Egyptian Museum Cairo

The Egyptian Museum is a must see if only to view King Tut and the vast amount of treasure uncovered from his tomb. Because of the historically known rampant theft of Egyptian valuables, the Museum is enshrined with police and security guards, so take your film from your camera before entering. Everything within the museum is arranged chronologically and is behind protective glass, so taking pictures isn’t really an option.

Islamic-Cairo should definitely be on your list of things to do. Hardly different from hundreds of years ago, the streets twist and turn until you feel you’ve stumbled into a giant maze, but take your time and admire the architecture telling tales of times past. When visiting any of the mosques you must dress appropriately and show the expected respect. Remove your shoes before entering prayer halls.

Khan el Kalili

Khan Al-Kalili is Cairo’s biggest open air market. Virtually unchanged since the 14th century some of the people here have been in the Khan market business for generations. Located in the heart of Islamic-Cairo, tourists amble through rows and rows of exotic jewellery, spices, perfumes and souvenirs. No price is fixed and vendors will expect you to haggle. Haggling is actually seen as a way of communicating and some vendors are insulted if you don’t haggle because it’s a way of interacting with them.

From here, head north up the side of the Mosque of Sayyidna al-Hussein, one of the most sacred Islamic sites in Egypt, toward the old northern gates for more sites of historical note. Directly South of the market you’ll find a busy market street running down to the gate of Bab Zuweila, the sole surviving gate from the old city’s southern wall dating back centuries.

The Citadel

The Citadel in Cairo is a massive stone fortress, built by Salah ad-Din in the 12th century. It was later crowned with the Mosque of Mohammed Ali and now offers amazing views of the city and in the distance the pyramids.
The Pyramids are not to be missed. By day they are impressive but by night they are even more spectacular when they are lit up with brightly coloured spot lights and ambient music plays, bringing a new life and meaning to the ancient structures.

The Sphinx

Along with the Pyramids, the Sphinx is one of the most renowned  monuments in Egypt.  While very touristy, the Sphinx (minus beard and nose) still guards the Giza Plateau with dignity and allure.

For lunch or dinner stop by Felfela which serves local traditional cuisine infused with Middle Eastern and African tastes, textures and methods of preparation. Though Felfela is a chain, it is well maintained and true to its origins. It is popular with both tourists and locals.

If you visit during November, Cairo hosts the Arab Music Festival which features some of the best Middle Eastern-influenced musical concoctions. Taking place at the renowned Cairo Opera House, the Arab Music Festival presents a mix of classic, traditional and orchestral fused pieces with subtle tones of Western and Jazz influence. 

Baron Palace

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city is Heliopolis, a suburb of Cairo established exclusively as a garden reserve in the midst of desert and city life. In past years Heliopolis housed European officials who colonized and ruled Egypt, and now houses some upmarket Egyptian homes. Here you can stroll past Baron Empain’s, the Baron’s Palace which is notoriously modeled on the temples in Cambodia.