Cairo is a huge city consisting of about 20 million people and the most popular stop for those backpacking in Egypt. It is there that ancient meets modern, and the city is overflowing with history and culture.
Accommodations
Arabian Nights Hotel offers affordable accommodations in the heart of the historical Islamic district of Cairo. It is conveniently located minutes away from Khan El Kahlily, the old market and bazaar and a short walking distance to Azhar Park. It costs about 4 euros for a triple room, and 15 euros for a private single room. Hotel staff will pick you up from the airport if needed for only 7 euros. The hotel also offers free breakfast, linens, and towels, as well as hot drinks throughout the day and a free Sufi demonstration every Sunday on the rooftop. Facilities are air conditioned, and there is free internet access throughout the budget hotel.
Another clean and affordable hotel in Cairo is Arabesque Hotel, located centrally in Cairo. The hotel offers air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and television. Arabesque Hotel is just meters away from public transportation, the Egyptian Museum, and the Nile River. It is also near restaurants, clubs, and bustling shopping centers. There is free wireless internet, 24 hour room service, and free linens and towels, among many other things the hotel has to offer. Room prices range from 6 to 15 euros, and hotel staff are able and willing to help with other reservations and tours.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the ancient pyramids at Giza, and it is also the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. There is much mystery surrounding the construction and history of the Great Pyramid, and there is a lot of debate and continuing research. Three chambers have been discovered in the Great Pyramid, with the possibility of there being more of them. It is estimated that it took up to 20 years to complete, and is also estimated to have been completed in about 2560 BC by several tens of thousands of workers.
Citadel of Cairo
While Egypt is most famous for its ancient Pyramids, the Citadel of Cairo is one of Cairo’s most popular tourist destinations. The Citadel originally served as a fortress to protect against Crusaders, and it also housed the royal city. The medieval fortress is home to two of Cairo’s most recognizable mosques: Muhammad Ali Mosque and the mosque of al Nasir Muhammad. It offers breathtaking views of the city, and offers a refreshing breath of air high above the pollution of Cairo. The site is open to tourists daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and costs about 8 USD to access.
