Cheap Hotels Cairo
What to see by foot: Cairo
    
The most famous attraction is the group of the Pyramids of Cheops and his two
sons, located at Giza on the city's outskirts. Deemed by the Greeks to be one
of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the pyramids are guarded by the massive
lion-like Sphinx. How the ancient Egyptians managed to build these massive structures
over 5,000 years ago is still a mystery. Every evening a light show which explains
the history of the area theatrically descends on the ancient site.
Cairo's most visited attraction is the world renowned Egyptian Museum, boasting
perhaps the greatest collection of antiquities in the world (more than 100,000
pieces), including King Tutankhamen's gold and lapis mask, and the Royal Mummy
room. The museum is located near the city's bustling main square.
Visiting Islamic Cairo is like stepping back six centuries: it's full of tiny
alleyways, mud-brick houses and food hawkers, as well as goats, camels and donkeys.
The 9th century Mosque of Ibn Tulun is the city's oldest, and presiding over
it is the Citadel, a medieval fortress with its own Al-Azhar Mosque that dominates
the skyline. The Mamluks (Turkish army officers) seized power and ruled from
here for 700 years.
An interesting ancient suburb is Coptic Cairo which has Roman origins; the
Fortress of Babylon is the sole remaining evidence of Christian influence in
the city. There is also a fascinating museum recording young Jesus' visit to
the city.
The rest of Cairo is a chaotic labyrinth, intriguing visitors with its endless
markets, street life, Nile River banks, lovely mosques and Islamic architecture.
Selection of hotels in this region:
InterContinental Semiramis Cairo | | Sheraton Cairo Hotel Towers & Casino | | El Gezirah Sheraton Hotel, Towers & Casino | | Pyramids Park Inter-Continental Resort | | Sheraton Heliopolis, Towers and Casino | | Le Meridien Pyramids | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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