Cairo, the vibrant and lively capital of Egypt, harmoniously blends its millennia-old history with modern culture in constant transformation. The city is full of treasures to explore, from majestic pyramids to bustling markets.
While many travellers come to marvel at the pyramids and the Sphinx, Cairo offers numerous other historical sites and neighbourhoods worth visiting. Sure, the city is often associated with its dust, chaotic traffic, oppressive heat, and bewildering nature, but I encourage you to set aside these preconceptions and experience the city for yourself.
A city at the crossroads of epochs, Cairo combines tradition and modernity: donkey carts advance on dusty roads while just a few meters away, honking cars crowd the streets. Discovering Cairo means embracing its unique and disorderly charm—an experience that may not appeal to everyone, but one that remains unforgettable. Welcome to Egypt!
A Night Arrival in Cairo
Our Egyptian adventure began unusually. Arriving in the heart of the night in Cairo, this nocturnal entrance to the city immediately plunged us into an atmosphere that was both mysterious and vibrant: dark streets, a few lingering silhouettes, and—surprise—a police checkpoint (perhaps related to the presidential elections happening a few days later?). We had to finish the journey on foot at 3 a.m., in a city where women rarely go out late at night. Undeterred, our driver (arranged through our accommodation) guided us through deserted alleyways to reach our lodging in the heart of Downtown.
For more information about our accommodation, check out my article on my Egyptian itinerary.
Egypt – Itinerary and reflections of a budding Egyptologist
In the morning, our room, though functional, revealed its somewhat rickety nature. This charming detail ultimately added to the sense of being elsewhere and gave an extra touch of authenticity. After a quick coffee (and a breakfast we politely skipped), we decided to start exploring Cairo on foot. Two young women strolling through the city, which might seem intimidating to some, actually went off without a hitch. We indeed stood out in streets not frequented by tourists. Curious gazes were plentiful, sometimes insistent, but never intrusive or inappropriate. After 2.5 kilometres of immersive strolling through bustling streets, we reached our first stop: the legendary Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Khan el-Khalili: A Bazaar of All Kinds
The Khan el-Khalili bazaar exceeds all expectations (well, it’s easy to say that because I had none). A true labyrinth of narrow streets, it overflows with colours, scents, and sounds. From stalls overflowing with enticingly fragrant spices to shop windows sparkling with jewellery and handmade crafts, and the cheerful cacophony of enthusiastic vendors calling out to passers-by while customers fervently haggle, the souk’s atmosphere immediately drew us in. Sure, Khan el-Khalili has a very touristy and well-rehearsed side, but that doesn’t detract from its charm: it’s a whirlwind of energy where it’s delightful to get lost and savour every moment.
Like any good souk, the golden rule here is to haggle, and it’s best to arm yourself with patience (and a persistent smile). A quick tip: beware of vendors inviting you into the back room for “golden deals” or items that, upon closer inspection, discreetly but disappointingly display “Made in China.” Thankfully, authentic souvenirs awaited us in the later stages of our journey.
On our way, we were struck by the unusual presence of many police officers in the streets. After a few exchanges, we learned that it was a heightened security measure due to the elections. Preferring caution, we decided to change our mode of transportation for the rest of the day. That’s how we opted for Uber, a solution I highly recommend to anyone visiting Cairo. Fast, convenient, and affordable, it’s an excellent way to explore the city.
The Egyptian Museum: A Journey into Ancient Egypt’s Grandeur
Our Cairo adventure wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to the mythical Egyptian Museum, a true sanctuary for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
As soon as we arrived, we were captivated by the elegance of this historic building and also approached by numerous guides eager to explain anything and everything to us. That wasn’t our style: our trusted travel guide, Le Routard, had dedicated several pages to the museum, which greatly helped us navigate through.
We were enveloped in a solemn and captivating atmosphere when we stepped through the museum’s doors. The high ceilings and lighting lend the place a sense of grandeur and mystery, as if each exhibited object whispered the secrets of a distant past. The air is charged with historical energy, and it’s impossible not to feel deep respect for these millennia-old relics.
The museum’s galleries are a true labyrinth of discoveries. The most impressive pieces include the funerary treasures of Tutankhamun, with his famous golden mask that instantly captures every gaze, and the collection of royal mummies—a fascinating yet somewhat unsettling reminder of the Egyptian obsession with eternity. For the budding Egyptologist within me, every room is a living lesson: the detailed hieroglyphic inscriptions, colossal statues, and everyday tools provide invaluable insights into life and death in Ancient Egypt.
One can’t help but imagine exploring these artefacts in their original context, unearthed from the desert sands. In this museum, a wave of nostalgia instantly transported me to Evelyn Carnahan, The Mummy Saga’s fearless and spirited heroine. Remember, she worked as a librarian in this very museum at the start of the film. It was an irresistible nod to my childhood memories, where adventure and Ancient Egypt were already at the forefront.
The Egyptian Museum is much more than just a place of exhibition—it is a true dive into Egypt’s fascinating millennia-old history. Every room seems to suspend time, offering visitors a unique chance to immerse themselves in the past at their own pace. Hours slip away unnoticed, as every artifact tells a captivating story. Yet, we had to tear ourselves away from this enchanting atmosphere to continue our day—not without a twinge of regret.
As I write these lines a year later, I still feel that thrill of wonder. My deep connection to Ancient Egypt has not faded; on the contrary, it has only grown stronger (I was supposed to return in November 2024). I know I will return, eager to learn even more about this fascinating civilization. With the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which allows for a direct transition to the Giza Pyramid complex, the excitement is palpable. I can’t wait to immerse myself once again in this unique world and reconnect with the vast richness of Egyptian history!
A Cosmopolitan Break in a Modern Neighborhood
After this dive into ancient history, we needed a break to gather our thoughts and satisfy our appetites. We took an Uber to a more cosmopolitan district of Cairo, where a completely different side of the city emerged. Here, the contrast with the chaotic and traditional ambience of the bazaars was striking: clean streets, trees, numerous embassies, and even a Starbucks! I couldn’t tell you exactly where we were, but it was a pleasant moment to enjoy a simple meal, comfortably seated in a small restaurant with Western influences—perfect for recharging our batteries before the next leg of our journey.
Heading to the Pyramids: A First Encounter with Eternity
Rested and ready to continue our exploration, we opted for Uber again (truly a blessing in this city). This time, our destination brought us closer to the dream that had drawn me to Egypt: the pyramids of Giza.
Excitement grew as we left Cairo’s bustling centre and ventured toward its outskirts, where the city gives way to the vastness of the desert. Even from the car, catching sight of the pyramids on the horizon was a magical, almost surreal moment. These stone giants, guardians of history for thousands of years, promised an experience that would exceed all our expectations.
Summary of Our Day in Cairo
Our first day in Cairo was a perfect introduction to Egypt: immersing ourselves in the alleys of Khan el-Khalili, facing the city’s organized chaos, and diving into history at the Egyptian Museum. Cairo’s raw charm, with its blend of tradition and modernity, leaves no one indifferent. This day was just a glimpse, but it already instilled in us a profound sense of wonder for all this country has to offer. Cairo is a city that doesn’t leave anyone untouched. It charms, it challenges, but above all, it fascinates.
And for the Next Visit to Cairo?
Cairo has so much to offer that we can’t help but think of everything we’d like to explore on a future visit. Here are a few ideas at the top of our list:
- The Ibn Tulun Mosque: One of Egypt’s oldest mosques, renowned for its unique architecture and expansive spaces, offering a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
- The Citadel of Cairo: A must-visit historic site with imposing walls, fascinating museums, and panoramic views of the entire city.
- The Coptic Quarter: The cradle of Egyptian Christianity, this neighbourhood is filled with ancient churches, charming alleys, and a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the energy of the rest of Cairo.
