Cairo is the capital of Egypt. The city is officially known as al-Qahirah, which means "The Subduer". The Arab invaders seized it in 642 and gradually it grew into a small city and the North African Shi'i Fatimid Dynasty conquered it in 972. Later in 1100s the Seljuks captured Cairo and the city was further expanded. Baghdad was sacked in 1258 and this enhanced the importance of the city making it into an intellectual and artistic center in the Middle East. Cairo was the largest city in the world from 1315 to 1348. The Ottoman Empire took over the city in 1517 and later in the 17th and 18th centuries the Mameluks captured it. By 1798, Egypt was annexed by Napoleon, and Cairo was surrendered to him. The city was rebuilt during the era of colonization in 1882. It was the central city of Egypt during the course of British rule and presently it is the Arab world's cultural center.Get in :
By plane
Cairo is served by Cairo International Airport [CAI] [1], which is the hub of the Egyptian national airline, Egyptair. Many of the world's popular airlines also fly into Cairo on a regular basis, including British Airways, Air France, Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa.
The airport is located on the north-eastern outskirts of the city at Heliopolis. To get into downtown Cairo you can get a fixed-price limousine (60 EP) or negotiate a lower price with one of the small black taxis. You could negotiate down to as little as 40 EP. Back from the city a normal price would be 20-30 EP, depending on the traffic.
By train
Cairo's main railway station - Ramses Station (Mahattat Ramses) is located on Midan Ramses. Unsurprisingly, trains run to Cairo from most other regions and cities within Egypt.
By car
For those unfamiliar with Cairo traffic, one shouldn't expect to drive. The traffic is, at the least, overwhelming for the common traveler. Road signs, lanes, right-of-ways, etc. are not adhered to. The driving has a consistency, but not in any official way.
By metro
Cairo has the only metro system on the African continent. While its two lines are all too limited in scope, they're a major boon in the areas they do go to and the flat fare of 1.00 pound per trip is a steal. The key interchanges are Mubarak, at Midan Ramses, and Sadat, below Midan Tahrir. Note that in each train, the first car is reserved for women.
By taxi
The fleet of black-and-white taxis that ply Cairo's streets are convenient but a hassle: communication can be an issue and the meters, which are heirs from antique eras of gas prices, are not normally used. Prices are, however, not erratic, and any Cairene knows how much the driver expects depending on time and distance spent in the car. Because of a recent 20% raise in gasoline prices, prices could be slightly higher, but still very cheap for most tourists.
Ordinary Egyptians will never state prices beforehand. Instead the correct sum is payed through the window after leaving the car. Some drivers might protest as they expect tourists to pay more than the standard rates. Avoid negotiations - it takes lots of time and you end up at a price you won't like. Instead, use the "walk-away"-technique if they don't agree to your (reasonable) price. As long the driver does not leave the car, you're all right. If this happens, consult someone nearby.
By bus
The large red, white and blue public buses cover the entire city and are much cheaper, but are usually crowded. However, there are the similar air-conditioned buses that charge 2 L.E. for the trip and prohibit standing on the bus. They can be found in the main squares in Cairo. Also found in main squares are the smaller mini-buses that are usually orange and white or red, white and blue. Because of problems with sexual harrasment women travellers are advised only to take the small micro-buses and buses which prohibit standing.
Cairo Art and Culture :
Pyramids of Giza. The only remaining monuments of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it is the country's most famous touristic attraction and the icon that is most associated with Egypt.
Egyptian Museum. The world's premier collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts.
Saqqara.
Memphis.
Citadel. A grand castle built by Mohamed Ali.
Al-Azhar Mosque. One of the pillars of Islamic thought and home to the world's oldest university.
The Coptic Museum.
the "Hanging Church" (Church of the Virgin Mary).
the Al Rifai & Sultan Hassan mosques (19th C & highly decorated: 14th C & beautifully austere).
