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Planning Your Trip
A bustling city rich with culture and history, there’s so much to see and do in Cairo. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, here’s what to bring along to make the most of your time in this enchanting city.
The pace of business is slower in Egypt, so keep a flexible calendar. Try not to overbook yourself — avoid scheduling more than one important appointment each day.
Business Travel
- Egypt’s capital is a fairly formal city when it comes to business attire, so plan accordingly.
- For women, skirts should cover the knee, necklines should be high and sleeves should reach the elbow. A sensible suit is always a good choice.
- Men should also leave their more casual attire at home — dark suits are de rigueur, even in Egypt’s warm climate.
- Exchanging business cards is a common practice in Cairo. Come armed with a plentiful supply to ensure you don’t run out.
Weekend Getaway
- From exploring historic landmarks to dining your way through the city, Egypt’s diverse capital city makes for a perfect weekend away. Be sure to bring along these essentials.
- From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the Egyptian Museum, there’s a lot of ground to cover in Cairo. Pack a pair of sensible shoes to stay comfortable while exploring.
- The sun in Egypt can be intense, especially during summer. Protect your skin by donning a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.
- The nightlife of Cairo, home to upscale restaurants and chic lounges, is worth exploring. Bring along a few fashionable pieces for a night out on the town.
Cultural Considerations
- Cairo may be a thoroughly modern city, but it retains a conservative bent when it comes to customs and traditions.
- While a headscarf for women isn’t required at all times, you’ll definitely want to have one on hand for visiting religious sites. A traditional scarf or even a light sweater can do the trick in a pinch.
- Modesty is the norm in Cairo, so leave the short shorts and sleeveless shirts at home. Opt instead for lightweight separates in breathable fabrics like linen and cotton.
- Tipping is expected for most services throughout Egypt. Be sure to keep some cash on hand for easy transactions.
While the iconic pyramids may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Cairo, there’s much more to explore in this vibrant city. Here’s what to plan in advance to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
For a decadent, Middle Eastern-inspired evening, book a table at Bab El-Sharq at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo. Enjoy mezza — small plates — and a selection of shisha (hookah) flavors as you dine under the stars in the property’s lush gardens. After dinner, revel in the rhythm and music of a nightly belly-dancing performance. For fine Italian fare, enjoy an evening at Vivo, where Michelin-starred Chef Oliver Glowig offers a carefully curated menu of rustic cuisine in a well-appointed setting.
Exploring the city can wear you out, and there’s no better way to recoup than with a day at The Nile Ritz-Carlton Spa, Cairo. Schedule a session in the signature spa treatment room for total relaxation. After a full-body coconut exfoliation, the application of mineral mud, a journey to the steam room and a full-body massage, you’ll leave refreshed and ready to continue your adventure.
Cairo is home to some of the world’s best museums and sights, from the Cairo Opera House to the Egyptian Museum, and not to mention, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. To experience the best of the city with an insider’s knowledge, ask the concierge at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo to arrange a private tour guide.
For a truly unique experience, embark on a 40-minute camel ride into the desert for an evening of majesty and beauty. After a traditional meal and entertainment by dancers and musicians, guides will lead you to telescopes stationed in the desert for otherworldly views. Alternatively, take to the water for a sunset sail along the Nile. Watch the sun dip behind the horizon as you float along on a traditional felucca, all while reveling in the distinctly Egyptian surroundings.
Tucked along the Nile River, Cairo is Egypt’s largest city. In addition to its rich and ancient history, highlighted by the nearby pyramids, the sprawling capital is also considered “the world’s most 24-hour city,” thanks to its vibrant culture, active nightlife and abundance of museums, restaurants and other attractions. Whether you choose to focus your journey on culture and history or pack as much into a short vacation as possible, you’re destined to fall in love with the romance, color and beauty of Cairo.
Cultural Treasures
It’s impossible to think about Egypt without thinking of its pyramids. And while they’re certainly the country’s most iconic attractions, there’s much more to explore. Museums filled with ancient artifacts, Islamic art and contemporary pieces abound. Churches and burial grounds give visitors a sense of the depth of Egypt’s religious and cultural history. Even if you’ve only a few days to spare, your experience with Cairo’s cultural treasures will be rich.
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Morning
Authentic Breakfast. A Cairo favorite, Zooba Café’s chefs use wholesome, local ingredients to craft authentic Egyptian street food. From baladi bread to taamia falafel — slow-cooked fava beans — Zooba’s offerings are healthful, delicious and a wonderful way to fuel up for a day of adventure.
World Wonder. Just a bit southwest of Cairo, the Giza Plateau houses the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, as well as the Great Sphinx. A tour among the sites reveals a world of wonder, history and culture. In fact, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one mostly intact.
Midday
Go Green. After exploring Giza’s pyramid complex, find color and beauty at the Orman Botanic Garden, also in Giza. The 28-acre garden, which dates to 1875, connects a rose garden, a cactus garden, an herbarium and a stunning lotus pond. Orman, a Turkish word, means “the forest.”
Afternoon
Day at the Museum. The Egyptian Museum’s original collection was established during the late 19th century. Now, it contains more than 160,000 objects, including many pharaonic antiquities, covering more than 5,000 years of Egyptian history. Its 107 beautiful halls were designed in the neoclassical style, and it’s easy to spend hours exploring them.
Evening
Dinner and Dancing. Return to The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo for a Middle Eastern inspired dinner at Bab El-Sharq. Enjoy mezza — small plates — and a selection of shisha (hookah) flavors as you dine under the stars in the property’s lush gardens. Afterward, get lost in the rhythm, beauty and sparkle of a nightly belly dancing performance.
Morning
Coffee Bazaar. Tucked inside the Khan El Khalili bazaar, El Fishawi Café is a favorite among locals and visitors. Mirrored, smoky and busy, the café offers delicious mint tea and plenty of rich Arabic coffees to start your day.
Shop the Souq. After your morning coffee, wander the labyrinth that is the Khan El Khalili. Originally the site of the Saffron Tomb and dating to 970, this souq is filled with vendors selling souvenirs, antiques and jewelry. Bustling and busy, Cairo’s bazaar district is extremely popular among tourists.
Midday
Be Studious. More than 1,000 years ago, the Fatimids founded Al Azhar Mosque. Today, the mosque, as well as its eponymous university, is considered one of the most important centers of Islamic theology in the world. Tour the mosque’s beautiful marble courtyards, its towering minarets and its madrassas for an education in the region’s rich religious heritage.
Afternoon
Through the Gates. Bab Zuweila is one of only three remaining ancient gates in Cairo. Its name is derived from bab, meaning “door” and Zuwayla, a tribe of Berber warriors from the western desert. Considered a major landmark, the gate was part of the wall surrounding Fatimid Cairo in the 11th and 12th centuries. When you go, “read the wall” — pay attention to abrupt changes in structure and construction materials. They trace refortification of the wall over the centuries.
A Promise Kept. When a Mamluk sultan was imprisoned and tortured in the early 15th century, he vowed to transform the site of his capture into a school and mosque. And he did. Today, Sheikh al-Mu’ayyad Mosque, nearby Bab Zuweila, is a major destination for tourists who come to appreciate its architectural beauty and attention to intricate detail.
Evening
Set Sail. Before dinner, watch the sunset from the Nile River, as you float along on a felucca, or small sailboat. As the sun begins to set, soak in the colors and fragrance of the surrounding landscape.
Casual Feast. After a long day, return to The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo for dinner at the comfortable, casual Culina restaurant. Featuring a menu of local favorites, the restaurant overlooks the hotel’s garden and the Egyptian Museum.
Morning
Take a Lap. Before embarking on another tour of Cairo, consider a swim in The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo’s pool, the largest in the city. With year-round warm, sunny weather, a quick dip is always a perfect start to the day.
A Church Tour. The Coptic Cairo section of Old Cairo includes the Greek Church of St. George, the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum and the Hanging Church, some of which predate the Muslim conquest of Egypt in the seventh century and all of which are major destinations for culturally inclined tourists. While guided tours are available, it’s also easy to walk among the buildings on your own for an education into Cairo’s religious history.
Midday
Opulence Abounds. The Manial Palace Museum highlights Ottoman Dynasty decadence at its finest. Built between 1899 and 1929, the palace and grounds are preserved as a heritage site and include an extensive collection of manuscripts, art, furniture, clothing and intricate ceramic tile designs.
Afternoon
Find a Fort. The Saladin Citadel of Cairo, on Mokattam Hill near the city center, was fortified by an Ayyubid ruler in the 12th century to protect it from the Crusaders. Today, the Citadel is a preserved historic site that houses museums and mosques. For a different look at Cairo’s history, visit the Carriage Museum, which contains a collection of carriages from several Egyptian eras.
Left Lunch. With an incredible view of the Nile and a selection of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, Left Bank restaurant is a must-visit before you depart Cairo. Open and airy, the restaurant is a great place to unwind before an evening out.
Evening
Sail Away. A dinner cruise along the Nile means you’ll experience a segment of the world’s longest river, all while watching the city lights begin to twinkle. And, of course, authentic Egyptian or Mediterranean cuisine will satisfy your palate as belly dancers entertain you along the way. Dinner cruises may be booked through one of several local companies or through The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo concierge.
The Perfect Weekend
Although you could spend weeks in Cairo and always find something new to explore, it’s possible to see and do a lot in just a weekend. From taking a snapshot with the Sphinx to sampling local cuisine and taking in a performance at the world-renowned Cairo Opera House, Egypt’s diverse capital city has so much to offer. And, of course, that great, big river, the Nile, should attract a bit of your attention, too.
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Morning
Catch a Cup. As you prepare for a day’s adventure, snag a quick cup of coffee or tea from Lobby Lounge at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo. It’s an elegant setting for a look at your guidebook or map as you savor a sweet breakfast treat and plan your day.
The Star Atrraction. For some, a visit to the Great Sphinx is a bucket list item — the history, magnitude and meaning of the site are all significant. Indeed, the massive limestone sculpture of a lion with a man’s head is just one of the many points of interest on the Giza Plateau, just southwest of Cairo. Snap a photograph with the man-cat, then enjoy a tour of pyramids, too.
Midday
Shop the City. While Cairo is best known for its souqs, or bazaars, Oum El Dounia gallery is also a wonderful place to pick up a souvenir. Housewares, fabric, jewelry and glassware are among the top selections at this second-story boutique. And although the shop lacks the hustle and bustle of the souqs, it’s a relaxing, air-conditioned experience.
Lunch Along the Nile. Culinary fusion is popular in Cairo, and at Sequoia, you’ll find a mix of Italian, Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine. The best part about the restaurant, though, in addition to its chicken shawarma, is its location on the banks of the beautiful Nile.
Afternoon
History, Squared. Tahrir Square has long been known as a center for change in Cairo. The site of many political demonstrations, the square has a rich history. It was a grassy patch of land in ancient Egypt and an encampment for Napoleonic soldiers in the 18th century. In the 20th century, it witnessed its first serious demonstrations, including one that resulted in the Great Fire of Cairo in 1952. Most recently, the square was a flashpoint for the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. Explore its statues and surrounding buildings, including the Folklore Arts House and campus of the American University in Cairo.
Evening
Mangia. Return to The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo for a decadent meal at Vivo. Michelin-starred Chef Oliver Glowig offers a carefully curated menu of rustic Italian cuisine in a beautifully appointed setting. Chase your meal with a cocktail at Bar’Oro before heading out for the evening.
Aida, Anyone? Established in 1988, the new Cairo Opera House is a destination for ballet, opera and symphonies. It replaces the Khedivial Opera House, which was the host for the very first performance of Verdi’s “Aida” in 1871. Sadly, the opera house burned to the ground a century later. Today, the new venue also hosts poetry readings and small concerts, in addition to its spate of theatrical offerings.
Morning
Early Riser. Wake early to journey to Saqqara, a vast and ancient burial ground. This historic site contains multiple pyramids, among them the stepped Pyramid of Djoser. It’s believed to be the oldest complete stone building complex in the world. Sixteen additional Egyptian kings built pyramids at Saqqara, an area of about 5 square miles.
Dromedary Daze. About an hour outside of Cairo via taxi, the Birqash Camel Market provides visitors a glimpse into traditional Egyptian life. Here, herders flaunt their wares — hundreds of camels — to waiting buyers in a sort of dromedary auction.
Midday
Best Brunch. Although it touts itself as “home of the world’s best burgers,” Lucille’s is also well known for brunch. Unlimited coffee, fluffy pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and a variety of egg dishes keep visitors coming back for more, while a huge menu of American meals like burgers (of course), fajitas and cherry pie might give some people a taste of home.
Afternoon
De-Stress. Travel can take a toll on your body, so return to The Nile Ritz-Carlton Spa, Cairo for an afternoon of relaxation. Schedule a session in their signature spa treatment room to completely detoxify and de-stress. This treatment includes a full-body coconut exfoliation, the application of mineral mud, a journey to the steam room and a full-body massage. It’s 90 minutes of pure, well-deserved bliss.
Evening
Toast the Weekend. After your spa treatment, enjoy a cocktail at Nox. This rooftop bar, named for “the goddess of the night,” slings handcrafted cocktails and light bites and overlooks the Nile. Plus, DJs and live performers provide entertainment to kick-start your evening.
Seeing Stars. Bedouin tea. Egyptian shisha. A 40-minute camel ride into the desert. The formula for an evening of majesty and beauty. As you await a traditional meal, dancers and musicians will entertain you. And, after dinner, guides, as arranged by the concierge, will lead you to telescopes stationed in the desert, pointed toward the incredible night sky and all of the romance and wonder it inspires. What a way to end a weekend.
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