A Journey to Cairo: The Splendor of Ancient Egypt's History and My Personal Travel Experience

Cairo, the capital and largest city of Egypt, is one of the most captivating and unique tourist destinations in the world. It attracts visitors with its incredible blend of ancient history, cultural heritage, and modern charm. If you dream of exploring the amazing world of pharaohs, impressive pyramids, the grandeur of ancient history, and the diversity of Egyptian culture, a journey to Cairo will be an unforgettable adventure. In this article, I will not only provide general information but also share my personal travel experience, tracing the origins of ancient Egyptian civilization from the resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh.

One of the most famous places in Cairo is the Giza Pyramid Complex, which includes the Giza Necropolis, the pyramids of Khafre, Menkaure, and the Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These man-made architectural wonders leave people in awe with their grandeur and enigma. Being there, I experienced indescribable feelings of pure delight. The opportunity to walk on their grounds, see the Sphinx, explore the inner chambers of the pyramids, and feel a part of the millennia-old history of the ancient civilization is what a journey to these giants will offer you.

By the way, did you know that if humanity disappears, in just a couple of thousand years, only structures made of monumental large stone blocks will remain from our civilization? Among these few constructions, the Pyramids of Giza will be included.

In addition to the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo is also known for its incredible museums where you can learn more about ancient Egyptian art and culture. The Egyptian Museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts, including the famous finds from the tomb of Tutankhamun. Visitors can see golden treasures, sculptures, sarcophagi, and numerous other artifacts that provide insight into the lives of the pharaohs and their beliefs.

Undoubtedly, to see all the exhibits displayed in the museum, a single day would not be enough. If you are a passionate Egyptologist, my advice would be to book a private tour with a guide in advance as group tours may not provide as much detail. And if, like me, you arrived independently, make sure you have internet access on your phone. While many exhibits have description plaques in English, there are some artifacts that I simply looked up online by their names. I assure you, it is very interesting and educational. And if you are visiting with children, this approach can be beneficial as it teaches them how to acquire knowledge independently. I am fully convinced that the skill of self-education is one of the most important in life.

However, Cairo is not only a city of ancient history. It is also a bustling modern metropolis where you can find lively streets, modern shopping centers, luxurious hotels, restaurants, and yacht clubs. It's important not to forget that modern Cairo is predominantly influenced by Islamic culture, with its medieval architectural masterpieces, including the Citadel of Saladin and the Sultan Hassan Mosque. Cairo is home to a vast number of religious structures that also belong to Christianity, such as the Orthodox Church of St. George or the famous Hanging Church, also known as the Coptic Church of St. Mary, as it is built on the foundation of a Roman bastion.

Overall, visiting Cairo as a tourist is an unforgettable experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the ancient history and culture of Egypt while simultaneously enjoying the modern aspects of this multifaceted city. However, it is important to be prepared for its peculiarities before visiting Cairo. Below you will find a list of my recommendations for visiting Cairo with tourism purposes, which I share based on my personal experience of traveling to the capital of Egypt.

1. Take into account and check the weather in advance. The temperature in Cairo can be very high not only during the summer. Wear lightweight clothing made of natural fabrics, preferably covering your body to avoid sunburns, and don't forget to wear a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
2. Make sure to carry drinking water with you. In bustling Cairo, there are no issues with finding shops, and water is relatively inexpensive. However, when heading to the pyramids, it's important to have a couple of bottles of water to avoid heat stroke. The cost of beverages within the Giza complex can be several times higher.
3. Always carry antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers with you, and try to avoid buying food from questionable-looking cafes. While experiencing the local culture and cuisine is wonderful, food poisoning is not something you want to encounter during your trip. Personally, I chose to eat at chain cafes after experiencing food poisoning in local restaurants.
4. Cairo is a city with chaotic traffic and a scarcity of traffic lights. In this multi-million metropolis, there are only 9 traffic lights! Exercise extreme caution when crossing the roads and always be vigilant.
5. It's a great tip to visit the museum and the pyramids in the morning. There are usually fewer crowds, and it's also not as hot, especially when it comes to the Giza pyramids. Starting your day early allows you to enjoy the sites with more comfort and better weather conditions.
6. Metro Cairo is generally safe, but it can be very crowded. If you prefer a more comfortable mode of transportation, I recommend using taxis. Taxis in Cairo are affordable, and you can easily book them through ride-hailing apps like Uber, which works reliably in the city. However, if you choose to take a private taxi, it's important to negotiate the price upfront to avoid any misunderstandings.
7. Cairo is a relatively safe city for tourists, both when traveling in groups and individually. However, it is still advisable not to test your luck and venture into ghetto areas. Especially considering that the majority of Cairo's main attractions are located in the city center.

At the end, I would like to reiterate that Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza are truly worth visiting. Be prepared for exciting adventures, captivating landmarks, and the hospitality of the Egyptian people. Cairo awaits you with open arms!