Cairo, a journey through time
Cairo, a vibrant and ancient city, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern life. With its iconic pyramids, bustling bazaars, and delicious cuisine, Cairo promises an unforgettable experience. I was so excited to be heading to Cairo, mainly for the pyramids and to sail down the Nile. After I had done some research I discovered Saqqara and the Egyptian Museum, which made me even more excited to visit!
Giza Pyramids: A Timeless Marvel
No visit to Cairo is complete without a trip to the Giza Pyramids. These magnificent structures, built over 4,500 years ago, stand as a testament to the ingenuity and power of the ancient Egyptians. As you gaze upon the Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest pyramid ever built, you’ll be awestruck by its sheer size and architectural brilliance.
We took a Bolt to the Giza complex, it’s so cheap and it was a fun way to see a lot of the city. You can expect some hassle when you arrive but it was nowhere near as bad as I had expected. Once there you can purchase your tickets from machines, this makes it easier to take your time and pick which tickets you want.
Once in its incredible, I already had tears welling up as they came into sight on the journey in. Once there I couldn’t believe how big they are, and how they could construct sometimes like this 4500 years ago. We got there around 10 and it wasn’t too busy, bearing in mind it was a Saturday too. We took our time and wandered around the three pyramids. Heading down to the Sphinx suddenly it was crazy busy, but incredible to see it up close and personal.
We got tickets to go into the main Khufu pyramid, and it was a little underwhelming. It’s like a sauna inside and the funniest part was just seeing people not coping at all with the cramped space and heat. You squeeze up into a chamber where there is just a small tomb and then head back out. Honestly it was fun but there isn’t much to see.
Saqqara: The City of the Dead
Just a short drive from Cairo, Saqqara is an ancient necropolis that offers a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. Explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s first pyramid, and wander through the vast cemetery, where you’ll find countless tombs and pyramids.
I absolutely loved it here, I booked a driver to take me on the 30km journey here. It was a great drive, and like Giza you pick what type of ticket you want when you arrive. I included the Serapeum, a burial tomb for sacred bulls, and the main Saqqara site.
Once I had explored all of Saqqara, my tour included nearby Memphis, the ancient capital. Although there isn’t much remaining, it’s definitely worth it to see the giant statues and learn a little more about one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
Egyptian Museum: A Treasure Trove
The Egyptian Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Housed within its walls is an incredible collection of artifacts, including mummies, jewelry, and statues. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Tutankhamun’s golden mask and sarcophagus, a sight that will leave you breathless.
This place is amazing, so much history about ancient Egypt. I was just in awe at the scale of some of the stuff there, and the opulence! Some of the funeral wear is incredibly detailed, and so lavish. Seeing all the hieroglyphics really brought the inner child out of me, I’m sure I had a huge grin the whole way round.
Koshary: A Taste of Egypt
No trip to Cairo is complete without trying koshary, Egypt’s national dish. This hearty and flavorful meal is a mix of rice, lentils, macaroni, and chickpeas, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy onions. It’s a delicious and affordable way to experience Egyptian cuisine. We went to the most famous of all Koshary places, Abou Tarek, find a seat and order the one dish they do. It’s so kitsch I loved it, and the fried bread and rice pudding were delicious add-ons.
After this we headed over to Zamalek, an island on the Nile, we sat at one of the Sheesha bars and watched the boats up and down the Nile. Then wandered through the green streets to Rooftop Zamalek, a bar overlooking the Nile which was so cool.
Head to the Nile hotel and go through reception, take the lift to the 4th floor and up some stairs. It’s a little rough and ready but in the best possible way. The views across the city were awesome!
Useful to Know
* LGBTQ: While same-sex sexual acts are not explicitly criminalized, the state uses morality provisions to criminalise homosexual conduct. We stayed in a Hilton with one bed and were fine. Outside of that we were mindful of PDA.
* Traffic: Cairo is notorious for its heavy traffic. Be prepared for long commutes, especially during rush hour. It can be a bit daunting. To cross the road you just have to be confident and weave between traffic.
* Tours and Transportation: Guided tours are a great way to see the sights and learn about the history and culture of Cairo. Uber and Bolt are convenient options for getting around the city, and they take away and haggling or overcharging concerns.
* Smog: While Cairo is a fascinating city, it’s important to be aware of the air pollution. Consider wearing a mask, especially when outdoors. The smog seemed to be worse in the morning and clear as the day went on.
Despite its challenges, Cairo is a city that will captivate your heart and soul. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food, Cairo offers an unforgettable experience.
ALWAYSANOVICE 