Cairo is the capital city of Egypt and is a city where history, culture and present day life merge in a perfect union that is breathtaking experience. Cairo represents the very essence of Egypt from the ancient pyramids that serve as the mark of human accomplishments to the busy streets with people and colors. This city has something different in every corner, and this fact attracts the attention of the travelers planning their next memorable journey.This place will surely impress you, whether its mysterious past or bustling city life draws you in.
There is need to apply for Egypt Visa before leaving your place to go in Egypt so that you will have a stress-free adventure. When that is over, then gear up to get the most remarkable experience with one of the most exciting cities in the world.
The Classical Beauty of the Pyramids.
One would not have gone to Cairo without seeing the legendary Pyramids of Giza. These marvelous buildings are the final surviving marvels of the prehistoric world, but they are over 4,500 years high. The great pyramid of Khufu and the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure still continue to surprise the visitors with their marvelous architecture and mystery surrounding them.
Close by is the Great Sphinx, another of the monuments of ancient Egypt. It is said that the half lion, half human sculpture protects the Giza plateau, and it has been a puzzle to both historians and travellers since centuries. You can enjoy camel rides, take in panoramic views, and watch the legendary light-and-sound show in the evenings, where the tales of ancient Egypt come alive under the stars.
Exploring Islamic Cairo
In addition to the Pyramids, Cairo has all the Islamic heritage that makes the city rich in terms of cultural diversity. The ancient district, known as Islamic Cairo, features a maze of narrow streets, historic mosques, and busy markets. Here, you can visit the grand Al-Azhar Mosque, built in 970 AD, one of the world’s oldest centers of Islamic learning.
Alternatively the Mosque of Muhammad Ali constructed in the Citadel of Salah al-Din appears close to Cairo and dominates the skyline of the city with its Ottoman architecture and splendid views of the city. As you stroll along Egypt’s winding streets, local craftsmen create brass lanterns, traditional jewelry, and handwoven carpets, keeping Egyptian culture alive through generations.
Coptic Cairo: The Spiritual side.
Not only is Cairo a hub of Islamic culture, it is also one of the oldest Christian societies in the world. Sightseeing in Coptic Cairo, there are ancient churches that date back to the early Christianity years. The Hanging Church (El Muallaqa) constructed on the gatehouse of a Roman fortress is one of the best examples of Coptic architecture.
Very close by is the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, which is supposed to be the place where the Holy Family sought refuge during their flight into Egypt. Another museum in the same locality is the Coptic Museum whose collection of artifacts narrates the history of Christianity in Egypt.
A Museum of History: The Egyptian Museum.
The Egyptian museum is among the most interesting sites in Cairo found in Tahrir Square. It has in its possession more than 120,000 artifacts including popular treasures of Tutankhamun, the golden mask of the pharaoh, his jewelry, and chariots. A visit to its halls is like travelling in time as every room narrates the history of the ancient civilization of Egypt.
The upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza will become the world’s largest archaeological museum and will transform how people experience Egyptian history.
A Walk through Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
The energy of Cairo is the greatest in the busy Khan El Khalili Bazaar. It is a shopping and photographers heaven with a history dating back to the 14 th century. Colorful spices, ceramics painted by hand, fragrances detailed, and elaborately designed lamps are found here.
The air is vibrant and disorderly in the most positive sense of the words and the shouts of the merchants interfuse with the music of the street performers and the smell of Egyptian coffee. Then go to one of the classic cafes such as the renowned El Fishawy Café where you can have mint tea or hookah and spend your time watching the world pass by the way locals have been doing it centuries.
This is the contemporary Cairo: Tradition and Modernity collide.
Cairo is both embedded in its magnificent history, and it is a new metropolis with innovation and development behind it. Newer parts of the city like New Cairo and Zamalek reflect a modernized aspect with fine restaurants, art galleries and modern shopping malls.
The diversity of the Cairo cuisine is evident in its culinary diversity – one can sample the local Egyptian cuisine such as koshari and molokhia or have a taste of international cuisine in the rooftop restaurants overlooking the Nile River. The city also vibrates in the night where Nile cruises include dinner, live music and dance performances which make the night magical.
Local Tours and Excursions.
The location of Cairo is central and hence it serves a good base to explore other attractions around Cairo. It is a short ride to Saqqara, which has the Step Pyramid of Djoser – one of the first structures in the form of a pyramid built in Egypt. Even deeper to the south, there is Dahshur, with the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, which, though less hectic than Giza, are equally impressive.
Conclusion
Cairo is not merely a capital city, it is the heart of Egypt, where the vibrations of the past and the beats of the present collide. You can be standing among the huge monuments of kings of the ancient times or having tea in one of the local cafes but each moment in Cairo gives you a glimpse of a civilization that has made a difference in the world.
If you’re motivated to visit this timeless city, start by organizing your travel plans carefully and obtaining the necessary travel documents. Professional visa services can help the foreigners have an easy time in the UAE , particularly those in foreign countries. To further simplify the process, you can apply to your Jordan visa in Dubai with Go Kite Travel, a reputable agency and one that has earned a name of providing hassle free travel services. Your plans to travel organized, Cairo is waiting – with its glowing heart beat to receive you into its embrace.
