TRAVEL TIPS
CAIRO
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW Cairo, the “mother of all cities” (as it is referred
ruins of the old city of Fustat, the first Islamic city
to by its inhabitants), is one of Africa’s largest
in the area, are also close by.
and most populous cities. Greater Cairo is home to about 18 million people, making it one of the
And then there’s “Islamic Cairo”. The hundreds
most densely populated cities in the world.
of ancient mosques that give the city one of its many nicknames, “City of the Thousand
Located on the banks and islands of the Nile
Minarets”, are located in this part of the city.
River, the city of Cairo itself can be divided into
This area is rich in Islamic history and culture.
three regions.
Highlights of this district include the Alabaster Mosque at the Citadel and the vibrant Khan
The downtown region of Cairo, centered on
el Khalili market. Cairo, of course, is also
Midan Tahri (“Tahrir Square”), was built on the
associated with Ancient Egypt due to its
model of Paris in the mid-19th century, and is
proximity to the pyramids and the Great Sphinx
marked by wide boulevards, public gardens,
in nearby Giza.
and open spaces. The area boasts numerous museums and contemporary art galleries.
There are really only two seasons in Cairo, winter and summer. Cairo’s winter, from
Old Cairo, was probably first settled during the
November through April, is generally mild with
6th Century BC. Later, the Romans erected a
daytime highs of between 55°F (13°C) and 66°F
fortress here known as Babylon. Today the
(19°C). Temperatures at night can drop to the
area is known as “Coptic Cairo” after the Copts,
40s Fahrenheit (10°C).
Egyptians whose ancestors embraced Christianity in the first centuries after Christ. Today the area
In March and April, the hot ‘khamsin’ wind
features several old Coptic churches as well as
blows across from the western desert and can
Ben Ezra Synagogue - the oldest in Egypt. The
at times fill the air in Cairo with sand and dust.
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In the summer, May to October, temperatures
Some travelers also avoid travelling to Egypt
can reach as high as 104°F (40°C). Cairo is not
during Ramadan, the ninth month of the
only hot during at this time of year, but also
Muslim year when Muslims fast from the rising
humid. This can make it quite uncomfortable
to the setting of the sun. At this time of year
especially from July through September.
many street restaurants don’t open, and tourist
As in most destinations, the weather really
than usual, causing a shorter time for visiting.
determines the best time to visit. Because it gets very, very hot in the summer, the best time to visit is in the cooler months between November and March.
sites usually close at least two hours earlier On the other hand, at night all the coffee shops are open and full of people who stay up till the early hours of the morning.
TRANSPORT Cairo’s density makes it possible to see the main sites on foot. However, if you are not one for walking or you want to go to a little further field, there are many forms of transport available to you.
METRO Cairo is home to Africa’s first and most expansive metro system. Although its two lines are limited in scope, it is a fully functioning, modern and sleek system. Buy your tickets at the station and hold on to them until you exit at your destination station. Trains run from 5:30 a.m. to midnight, and the first carriage of each train is reserved for women only.
TAXIS The streets of Cairo are well supplied with taxis. You can hail one from any corner of any street, so getting one isn’t a problem. Fares vary and should be negotiated before getting in. Taxis from hotels tend to cost double that of hailed taxis. In Cairo taxis, single men sit in the front, single women in the back. It is not unusual for taxi drivers to pick up extra passengers along the way, so don’t be alarmed if this happens.
BUSES There are also bus and minibus services operating in Cairo. They are cheap, but
CAR
unfortunately they are unreliable and are often
Driving in Cairo takes getting used to as few
overcrowded. To use them you need to speak
road rules are adhered to, traffic is heavy at all
and read at least a little Arabic as the signs
times and streets are poorly signposted. Car
indicating the destination are often in Arabic
rental agencies in Egypt require that drivers be
and bus drivers rarely speak English.
at least 25 years old and carry an International Driving Permit.
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ATTRACTIONS
the Pyramid of Kafhre and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaura. Each Pyramid is a tomb to a different Egyptian king.
There is no shortage of places to visit in and
SPHINX
around Cairo.
In front of the pyramids lies the Sphinx, or Abu
THE PYRAMIDS AND THE SPHINX OF GIZA
al-Hol in Arabic, “Father of Terror”, eternally facing east to the rising Sun God Re. Carved out of a single block of stone, this enormous
The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the world’s
cat-like sculpture has mesmerized millions
oldest tourist attractions and the last surviving
of visitors. After sunset, you can see the
member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient
Pyramids illuminated against the night sky as
World. There are in fact three main pyramids in
the Sphinx tells you its story during the famous
Giza; the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops),
Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids.
THE SOLAR BOAT MUSEUM
taxes. The synagogue was severely damaged by
It’s located behind the Great Pyramid and
Arabs after the 1967 war with Israel, but it has
houses the reconstructed funerary boat of
been almost completely renovated.
Khufu. The dismantled pieces of this boat were found in 1954 buried on that very site. Visitors
ISLAMIC CAIRO
can get a stunning close up view of the boat.
It’s worth exploring Islamic Cairo’s narrow streets
The boat is fully capable of navigating, and
and bazaars. Here you will be able to visit the
ropes are used to keep the pieces together.
cities many mosques, including the Mosque
The Solar Boat may have been used only once,
of Mohammed Ali in the Citadel, the Ibn Tulun
on the pharaoh’s ceremonial final journey.
Mosque, the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa,
OLD (COPTIC) CAIRO (MASR AL-QADIMA)
and the Al-Azhar Mosque and University.
THE CAIRO CITADEL (EL-QAL’A)
As we have already pointed out, Coptic Cairo
A highly visible landmark on Cairo’s eastern
is the oldest part of the city, and is the original
skyline, it’s one of the cities most popular
site of Roman built Babylon. This part of
tourist attractions and one of the world’s
Cairo has been inhabited for more than 2000
greatest monuments to medieval warfare.
years. It is the centre of the Coptic Christian
The fortifications were first built to repel the
community and where you’ll find most of
Crusaders and became the royal residence for
Egypt’s churches. Highlights include the
sultans well into the 19th century.
Hanging Church which is the centre of Coptic worship and the Ben Ezra synagogue, Egypt’s oldest synagogue.
THE HANGING CHURCH (THE CHURCH OF THE VIRGIN MARY)
THE MOHAMMAD ALI (ALABASTER) MOSQUE In the Citadel, with its huge central dome and four semi-domes, was begun in 1830 (finished in 1857) by Mohammad Ali Pasha, ruler of
It’s possibly the oldest Christian church in
Egypt at the time. The mosque is the tomb
Egypt, dating to around the 4th-century. It
of Mohammad Ali and is also known as the
was built on top of one of the old fortress
Alabaster Mosque because of the extensive
gatehouses of the Roman fortress with its
use of this fine material. From the arcaded
nave suspended over the passage. Dedicated
courtyard, visitors have a magnificent view
to Virgin Mary and properly known as Sitt
across the city of Cairo to the pyramids in Giza.
Mariam, or St. Mary’s, it is one of Cairo’s most
Perhaps because of its location, it is one of the
beautiful churches.
most frequented Mosques by tourists.
BEN EZRA
IBN TULUN MOSQUE
It’s one of the oldest synagogues in Egypt. Set
It was built of mud bricks and, at approximately
in a shady garden, it was built on the site of a
26,318 square meters in size, is the third largest
4th-century Christian church, which the Copts had
mosque in the world. It is the oldest mosque in
to sell in the 9th-century to enable them to pay
Egypt and it has survived in its fairly original form.
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THE SULTAN HASSAN MOSQUE AND MADRASA (SCHOOL) It was built between 1356 and 1363, and is believed to be one of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture in Cairo. The mosque is also considered one of the largest, not only in Cairo but in the whole Islamic world, measuring some 492 feet (150 meters) long and 118 feet (36 meters) high. The highest minaret is 223 feet (68 meters) tall.
AL-AZHAR MOSQUE It’s connected to Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest operating universities in the world. The mosque is a magnificent structure that reflects many centuries of styles. Entrance is through the 15th-century Barber’s Gate and leads into a great courtyard (sahn), which dates from the 10th century. The courtyard is overlooked by three stately minarets. Tourists may enter the beautiful prayer hall, which is warmly carpeted and supported by alabaster pillars. It’s important to remember when visiting Cairo’s mosques that all visitors must remove shoes at entrance. Women must cover their arms, legs, and shoulders, and should cover their heads. Scarves are usually available to borrow.
THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM A lot of what looters didn’t take with them from the tombs of the Pharaohs, ended up in the Egyptian museum. The museum attracts thousands of visitors every year. Objects taken from King Tutankhamen’s tomb should not be missed. The boy-king’s death-mask made of solid gold has been described as the most beautiful object ever made. Throughout the rest of the museum you will find countless ancient Egyptian artefacts dating back thousands of years. The museum is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.
CITY OF THE DEAD (QARAFA) This may not sound like the liveliest part of Cairo to visit, but this huge necropolis on the East side of Cairo is in fact home to several million Cairenes. A vast ‘living cemetery’ as it were makes it a fascinating place to visit. Ornate tombs have become the living quarters for many of Cairo’s poor and their place of business too. However, it is advisable not to enter this area unless in a supervised tour or with a reputable and trustworthy guide.
CAIRO TOWER From the top of the Cairo Tower, located on Gezira Island (Zemalak), You can get one of the best panoramic views of Cairo. This 187 meter tall tower that fans out slightly at the top, is said to imitate a lotus plant, and is one of the
famous mosques, and Khan Khalili Bazaar. The
world’s tallest towers. The tower is open from
main concentration of budget hotels/hostels is
9 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day.
to be found here, however, there are also some luxury type hotels in the area.
WHERE TO STAY
Zamalek is a high class residential area on the island of Gezirah. It is centrally located and is greener and more pleasant than the downtown area, with less traffic and noise and plenty of
There are plenty of accommodation options in
nice shops and good places to eat. Zamalek
Cairo. Perhaps the best way to narrow down
offers a limited selection of hotels, but you will
your choices is to decide if you want a hotel in
find some 5-star hotels there and a number
the centre of town, near the airport, or in some
of small friendly good standard hotels. If you
of the finer, quieter neighbourhoods, or near
want a central location, but prefer to be able
the Pyramids.
to walk around easily and enjoy the local area, then Zamalek is a good choice.
The downtown area radiating from Midan Tahri is not a quiet place, but it is certainly
Heliopolis is another pleasant district to stay in,
convenient, being in the actual modern centre
but it’s a long way from the places of interest
of the city and having easy access to the Metro
in Cairo. However, it is very close to Cairo
and the main railway station. Hotels in this area
International Airport.
are relatively close to sites such as: The Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo, the Citadel, the most
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And, finally, there’s the Pyramid area. A long straight street called “Pyramids Street” runs
DINING OUT
from near Cairo University all the way to the Pyramids in Giza on the west bank of the Nile. The area around the Pyramids is not very attractive or easy to walk in, but it does have some very pleasant hotels with good views of the Pyramids and nice pool and garden areas. The Pyramids area is well connected to the city centre and when the traffic is good, the drive takes about 30 minutes. If you are mainly interested in relaxing with views of the Pyramids, slightly cleaner air and less traffic
Cairo has an enormous number of restaurants, catering to most needs. Dining out can range from stand-up sandwich bars to luxurious fivecourse meals. Many of the best restaurants, frequented by locals as well as visitors, are found in the international hotels; in Zamalek, Mohandiseen and other more affluent parts of town; and on Nile boats.
noise, then the Pyramids area will be the
In general, downtown is good for budget
obvious choice.
eating where inexpensive establishments serve good Egyptian food for only a few
minced, mixed with spices, formed into patties (called ta’miyya in Cairo), and deep-fried. These patties, garnished with tomatoes, lettuce, and tahina (an oil paste of sesame seeds), are stuffed into aysh and sold on the street. Molokhiyya — A leafy, green, summer vegetable, molokhiyya is distinctively Egyptian, and locals will proudly serve you their traditional thick soup made from it. The chopped leaves are generally stewed in chicken stock, and served with or without pounds. The dishes are simple; made with naturally ripened fruits and vegetables and seasoned with fresh spices. Menus are in both Arabic and English. Understanding some of the traditional items on the menu in Cairo: Bread (aysh) — is the mainstay of the Egyptian diet and it comes in several forms. The most common is a pita type made either with refined white flour, or with coarse, whole wheat. Stuffed with any of several fillings, it becomes the Egyptian sandwich. Beans (ful) — Along with aysh, the native bean (ful) supplies most of Egypt’s people with their daily meals. Ful can be cooked several ways: in ful midamess, the whole beans are boiled, with vegetables if desired, and then mashed with onions, tomatoes, and spices. This mixture is often served with an egg for breakfast. A similar sauce, cooked down into a paste is the filling for the sandwiches sold on the street. Alternatively, ful beans are soaked,
pieces of chicken, rabbit, or lamb. This soup can also be served with crushed bread or over rice. If you’re served it straight, it’s polite to dunk your aysh. Mezze — small dishes usually served with drinks. Those resembling dips are made with tahini, that can be mixed with oil and seasoned with garlic or chili and lemon can be served alone, but when combined with mashed aubergine and served as a dip or sauce for salads, it’s called baba-ghanoug. Tahini also forms the base for many general-purpose sauces served with fish and meats and replaces mayonnaise on Egyptian sandwiches. Soups and Salads — In addition to molokhiyya, the Egyptians make a variety of meat (lahhma), vegetable (khudaar), and fish (samak) soups known collectively as shurbah, and all are delicious. Salads (salata) can be made of greens, tomatoes, potatoes, or eggs, as well as with beans and yogurt. In Westerntype salad bars, you can make a whole meal of the fresh produce for a few pounds.
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SHOPPING Cairo is a shopper’s paradise. Historically, traders came here from all over the world to sell or barter their goods. Today, whether you are looking for an everyday souvenir or for something a little more valuable, the city offers a wealth of both exotic and modern shopping opportunities. As well as the traditional bazaars (souks), visitors will be pleased to discover that shopping in Cairo can include stops by national chains for basics, as well as independent shops, boutiques and shopping malls for more unique purchases. Most new malls have large food courts, international branded boutiques and department stores, as well as multi-screen cinema complexes.
SHOPPING CENTRES World-class modern shopping centres have proliferated in Cairo in recent years. City Star Shopping Mall is one of the biggest in the region, and maybe even the Middle East. It houses over 10 internationally known coffee shops and dozens of internationally known restaurants. You will find all your famous international and Egyptian brands are here, and there is almost an entire floor dedicated as an upscale Khan al Khalili.
FASHION Cairo is the fashion centre of the Arabic world and it is very interesting to have a look in the Cairo fashion scene. Most of the popular places
are cantered in Heliopolis. There are a number of new and hip boutiques on Horreya Street, off El Mirghany.
EGYPTIAN CRAFTS Khan Ibn Tulun, behind the Ibn Tulun Mosque is a great shop for high quality Egyptian crafts such as high quality pottery, Bedouin crafts, jewellery, clothing, decorative items.
COPPERWARE An-Nahassin, the Street of the Coppersmiths is the place to go to find a good choice of brass and copperware. Large engraved brass trays are popular and can be bought complete with a wooden stand to turn them into a coffee table. More easily transported are cups, bowls, plates and ornamental trays.
OPENING HOURS Normal opening hours for shops are Monday to Saturday from about 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. but in summer they close between roughly 12:30 and 4 p.m.
STREET MARKETS One of the pleasures of Cairo is to get lost in its bazaars (souks) and enjoy the diversity of sounds, sights and smells. There are a huge variety of items to purchase in the souks including items made of brass and copper, boxes and ornaments made of inlaid wood, leather goods such as shoes, bags and belts, perfumes and jewelery. Khan el-Khalili — This medieval bazaar is probably the most famous in the Arab world with its warren of winding streets and twisting
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alleyways. To wander through this ancient
The smaller the note denomination, the smaller
shopping mall with its amazing number of shops,
its physical size. There are coins of 5, 10, 20, 25
stalls, and carts is a pleasure even if you don’t
and 50 piastres. There’s also a 1-pound coin.
intend to buy anything. You could easily spend a day taking it all in. There are wonderful brass
Egyptian notes are written in two languages,
ornaments and fixtures for sale as well as some
Arabic and English. The Arabic side of the
of the loveliest mosaics you’ll find anywhere.
note has engravings of architecturally and
The perfume shops of the bazaar are particularly
historically important mosques. The English
memorable; suffused with spice and floral scents
side depicts the legacy of Ancient Egypt, with
and decorated with plush Oriental carpets and
engravings of figures, statues and temples.
beautiful crystal chandeliers they’re run by clerks who can mix any fragrance you desire. Gold is one of the main reasons to come to the Khan, with a wide variety of shops selling jewelery in the lower part of the area’s main street.
Currency exchange is available at banks, official bureaux de change and most hotels, and all major international currencies are accepted. Banks offer a better exchange rate than bureaux de change or hotels. Banking
Though Friday is the Muslim holy day, many
hours in Cairo are from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
shops are open. A lot of shops close on Sundays.
Sunday to Thursday.
Other street markets worth visiting are Wekala
Major credit cards are accepted, but generally
al-Balaq for fabrics, Tentmakers Bazaar for
only in bigger hotels or restaurants in Cairo and
appliqué-work, Mohammed Ali Street for
restaurants in tourist areas.
musical instruments. Bargaining – Haggling is a way of life in Egypt, especially in the bazaars, and you should not be afraid to try, as prices are inflated for visitors. Haggling is meant to be fun. If the final price is between half and two-thirds of the original asking price, then both parties should be happy.
CURRENCY The unit of currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP; symbol E£). There are 100 piastres in one Egyptian Pound. Notes come in denominations of E£200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1. There are also 50-piastre and 25-piastre notes.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
20 2 122 126 123
COUNTRY CODE CITY CODE POLICE TOURIST POLICE AMBULANCE
CAIRO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT GENERAL INFORMATION
265-5000