Set alongside the Nile River, the sprawling city of Cairo is the capital of Egypt. It is also the largest city in Africa and the world’s 6th largest city. This modern yet historically rich city is full of exciting experiences and flavorful delicacies. If you want to experience something more than touristy pyramid-visiting and antique-surveying, here are few bucket-list ideas for your Cairo travel itinerary.
Café Hopping
Cairo’s café culture is rich in both history and flavor. The city is packed with all kinds of cafes almost around every corner, serving flavorful coffees with Turkish delights. Many of the cafes are over 200 years old. Even at night, these lively spots are more popular than bars among the locals. Don’t miss to enjoy the bustling scene of Cairo with relishing incredible Turkish coffee and delicious treats from any roadside café.
Visiting the Mohammed Ali Mosque
Right in the Citadel of Cairo, there is the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, commonly known as the Alabaster Mosque. This historic mosque was built between 1830 and 1848, commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha, in memory of his oldest son. With its two iconic points and tall domes, this stunning mosque is the first visible sight from every entry point of the city, making it one of the most prominent landmarks of Cairo. It also features a strikingly beautiful interior. Visit this mosque to experience the deeply rooted religious culture of the city. Don’t forget to wear shoulders and knees covering respectful dresses while visiting.
Shopping in Souks
Visiting local markets is always an enriching experience of any travel. Particularly in Cairo, local markets or souks, also known as bazaars, come with colorful trinkets and aromatic treats. Bustling with all its sights smells and sounds, these bazaars give you an incredible opportunity to savor true Egyptian culture up-front. For the best souvenir hunt, pop into fascinating Khan el-Khalili, one of the famous historic bazaars of the city, full of traditional artworks crafted by Egyptian artisans. Right in the city center, this souk has been the center of trade since the 10th century.