Cairo

Resting Place of Pharaohs

Born of an ancient civilisation, Cairo is a vast metropolis centred around the Nile. Its sheer scale can feel overwhelming (especially when flying over it into Cairo Airport), so plan ahead. An obvious starting point are the Giza Pyramids. Although the pharaohs are long gone, the grandeur of their burial pyramids, the Sphinx and Solar Boat are testament to their ambition.

The city’s Egyptian Museum houses a dazzling display of ancient Egyptian artefacts, including finds from Tutankhamun’s tomb in Luxor. Around the corner is Tahrir, a huge square and focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution.

East is Islamic Cairo, home to 9th-century Ibn Tulun Mosque, Al-Azhar Mosque (site of the world’s oldest university), and the Khan el-Khalili souk – remember to haggle. The Citadel, with its elegant Mohammed Ali Pasha Mosque, sits on a hill offering far-reaching city views.

If you want to step out of cultural tours, take a Nile cruise by felucca, spot wildlife in Wadi Digla desert park or visit Egypt’s top theme parks: Dream Park and Magic Land, where you can tour Egyptian TV studios.

Before heading to your Cairo accommodation, sample the local cuisine – the falafel and fuul (bean paste) are delicious. Turkish coffee is a staple and there are hundreds of shisha bars, while major Cairo hotels have bars serving alcohol.