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Cairo

Travoley
Cairo
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Cairo Travel Guide

  • About Cairo

Beacons of tourism since the dawn of history, both Egypt and its capital possess an enduring appeal. Just southwest of Cairo, a patch of Giza desert offers nothing less than the Seventh Wonder of the Ancient World in Khufu’s Great Pyramid, plus the iconic Sphinx.

Meanwhile, amongst the clutter of the Egyptian Museum’s bygones lies the breath-taking Tomb of Tutankhamun, the original boy-king of bling. For an attraction of biblical proportions, there’s Coptic Cairo, home to some of the earliest Christians and many historic churches.

Yet, while ancient splendour is the main draw, many tourists miss what modern Cairo has to offer. With some 10 million inhabitants, this is the Arab world’s largest city. Baladi drinking dens, bustling markets and countless museums (all served by an impressive metro system) make engaging with locals a rewarding experience.

Few can have failed to notice the Egyptian protests that started in 2011 and brought about two revolutions in as many years. But rather than avoid the country’s defiant capital, there’s much to be gained from meeting the city at a historic crossroads. Demonstrations still regularly feature on Tahrir Square, but even they can make a fascinating daytime experience.

In spite of this, Cairo is generally calm and safe. But ‘calm’ is a relative word in this city. Locals’ lives are sound tracked by noisy traffic on notoriously congested roads, while central streets are often crowded with shoppers, diners and businessmen. Brace yourself for insistent offers of mint tea from salesman.

For an overview of the city, climb to the 12th-century citadel looming above the urban sprawl. Built by Salah Al-Din, Cairo was effectively governed from atop Mokattam Hill for the next 700 years. Before that, Cairo was a cornerstone of Islamic civilisation. As such, the old Islamic quarter has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Whenever you need a break from the cacophony of the city, it’s possible to sail down the Nile on a traditional felucca boat. The lifeblood of Egyptian civilisation for aeons, the river reminds that Cairo is known as the ‘Mother of the World’ for good reason.

  • Cairo History

Cairo has its roots in the ancient settlement of Memphis, now 24km (15 miles) southwest of the city. It was founded in 2,000 BC and ruled by King Menes who united Upper and Lower Egypt. In the 1st century, the Romans built the Babylon fortress on the Nile, the oldest structure in the city.

Cairo itself was established as the city of Fustat by the Fatimids in the 10th century. So began a period of huge construction of prominent landmarks, including Al-Azhar mosque. As Cairo was a key link on the east-west spice route, the market streets of Khan el-Khalili became a bustling centre of trade.

The 12th century brought Saladin, the first Sultan of Egypt, who commissioned many more important buildings. Then in the mid-13th century, the Mamaluks seized control of Egypt. Under them, Cairo became an important centre of Islamic learning.

The rising Ottomans took over from the Mamaluks in the 16th century, and with the rise of Constantinople as their capital, Cairo declined. The Black Death struck the city countless times, reducing the population by hundreds of thousands.

After resisting Napoleonic rule, Muhammad Ali Pasha founded the modern Egyptian state in the early 19th century, with social and economic reforms and huge construction ensuing. Broad boulevards and circular plazas inspired by Paris can still be seen around today’s Downtown Cairo.

The British used Egyptian debt as a pretext for occupying the country from 1882. Huge protests led to the declaration of independence in 1922, but colonial dominance continued until the Egyptian revolution of 1952. Under the iconic Nasser, Cairo developed into a modern metropolis with Egyptians from all over the country pouring in. It eventually became the largest city in the Islamic world, and one of the biggest in Africa.

In 2011, millions of protesters gathered in Cairo’s Tahrir Square during the Arab Spring, leading to the resignation of the dictator Hosni Mubarak. The quest for democracy has not been smooth since, with President Morsi removed by military coup in 2013.

  • Did you know?

When it was finished, the Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest structure in the world for nearly 4,000 years.
Cairo’s Al-Azhar is one of the world’s oldest universities, dating back to the late 10th century.
Constructed by Saladin, Cairo Citadel was the seat of Egyptian government between the late 12th century and the 1860s.

  • Weather in Cairo

Cairo has a desert climate consisting of hot days and cool nights.

Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit Cairo, with pleasantly warm days and little chance of rain. The average temperature in April is 21°C (70°F). Time your visit with the Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival, which runs for three weeks throughout Spring and includes dance performances, music concerts and shows.

Summer (June to August) is hot and muggy. The pollution in Cairo is also at its worst. Day time temperatures can exceed 35°C (95°F). Keep sightseeing to early mornings and late afternoons.

Autumn (September to November) is pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. The great weather, fewer tourists and lower hotel rates make this another great time to visit Cairo.

Winter (December to February) is the high season, with temperatures reaching 20°C (68°F). Do pack some warm clothes, though, as temperatures can occasionally plunge to as little as 9°C (48°F).

Please note that during Ramadan, which happens in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, many restaurants close during the day and some bars close for the entire month. Major festivals, like Eid ul fitr and Eid ul Adha, lead to flights, trains and buses getting booked up in advance

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