Guide to Cairo: A long time ago, explorers set out to discover the Seven Wonders of the World. Most of these wonders were architectural marvels—structures that ancient civilizations built through mysterious means. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the Statue of Zeus come to mind. Now, only the Pyramids of Giza remain…
Why are we talking about these ancient pyramids? Because they play a major part in Cairo’s history. As you’ll soon see, Cairo’s culture is very rich and nuanced. The Pyramids of Giza, majestic as they are, only tell one part of Cairo’s story.
We want to give you a more complete understanding of Egypt’s capital city. Hence, our history buff’s guide to Cairo. We’d also like to encourage you to use a luggage storage service when you visit Egypt, to fully experience the magic without bags weighing you down.
Al Azhar Park
Most people think of pharaohs, sphinxes, and pyramids when they hear the name Egypt. Those are all cultural touchstones, sure, but they only reflect the nation’s ancient history. Al Azhar Park is something of a modern marvel that deserves more recognition. This sprawling green space is one of the most popular parks in the city. It was also deemed one of the world’s greatest green spaces by the Project for Public Spaces.
The story goes that Aga Khan IV funded the construction of this park in 1984, to the tune of $30 million. Khan did this because he wanted to create “an urban oasis” in Cairo. Mission accomplished, as far we’re concerned.
Baron Empain Palace
If you were about to watch a horror movie set in Cairo, what sorts of monsters would you expect to see? Mummies are probably at the top of that list, followed by scarabs if you’re a fan of Stephen Sommers’ The Mummy films.
Ghosts probably aren’t on your list, but they should be if that film is set in the Baron Empain Palace. This ancient structure is allegedly one of the most haunted places in Cairo. We’re not eager to prove or disprove that, but you can… if you’re brave enough.
Cairo Citadel
Cairo is often called the “City of a Thousand Minarets”. That moniker has quite a ring to it, right? Well, it doesn’t just sound cool – it’s a reference to the architecture that’s pervasive in most of the city. Minarets are tall, slim towers that people of the Muslim faith use for prayer.
Cairo Citadel has several minarets and is considered a key location for the city’s Muslim population. You might be wondering who’d essentially build a military-style fort in the middle of Cairo. Records show that Saladin (yes, that Saladin) had the citadel constructed to defend Cairo during the Crusades.
Cairo Tower
We’re turning our attention to another modern marvel with this entry – one that once held the record for the tallest structure in Africa for years. We’re talking about none other than the Cairo Tower.
From a distance, one might confuse this building with one of the city’s numerous minarets. That’s understandable enough during the daytime, but Cairo Tower really stands out at night. An array of intricate lights turns Cairo Tower into a shining beacon of beauty. If you think that’s something, just imagine the view from the top of this tower.
Cairo Necropolis
The word necropolis means “city of the dead”. No, that doesn’t mean the place is overflowing with mummies. Rather, a necropolis is a place that honors the deceased. Places like these are often frozen in time – left untrampled upon as progress marches on.
The Cairo Necropolis fits this description to the letter. It contains graves for thousands of Cairo’s cities.. A trip to the Cairo Necropolis can be harrowing but, strangely enough, it can also help you appreciate life just a bit more.
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
Egypt has birthed many legendary rulers over the centuries. Queen Cleopatra, King Tutenkamen, Queen Hatshepsut – these names will probably live on forever in human history. Ibn Tulun is another ruler of great acclaim. He founded the Tulunid Dynasty and ruled Egypt and Syria for decades.
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is another product of Tulun’s reign. Records show that it’s the oldest mosque in all of Egypt and Africa. Visiting this place is probably the closest thing to time travel that we know of.
Museum of Islamic Art
If you don’t take anything else away from this article, we hope you remember this; Muslim culture is a huge part of Cairo. The Islamic faith has influenced everything in the city from holidays, customs, and art.
As you can imagine, a venue like the Museum of Islamic Art is extremely popular. This locale showcases inspiring Islamic art and amazing Islamic artifacts. A trip to MIA may very well be a history buff’s dream come true.
Pyramids of Giza
Researching and writing this article was a very interesting exercise for us. We learned quite a bit about Egyptian and Muslim culture in the process -–info that we’ve hopefully imparted to you. However, we didn’t have to do much research about the Pyramids of Giza. These ancient structures are the only Wonders of the Ancient World that still remain.
As their name implies, the Pyramids are located in Giza, one of Cairo’s neighboring cities. However, these Pyramids have influenced Cairo in more ways than we can count. In fact, they’ve influenced all of Egypt. Then again, what else would you expect from King Khufu’s final resting place?
Wekalet El Ghoury
The word “story” is a part of the word “history” for a reason. The places our ancestors have been, the things they’ve experienced – they’re all stories that we can recall time and time again. The same is true of our life experiences – the things we see and do each day are history in the making.
Wekalet El Ghoury is a venue that appreciates this sentiment. It’s a performing arts center that hosts cultural events year-round. History is made here – by performers and the audience members who watch them work.
Frequently Asked Questions About A History Buff’s Guide to Cairo
Why is Cairo considered a top destination for history lovers?
Are the Pyramids of Giza actually in Cairo?
Apart from the pyramids, which other historical spots should I prioritize?
Where can I store my luggage so I can explore unencumbered?
Is it safe to visit allegedly “haunted” sites like the Baron Empain Palace?
What’s the best way to respect local customs while visiting mosques and religious sites?
How should I get around Cairo’s historical areas?
Are there any photography restrictions at museums or historical sites?
When is the best time of year to explore Cairo’s historical sites?
How much time should I budget for the Cairo Necropolis?
Where can I experience Cairo’s cultural scene beyond historic monuments?
Any tips for travelers who want a balanced itinerary of ancient and modern Cairo?
Faris is the passionate founder of Travel2Egypt, deeply connected to Aswan’s essence. He aims to share the true heart of Egypt through its rich history, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its people. Join Faris to experience the magic of Aswan beyond the usual tourist paths.
