Old Cairo is the land of unspeakable greatness. It’s not just the Pharaonic monuments that have drawn travelers to this city since long before the birth of Christ – it’s the legacy of the Romans and early Christians, and the profusion of art and architecture accumulated from centuries of successive Islamic dynasties. Old Cairo is the living proof that Egypt is the mother of the world. Once you get into that ancient city, you will notice a magnificent portrait of religious harmony, as mosques are standing next to churches. Whomever you are, Muslim or Christian, a historian or just a tourist, being in Old Cairo, namely the area that is now called Mogama3 El Adian (multi-religions compound) will just overwhelm you.

Coptic Cairo
Coptic Cairo is one of Old Cairo’s most archaic parts, and it is the original site of the Roman built Babylon. Some of these Roman walls still exist. Later, it became a Christian stronghold, with as many as 20 churches built within an area of one square mile. There are only five remaining, but these are certainly a must see when visiting Cairo, home of the oldest churches in the world. Its Roman remains and old cobbled alleys are capable of leaving any historian speechless.

The Hanging Church
The Hanging Church or St. Mary’s Church is possibly the most famous Coptic Christian as well as the first built in the Basilican style and simply one of the oldest in Egypt dating back to the 7th Century on the site of the site of an older 3rd and 4th century church. The church got its name for its location, suspending over a passage above the gatehouse of the Roman fortress of Babylon.
Entrance to the Hanging Church is via a beautifully-decorated gate leading into an open courtyard, flanked by mosaics, from which there are 29 steps to the church, the thing that made travelers in the olden days call it the Staircase church. At the top of the stairs are three wooden doors decorated with geometric patterns, framed with decorative carvings in the stone wall.
The church is known for its beautiful collection of restored ancient icons, the oldest of which dates back to the 8th century, and an old iconostasis inlaid with ivory and ebony. Many other artifacts from this church are now displayed in the Coptic Museum, including a lintel showing Christ’s entry into Jerusalem that dates from the 5th or 6th century.
In the 11th century, it became the official residence of Alexandria’s Coptic patriarchs. When you visit this church, your soul will be captured by its impressive marble podium, icons, and friezes.

The Monastery and Church of St. George
There are two churches with the same name, Mar Girgis or St. George Church both commemorating christianity. One is a Greek Orthodox Church which was built in the 10th Century atop a Roman tower, that lends it its unique round shape, was torn down by fire and rebuilt in 1904.
The other Church of St. George was founded in 684 and rebuilt later after a fire tore it down in 1857. The only surviving chamber holds some real works of art, like the ceiling with colored frescos. It’s also believed that the Holy family rested where the church is standing, during their journey to Egypt.
The St George convent is an ancient nuns convent and inside it there is a huge shrine commemorating the martyr and is dated back to the tenth century, and its gate is about seven meters high.

The Coptic Museum
Visiting the Coptic Museum cannot be missed while visiting old Cairo, as it has largest collection of Egyptian Christian artifacts in the world. It was founded by Marcus Simaika Pasha in 1910 to house Coptic antiquities. The museum traces the history of Christianity in Egypt from its beginnings to the present day. It was erected on 8,000 square meters offered by the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria under the guardianship of Pope Cyril V.

The world’s Islamic Beacon
Old Cairo embraces between its walls the world’s oldest and most renowned mosques. These mosques were constructed since the declaration of Islam as a new faith, and still standing till now proving their magnificence.

Mosque of Amr Ebn El-Aas
It’s the first mosque that was ever built in Egypt and Africa. It was constructed by the commander of the Muslim army that conquered Egypt and introduced the new faith of Islam. The mosque served as an educational institution and a court of setting religious and civil disputes, besides being the house of worship. The mosque was demolished and rebuilt twice. Due to extensive reconstruction over the centuries, nothing of the original building remains, but the rebuilt Mosque is a prominent landmark. It is an active mosque attended by earnest worshippers, and when prayers are not taking place, it is also open to visitors and tourists.

Al Azhar Mosque
Al Azhar mosque is considered as the first mosque that was constructed in the city of Cairo. It’s the reason why Cairo was called the “the city of a thousand minarets”. In addition to being a spectacular monument in its own, the mosque is surrounded by remarkable Islamic monuments from the 10th century. In order to let the Islamic world benefit from its significance, the mosque has became a teaching institute, and with the first lecture that was conducted in 975, the mosque was officially distinguished as the oldest university in the world. Schools were added to the complex of the mosque, and today lectures are conducted in the adjacent buildings while the mosque is only serving as a prayer area.

Al Hussein Mosque 
The mosque was named after grandson of Prophet Muhammad, Hussein Ebn Ali, whose head is believed by some to be buried on the grounds of the mosque. The mosque, considered to be one of the holiest Islamic sites in Cairo, was built on the cemetery of the Fatimid caliphs, a fact that was later discovered during the excavation. The Mosque hosts some very sacred items like the oldest believed complete manuscript of the Quran.

Ibn Tulun Mosque
For the visitor wishing to explore the heart of Islamic Cairo, the Ibn Tuln Mosque should not be missed. Situated in the Sayida Zainab, this mosque was built by Emir Ahmed Ibn Touloun in 879. The classic grandeur of its scale makes it one of the most imposing of all Cairo’s great mosques. Its structure is an open court with a central ablution fountain, surrounded by four walls.

Al Azhar Park
Al Azhar Park, the largest green space built in Cairo for over a century, was constructed to act a window from which visitors can relive the Islamic Medieval Era. It provides an impressive view of the long standing Fatimid mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums form the west, overlooks the Citadel from the south, and to the east lays the infamous City of the Dead, a dense neighborhood within cemeteries. It wasn’t designed to provide a meditative landscape that overlooks the historic monuments only, but it also serves as the “green lung” that was much needed for a crowded city like Cairo. The park encompasses shaded walkways, marvelous lakes, and water fountains, kids’ area, a museum, a hilltop restaurant, and lakeside cafes.

A Jewish insignia
Synagogue of Ben Ezra
The 9th century Synagogue is one of the oldest in Egypt and occupies the shell of a 4th century church. It was renovated by a rabbi from Jerusalem, Abraham Ben Ezra, after whom it got its name. One of the legends that marks the place is about the prophet Jeremiah who gathered the Jews there, after the temple of Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. A spring nearby is said to be where Mary washed Jesus, and where the Egyptian princess found Moses in a basket. The synagogue was the hideout of many manuscripts. These manuscripts included the Hebrew- Arabic documents, dating back to the Fatimid Era, and portrayed the conditions of Jews living under the Arab rule and described the different Jewish sects and the relation between them. A rare interpretation of the Old Testament was also unleashed, in addition to describing the relationship between the Jews and the Muslim Authorities.

Al- Ghori Mausoleum
The elegant Mausoleum of Al Ghori is the red – checkered minaret among the 1000 minarets of the city of Cairo. Its minaret along with grand Mosque-Madrassa of al Ghori forms an exquisite monument to the end of the Mamluk era. Qonsouah al Ghori, the penultimate Mamluk sultan, ruled for 16 years. At the age of 78, he rode to Syria at the head of his army to battle the Ottoman Turks. The head of the defeated Al-Ghori was sent to Constantinople; his body was never recovered. This ancient mausoleum that dates back to 1505 includes the body of Tumanbay, his short lived successor, hanged by the Turks at Bab Zuweila. It’s distinguished by its beautifully decorated interiors and soaring ceiling, in addition to its minaret that is possible to be climbed.

Mohamed Ali Mosque
Mohamed Ali Mosque, Cairo’s skyline, consists of a square prayer hall, roofed by a large dome supported by four columns. There are also four semi-domes at the sides and other small domes above each of the four corners of the mosque. Above the northern wall of the mosque rise two slim, elegant minarets in the Ottoman style.

Mosque of Qaitbey
This mosque lends Cairo its uniquely Muslim atmosphere with its dazzling façade. This façade features bold stripes and a lattice screened windows. With its loads of marbles this mosque is considered the most pleasant places in Cairo to sit for a while and relax. It was built by the Sultan Qaitbey, the last Mamluk leader with real power in Egypt. Its adjacent tomb contains his cenotaphs and his two sisters, as well as two stones that supposedly bear the footprints of the Prophet. The true glory, however, is above, where the dome was carved with interlaced star and floral designs; its intricacy and delicacy were never surpassed in Cairo or anywhere else in the Islamic world – climb the minaret for the best view.

Bab Zuweila
It symbolizes is a medieval gate in Cairo, which is still standing in modern times. It was also known as Bawabbat al-Mitwali during the Ottoman period. It is the last remaining southern gate from the walls of Fatimid Cairo in the 11th and 12th century.

Al Baron Palace
Al Baron Palace, one of Cairo’s legendary and fascinating landmarks, was built by a French architect for the Belgian Baron Édouard Empain between 1907 and 1910. It has become the subject of urban legends since its construction. It gets its fantastical look from its Hindu style edifice. Its garden embraces a multiplicity of effigies of Buddha, Shiva, and Krishna, as well as statues of many exotic beasts. The palace is surrounded by terraces, each abound with distinct marble statues and exotic vegetation. The founder of Heliopolis, a Belgian industrialist Baron Empain is buried in the small replica of Aya Sofya, the Basilica nearby the palace in the Heliopolis district.

Egyptian Museum
Housing more than 120,000 artifacts in 107 halls, the Egyptian Museum is the home to the most extensive collection if ancient Egyptian antiquities in the world. This is what makes it hard to get around everything in one visit. If you’re itinerary is hectic, and you scheduled only one visit for the museum, then you concentrate in some astonishing highlights which are; the Amarna Room, devoted to Akhenaten, the ‘heretic king’ portrayed with Mick Jagger-like lips; the Graeco-Roman Mummies; the glittering galleries that display an astounding array of finery extracted from New Kingdom tombs found at the Delta site of Tanis; and the larger-than-life-size statue of Khafrea (Chephren), which many consider to be the museum’s masterpiece. Two more things that you cannot deprive your eyes from are the shimmering treasure of the young new kingdom pharaoh Tutankhamun and the amazing solid- gold death mask.
 
Cairo Tower
Cairo Tower also known as Gezira Tower isn’t only the city’s splendid tower that lights up the Nile, but it’s also its most renowned landmark after the Pyramids. Built in 1961, the Gezira tower represents a 185m-high wicker work tube. You can observe the restless Cairo through its 360- degree spectacular views. Dining in the tower is exceptional, as you can experience an exotic meal in its revolving restaurant, or just pause at its cafeteria.
 
El Manial Palace
The vividly painted architecture lining in the walls of El Manial palace may be the most famous feature of it, and the stunning harmonious combination of the Ottoman, Moorish, Persian and European rococo that can ever be seen in the world. Today the palace houses an assortment of collections in five buildings, including a Hunting Museum housing Farouk’s huge horde of dusty stuffed hunting trophies – not recommended for animal lovers. It was built in the early part of the 20th century as a residence for Prince Mohamed Ali Tawfik. The main palace encompasses giant rooms that are authentically furnished. The prince’s private museum displays some of his manuscripts, clothing, silver objects, furniture, writing implements and other items dating from medieval times to the 19th century. Stroll through the beautiful gardens afterwards, planted with rare tropical plants and marvelous palms collected by the prince on his travels. 
 
Monasterli Palace 
Situated in a serene Nileside garden, Monasterli Palace is a complete sustenance for mind and soul. It was constructed in 1851 for an Ottoman Pasha whose family hailed from Monastir, in northern Greece. The Slamalik that was built for public functions is nowadays a classy venue for concerts, while the other part is now the ‘Um Kalthoum Museum’. Dedicated to the most famous Arab diva, the small museum is more like a shrine, given the reverence with which the singer’s signature rhinestone-trimmed glasses and glittery gowns are hung under spotlights in display cases. There’s a multimedia room where you can listen to her music, and a short film shows key moments of her life, from the beginning when she performed disguised as a Bedouin boy, to her magnetic performances that brought Cairo to a standstill, to her funeral, when millions of mourners flooded the streets.
 

Cairo is even livelier at night than it is during the day.  They may be famous for their ability to barter, exchange, haggle and socialise but the Cairenes have always known how to enjoy themselves too!  Shopping, socialising and drinking coffee are all activities of the day.  As the sun goes down the people come out to begin the serious business of eating, drinking and dancing.   Cairo’s nightlife goes on for as long as you can stand the pace and even though most places wind down around 3.00 or 4.00 in the morning, you will still find some that are open 24 hours. Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best days for big nights out.

Although Egypt is a Muslim country and many Cairenes can enjoy themselves all night long by only drinking soft drinks, alcohol is not difficult to come by for those who want it. Some Muslims are more devout than others, but if you are with Egyptian friends or acquaintances and they decline your offer of a drink, they’re not being rude and you should be sensitive to their religious beliefs.  A large selection of international beers, wines and cocktails is freely available in the bars and restaurants of most of Cairo’s hotels and many will also stage lavish cabarets and live shows that mean you don’t need to go outside the confines of the hotel to get a flavour of the city.  Some, Like the Iberotel Cairo Hotel & Casino will also provide the sophisticated ambiance of a lavish casino for night time entertainment.

If you want a true flavour of Cairo nightlife outside the sanitised luxury  of the many excellent hotels, try  the ‘ baladi’  bars, often called ‘cafeterias’ to disguise the fact that they are selling alcohol, in the Sharia Alfy area around the Medan Orabi.  They are perfectly safe, although they are a little basic and women on their own might feel uncomfortable in what is essentially an all male environment. 

Khan El Khalily
Khan el Khalily is one of Cairo’s largest bazaars that was built in 1382 in the heart of the Fatimid City. It is named for its caravanserai. It contributed in establishing the city as a major trade center and led to its early wealth. This is a true shoppers’ paradise. It is a breathtaking place in which to find bargains for an astounding range of Egyptian craft products: jewelry, leatherwork, brass, copper, alabaster, inlaid work, Sakkara carpets, and numerous small gifts including the beautiful, recently revived art of painting on papyrus. But shopping is not the only option at Khan El-Khalily. The visitor can also unwind in a teahouse with its old tables and chairs spilling out onto the pavement. There is a relaxing way of watching the incessant stream of passers-by, while refreshing oneself with a delicious glass of mint tea or Red Kerkade juice, or perhaps savoring the fine tobacco from a Turkish nargila pipe.

Nagada
If you’re expecting this to be an ordinary little souvenir store tucked into a by-lane of the busy streets of Cairo, think again. It boosts an assortment of the finest qualities and most affordable souvenirs. Color-saturated, hand-woven silks, cottons and linens are the mainstay of this lox shop in a grand villa – buy by the yard, or in boxy, drapey women’s and men’s apparel. There’s also very pretty handmade pottery from Al-Fayoum.

City Stars
City Stars, Cairo’s Capital, and one of its hottest landmarks, is located just few minutes away from Cairo International Airport. It features 5- star international hotels, entertainment and shopping center, in addition to a medical center, residential and office towers. This complex covers an entire city block and is considered the first integrated urban development of its kind in the Middle East and Europe. In addition to its array of local and international brands outlets, and a state of the art cinema complex, City stars features a modern replica of Khan EL Khalily, and several food courts

El Diwan Bookstore
Al Diwan Bookstore has been designed to meet Western expectations, and boasts of international best-sellers, children’s fiction, historical novels and political works. You will also find software, along with travel-guides and self-help titles. To top it all, there is a little cafeteria in here too, as well as a stationery section.

Beymen
This Turkish department store is the last word in luxury shopping in Cairo, stocking Prada et al alongside its chic house brand. It boosts a huge selection of scarves and perfume.

El Shorouk Bookstore
If you are searching for an Arabic and English bestsellers, finding them is guaranteed at this two-storey shop. El Shorouk bookstore also offers a lot of magazines .

The sound and lights shows grant you with the opportunity to attend the reawakening of the pyramids, as history comes to life with each show and provides the audience with a magical experience of learning about ancient Egypt. We don’t promise you that these shows will tell you how these magnificent pyramids were exactly built. Don’t also expect that you will find the solution of the Sphinx unsolved mystery, but all we can guarantee is that these glorious towering structures will manage to humble you with their size, at the same time as they testify to the great human spirit that created them.

Experience the iconic and quintessential sound of Cairo at its Opera House that has been standing for more than 102 years. The complex is truly extravagant and its architecture is postmodernist, yet incorporates Islamic and Pharaonic motifs. It features two halls, one of which is strictly black tie while the other is little more informal. The complex also encompasses an open air entrance amphitheatre performances. It provides the most comprehensive technical and stage facilities in Africa and the Middle East. It represents and promotes the performing companies affiliated with the National Cultural Center: Cairo Symphony Orchestra, Cairo Ballet Company, Cairo Opera Company, Cairo Opera Choir, Arabic Music Ensemble, National Arabic Music Ensemble, and the Cairo Opera Children’s Coir.

The El Sawy Culture wheel, Cairo’s  cultural spirit, is an inclusive cultural center laying on a 5,000 m2 area right under the 15th of May bridge on Zamalek island. It values human beings without any kind of classification.  It operates all year round seven days a week from 8 am till the last show ends, offering two to four events a day. It provides culture and art at affordable prices. On an average day about 1,500 people visit, on special days the number may exceed 2,000. This results in nearly 500,000 visitors a year. In 2009 El Sawy Culture wheel organized 25 festivals and contests.

Khan el Khalily is one of Cairo’s largest bazaars that was built in 1382 in the heart of the Fatimid City. It is named for its caravanserai. It contributed in establishing the city as a major trade center and led to its early wealth. This is a true shoppers’ paradise. It is a breathtaking place in which to find bargains for an astounding range of Egyptian craft products: jewelry, leatherwork, brass, copper, alabaster, inlaid work, Sakkara carpets, and numerous small gifts including the beautiful, recently revived art of painting on papyrus. But shopping is not the only option at Khan El-Khalily.

The visitor can also unwind in a teahouse with its old tables and chairs spilling out onto the pavement. There is a relaxing way of watching the incessant stream of passers-by, while refreshing oneself with a delicious glass of mint tea or Red Kerkade juice, or perhaps savoring the fine tobacco from a Turkish nargila pipe.