Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / Egypt / Cairo
 |  | Destination Guide : Cairo |
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| | | Continuous hustle |  | Why go on holiday to Cairo?
Cairo is unlike any other place on earth.
It's one of the world's most densely populated cities and among the most polluted. The continuous hustle and bustle of its 16 million citizens can make you feel like there's no place to escape.
Steeped in Islamic history with the famous Pyramids in the distance, it's not a place for those looking for tranquility but it is absolutely fascinating.
How much does it cost?
At time of writing, you can find a flight only from around £250 return. A one-week package with accommodation and flights will cost from £300 and hotels (nothing under four-star is recommended) from £15. Between November and March cheaper bargains can be found.
When should I go?
Cairo is hot most of the year. In summer it gets up to a scorching 38C (100F) and during the winter months of December, January and February it's 15 to 20C (59 to 68F) though winter evenings can be nippy, getting down to 8C (47F).
Between March and April, Cairo sometimes gets a dry hot wind called the khamseen. Rainfall is low - about 25mm a year. It's advisable to avoid the holy period of Ramadan as many places shut down.
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| | | Visit Tutankhamun |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Once you've got used to the noise and pollution, Cairo is an archaeological treat. The Pyramids, one of the wonders of the world, are best viewed at dawn, then you'll have them to yourself.
Visit Tutankhamun at the Egyptian Museum or drift on a boat on the Nile and watch the sun sink behind the Cairo skyline.
What excursions can I make?
Experience one of the largest camel markets in the Middle East at Birqash, about 35km north-west of Cairo. Taking a bus or taxi is your best bet. The ancient city of Memphis, 24km south of Cairo, is a welcome day out.
Where can I cool off?
Escape the heat and dust with a swim. Many of the hotels allow day use of their pools. The best value is the pool at the Meridien Le-Caire, which has a fantastic Nile-side location - there is a charge, at present it's around £10 per person .
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| | | Belly dancers | | Where's good for nightlife?
Cairo really buzzes at night. Bars get busy only towards midnight and the belly dancers don't appear until about 3am.
Egyptian nightclubs offer eats, drinks and a floor show. If you want to dance go to a disco. Dine in a floating restaurant on the Nile or listen to Arabic music under the stars at the Opera House.
Many of the five-star hotel casinos are open to non-residents. And don't miss the sound and light show at the Pyramids.
What's the food like?
Cairo has little to excite the palate restaurant-wise. Egyptian food is mainly based on meat (no pork of course) and salads (chopped tomato and cucumber).
Try a fuul from a street vendor, made of fava beans in pitta bread, for a healthy cheap meal. The ahwa (coffeehouse) is a great Cairo social institution where most Egyptian males hang out.
If you ask for ahwa you will probably get Turkish which is gritty and strong. Let the grains settle before you drink.
What should I buy?
Cairo is both a budget souvenir and kitsch shoppers' paradise. Tourists with shelf space to fill back home can indulge in an orgy of pyramids, camels and Pharaonic cats.
The best place to shop is Khan al-Khalili for presents. For more general shopping try the Ramses Hilton Mall. Remember all prices are negotiable in Cairo as bargaining is a way of life.
What is there for children to do?
Bring school history lessons to life by seeing the ancient wonders of the Pyramids and Tutankhamun.
Feed the animals at Cairo zoo or visit the Fish Garden in Zamalak. The Maadi Felfela on the Corniche has gardens and trampolines.
Tourist office
170 Piccadilly, London W1V 9DD. Tel. 020 7493 5283.
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| | Available rental properties in Cairo |
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