Introduction
Located in northern Egypt, where the Nile river splits into the Rosetta and Damietta branches, Cairo is the capital city of the country. One of the largest and oldest cities on earth, it has been under Greek, Roman, Turkish, Libyan, French and British domination in the past.

What to do
Few cities can present such a vast range of impressions than those associated with Cairo. Sprawling from the Nile to the Delta, the tourist requires several days to fully experience this mystic city. It is a hotpotch of ancient mystery and modern life-modern highrises peeking out from among hundred-year-old tenements and thousand-year-old minarets and mosques. One should not forget to check out its most modern area-the West Bank consisting of the Al Azhar University (the oldest university in the world), the wealthy suburb of Zamalek, and the apartment blocks of Dokki.

City at a Glance

Latitude 29°52' N Longitude 31°0' E Population 15 million Language Arabic, French, English Religion Islam

History
The Egyptians have been known for their hospitality, right from Biblical times when the Holy family from Bethlehem came looking for a room. Legend has it that the Holy Family had stayed in Cairo during their flight to Egypt. Cairo has been a refuge for hundreds of centuries for Arabs, Greeks, Turks, Romans, French and English travellers, navigating to and from Asia to Europe.

Standing alongside the river Nile, Cairo's history has been sharply divided into different ages, the most fascinating of them being the Pharoanic age, when the Pharoahs ruled Egypt. To the Egyptians, Cairo is known as Misr, meaning 'capital' illustrating the importance of Cairo to its country .

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Summers in Cairo are hot and dry, while winters are mild to cold at nights. In March and April, the hot, dusty Khamsin wind blows from the Sahara desert sometimes making conditions unpleasant. Rainfall is very less. The cold season from November to February is the best time to visit Cairo.

Attractions
Egyptian Museum
This museum contains the largest and one of the most impressive collections of Pharaonic and Byzantine art and sculpture. The statues of Akhenetan and the treasures of Tutankhamun are a must-see for tourists.

Tehrir (Revolution) Square
This is the focal point of downtown Cairo. This area is characterized by Tall Neoclassical French city blocks built in the middle of the 19th century.

The Cairo Tower
This tower situated on an island near the Gezira Sports Club offers a wonderful view of the city. It stands amidst grand town houses in an elite neighborhood.

Khan-el-Khalili Bazaar
This is an area of narrow winding alleys where one can bargain for traditional leather goods, brassware and fine quality tailor-made clothing.

Old Cairo and Islamic Quarter
A trip around old Cairo takes the visitor back to seven centuries, where one can get a glimpse of ancient Islamic art and architecture. The Ibn Tulun Mosque here is one of the largest mosques in the world.

Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
In south Cairo, a swanky area of casinos and luxury hotels gives way to the rolling sand dunes. Rising from them are the world-famous triple pyramids of Giza, the largest of them containing some three million blocks of stone. The inner yards are made up of deep labyrinthine tunnels and staircases in which the adventurous can go exploring.

Adjacent to the Pyramids of Giza is the massive Sphinx, a structure in stone that is half lion and half man. This was greatly admired by Alexander the Great, Cleopatra and Napoleon.

Others
Saladin's Citadel and the nearby Al Rif'ai and Sultan Hassan Mosque, Coptic Museum, Islamic Arts Museum, and the Al Azhar University are some of the attractions not to be missed.

IMPORTANT FESTIVALS AND EXHIBITIONS
Cairo holds a number of cultural festivals-the song festivals, experimental theatre, and the International Film Festival, to name a few. Also, various sporting festivals like the Nile International Long-Howl Swimming Competition, International Nile Surfing Festival are held in December.

After Hours
Cairo is a perfect blend of traditional Arabian culture and Western culture. The city comes alive at night. It is the best time to shop, eat delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, binge at one of the smoke-filled bars with cool music, or watch belly-dancing and cabarets at luxury hotels and casinos. There are several galleries, concert halls and restaurants at the Opera House Complex. One should not miss Arabian music under the stars or attend those open-air theatres. The most attractive after-dark experience is the Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids.

SHOPPING
Cairo offers various shopping opportunities to the the visitor. The markets of Cairo are abuzz with activity at night. The Khan Khalili Bazaar, the Haraneya carpet market, Kardaseya dressmakers, the numerous shopping centres, are a must visit for the shopper. One can pick up exquisite Egyptian crafts like papyrus, leather, jewellery, brass trays and miniature bottles from the gift shops. Antique buffs can also take home Pharaonic arts of ancient Egypt like handmade reproductions of Egyptian scarabs, statues, papyrus pictures and perfume bottles.

WHERE TO STAY
Most of the luxury hotels and resorts in Cairo are located along the Nile River or the swanky area near the Pyramids. These modern hotels come with top-end facilities and conveniences.

There are hostels that provide safe and inexpensive, dormitory-style accommodation, which has separate quarters for men and women.

WHERE TO EAT
The tourist can taste delicious Middle East cuisine as well as food catering to international tastes at the various restaurants, cafés and luxury hotels.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
Air Travel Resources
The Cairo Internatonal Airport (CAI) is located in Heliopolis 25 km (16 miles) from the city centre. Tourist information is available 24 hours a day.

Cairo is well connected to other cities both within and outside Egypt by air. Egyptair, the national carrier, and Air Sinai have flights from most of the cities.

By Road
Cairo can also be approached by road, though one should avoid night travel. Private companies like West Delta Bus Company, East Delta Bus Company and Superjet run luxury buses with air conditioning and bathrooms.

By Rail
Africa's first railway line was set up in Egypt. It has a well-developed network operating along east-west axis from the Libyan border to Cairo and Alexandria. In Cairo, the suburban railways, which include Africa's first underground railway, provide a rapid transport network for the masses. Local Transport
Taxis and limousines are available from the airport to the city. There are private car rental services from companies like Hertz, Avis and Budget to take the tourist around the city. One should, however, try to avoid minibuses and vans.