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Cairo Maps & Attractions Guide
Cairo maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Cairo
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Cairo
Attractions - Things to do
1. Khan al-Khalili
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What is it? Buzzing with the activities of buying and
selling, Khan al-Khalili is one of the largest markets in the
world. It is situated within Islamic Cairo, a World Heritage Site
that attracts travellers and locals alike. This is the best place
to soak up the colour of Cairo and to people-watch. Traders have
been bargaining in these alleys since the 14th century and it is
possible to buy almost anything, from exotic perfume bottles to
everyday Arabic clothing. On the northern corner of the bazaar is
the Mosque of Sayyidna al-Hussein, one of the holiest Islamic sites
in Egypt.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
2. The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities
Mariette Pasha Street, Tahrir Square
www.egyptianmuseum.gov.eg |
What is it? With over 100,000 artefacts in 107 halls, the
Egyptian Museum provides days of exploration. Inside are treasures
from ancient Egypt, including priceless finery taken from ancient
royal tombs, and one of the museum's masterpieces, the statue of
Khafre (Chephren). The most popular attraction is the Tutankhamun
Gallery where exquisite treasures from the tomb of the Boy King are
displayed, including the famous solid gold death mask. Another top
attraction is the Royal Mummy Room containing mummies of some of
the most powerful Pharaohs in Egypt dating from the 18th to the
20th Dynasties.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 4.45pm
Phone:(02) 579 6974 |
3. The Pyramids of Giza
Pyramid Road, 11 miles (18km) southwest of the
centre
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What is it? The pyramids are the earth's oldest tourist
attraction and the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is the only
remainder of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Throughout
their history, they have fired human imagination, with much
speculation as to their origin and purpose, but most evidence
supports the theory that they were built by the ancient
civilisation as tombs or great monuments in which to bury their
kings and nobles, a place to start their mystic journey to the
afterlife. The oldest and largest pyramid, the Great Pyramid, is
thought to have taken 20 years to build and is made of about two
million blocks of limestone. No one knows how the two-ton blocks
were moved into place, but it was known to be the tallest man-made
structure in the world for over 40 centuries. The Sphinx, known as
the Abu al-Hol (Father of Terror), stands in front of the Great
Pyramid and is thought to be older than the pyramids
themselves.
Hours of Operation: Daily 7am to 7.30pm; pyramid chambers 8.30am to
4pm
Phone: |
4. Old Cairo
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What is it? The small and enclosed area, also known as
Coptic Cairo, is the oldest part of the city and was once known as
the Roman stronghold of Babylon; some of the old walls still exist.
It is the ancient heart of the Coptic Christian community and
although only five of the original 20 churches remain they are
interesting to visit, along with the first mosque built in Egypt
and the oldest synagogue, a representation of three of the major
religions of the modern world. It is a peaceful place to wander
around and a respite from the busy city centre. Churches of
interest are the Al-Muallaqa (Hanging Church), the oldest Christian
place of worship in the city, and St Sergius where the Holy Family
reputedly sheltered during their flight to
Egypt.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
5. The Western Desert Oases
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What is it? From Cairo it is possible to experience
Egypt's finest journey on offer, the Great Desert Circuit. It runs
for over 621 miles (1,000km) through spectacular desert landscape
and is punctuated by four oases situated in a depression: Bahariya,
Farafra, Dakhla and Kharga. The first two have hot springs and palm
groves, Farafra being the more traditional and rural of the two. To
experience the remoteness of the desert travellers can spend an
unforgettable night in the White Desert between oases. Dakhla and
Kharga are surrounded by old ruins and villages from the times of
the ancient caravan routes to Sudan.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
Cairo Holidays guide
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Transport -The most efficient and reliable public
transport in Cairo is the Metro, which has the added advantage of
being very cheap.
More information at the |
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