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Destination of the Day

Cairo, Egypt

Founded in 969 AD by the Fatimid dynasty, Cairo has been captivating visitors from all over the world for more than a thousand years. The Mamluks, the Ottomans, the French, and the British have all held sway over the capital at one time or another, and all have left their mark on its culture and architecture. Read on to discover how you can make the most of everything this fascinating destination has to offer.

Things to Do

Cairo is renowned for ancient historical sites such as the Great Pyramid of Giza and cruises along the Nile River—however, there is much more to see and do in the famed capital city of Egypt. It's home to the Egyptian Museum, which serves as a repository for the most precious treasures excavated from ancient sites across Egypt, including the fabulous contents of the tomb of Tutankhamun. The city also boasts major shopping markets and bazaars that tourists can enjoy getting lost in, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Alabaster Mosque. In order to guide you with making the most of a weekend in Cairo, we've put together this itinerary to guide you during your visit.

What to Eat and Drink

Cairo's restaurant scene is as diverse as its people, with cuisines from all over the world represented. However, there are plenty of opportunities for sampling traditional Egyptian food, with must-try dishes including koshary and hawawshi. While traditional Egyptian restaurants are unlikely to serve alcohol, the country has an impressive array of non-alcoholic alternatives, many of which make the most of exotic fruits grown in the fertile Nile Delta. If you find yourself craving a glass of wine or a cold Egyptian Stella beer, do not fret: Alcohol is served in most international restaurants and hotels, and can easily be found in the bars and nightclubs of Cairo's Zamalek neighborhood.

Where to Stay

Cairo is a sprawling city with many different neighborhoods. However, the majority of tourist hotels are located in central Cairo (within easy reach of the Egyptian Museum, and just a short Uber ride from attractions in Coptic and Islamic Cairo). The most luxurious are situated along the banks of the River Nile and boast spectacular river views. These include the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, the Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo, and the Fairmont Nile City Hotel, Cairo.

Vacation Like a Pro

Cairo is a year-round destination. However, soaring temperatures in the summer and a combination of crowds and peak season prices in the winter make spring and fall particularly pleasant times to visit.

Jessica Macdonald
Contributing Writer

Your Packing List

The Egyptian capital has a hot desert climate; however, instead of being dry, its proximity to the Nile Delta and the coast can make the city exceptionally humid. June, July, and August are the hottest months with average temperatures of around 86 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Light, loose cotton clothing is highly recommended for those who choose to visit the city at this time, while sunscreen and copious amounts of water are essential.

Egypt is a Muslim country, and as such, visitors from Western nations may need to adapt their normal dress or behavior to avoid causing offense. Men and women should dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites.

Generally speaking, Egypt is a safe country to visit; however, as in most countries with a high poverty level, petty theft is common. When carrying around cash and identification, keep it safe by putting it in a money belt or anti-theft backpack.

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Get Inspired

It took more than 200 years to complete the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but the leaning started long before the last stone was laid due to the soft ground underneath and the lack of an adequate foundation. To compensate, designers in the 13th century made successive floors taller on one side than the other. Yet for 800 years, it continued to fall at the rate of almost two millimeters a year until the heavy bells were removed, and it was anchored into the ground. Today, engineers have deemed the tower safe and stable and say that it has finally stopped moving.

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