Travel Monday – Cairo, Egypt
Line BreakAuthor: Kathryn Frengs (291 Articles)
Travelfusion's Social Media Officer, I manage all of our online marketing and presence on Twitter, Facebook, our blog and more. I love my job!
Today’s Travel Monday article will take us to northern Africa and Cairo, Egypt. The largest city in Africa and the Arab world, and also one of the most densely-populated cities in the whole world, Cairo offers visitors a plethora of sensory delights. From the sight of ancient pyramids and ottoman artefacts, to the crazy hustle and bustle of the cities’ packed streets to the tastes of the spicy and savoury Egyptian cuisine, Cairo is sure to delight and provides a unique and frenetic experience.
For most people, myself included, Cairo conjures up images of vast stretches of sand, pyramids and ancient times, and these images are not completely false. You can still take camel rides to the desert to enjoy breathtaking vistas and see these ancient marvels for yourself. It’s been one of my travel dreams to one day visit the Giza pyramids and Sphinx, and all of the historical sites to be seen in the area. I’m not sure if I’m brave enough for a camel ride (I’ve heard they SPIT!) but when in Cairo….
Photo credit: mexikids
Photo credit: Ed Yourdon
Photo credit: Ed Yourdon
In such a populous city, the neighbourhoods are packed and dense. There are plenty of corners to explore and discover, and also unique and different cuisine to sample. With history and influences from Ancient Egypt, modern Egyptian cuisine uses plenty of vegetables and legumes that can be readily found in the Nile River Valley. Expect to enjoy plenty of pitta bread, including locally made pittas called “Eish Baladi.” Fava beans, lentils, rice and pasta all make up elements of the nation’s most famous dishes. On your visit to Egypt, you definitely won’t go hungry!
Photo credit: liber
Enjoy a stroll through one of Cairo’s many outdoor markets to sample some of the many fresh fruits and vegetables and spices on offer. Be prepared to haggle for prices and be sure to bring some small bills with you, as most stall owners are not willing or prepared to make change.
Photo credit: Mr Bao
On a first-time visit to Cairo, it’s a good idea to take a guided tour that will take you to plenty of different must-see spots. Ramses Tours and Memphis Tours are both reputable companies that have very positive reviews and ratings. Both offer a variety of different types of tour options – check them out!
Want to experience Cairo yourself? Fly from London to Cairo this summer for an Egyptian getaway. Return flights start at £323 the last weekend of June.
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