Over the past two decades, I've spent a quarter of my time as a tourist.
21.07.2023 - 07:30 / roughguides.com
A roaring metropolis of nearly 20 million people, Cairo is the cultural capital of the Arab world. Most visitors to Egypt spend at least a few days here, exploring its medieval mosques, sampling its fine museums and shopping in the labyrinthine Khan El Khalili bazaar. But if you find yourself with just one day – or a layover at the airport – fear not, there's plenty to see and do in 24 hours.
Whilst one day in Cairo may not be enough to see everything the city has to offer, it's certainly enough time to get a taste of what makes the city so special. With a well-planned itinerary and a willingness to explore, you can fit in a number of major attractions. Here’s how.
On this tailor-made Nile Cruise in Egypt, you will experience Cairo with the pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum before flying to Luxor to board your Nile cruise. Highlights include Karnak temple, Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut temple and an optional visit to Abu Simbel. Spend your last night in fascinating Cairo.
RoughGuides Travel Tip: check the best areas to stay in Cairo
Start your morning early at El Fishawy, a historic coffeehouse that's been serving locals and tourists for more than 200 years. After breakfast, make your way across town to see the Pyramids of Giza. The most striking aspect of the pyramids is their size. But even with all the facts and figures, it is still hard to believe that these ancient structures remain in such a good state of preservation. The vision and workmanship of people 4,500 years ago in creating structures that would be the world’s tallest until the 14th century is staggering.
Aim to arrive around 8 am, just after the gates open, to beat the crowd. Afterwards, if there's time – and it's opened – stop at the new Grand Egyptian Museum near Al Remaya Square in Giza, 2km (1.25 miles) north of the pyramids.
The site covers 50 hectares (120 acres) and the museum 24,000 sq metres (258,000 sq ft). With more than 100,000 exhibits, it will be the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. Already, the full Tutankhamun collection of 5,000 items has been moved here, and only about a third of the treasures have ever been on public display.
Pyramids in Giza © Shutterstock
For lunch, head back across into the historic centre to Felfela, a cosy restaurant that serves up delicious mezze and grilled meats. After lunch, take a stroll through the warren of alleyways that make up Khan El Khalili. Formerly famous for Turkish goods, many traditional workshops continue to operate in and around this tourist bazaar, including the adjoining goldsmiths’ souq, which is still popular with locals.
There is a variety of goods for sale designed for the tourist trade including silverware, stained-glass
Over the past two decades, I've spent a quarter of my time as a tourist.
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