As one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in the world, Cairo is a melting pot of history, culture, and adventure. From the towering pyramids of Giza to the bustling markets of Khan el-Khalili, Cairo offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travellers from all over the globe. With numerous Egypt tour packages and Egypt holiday packages available, there has never been a better time to explore this incredible city. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey as we uncover the top things to see and do in Cairo, Egypt.
The Egyptian capital boasts a unique combination of modern and ancient architecture, with the stunning 4,000-year-old complex of royal pyramids, temples and causeways topping the modern buildings. Any visit to Cairo must begin with exploring these majestic creations, starting from the smallest pyramid, Menakaure, to the second largest, Pyramid of Khafre, and the Great Pyramid of Giza commissioned by pharaoh Khufu. To avoid the effects of smog, it’s recommended to visit in the afternoon.
Just a short drive to the city side of the Giza Plateau, you’ll find yourself at the feet of one of the most awe-inspiring structures in the world – the Sphinx. This symbol of Ancient Egypt has stood the test of time for thousands of years, guarding the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. With its mysterious lion body and human head, it has captured the imagination of emperors, poets, artists, scholars, and travellers alike, inspiring countless stories and legends. The Sphinx remains one of Cairo’s most enigmatic and fascinating features, waiting to be explored and admired by those seeking to unravel its secrets.
Step into the heart of Cairo, and you’ll find yourself just outside Tahrir Square, where the magnificent Egyptian Museum of Antiquities awaits. This museum is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian artifacts, boasting a collection of over 120,000 pieces that will take your breath away. Be sure to explore the museum’s chambers, which are dedicated to some of the most prosperous dynasties of Egypt, and discover what life was like during the reign of the pharaohs. Visiting this museum is an absolute must for anyone looking to experience the glorious past of Egypt and immerse themselves in the country’s rich history.
At the heart of Cairo lies a 1-mile stretch of land that’s steeped in history, representing a fascinating blend of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish cultures. Explore the maze of narrow streets that make up the oldest settlement in the region and find yourself at the crossroads of diverse religions and traditions. Along the way, uncover the Amr Mosque, which stands as the first-ever mosque built in Cairo, the ancient Ben Ezra Synagogue that dates back to the 9th century, and the world-renowned churches that include the Church of St. Sergius, dating back to the 4th century, and the Hanging Church of the Virgin Mary, built in the 3rd century. Most of the Egyptian tour packages offer a visit to this place.
The Hanging Church of the Virgin Mary is a rustic church built on two ancient towers from the Fortress of Babylon. It once served as the residence of the Coptic patriarchs of Alexandria and hosted synods that determined the date of Easter. A must-visit for those seeking to explore Cairo’s rich history and religious heritage.
Explore Medieval Cairo, also known as Islamic Cairo, and immerse yourself in exotic spices, luxurious fabrics, and fragrances. This historical area features stunning Islamic monuments and mosques, but the highlight is undoubtedly the Khan el Khalili market, established in the 14th century.
Al-Azhar Mosque, built in 970 CE, is a blend of architectural styles due to expansions over the past 1,000 years. It features three minarets from the 14th to 16th centuries and a central courtyard that’s the oldest part of the building. The mosque is home to the second-oldest university in the world (founded in 988 CE) and is considered the most prestigious place to study Sunni theology. It’s Grand Imam is the highest theological authority among Egyptian Muslims.
In 1961, a tower resembling a lotus plant was commissioned and it stands 187m (600ft) tall. You can enjoy panoramic city views from the observation deck, which is best visited late in the morning after the smog has cleared. Additionally, you can book a table at the Sky Garden cafe located one floor below the observation deck for a delightful dinner-time experience with stunning views.
Cruise on the Nile
A trip to Cairo isn’t complete without a Nile cruise on a felucca. Enjoy a serene and relaxing experience on a traditional sailing boat, especially at dusk when the call to prayer echoes through Cairo. Sailing down the same river as Cleopatra is a real treat.
Cairo is a city unlike any other, offering a unique blend of ancient history, cultural diversity, and adventure. And with the help of budget-friendly Egypt tour packages and visa services from houseoftours.com, planning your trip to Cairo has never been easier. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book your Egyptian tour package, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
If you’re a travel lover and a shopaholic looking for your next retail therapy fix, then you’re in for a treat! Egypt is a shopping paradise where vibrant bazaars and malls offer a sensory explosion of sights, sounds, and scents that will surely leave you mesmerised. From handcrafted souvenirs to high-end fashion, Egypt is home to some of the best shopping destinations in the world. You can shop to your heart’s desires with the most attractive Egypt holiday packages. So, if you’re ready to indulge in some retail therapy, grab your credit cards, and let’s take a tour of the best shopping destinations that Egypt has to offer and the most affordable Egypt tour packages. Get ready to travel and shop till you drop!
Location: Sharia Attareen, Alexandria, Egypt.
Operating Hours: 10 AM onwards
The Attareen Antique Market in Alexandria, Egypt is the perfect place to go shopping if you’re looking for vintage items for your home or inexpensive jewellery. The market is a lively and interesting place to explore, with a variety of antique goods from both Europe and Egypt. You’ll find something to suit your tastes in the market’s labyrinthine backstreets and alleys. The market is particularly enchanting at night when it is illuminated with sparkling lights that highlight the beauty of the ancient objects for sale.
Location: First floor, 14 Sharia Saray Al Gezira, opposite the Squash Court of Gezira Club, Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt.
Operating Hours: Everyday 9 AM to 8 PM
Nomad is a wonderful store in Egypt that offers a variety of beautiful items, particularly authentic Bedouin costumes, crafts, and jewellery. The shop is a treasure trove of stunning products, including tablecloths, pillow covers, woven baskets, and garments spun from the oases, as well as large, silver oxidised jewellery. This is the perfect place for women to find everything they need to accessorise their outfits. Nomad is committed to preserving authentic Egyptian art and artisans. Although it may take some time to travel to this store, the trip will be well worth it. Additionally, it is an excellent spot to purchase souvenirs for your loved ones.
Location: El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331302, Egypt
Operating Hours: Everyday 9:30 AM to 11 PM
The ancient market in the heart of Cairo is a must-visit for shoppers and anyone seeking the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Bargaining is a common practice, so bring cash and practice your haggling skills. You’ll find unique items like T-shirts, coloured sand bottles with camel drawings, and personalised gifts with your name written in hieroglyphics. It’s the perfect spot to pick up unusual souvenirs and immerse yourself in the charm of this centuries-old market.
Location: 265J+JHF, Al Kafour, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4244010, Egypt
Operating Hours:
Thursday to Sunday: 10 AM to 7 PM
Monday to Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
The souk is a well-organised shopping destination in Egypt, just north of Coptic city and near the Mar Girgis metro station. It offers high-quality, handcrafted products from across Egypt, including beautiful Bedouin work, woodwork, paintings, ceramics, and traditional metal cups, bowls, and trays. Prices are fixed, saving you time and hassle. Combine your visit with a tour of Old Cairo and the Hanging Church located nearby for a memorable experience.
Location: Hurghada, Red Sea 1961530, Egypt
Operating Hours: Everyday – 10 AM to 11:30 PM
Senzo Mall in Hurghada is the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It has a great variety of stores and food courts, making it an ideal destination for friends, family, and couples. The mall also has the largest indoor kids’ park in the Red Sea area, Kidzo, where parents can leave their kids to play. Senzo Mall is the only mall of its kind in Egypt, and it offers a great shopping, relaxation, and socialising experience. It has international and local brand stores, an indoor children’s amusement park, and a hypermarket.
Location: Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate 3236020, Egypt
Operating Hours:
Sunday to Thursday – 9 AM to 10 PM
Friday- Saturday- 9 AM to 11 PM
Mall of Arabia is the largest shopping mall in Egypt, featuring numerous international brands under one roof. It offers a unique shopping experience with a wide range of local and international brands like Zara, Virgin, Timberland, GAP, and Mango. The mall is family-friendly and includes a park, a cinema, and play areas like Billy Beez, Flip-out, and Bricks City. Plus, it offers a vast selection of dining options for visitors.
1.Sami Amim, Cairo
2.Sharia As Souq (Aswan Souk), Aswan Governorate 1242822
3.Old Market (El-Attarine), Alexandria
4.Souq El Gomaa, Cairo
5.Dandy Mega Mall, Cairo
Takeaway
Egypt is a shopping paradise that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for every traveller. From the bustling markets of Cairo to the modern malls of Hurghada, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for traditional souvenirs or high-end fashion, Egypt has it all. And if you’re planning a trip to Egypt from Doha, Qatar or the UAE, make sure to check out houseoftours.com for the best Egyptian tour packages and visa services.
Their expertly crafted itineraries will take you to the most popular shopping spots in Egypt, as well as many other iconic tourist attractions. And the most exciting part? You can enjoy all of this at unbeatable prices, without compromising on quality. So, book your Egypt tour packages today and get ready for a shopping experience like no other!
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