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Cairo in Beautiful Chaos

Updated: Jan 11

Though many find this megacity to be chaotic, I am not easily overwhelmed! On the contrary, Cairo sprawls as a trove of vast antiquities and is a fascinating start to immersing in Egyptian adventures. Having explored much of Cairo during a dedicated tour back in 2015, this post highlights yet another one of my Tasnia in Transit archives, as well as a guide to previously visited attractions.

Pyramids of Giza, Cairo, Egypt.
Giza Necropolis, Cairo, Egypt (2024).

“Hustle and bustle” is certainly an understatement when describing Cairo’s energy. Hence, best to rest up before your visit! Moreover, the capital’s sheer array of culture and history is endless. So, if you’re in transit like I was during this trip, you’ll likely have just enough time to explore a few of the destinations set out below, factoring in traffic time and distances.

BEFORE YOU GO:


1. Tourism. Tours can be pre-booked via sites including GetYourGuide or via official attraction websites (links mentioned in the following sections). If contemplating on either independent or guided explorations in Cairo, I highly recommend a combination of both, if not, the latter. Cairo’s history and culture are far too vast, and many settings hence require guides who can contribute contexts and perspectives to everything that meets the eye. As my family and I had explored Cairo previously with an exceptionally knowledgeable guide, I spent this transit trip revisiting some exciting locations with local and dear friends.


2. Visa. Egypt offer Visas on Arrival or E-visas to certain nationalities. Check to see eligibility, and apply for an e-visa for smooth and swift entry. E-visas are recommended to obtain a week before travel.


3. Local Transport. Make sure to download Uber and Careem (the Uber of the Middle East) for convenient transport through Cairo. My friends also preferred inDriver, allowing passengers to negotiate fares!


4. Don't forget your camera! 



First on Every History Buff’s Bucket List
~ The Giza Necropolis, Pyramid Complex ~

If there is only one thing you do in Cairo, let it be visiting in the Giza Necropolis, or also referred to as the Pyramid Complex!

Giza Necropolis, Cairo, Egypt.
Giza Necropolis, Cairo, Egypt (2015).

Situated on the outskirts of the capital, the Giza Necropolis – one of the original seven wonders of the ancient world – encompasses three large pyramids of pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, several smaller pyramids, and the Great Sphinx of Giza, all constructed over a 20-year period under the reign of Khufu (2589-2566 BCE).



The magnificent burial site stands as an iconic international landmark emulating ancient Egyptians’ multifaceted beliefs in the afterlife. It was believed that the ka – spirit – would remain with the physical body after death, and hence, both required protection to ensure progression onto the afterlife. An eternally marvellous and mystical sight.




Breakfast with a View Fit for a Pharaoh
~ Brunch with the Pyramids ~

There are several upscale restaurants offering pyramid views including 9 Pyramids Lounge, Khufu’s, 139 Pavilion (located at the iconic Marriott Mena House), Zeeyara, Rooftop 7000, and more! Make a reso and have breakfast or lunch by the Great Pyramids before journeying onto your Egyptian explorations, or end your explorations by dining to the pyramids while even catching an enchanting evening Light Show!




A Journey through Time
~ Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) ~

Set close to the pyramids, the much-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum is now the world’s largest, dedicated to a single civilization, and housing over 50,000 artifacts under one roof! Almost two decades under construction, GEM is not entirely opened, and admission is limited to certain halls and galleries. Nevertheless, the name speaks for itself and truly offers a grand experience!




Reconnecting with the Past
~ The Egyptian Museum (EMC)~

Though the GEM is a major project, it will not replace the original Egyptian Museum Cairo. My family and I visited EMC back in 2016 with our staggeringly knowledgeable tour guide and were in awe of the original antiquities, and preserved mummies. At the time, the eerily-preserved mummy of Ramses II was located at the EMC – inside a glass display case. For those unfamiliar with Abrahamic religious beliefs, it is much speculated that the identity of Pharaoh in the stories of Moses and the Exodus inclines toward Ramses II based on paralleled historical timelines, and similarities between the descriptions of Pharaoh in religious texts and the discoveries of Ramses II. More interestingly, the Quran (10:92) mentions that Pharaoh's body would not have been taken by the sea, nor the land, and rather that it would be preserved as a sign - hence, the sight of this 3000-year-old pharaoh was quite chilling.


*The mummies are currently located at the NMEC. Best to check locations of exhibitions and galleries before visiting!



Meet the Royal Mummies 
~ National Museum of Egyptian Civilization ~

During a second layover, I visited the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). The NMEC currently offers a true crown jewel - the Royal Mummies Gallery, and is not to be missed! The gallery features mummies of twenty ancient Pharaohs and Queens from the 17th to 20th dynasties including Ramses II, his wife, Nefertari, Hatshepsut (Maatkare), and Thutmose III (Menkheperre). An unexplainably astounding experience to come face to face with such monumental figures and historical trailblazers.



~ Stroll through Tahrir Square ~

Though the pyramids are the first images to come to mind at the thought of Cairo’s history, Tahrir Square has also been a historical focal point – an epicenter that has shaped the bustling capital with its record of protests and uprisings.


The Egyptian Museum is also located near Tahrir Square and is worth the visit as it houses several artifacts!



Explore the Greatest Treasures of the Islamic World
~ Islamic Cairo ~

Islamic Cairo, under UNESCO and interchangeably called Old or Historic Cairo, dates to the 10th Century when founded by the Fatimid dynasty, offering endless mosques, the Citadel, and souqs to explore.



Some attractions to explore include Khan el-Khalili bazaar, Muizz Street and Al Hakim Mosque, Cairo Citadel, the Mosque of Mohammed Ali, Al Azhar Park, and more! A guided tour is highly recommended in grasping the contexts of the settings as the history and culture related to these locations are simply too vast.




Be Bombarded in Bazaars
~ Khan el-Khalili ~

A trip to the Middle East and the Arab World is incomplete without getting lost in a souq or bazaar – i.e., street market! Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili bazaar offers enticing alleyways densely packed with local shops and cafes, an open-air courtyard offering evening dervish shows, mosques, Ottoman-era mansions, small museums, and endless souvenir shopping! Be prepared to be bombarded with “welcome” and “have a look” whilst getting your bargaining game on!


*Note for first-timers - costs of most items should not surpass £50-£100 EGP.



Treasures to Bring Home

While there may be overwhelmingly infinite treasures to see and bargain for, some special and memorable tokens to consider bringing home include:


  1. Kartush - an ancient Egyptian symbol consisting of an oval shape and a line on one end, enclosing royal names in hieroglyphics. You will notice kartush symbols during explorations and sightseeing, however, personalized karthush necklaces are also sold in Cairo, making for life-long memento.

  2. Papyrus painting - bring the past alive with a personalized papyrus painting. There are various papyrus shops in Cairo for this unique souvenir.




~ Coptic Cairo ~


Another addition to Old Cairo – Coptic Cairo predates the modern areas by several centuries and can be explored with a guide or independently. The area encompasses the Fortress of Babylon, comprising 10m-high stone towers greeting you to Roman remnants circa 98AD,  the Greek Alley of St George, the Hanging Church, and many more!




Stroll Saturday Farmers and Artisans Market 
~ Zamalek Market ~

Set on the Nile, Zamelek is a cosmopolitan gezira (island) known as Cairo's countercultural powerhouse - the Camden of Cairo to my understanding! The island offers venues for performing and visual arts, and also features a pop-up weekend market that runs on Saturdays between 10am to 4pm. A cute spot to stroll whilst catching up with friends.



The Cairo Tower is also located in Zamalek offering 360-rotating views of the city.



New Year, New Mission
~ New Cairo ~

Explore Cairo's constantly growing urban side which feels like stepping into Dubai or the GCC states! New Cairo offers a number of bustling contemporary plazas, designed in alluring luxury and worth visiting.


During a layover, my family members residing in Cairo took me to 5A Waterway, a recent development featuring boulevards of trendy upscale shops and restaurants that come alive the darker it gets. We dined at MerBey, a popular Lebanese restaurant offering an irresistible selection mezze-type dishes. The Muhamara and Hummus Honey were my mouthwatering favourites with exceptional blends of spices.



Other Things to Do in Cairo:

  1. Secrets of Saqqara

    Located in the ancient city of Memphis, Saqqara’s discoveries are ongoing and require an organized tour or guide during a longer stay in Cairo.



  1. Sail along the Legendary Nile

    Embark on a boat journey through the Nile whether catching a sunset dinner cruise, felucca ride, or a 4-day package to Aswan! There are some excellent options via GetYourGuide to choose from.



  1. Something about Viewpoints – Cairo Tower

    Situated in Zamalek, the 613-foot Cairo Tower offers 360-degree views of the sandy capital. The tower also comprises a 360 Revolving Restaurant.


GALLERY:



More of Egypt? Visit: Alexandria, Luxor, Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Aswan.


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INSTAGRAM: @tmozammel 

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