Things to do in Cairo
A one day itinerary to Cairo's must see attractions
With a population of over 16 million the large and buzzing city of Cairo is renowned for its history and exotic Arabic culture. Follow this one-day itinerary to visit the Pyramids of Giza, have sweet mint tea while bargaining at the vibrant Khan El-Khalili market and cruise down the Nile River a on a traditional felucca.Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Giza is a sprawling district of Cairo and the site of the renowned Pyramids - situated high on the desert plateau immediately to the west of the urban district. The only remaining monuments of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this is the country's most famous tourist attraction. Get up as early as you can and spend a few hours here in the morning, before heading back to the city centre. Pick up something to snack on when you leave - something to keep you going through the next few hours at one of greatest museums in the world.
Egyptian Museum
On Midan Tahrir in the city centre you’ll find the world’s premier collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts – truly a memorable destination. With at least 136,000 items on display, hundreds of thousands of additional items languish in the museum’s basement storerooms and are added to each year with ongoing excavation and discovery.
Khan El-Khalili
Have a cup of refreshing mint tea at El Fishawy’s in Khan el-Khalili, smoke a shisha water pipe with ‘double apple’ flavour and watch the world go by. Pick up something to eat as well, such as koshary – consisting of pasta, rice, lentil, chick peas, onions, garlic and a chili tomato sauce. After lunch get ready for a shopping experience extraordinaire. The Khan El-Khalili bazaar is a giant souq where merchants are ravenous and skilled - so don’t fall for the hard sell and be prepared to haggle. The khan, built in 1382, was originally a hub for traveling traders in the Fatimid era. Today it’s the most visited tourist market in Egypt where almost any kind of souvenir can be bought. Among other things you’ll find Islamic clothes, scarves, belly-dancing equipment, furniture, water-pipes and of course gold, silver and jewels. Shop until you drop, before heading back to your hotel for a well-deserved break.
Nile River Cruise
A cruise on the Nile River is a great way to relax and enjoy a night under the stars in Cairo. Feluccas are available across from the Four Seasons Hotel in Garden City – you can charter your own, but public boats with loud Arabic music and a giggling crowd are also available.
Cairo Jazz Club
Catch a taxi to Mohandiseen – an excellent area for good restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Visit the popular Cairo Jazz Club on July Street - the perfect place to end off an eventful day in Cairo. There’s dancing and live music as well as an extensive cocktail and food menu – the cuisine is best described as traditional with a twist.