The River Nile cuts through the heart of the Egyptian capital of Cairo, a sprawling metropolis where ancient history and architecture awaits around every corner. Bustling street markets, lush green spaces and fascinating museums are just some of the highlights that lay in store for visitors to this majestic city, all set against a backdrop of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Nicknamed "the mother of the world", and often referred to as the capital of human civilization, Cairo simply oozes history, culture and charm. The sheer scale of the capital and the range of attractions on offer can seem overwhelming at first, so get a feel for the city and its treasured past by starting off at a few key landmarks.
The Egyptian Museum enjoys a prominent location in the heart of the capital, testament to its standing as one of the world's most important museums, thanks to its extensive collection of ancient artefacts. Discover treasures, portraits and tomb contents dating back thousands of years, or get up close to the remains of ancient royals in the Royal Mummies Hall.
Of course, no visit to Cairo is complete without journeying to Giza on the city's western outskirts. Upon arrival you are faced with close to 4,000 years of mystery and intrigue in the form of the iconic Giza Pyramids. These larger than life tombs housed some of Egypt's most illustrious treasures and pharaohs, yet so many questions pertaining to their construction remain unanswered. One thing, however, is for certain: these grandiose structures make for breath-taking viewing.
Elsewhere, the hustle and bustle of Cairo's streets is an attraction in itself. Soak up the atmosphere at one of the city's souks in the Islamic district, such as the dazzling Khan al-Khalili – an Aladdin's cave of jewelry, spices, oils, garments and, well, pretty much anything.
After a busy day of sightseeing, find some respite at Al-Azhar Park, one of the city's finest green spaces, where palm tree-lined pathways, fountains and gorgeous flowerbeds combine to create the perfect picnic spot.
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