Cairo & The Pyramids of Giza

The last trip in our volunteering program was the one to Cairo and the prestigious Pyramids of Giza. However, if you are looking for lesser known attractions in Egypt, you should check out the Black & White Desert. Most of our trips started from Cairo. So, by the time we visited it, I had already gotten a glimpse of the city.

Cairo

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, located on the Nile River, has a population of around 10 million people. It has long been a center of political and cultural life. It is also titled “the city of a thousand minarets” because of its Islamic architecture. At its heart is Tahrir Square and the vast Egyptian Museum. Here you can see royal mummies and gilded King Tutankhamun artifacts. Nearby, Giza is the site of the iconic pyramids and Great Sphinx, dating to the 26th century BC.

Even though Cairo is a Muslim city, the nightlife is quite lively here. During our stay we only got to experience a bit of it. The center of nightlife in Cairo is the Zamalek district and the Downtown area. There are 24-hour clubs, pubs, upscale restaurants and cafés. I also recommend these districts for breakfast or even lunch as you can get a lot of nicer options.

Pyramids of Giza

We began our first day in Cairo with the Pyramids of Giza. They include the Great Pyramid of Giza (Pyramid of Khufu-Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. The Necropolis also contains their associated pyramid complexes and the Great Sphinx of Giza. All were built during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, between 2600 and 2500 BC.

The monumental structures, considered one of the Seven Wonders, were indeed impressive. The pyramids were definitely on my travel bucket list, so I am glad I got the opportunity to visit them. During our visit there was also a contemporary art display so that was a really nice addition to our tour. Even though it was end of October, the weather was extremely hot in desert. We took a break and enjoyed a cold hibiscus tea gazing at the sun setting behind the pyramids.

Khan el-Khalili Market

In the evening we went hunting for cheap souvenirs in the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Very popular among tourists, it is also home to many Egyptian artisans and workshops producing traditional crafts. While strolling the market, you may find your eyes becoming lost among the mix of merchandise on display. There are a variety of goods to purchase here. From sparkling silverware, gold artefacts and antiques, to stained-glass lamps, spices and handmade accessories. All at very cheap prices. I got myself a traditional shisha, some bracelets for a couple of friends, a pair Egyptian pant for my sister.

Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Our accommodation in Cairo was quite an unpleasant dirty hostel. We left the next day as soon as possible. We visited first the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. It is certainly not one of the most historic mosques in Cairo. But, because of its grandeur and its location in the Citadel, it is the most popular Islamic mosque among tourists. It is also referred to as the Alabaster Mosque due to its extensive use of that particular stone. The panoramic view over Cairo was spectacular and the mosque itself gave us a taste of the Islamic religion and culture.

The Egyptian Museum

Next on the itinerary was the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Known commonly as the Egyptian Museum or the Cairo Museum, it is home to an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities. They include royal mummies and gilded King Tutankhamun artifacts. The boy king died age just 19. He was buried with incomprehensible amounts of treasure, most of which are on display. In my opinion, the museum was not really organized. Labelling of the exhibits wasn’t great and there was a general lack of signposting and maps. I suggest getting a guide if you are planning a visit there.

Cairo is a beautiful yet chaotic capital. So different from what I was used to in Europe. I will tell you more about the cultural differences I encountered in a future post. Until then, check this amazing documentary by TravelInsideWorld: