Book cheap holidays to Cairo

Cairo

Description

Cairo or Al-Qahira is the capital of Egypt. It is also known as ‘The triumphant city’ and the ‘Jewel of the Orient’. It is a city of kings and pharaohs and pyramids and the largest in the Middle East and Africa. The pyramids of Giza are the only surviving ones among the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. There is a fascinating mix of the Arab, European and African influence in this charming old city.

Shopping

Visitors to Cairo will have a pleasant and heady exposure to the world’s fascinating market, the Khan al Khalili market where they can bargain for everything from perfumes, spices, museum replicas in various metals, souvenirs of papyrus and carpets. A tourist who has no inclination to bargain can also visit the Egypt Crafts Center which is a fair-price shop to choose Egyptian handicrafts such as Bedouin rugs, shawls and beadwork to take back home.

Restaurants

Whether a tourist chooses to have the traditional Egyptian fare or the European cuisine, Cairo has good restaurants. The food too is not expensive as per European standards. For Egyptian food in the top-end Abu el-Sid is a good place to go. Andrea and Da Mario are mid-range restaurants serving Spit-roasted chicken and Italian food respectively. For Indian food like curries, kebabs and tandoori dishes, Mogul Room can be visited. There is a Revolving Restaurant in Grand Hyatt which is worth a visit. Other suggested restaurants are, Ghash, Blues, Les Trefles, and Samakmak.

Night Life

There are a few night spots set in major hotels for those who want to spend time with music and dance. Cairo Jazz Club, La Bodega Lounge, Sangria are a few nightspots with bars and live music. Latex is a disco which has themed nights. At Palmyra, a visitor can catch the tempo of the belly dancing sessions in progress along with the Arabs.

Activities

After visiting all the archeological and historical wonders in Cairo, a visitor can choose to go on horseback towards the pyramids, hire a felucca and go boating, swim in a nearby big hotel or learn the traditional belly dancing with the famous Mme Hassan.

Communications

The international access code to dial into Egypt is +20. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code. There are internal codes used to call places within the country. Long distance calls are very expensive when made from hotels and it is suggested to be made from post, telephone and telegraph offices that are found in most of the cities. GSM 900 network cover the entire country and roaming is available due to its agreements with international operators. Internet is accessible at Internet cafes in most towns and resorts. International directory phone enquires can be made by dialing 120.

Contacts

Egyptian Tourism Authority, Cairo: +20 (0)2 285 3576 or http://touregypt.net/tourism
Egyptian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 895 5400
Egyptian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7499 3304
Egyptian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 234 4931
Egyptian Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6273 4437
Egyptian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 343 1590/1
Egyptian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 6566
United States Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 797 3300
British Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 794 0852
Canadian Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 794 3110
Australian Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 575 0444
South African Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 359 4365
Irish Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 735 8264
New Zealand Consulate-General, Cairo: +20 (0)2 574 9360
Emergencies: 122 (Police); 123 (Ambulance)

Currency

EGP

Attractions

The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, the Bulaq, The Coptic Museum and Hanging Church, and Islamic Cairo, The towers of Bab Zuwayla, the Citadel, the Gayer Anderson House and the Islamic Art Museum are a few among the sights here. The famous Pyramids are located in Giza, a few kilometers from the city centre.

Language

Arabic

Language Description

Arabic is the official language of the country. English and French are widely spoken in most of the tourist areas.

Tipping

It is customary to tip small change for most services rendered. “Baksheesh”, as tipping is called here, is very useful to gain entry to seemingly unreachable places, or to be treated in an extra special way. Drivers and waiters expect about 10% and 5% tip respectively.