| Check out our free interactive Cairo holiday guide and discover Cairo's biggest attractions, best restaurants and much more. If you've visited Cairo before tell us your holiday tips and help other travellers enjoy great holidays in Cairo, Egypt. |
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Egyptian Museum – In excess of 100,000 antiquities are to be found in the Egyptian Museum. As there is so much to see you need to pace yourself and possibly spend a couple of days here. However the one exhibit that you must see is that of Tutankhamun, the boy pharaoh’s treasures, including his solid-gold death mask is a sight to behold.
The Pyramids - Giza. These are the most well known of the ancient Egyptian pyramids. They form part of an immense necropolis attached to the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis. Their age, how they were built and why are still a source of great speculation. They are the only survivors of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World and visiting them is an experience not to be missed.
Islamic Cairo - This is a world heritage site and is a huge area of medieval buildings that has remained unchanged over the centuries. It is a bewildering maze of narrow, winding alleyways dotted with wonderful mosques and medieval buildings. The huge Khan al-Khalili bazaar is situated here and you can find almost everything you want here.
Heliopolis - This City suburb was planned as an exclusive 'garden city' in the dessert for the European officials who ruled Egypt in the early 20th century. It is now an up-market suburb for well to do Egyptian and is worth a visit. Look out for the Basilica, which is a miniature version of Istanbul's famous Aya Sofia, and the Sharia Ibrahim Laqqany, which is lined with some fantastic architecture.
Old Cairo – In ancient times Old Cairo was known as Babylon and this area actually predates the arrival of Islam. It is now the seat of the Coptic Christian community. A small walled compound known as Coptic Cairo is at the heart of the district and the 20 churches previously situated here have been reduced to five. Old Cairo is also home to the city's remaining Jewish population.
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Al-Haty - 3 Sharia Halim, Try the food in this authentic restaurant with its classic decor of mirrors and fans. The traditional food is reasonably priced and includes kebabs, fish dishes and the mezze, which consists of stuffed vine leaves, roast lamb etc
Arabesque - 6 Sharia Qasr el-Nil. French and Levantine cuisine is served in this oriental restaurant, which also houses an art gallery.
La Bistro - 8 Sharia Hoda Shaarawi. If you have a craving for French food try this lovely, clean little bistro serving well cooked food.
La Chesa - 21 Sharia Adly, Great Western food such as pastries and good coffee can be found at this rather expensive café, but the food is worth the cost.
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Le Disco - El-Gezirah Sheraton - This disco is expensive to get in to but it is sophisticated and the bar is well stocked.
Meridien Heliopolis - This 5 star hotel has a sophisticated nightclub with bellydancing as part of the cabaret.
Miamy - 16 26th July Street. If your pocketdoes not run to 5 star hotels try this seedy club. They know how to make tourists part with their money but just keep your head screwed on and enjoy yourself.
Palmyra - 16 26th July Street (next door to the Miamy). This cheap club does not try to rip off its customers.You can feel safe here and relax and enjoy the bellydancers,who are actually quite good.
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Wikalat al-Bulah, on Sharia Abu'l'lla, Bulaq district – This daily market is good for fabrics ranging from silk to cheap offcuts.
Dr Ragab's Papyrus Institute – This is one of the few places where you can buy genuine hand painted papyrus, you can also watch demonstrations of papyrus-making here.
Perfumes Secret just off the Muski in the lane opposite the Radwan Hotel. – This is one of the more relaxed places to shop if you want to buy an attractive handmade perfume bottles. The cheap ones are made of glass, the more expensive versions are made of Pyrex and are much stronger and heavier.
Omar Effendi 2 Talaat Harb, 11 Sharia Adly and 42 Sharia Sherif. If you do not want the hassle of bargaining in the bazaars try these Department stores for clothes, leather and belly dancing outfits.
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| Useful Holiday links - Cairo |
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