Where to stay in Cairo
Where Is Cairo, Egypt?
Situated in northern Egypt, Cairo lies 165 kilometers south of the Mediterranean Sea and 120 kilometers west of the Gulf of Suez and the Suez Canal. The city lies along the eastern bank of the Nile River, immediately south of the point where the river leaves the desert valley and runs into the Nile Delta region.
What Is Cairo, Egypt Known For?
Commonly associated with ancient Egypt due to its close proximity to the Pyramids of Giza and ancient city of Memphis, Cairo has also progressed and developed into a chaotic and magnificent metropolis. The muezzin's call to prayer creates an enchanting melody over the city that mixes with the cacophony of mass human activity, while the 19th century infrastructure still manages to take its rightful place in the modern world. A kaleidoscope of color is alive, full, and bright in every nook and cranny of Cairo.
Popular Attractions in Cairo
- Pyramids of Giza: Located at the edges of the Western Desert and approximately nine kilometers west of the Nile, the Pyramids of Giza is an iconic image that not only embodies Cairo, but Egypt in its totality. Bursting with fascinating ancient legends and sublime beauty, it is not often that one has to wonder why the Pyramids of Giza has been named as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The oldest of the Ancient Wonders and the only one still in existence, the Pyramids of Giza should be the first and foremost item on your Egyptian itinerary.
- Museum of Cairo: Home to an expansive collection of 120,000 ancient Egyptian antiquities, the Museum of Cairo offers a fascinating insight into the treasures of one of the most fascinating periods in history, riddled with legendary tales.
- Khan-Khalili: For any visit to an Arab country, a trip to the local souq must be on your itinerary. Located in the historic center of the city, Khan-Khalili — the most famous bazaar in Egypt — is home to several artisans and workshops that continuously and precariously create stunning handmade crafts and souvenirs. Discover the wealth of artistic craftsmanship, colors, and beauty within this souq, plus pick up a few gifts for you and your loved ones.
Popular Destinations Near Cairo
- Ain Al Sokhna: Just an hour and a half away from Cairo, Ain Al Sokhna is the perfect place to escape from the city to relax and rejuvenate in one of the country’s most laid-back destinations. The smooth and steady rhythm of the sea is bound to wash anyone’s worries away, with the mountainous scenery and quaint atmosphere providing the purest of serenity.
- Fayoum: Located 90 kilometers from Cairo, Fayoum is an oasis that one flees to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Boasting ancient monuments, waterfalls, lakes, and sand dunes, it’s no wonder why one would want to escape to this fun-filled sanctuary. Whether you enjoy the surreal view of the very aptly named Magic Lake or swish down the sand dunes, Fayoum lies in wait for you.
Best Neighborhoods in Cairo
- Downtown Cairo: Downtown Cairo, or “Wist-al-Balad” in Arabic, is truly the epicenter of all activity. Whilst being the center stage of political protests, downtown Cairo has curiously been open knowledge to foreigners, but unfamiliar to natives. With quaint watering holes and cheap cafes being long-time favorites of wandering artists, vagabonds, and nomads, tourists can also discover museums, souqs, and the true essence of Cairo.
Home-types in Cairo
Cairo has a variety of property types for you to consider when booking a trip. Here are the most popular property types in Cairo:
- Hotel: 97 vacation rentals
- Hostel: 78 vacation rentals
- Condo: 74 vacation rentals
- House: 11 vacation rentals
- Bed and Breakfast: 10 vacation rentals
Points of interests in Cairo
Cairo has several popular points of interest for you to check out when visiting the area. Here are the most popular points of interest in Cairo:
- Abdeen Palace Museum: 2,420 vacation rentals
- Mosque of Amr ibn al-As: 2,420 vacation rentals
- Cairo Opera House: 2,420 vacation rentals
- Museum of Islamic Art Cairo: 2,420 vacation rentals
- The Coptic Museum: 2,420 vacation rentals
- Zuwayla Gate: 2,420 vacation rentals
- Mosque of Ibn Tulun: 2,420 vacation rentals
- Bab al-Futuh: 2,420 vacation rentals
- Al-Hussain Mosque: 2,420 vacation rentals
- Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan: 2,420 vacation rentals
