The capital of Egypt, Cairo has been the heart of the country since Arab Muslims founded Al-Fustat, the first Islamic capital in Africa. Today, Greater Cairo is home to around 25 million people; a city that never sleeps, where the ancient and the modern live side by side.
Part of Greater Cairo includes Giza, home to some of the world’s most important historical sites. Here you'll find Giza Plateau, one of the most famous archaeological areas on Earth. Nearby lies Saqqara, where you’ll find the oldest stone structure ever built - the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Giza also includes Memphis, the first unified capital of ancient Egypt, and Dahshur, where the oldest complete pyramid still stands.
When visiting Cairo, you'll see some of the greatest museums in the country. This includes:
- The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) - the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization.
- The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, the oldest museum in Egypt.
- The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), home to the iconic hall of 22 royal mummies.
The city is also rich in religious heritage. Islamic Cairo offers hundreds of historic mosques, while Coptic Cairo features some of the oldest churches in Africa, including the famous Hanging Church.
Cairo is far more than a one-day destination. Beyond its ancient wonders and museums, the city is a vibrant modern-day metropolis, full of cafés, restaurants, and shopping areas.
