Cairo

Cairo: History, Culture & City Life

In Cairo, 5,000 years of history meet the energy of a modern metropolis. The Egyptian capital engages every sense, with lively streets that remain busy long after dark. Local restaurants serve flavourful Egyptian food, business conversations unfold in Belle Époque-style cafés, and traders showcase their goods in centuries-old markets.

Much of the city’s working life centres on Cairo to the east, while the Giza Plateau attracts visitors to the west. Yet historic monuments are scattered throughout the city, waiting to be explored. Between these areas flows the River Nile, with Gezira Island home to Zamalek, a neighbourhood known for its artistic character.

Best for: Islamic architecture, outstanding museums and Egyptian street food.

Places to explore: The Egyptian Museum, Cairo Citadel, Museum of Islamic Art, Ibn Tulun Mosque, Hanging Church, National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), Giza Plateau, Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and Heliopolis.

Experience: Discover Cairo’s food scene on a tasting tour featuring some of the city’s finest local flavours.