyramids so be sure to make visiting these world wonders a priority. Just outside of Cairo if Giza and it is here that thousands of people flock to every year to experience the three main pyramids that have been around for over five thousand years. Ride on the back of a camel to the pyramid and when it’s time to explore the inside, you can choose to walk or continue on the back of you new four-legged friend. The pyramids inside are extremely steep and narrow so prepare yourself if you don’t like cramped quarters.

When travelling to all of the wonderful sites within Cairo, you can usually get their by foot but because it is such a large city, you may want to give your soles a break once in a while. For an experience that you will never forget, you can choose a donkey-drawn carriage or a taxi. A taxi ride in Cairo is much different than it is in other parts of the world as the meters don’t run, stops are made along the way, and the driver tries to keep up with the pace of the traffic.