Cairo: Here are 8 prominent tourist attractions in Cairo.

Cairo, also known as the Jewel of the East, is the capital of Egypt and its largest city. Founded over a thousand years ago, parts of present-day Cairo date back to the Pharaonic era. It is the largest Arab capital and one of the most significant African cities.

Why was Cairo given this name?

Cairo has had many names such as “the city of a thousand minarets,” “al-Mahrousa,” and “the conqueror of al-Mu’izz.” The name “Cairo” was given to it by the Fatimid, from the planet Mars, known as the conqueror planet.

Where is Cairo located?

The city is strategically situated in northern Egypt on the east bank of the Nile, one of the longest rivers in the world.
Cairo enjoys a hot climate in the summer and a moderate to cool climate in the winter.

What is Cairo famous for?

When you hear the name of this ancient city, one cannot help but think of the Pyramids. They are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built by the ancient Egyptians over 4650 years ago.
The number of pyramids in Giza is 3: the Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
Adjacent to the Pyramids is the Great Sphinx, representing a mythical creature with a lion’s body and a human head, built during the reign of Khafre.

Tourism in Cairo:

When visiting Cairo and exploring its historical and archaeological landmarks, you are truly traveling through time, from the era of the Pharaohs who ruled Egypt thousands of years ago to the present day.
Cairo is filled with dozens, perhaps hundreds, of historical and touristic landmarks visited by people from all over the world. Let’s explore the top 8 tourist attractions in Cairo together:
_ The Egyptian Museum:
This museum is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East and one of the most important and largest museums in the world. It houses around 170,000 artifacts as well as several buildings dedicated to cultural events and recreational activities such as a children’s museum, exhibition halls, conference halls, in addition to gardens and parks.
_ Khan el-Khalili: Located in the heart of Cairo, it was built as a place of accommodation and trade for merchants coming to the city.
_ Saladin Citadel: One of the most prominent historical landmarks in Cairo, it is located in the heart of the old city and was used to protect the city from Crusader attacks.
_ Mosque of Muhammad Ali: It is one of the most important religious sites in Egypt, known for its famous minaret and stunning interior.
_ Al-Azhar Mosque: One of the most famous historical mosques in Egypt and the Islamic world, and one of the most important centers of Islamic culture. It was built during the Fatimid era and is distinguished by its magnificent architectural designs.
_ Al-Azhar Park: One of the oldest public parks in Cairo, providing a peaceful and relaxing green space for visitors.
_ Zamalek Island: Located in the middle of the Nile, it is an important residential and commercial island in Cairo and a famous tourist destination.
_ Al-Muizz Street: One of the oldest streets in Cairo, known for its numerous traditional shops and markets.

Enjoy the finest local dishes in Cairo:

The restaurants in Cairo offer a wide variety of options, ranging from international cuisine such as pizza, grilled dishes, and Asian cuisine to local popular restaurants offering renowned Egyptian dishes such as:

1. Kushari: One of the most famous dishes in Egypt made from simple ingredients such as rice, lentils, pasta, and onions.
2. Ta’ameya: A crispy and delicious food made from beans, typically eaten in the morning.
3. Mahshi: It consists of stuffed vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and grape leaves stuffed with rice and spices with a flavorful sauce.

Unique and unparalleled goods:

In Cairo, you can purchase unique goods and special souvenirs from markets such as Pharaonic engravings, small statues, miniatures of famous artifacts like the Pyramids and the Sphinx, in addition to traditional clothing, Arabian perfumes, handmade copper and pottery items, and handmade carpets.
Cairo is also known for its skilled goldsmiths who make traditional and modern gold and silver jewelry.
There are numerous bookstores in Cairo where you can find some rare copies of books.

The best hotels for accommodation in Cairo:

Cairo offers numerous options for hotels, ranging from budget hotels to luxurious 5-star hotels that provide guests with many facilities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and sports facilities, like the “Four Seasons” hotel, the “Intercontinental” hotel, and the “Ritz Carlton Nile” hotel.

In Cairo, you will find a blend of the authenticity of the past and the modernity of the present in its streets, neighborhoods, and vibrant markets.