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Greater Cairo encompasses various historic towns, ancient temples, Christian churches, Muslim monuments and modern districts into one of the most populous cities in the world.

A journey through Cairo is a virtual time travel: from the Pyramids, Saladin's Citadel, the Virgin Mary's Tree, the Sphinx, and ancient Heliopolis, to Al-Azhar, the Mosque of Amr ibn al-A'as, Saqqara, the Hanging Church, and the Cairo Tower. The city was founded in 969 AD as the royal enclosure for the Fatimid caliphs, while the actual economic and administrative capital was in nearby Fustat. Home to more than 16 million Egyptians, Arabs, Africans and others, the “Mother of the World” is a total assault on the senses. Chaotic, noisy, polluted, unpredictable and seething with people, the sheer intensity of the city will either seduce or appal. There are ancient temples, tombs, Christian churches, magnificent Muslim monuments, and of course, the Egyptian Antiquities Museum.
Most of the city lies on the east bank of the River Nile. Visitors often feel most comfortable finding their feet in the Westernised downtown district of central Cairo around Midan Tahrir. Old Cairo lies south of central Cairo, while Islamic Cairo encompasses a large area to the east. Cairo is also called the “City of 1,000 Minarets” and it is the exotic skyline of graceful domes and towering minarets that casts a spell of magic over the grinding reality of the metropolis.
Egypt stood as the land where civilizations have always met. The Pharaohs together with the Greeks and the Romans have left their imprints here. Muslims from the Arab Peninsula, led by Amr ibn al-A'as introduced Islam into Egypt. Egypt can be likened to an open museum with monuments of the different historical periods on display everywhere. Cairo mixes modern religion with ancient traditions as easily as the streets accommodate Mercedes and donkey drawn carts. Culture shock is part of the experience of Cairo and can at times be wearing.
Shopping ranges from the famous Khan el-Khalili souk or bazaar largely unchanged since the 14th century, to modern air-conditioned centers displaying the latest fashions. There are famous street markets, like Wekala al-Balaq, for fabrics, including Egyptian cotton, the Tentmakers Bazaar for applique-work, Mohammed Ali Street for musical instruments and although the Camel Market.
Cairo, Egypt comes alive at night, which is the best time to shop, eat delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. The splendid Cairo Opera House complex houses several galleries, including the Museum of Modern Art in Cairo, restaurants and concert halls. At El-Ghuriya, in the heart of Islamic Cairo, one can watch folk musicians and whirling dervish dancers. The most essential after-dark experience is the Sound and Light show at the Pyramids, a dramatic fusion of light and music recounting the story of Egypt.

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