The enormous bustling city of Cairo, Egypt, is one that can be somewhat intimidating for first-timers. Some say it’s difficult to find your way around in a city where the atmosphere is so positively frenetic.
Trust me when I say, though, that your efforts will be undoubtedly well rewarded. Cairo is an astonishing place filled to the brim with utterly amazing sights and experiences.
Today, Cairo is a fascinating mix of both old and new. Millions of inhabitants within the capital city create the urban, fast-paced lifestyle for which Cairo is known. You’ll find streets that are crowded 24 hours a day with merchants selling their wares, children chasing after toy and balls, and drivers constantly honking their horns.
However, the bustling streets and towering apartment buildings reside right alongside some of the most amazing historical artifacts in the entire world.
One of the sites for which Cairo is most famous is the Great Pyramids of Giza, which lie on the very edge of the city. This is the picturesque scene that you have undoubtedly seen depicted on postcards and in artwork countless times: The towering pyramids against a brilliant blue, cloudless sky.
The Pyramids of Giza are the sole surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The greatest of the pyramids are Khafre and Menkaure, which are simply astonishing due to their sheer size and mathematically brilliant design. You also may wish to visit the pyramids at night, when you can witness a stunning light and sound display.
Along with the Great Pyramids you’ll also see the very famous Guardian Sphinx. There are indeed many sphinx statues throughout Egypt, including an Avenue of Sphinxes located in Luxor. This sphinx, however, is surely one of the most enduring images from all of Egypt.
While many people believe that Napoleon’s soldiers blasted off the statue’s nose with a cannon while using it for target practice, this is just a myth. The truth is thought to be that the Sphinx lost its nose in 1378 CE when a local Sufi Sheik believed the statue to be idolatrous and attempted to destroy it with explosives.
Another of Cairo’s most famous attractions is the City of the Dead, also known as Qarafa. The area acquired its name because here you will find a community of people living among tombs and monuments. It became a very important Muslim cemetery during the Mamluk period, which began in 1250.
Today it is a rather poor and conservative area. So, if you visit it to see the colorful tombs, it is advised that you dress conservatively and ask permission before taking photos of people.
Because Cairo is one of the busiest cities in the entire world, it offers a very wide range of modern attractions and accommodations in addition to its ancient artifacts. Some people visit Cairo just for the great shopping opportunities. At the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar, which has remained largely unchanged since the 14th century, you’ll find a huge array of goods including perfumes, gold, spices, Egyptian cotton, leatherwork, brass, carpets, and ceramics.
A popular night spot is the Cairo Opera House, which houses several galleries, including the Museum of Modern Art. Within Cairo you can dine in a floating restaurant on the Nile or watch whirling dervish dancers at El-Ghuriya, the center of Islamic Cairo.
You will quickly learn why Cairo is as crowded and busy as it is 24 hours a day. The many attractions of the city are positively alluring and entice one to stay.
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