travel tips | cairo (eng.)

CAIRO

TRAVEL TIPS

VISÃO GERAL ATRAÇÕESTRANSPORTE COMPRAS ONDE FICAR ONDE COMEROVERVIEW ATTRACTIONSTRANSPORTATION SHOPPINGWHERE TO STAY WHERE TO EAT

OVERVIEW

Cairo, the “mother of all cities” (as it is referred to by its inhabitants), is one of Africa’s largest and most populous cities. Greater Cairo is home to about 18 million people, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

Located on the banks and islands of the Nile River, the city of Cairo itself can be divided into three regions.

The downtown region of Cairo, centered on Midan Tahri (“Tahrir Square”), was built on the model of Paris in the mid-19th century, and is marked by wide boulevards, public gardens, and open spaces. The area boasts numerous museums and contemporary art galleries.

Old Cairo, was probably first settled during the 6th Century BC. Later, the Romans erected a fortress here known as Babylon. Today the area is known as “Coptic Cairo” after the Copts, Egyptians whose ancestors embraced Christianity in the first centuries after Christ. Today the area features several old Coptic churches as well as Ben Ezra Synagogue - the oldest in Egypt. The

ruins of the old city of Fustat, the first Islamic city in the area, are also close by.

And then there’s “Islamic Cairo”. The hundreds of ancient mosques that give the city one of its many nicknames, “City of the Thousand Minarets”, are located in this part of the city. This area is rich in Islamic history and culture. Highlights of this district include the Alabaster Mosque at the Citadel and the vibrant Khan el Khalili market. Cairo, of course, is also associated with Ancient Egypt due to its proximity to the pyramids and the Great Sphinx in nearby Giza.

There are really only two seasons in Cairo, winter and summer. Cairo’s winter, from November through April, is generally mild with daytime highs of between 55°F (13°C) and 66°F (19°C). Temperatures at night can drop to the 40s Fahrenheit (10°C).

In March and April, the hot ‘khamsin’ wind blows across from the western desert and can at times fill the air in Cairo with sand and dust.

DUFRY TRAVEL TIPSCAIRO

Some travelers also avoid travelling to Egypt during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim year when Muslims fast from the rising to the setting of the sun. At this time of year many street restaurants don’t open, and tourist sites usually close at least two hours earlier than usual, causing a shorter time for visiting. On the other hand, at night all the coffee shops are open and full of people who stay up till the early hours of the morning.

In the summer, May to October, temperatures can reach as high as 104°F (40°C). Cairo is not only hot during at this time of year, but also humid. This can make it quite uncomfortable especially from July through September.

As in most destinations, the weather really determines the best time to visit. Because it gets very, very hot in the summer, the best time to visit is in the cooler months between November and March.


TRANSPORT

Cairo’s density makes it possible to see the main sites on foot. However, if you are not one for walking or you want to go to a little further field, there are many forms of transport available to you.

METROCairo is home to Africa’s first and most expansive metro system. Although its two lines are limited in scope, it is a fully functioning, modern and sleek system. Buy your tickets at the station and hold on to them until you exit at your destination station. Trains run from 5:30 a.m. to midnight, and the first carriage of each train is reserved for women only.

TAXISThe streets of Cairo are well supplied with taxis. You can hail one from any corner of any street, so getting one isn’t a problem. Fares vary and should be negotiated before getting in. Taxis from hotels tend to cost double that of hailed taxis. In Cairo taxis, single men sit in the front, single women in the back. It is not unusual for taxi drivers to pick up extra passengers along the way, so don’t be alarmed if this happens.

BUSESThere are also bus and minibus services operating in Cairo. They are cheap, but unfortunately they are unreliable and are often overcrowded. To use them you need to speak and read at least a little Arabic as the signs indicating the destination are often in Arabic and bus drivers rarely speak English.

CAR

Driving in Cairo takes getting used to as few road rules are adhered to, traffic is heavy at all times and streets are poorly signposted. Car rental agencies in Egypt require that drivers be at least 25 years old and carry an International Driving Permit.


ATTRACTIONS

There is no shortage of places to visit in and around Cairo.

THE PYRAMIDS AND THE SPHINX OF GIZAThe Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the world’s oldest tourist attractions and the last surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. There are in fact three main pyramids in Giza; the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops),

the Pyramid of Kafhre and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaura. Each Pyramid is a tomb to a different Egyptian king.

SPHINXIn front of the pyramids lies the Sphinx, or Abu al-Hol in Arabic, “Father of Terror”, eternally facing east to the rising Sun God Re. Carved out of a single block of stone, this enormous cat-like sculpture has mesmerized millions of visitors. After sunset, you can see the Pyramids illuminated against the night sky as the Sphinx tells you its story during the famous Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids.

THE SOLAR BOAT MUSEUMIt’s located behind the Great Pyramid and houses the reconstructed funerary boat of Khufu. The dismantled pieces of this boat were found in 1954 buried on that very site. Visitors can get a stunning close up view of the boat. The boat is fully capable of navigating, and ropes are used to keep the pieces together. The Solar Boat may have been used only once, on the pharaoh’s ceremonial final journey.

OLD (COPTIC) CAIRO (MASR AL-QADIMA)As we have already pointed out, Coptic Cairo is the oldest part of the city, and is the original site of Roman built Babylon. This part of Cairo has been inhabited for more than 2000 years. It is the centre of the Coptic Christian community and where you’ll find most of Egypt’s churches. Highlights include the Hanging Church which is the centre of Coptic worship and the Ben Ezra synagogue, Egypt’s oldest synagogue.

THE HANGING CHURCH (THE CHURCH OF THE VIRGIN MARY)It’s possibly the oldest Christian church in Egypt, dating to around the 4th-century. It was built on top of one of the old fortress gatehouses of the Roman fortress with its nave suspended over the passage. Dedicated to Virgin Mary and properly known as Sitt Mariam, or St. Mary’s, it is one of Cairo’s most beautiful churches.

BEN EZRAIt’s one of the oldest synagogues in Egypt. Set in a shady garden, it was built on the site of a 4th-century Christian church, which the Copts had to sell in the 9th-century to enable them to pay

taxes. The synagogue was severely damaged by Arabs after the 1967 war with Israel, but it has been almost completely renovated.

ISLAMIC CAIROIt’s worth exploring Islamic Cairo’s narrow streets and bazaars. Here you will be able to visit the cities many mosques, including the Mosque of Mohammed Ali in the Citadel, the Ibn Tulun Mosque, the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa, and the Al-Azhar Mosque and University.

THE CAIRO CITADEL (EL-QAL’A)A highly visible landmark on Cairo’s eastern skyline, it’s one of the cities most popular tourist attractions and one of the world’s greatest monuments to medieval warfare. The fortifications were first built to repel the Crusaders and became the royal residence for sultans well into the 19th century.

THE MOHAMMAD ALI (ALABASTER) MOSQUEIn the Citadel, with its huge central dome and four semi-domes, was begun in 1830 (finished in 1857) by Mohammad Ali Pasha, ruler of Egypt at the time. The mosque is the tomb of Mohammad Ali and is also known as the Alabaster Mosque because of the extensive use of this fine material. From the arcaded courtyard, visitors have a magnificent view across the city of Cairo to the pyramids in Giza. Perhaps because of its location, it is one of the most frequented Mosques by tourists.

IBN TULUN MOSQUEIt was built of mud bricks and, at approximately 26,318 square meters in size, is the third largest mosque in the world. It is the oldest mosque in Egypt and it has survived in its fairly original form.


THE SULTAN HASSAN MOSQUE AND MADRASA (SCHOOL)It was built between 1356 and 1363, and is believed to be one of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture in Cairo. The mosque is also considered one of the largest, not only in Cairo but in the whole Islamic world, measuring some 492 feet (150 meters) long and 118 feet (36 meters) high. The highest minaret is 223 feet (68 meters) tall.

AL-AZHAR MOSQUEIt’s connected to Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest operating universities in the world. The mosque is a magnificent structure that reflects many centuries of styles. Entrance is through the 15th-century Barber’s Gate and leads into a great courtyard (sahn), which dates from the 10th century. The courtyard is overlooked by three stately minarets. Tourists may enter the beautiful prayer hall, which is warmly carpeted and supported by alabaster pillars.

It’s important to remember when visiting Cairo’s mosques that all visitors must remove shoes at entrance. Women must cover their arms, legs, and shoulders, and should cover their heads. Scarves are usually available to borrow.

THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUMA lot of what looters didn’t take with them from the tombs of the Pharaohs, ended up in the Egyptian museum. The museum attracts thousands of visitors every year. Objects taken from King Tutankhamen’s tomb should not be missed. The boy-king’s death-mask made of solid gold has been described as the most beautiful object ever made. Throughout the rest of the museum you will find countless ancient Egyptian artefacts dating back thousands of years. The museum is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.

CITY OF THE DEAD (QARAFA)This may not sound like the liveliest part of Cairo to visit, but this huge necropolis on the East side of Cairo is in fact home to several million Cairenes. A vast ‘living cemetery’ as it were makes it a fascinating place to visit. Ornate tombs have become the living quarters for many of Cairo’s poor and their place of business too. However, it is advisable not to enter this area unless in a supervised tour or with a reputable and trustworthy guide.

CAIRO TOWERFrom the top of the Cairo Tower, located on Gezira Island (Zemalak), You can get one of the best panoramic views of Cairo. This 187 meter tall tower that fans out slightly at the top, is said to imitate a lotus plant, and is one of the world’s tallest towers. The tower is open from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day.

WHERE TO STAY

There are plenty of accommodation options in Cairo. Perhaps the best way to narrow down your choices is to decide if you want a hotel in the centre of town, near the airport, or in some of the finer, quieter neighbourhoods, or near the Pyramids.

The downtown area radiating from Midan Tahri is not a quiet place, but it is certainly convenient, being in the actual modern centre of the city and having easy access to the Metro and the main railway station. Hotels in this area are relatively close to sites such as: The Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo, the Citadel, the most

famous mosques, and Khan Khalili Bazaar. The main concentration of budget hotels/hostels is to be found here, however, there are also some luxury type hotels in the area.

Zamalek is a high class residential area on the island of Gezirah. It is centrally located and is greener and more pleasant than the downtown area, with less traffic and noise and plenty of nice shops and good places to eat. Zamalek offers a limited selection of hotels, but you will find some 5-star hotels there and a number of small friendly good standard hotels. If you want a central location, but prefer to be able to walk around easily and enjoy the local area, then Zamalek is a good choice.

Heliopolis is another pleasant district to stay in, but it’s a long way from the places of interest in Cairo. However, it is very close to Cairo International Airport.


And, finally, there’s the Pyramid area. A long straight street called “Pyramids Street” runs from near Cairo University all the way to the Pyramids in Giza on the west bank of the Nile. The area around the Pyramids is not very attractive or easy to walk in, but it does have some very pleasant hotels with good views of the Pyramids and nice pool and garden areas. The Pyramids area is well connected to the city centre and when the traffic is good, the drive takes about 30 minutes. If you are mainly interested in relaxing with views of the Pyramids, slightly cleaner air and less traffic noise, then the Pyramids area will be the obvious choice.

DINING OUT

Cairo has an enormous number of restaurants, catering to most needs. Dining out can range from stand-up sandwich bars to luxurious five-course meals.

Many of the best restaurants, frequented by locals as well as visitors, are found in the international hotels; in Zamalek, Mohandiseen and other more affluent parts of town; and on Nile boats.

In general, downtown is good for budget eating where inexpensive establishments serve good Egyptian food for only a few

pounds. The dishes are simple; made with naturally ripened fruits and vegetables and seasoned with fresh spices. Menus are in both Arabic and English.

Understanding some of the traditional items on the menu in Cairo:

Bread (aysh) — is the mainstay of the Egyptian diet and it comes in several forms. The most common is a pita type made either with refined white flour, or with coarse, whole wheat. Stuffed with any of several fillings, it becomes the Egyptian sandwich.

Beans (ful) — Along with aysh, the native bean (ful) supplies most of Egypt’s people with their daily meals. Ful can be cooked several ways: in ful midamess, the whole beans are boiled, with vegetables if desired, and then mashed with onions, tomatoes, and spices. This mixture is often served with an egg for breakfast. A similar sauce, cooked down into a paste is the filling for the sandwiches sold on the street. Alternatively, ful beans are soaked,

minced, mixed with spices, formed into patties (called ta’miyya in Cairo), and deep-fried. These patties, garnished with tomatoes, lettuce, and tahina (an oil paste of sesame seeds), are stuffed into aysh and sold on the street.

Molokhiyya — A leafy, green, summer vegetable, molokhiyya is distinctively Egyptian, and locals will proudly serve you their traditional thick soup made from it. The chopped leaves are generally stewed in chicken stock, and served with or without pieces of chicken, rabbit, or lamb. This soup can also be served with crushed bread or over rice. If you’re served it straight, it’s polite to dunk your aysh.

Mezze — small dishes usually served with drinks. Those resembling dips are made with tahini, that can be mixed with oil and seasoned with garlic or chili and lemon can be served alone, but when combined with mashed aubergine and served as a dip or sauce for salads, it’s called baba-ghanoug. Tahini also forms the base for many general-purpose sauces served with fish and meats and replaces mayonnaise on Egyptian sandwiches.

Soups and Salads — In addition to molokhiyya, the Egyptians make a variety of meat (lahhma), vegetable (khudaar), and fish (samak) soups known collectively as shurbah, and all are delicious. Salads (salata) can be made of greens, tomatoes, potatoes, or eggs, as well as with beans and yogurt. In Western-type salad bars, you can make a whole meal of the fresh produce for a few pounds.


SHOPPING

Cairo is a shopper’s paradise. Historically, traders came here from all over the world to sell or barter their goods. Today, whether you are looking for an everyday souvenir or for something a little more valuable, the city offers a wealth of both exotic and modern shopping opportunities. As well as the traditional bazaars (souks), visitors will be pleased to discover that shopping in Cairo can include stops by national chains for basics, as well as independent shops, boutiques and shopping malls for more unique purchases.

Most new malls have large food courts, international branded boutiques and department stores, as well as multi-screen cinema complexes.

SHOPPING CENTRESWorld-class modern shopping centres have proliferated in Cairo in recent years. City Star Shopping Mall is one of the biggest in the region, and maybe even the Middle East. It houses over 10 internationally known coffee shops and dozens of internationally known restaurants. You will find all your famous international and Egyptian brands are here, and there is almost an entire floor dedicated as an upscale Khan al Khalili.

FASHIONCairo is the fashion centre of the Arabic world and it is very interesting to have a look in the Cairo fashion scene. Most of the popular places

are cantered in Heliopolis. There are a number of new and hip boutiques on Horreya Street, off El Mirghany.

EGYPTIAN CRAFTSKhan Ibn Tulun, behind the Ibn Tulun Mosque is a great shop for high quality Egyptian crafts such as high quality pottery, Bedouin crafts, jewellery, clothing, decorative items.

COPPERWAREAn-Nahassin, the Street of the Coppersmiths is the place to go to find a good choice of brass and copperware. Large engraved brass trays are popular and can be bought complete with a wooden stand to turn them into a coffee table. More easily transported are cups, bowls, plates and ornamental trays.

OPENING HOURSNormal opening hours for shops are Monday to Saturday from about 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. but in summer they close between roughly 12:30 and 4 p.m.

STREET MARKETSOne of the pleasures of Cairo is to get lost in its bazaars (souks) and enjoy the diversity of sounds, sights and smells. There are a huge variety of items to purchase in the souks including items made of brass and copper, boxes and ornaments made of inlaid wood, leather goods such as shoes, bags and belts, perfumes and jewelery.

Khan el-Khalili — This medieval bazaar is probably the most famous in the Arab world with its warren of winding streets and twisting


alleyways. To wander through this ancient shopping mall with its amazing number of shops, stalls, and carts is a pleasure even if you don’t intend to buy anything. You could easily spend a day taking it all in. There are wonderful brass ornaments and fixtures for sale as well as some of the loveliest mosaics you’ll find anywhere. The perfume shops of the bazaar are particularly memorable; suffused with spice and floral scents and decorated with plush Oriental carpets and beautiful crystal chandeliers they’re run by clerks who can mix any fragrance you desire. Gold is one of the main reasons to come to the Khan, with a wide variety of shops selling jewelery in the lower part of the area’s main street.

Though Friday is the Muslim holy day, many shops are open. A lot of shops close on Sundays.

Other street markets worth visiting are Wekala al-Balaq for fabrics, Tentmakers Bazaar for appliqué-work, Mohammed Ali Street for musical instruments.

Bargaining – Haggling is a way of life in Egypt, especially in the bazaars, and you should not be afraid to try, as prices are inflated for visitors. Haggling is meant to be fun. If the final price is between half and two-thirds of the original asking price, then both parties should be happy.

CURRENCYThe unit of currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP; symbol E£). There are 100 piastres in one Egyptian Pound. Notes come in denominations of E£200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1. There are also 50-piastre and 25-piastre notes.

The smaller the note denomination, the smaller its physical size. There are coins of 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 piastres. There’s also a 1-pound coin.

Egyptian notes are written in two languages, Arabic and English. The Arabic side of the note has engravings of architecturally and historically important mosques. The English side depicts the legacy of Ancient Egypt, with engravings of figures, statues and temples.

Currency exchange is available at banks, official bureaux de change and most hotels, and all major international currencies are accepted. Banks offer a better exchange rate than bureaux de change or hotels. Banking hours in Cairo are from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday to Thursday.

Major credit cards are accepted, but generally only in bigger hotels or restaurants in Cairo and restaurants in tourist areas.

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travel tips | cairo (eng.)

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