Hotels You Should be Staying At While Enjoying Cairo Holidays

Cairo is the best place to experience incredible blend of modern comforts and rich past. There are numerous hotels in the city where there is no dearth of luxury and great service.
Cairo is one of the largest metropolitan regions in the world. So, while enjoying holidays in Cairo, you won’t find dearth of modern luxuries and comfort as the capital city of Egypt is home to number of world class hotels. The hotels are not only famous for their impeccable service but also for their authentic feel. One of the most popular hotels in the city is Four Seasons Hotel.

Four Seasons is one of the largest hotels in the city. You can choose from 269 rooms and suites. While staying in the hotel rooms you can admire the panoramic view of the River Nile. It is located in the oldest district of Cairo. People looking to get a break from bustling metropolitan atmosphere must consider staying at this hotel. The hotel has 30 floors and its interiors allow you to take a look at the Egyptian and art deco décor. List of amenities in the hotel consists of multilingual concierge, business center, three swimming pools, steam room, sauna and whirlpool. Variety of books for kids and storytelling make this hotel a must for families planning holidays to Cairo.

Talisman Hotel is another popular hotel in Cairo. It is located in the Central Cairo therefore, it is easily accessible from every corner of the city. The hotel has 24 rooms. You might be thinking that this is a small hotel. However, once you enter into the hotel, you would find that every room has its own unique charm and you would crave to spend time in every room. Numerous historical and religious attractions are located just a walk away from the hotel. Some of these attractions are Islamic Cairo, Egyptian Museum and traditional bazaars. These are few things that compel travelers to add this hotel to the list of Cairo holiday deals.

If you don’t want to miss view of enchanting Giza Pyramids, you should be staying at Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel. This luxury resort has become one of the most preferred places to stay among those planning Cairo holidays. While staying in the resort, you can admire pyramids from your window. It is located on the fourth floor of a traditional building. The resort features tennis courts, swimming pools, shopping arcade and themed restaurants. There is so much enjoy and experience that your kids don’t want to go anywhere else. However, if you want them to see the Egyptian history, be a part of their tours that are available at reasonable price.

Explore Enigmatic Past of Egypt with Cairo Holidays

Cairo holidays allow you to explore enigmatic Egyptian history. There are several attractions that you keep in your priority list.
Egypt is known around the world for its enigmatic past. If you want to explore the rich Egyptian history, plan holidays to Cairo. This is the capital city of Egypt and is among the oldest cities and largest metropolitan areas in the world. List of attractions in Cairo is quite long. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize things accordingly otherwise you might need to ignore an attraction or two.

One of the most popular attractions in the city is Citadel. It is also known as Al-Qalaa. This is among the prime attractions that you would find in Cairo holiday deals. Muhammad Ali built this fort in 1830. While visiting the fort, you can feel fresh breeze of the sea. There are few look out points from where you can capture the bird’s eye view of Cairo. This is among the largest forts in the entire continent. There are several worth mentioning sites in the fort. It has two mosques featuring magnificent Ottoman architecture. While spending time at the mosques, you would come across domes, cloister, minarets and the Citadel walls. The fort also features two museums known as the Police Museum and the Military Museum.

While spending holidays in Cairo, you cannot afford to miss on visiting Cairo Tower or Borj al-Qahira as it is colloquially known. This free standing concrete tower is the world’s tallest structure made from concrete only. It is located in Gezira Island in the River Nile. Tower’s proximity to the city center makes it quite famous among the tourists. It is around 45 meters taller than the Great Pyramid at Giza. 500 workers were employed and 8 million mosaic lozenges were used to construct the tower. There is an observation deck from where you can admire the beautiful surroundings. Another highlight of the tower is rotating restaurant.

Gate of Conquest is another attraction in the city that compels travelers to plan Cairo holidays. Colloquially, it is known as Bab el-Futuh. It is located on the northern edge of Fatimid Cairo. It starts from where Muizz Street ends. Its construction was completed in 1087. While taking a closer look at its structure, you would come across magnificently carved floral arch. It has defensive arrow slits, rounded towers, ramparts and two huge rounded castle-like turrets. The gate was built to protect the city from Turk invaders. If you miss out on visiting this site, you are going to miss great historical chapter of Egypt.

Holidays in Cairo and Dining Options In the City

Cairo holidays are best way to explore the rich Egyptian history as well as to taste the delicious food. So, what options do you have in the name of dining in Cairo.
Cairo is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. In other words, dearth of modern luxuries is not known to the city. Like other metropolitan areas, the city is also notable for its nightlife. As the sun sets, new variety of activities comes into existence and allows you to take a look at the different facet of Egypt. If you want to experience unique nightlife, plan holidays to Cairo.

While enjoying holidays in Cairo, you can choose from wide variety of dining options. No matter whether you are a budget traveler or luxury lover, the city boasts wide array of dining options. If you think, with budget dining options you need to compromise with the taste of the traditional Egyptian food, you’re slightly wrong. To save money, you can enjoy street food. Street vendors selling variety of food items can be found all over the city. However, make sure you are choosing the one with best hygiene. These vendors are known for serving traditional Egyptian dishes such as Koshari and Foul. Dessert lovers should not miss out on tasting Fateer, a hot pastry filled with different fillings.

To find such street vendors, ask the staff of the hotel you are staying in. They can guide you about the best street food. Also, you can refer to the travel guides as they’d have helpful information. Most of these guides give ratings as well and these ratings allow you to pick the best. There are several vendors who sell quality vegetarian food and the best part is that vegetarian food is quite cheaper than that of the food items made from meat. One of the most popular dining options among budget travelers is GAD. Since there are several options for budget dining, budget travelers look out for cheap Cairo holiday deals.

If you don’t want to compromise on the ambience and don’t want to spend hefty amount on food, you can choose from mid-range dining options. Some of the popular restaurants and eateries that fit in mid-range section are Arabesque, Bua Khao, Harry’s and El Cinzano. There is plethora of choices for people who are obsessed with luxury, comfort and quality. To taste the best food amidst superior ambience, you can choose from restaurants located in renowned hotels and numerous independent restaurants. Every year numerous people plan Cairo holidays to taste delicious Egyptian food and experience high-tech service at restaurants such as Rotisserie Belvedere in The Nile Hilton, Justine’s and Moghul Room.

Cairo Holidays are Not Only About the Pyramids

If you think only Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx are the things that you can see while enjoying Cairo holidays, you are slightly wrong as there are several other attractions that lures millions of tourists every year.
Cairo has always been a top notch tourist destination in entire Africa. Large number of people browse through Cairo holiday deals to take a look at the Pyramids. However, the capital city of Egypt is not only about these attractions. There are several other highlights that keep people coming to this intriguing city. One such attraction is Bab Zuwayla.

While visiting the site, you would come across the ruins of the Fatimid City of el-Qahira. During the peak time of Mamluk, this site was used to execute the criminals or slaves. However, in 19th century, a saint named Mitwalli performed miracles and transformed this site into a happy place. Even today, several people who believe in this legend, plan holidays to Cairo especially to take a walk through the southern gate of Bab Zuwayla to find piece of clothing, a lock of hair or a healing nail.

The site also features Mosque of el-Muayyad. Spend some time in the mosque to take a look at mausoleum of the Sultan el-Muayyad and his son. From the terrace of the mosque, you can enjoy the scenic view of the city. If you want to spend your Cairo holidays in traffic free area, you should visit Bayn al-Qasryn. This is one of the most charming areas in the city. People interested in experiencing the Islamic streak of the city should not compromise on visiting this area.

You should consider spending your night in Bayn al-Qasryn as this is the time when famous monuments come into prominence with bright and beautiful lights. This area was the main square during medieval times. But today, you would find three magnificent Mamluk Palace Complexes and the most important one is the Madrassa. It is a theological school and was completed in 1279. Another structure in the area that was completed in the same year is Mausoleum of Qalaun.

The structure of Mausoleum of Qalaun features spectacular exteriors consists of stucco arch adorned with floral motifs and stars. Interiors are defined by stained glass windows and ornate cofferred ceilings. Your holidays in Cairo would be incomplete, if you miss on visiting the City of the Dead. This is a fascinating sight where you would come across number of tomb squatters. It has been divided into Southern Cemetery and Northern Cemetery. While visiting this site, you can explore spectacular Islamic architecture. Some of the most notable monuments in this area are located in the Northern Cemetery.

Explore Mosques in Citadel with Cairo Holidays

Cairo holidays are nothing without spending time at the Citadel. There are few museums that keep history lovers and religious people to the Citadel.
Citadel is one of the most important highlights in Cairo. While planning holidays to Cairo, you cannot ignore this site. There are few attractions that are quite important to the history and religious richness of Egypt. It is strategically located on the edge of the Moqqatam Hills. Therefore, while visiting the site, you can admire spectacular view of the southern part of the city. If you are visiting on a clear sunny day, you might find a glimpse of Pyramids.

Mosque of Mohammed Ali is one of the main highlights in the Citadel. Therefore, while spending holidays in Cairo, this site must be there on the list of attractions. Apart from this mosque, you would also come across two other mosques while walking around the site. Names of other two mosques are the mosque of Ahmed Katkhuda and the mosque of Sultan el-Nasir Mohammed. Former is located near Bab el-Azab and latter (a14th century structure) is located in the eastern side of the southern enclosure. Mosque of Mohammed Ali is among the most impressive religious structures that you would come across in the Citadel.

This mosque is also known as Alabaster Mosque. It was built between 1824 and 1857. At the right of the entrance, you would come across tomb of Mohammed Ali. The mosque also features a 52 meters high central dome. Apart from the central dome, there are four other smaller domes as well. These domes are lit by circular crystal chandeliers that have numerous lamps. On the eastern side of the mosque, you would find a pulpit to read the holy Koran.

Cairo holiday deals must have Mosque of el-Nasr Mohammed on the list of attractions. While spending time in the courtyard, you would come across arches, a fountain pavilion and domes. One of the most notable historical attractions in the site is ornate ‘gingerbread’ clock. King Luis-Philippe gifted this clock to Mohammed Ali in 1845. Exterior of the mosque feature magnificent minarets and huge domes.

On the southern side of the mosque, you would find majestic “Jewel Palace” or the Qasr el-Gawhara. It had been used as a museum that exhibited the jewels of Khedives post 1952 revolution. Even today it serves as a museum but now it displays number of royal portraits and furniture. More and more people have started spending time at this museums while enjoying Cairo holidays to take a look at the Joseph’s Wall located in the southern side of the mosque.

Giza is an Integral Part of Cairo Holidays

Cairo holiday deals are completed by a day trip to Giza. While visiting this area, you get an opportunity to explore great Egyptian history.
While enjoying holidays in Cairo, a visit to neighboring town of Giza is a must. The town is home to some of the best attractions in the country. Giza is just 20 kilometers away from Cairo. Town’s greatest attraction is the Pyramids of Giza. The archeological site is also known as Giza Necropolis and is strategically located on the Giza Plateau. This site is among the Seven Wonders of the World.

Pyramid of Khufu, Menkuara and Khafra are the most prominent ones in the site. Greek name of the Pyramid of Khufu is Cheops. Khufu was the son of Snefru and was the first pharaoh who constructed a pyramid on this plateau. Base of the pyramid covers an area of 230.37 meters. Around 2,300,000 limestone blocks were used to build this 146.6 meters high pyramid. Every year numerous scholars and architects Cairo holidays especially to take a look at the enormous structure.

It is one of the oldest structures in the world. According to experts, it was built around 3800 years ago. It has three chambers namely Chamber of King, Chamber of Queen and Lower Chamber. Around the structure, you would come across boat shaped pits that are five in numbers. Several people book Cairo holidays deals to explore The Great Pyramid and take a look at the Solar Ship and spend some time in the Solar Boat Museum.

Pyramid of Khafre is just a walk away from the Pyramid of Khufu. It is built on a rising ground therefore, it appears to be bigger than that of the Khufu. Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest among the three major pyramids located in the Giza Plateau. Menkaure was the son of Khafre.

Sphinx is another highlight that creates an urge in people to plan holidays in Cairo. The gigantic statue represents Egypt on travelogues, travel magazines, articles and publications. Height and length of the statue are 20 meters and 60 meters respectively. It is made out from hard and soft layers of sediments. While taking a closer look at the statue, you would come across a lion body with human head. This figure is related to the God Harmakhis. The UNESCO’s World Heritage Site was built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre. Giza Tombs also entice large number of history lovers to the city. There are over 6000 tombs in the plateau. However, only 50 are open to public.

Holidays in Cairo Means Connoisseur of Traditional Egyptian Dishes

If you want to taste traditional Egyptian holiday, book Cairo holiday deals as the city is home to some of the best restaurants in the entire country.

Do you think Cairo is only about rich ancient history? If you are nodding your head in yes, you’re slightly wrong. The city has much more than intriguing past. While enjoying Cairo holidays, you can be a part of unique culture and traditions. The city hosts numerous festivities all through the year. Folklore of these festivities is incomplete without delicious food. Egyptian food is another thing that creates an urge in people visit Cairo again and again.

Capital city of Cairo is home to some of the best restaurants in the country. Some of the best restaurants are located in Mohandeseen and Zamalek. If you want to taste traditional Egyptian dishes, there are several options. There are several stalls and restaurants that are known for serving traditional dishes. Some of the best places to taste such dishes are Foul, taamiyya and Muzagga’a. If you really want to taste traditional Egyptian dishes, make sure you are not ignoring Kushari. It consists of lentils, macaroni and chickpeas. Numerous people are browsing through Cairo holiday packages especially to taste kushari prepared in typical Egyptian way.

Fatayeer is also quite famous among tourists visiting Cairo to taste the Egyptian dishes. The dish is a pancake with variety of fillings. Another conventional yet notable dish is shawarama. It consists of roasted meat suffed or wrapped in bread. Shawarma hailed from Syria and Lebanon but it is quite famous in this part of the Egypt. Budget travelers planning holidays to Cairo prefer to dine at less expensive restaurants. In such dining areas, you can easily find delicious food items made from fresh vegetables. For non-vegetarians, the menu is quite vast. You can choose from wide range of hot dogs with stuffing of beef and meat. Corned beef is also quite famous in Cairo. Menu would also consist of fried potatoes, eggs and salads.

Hygiene is the first preference of every diner. If you don’t want to compromise on the hygiene factor, you should prefer restaurants that are famous among other tourists. Moreover, you should avoid empty food outlets. To taste the best Kushari, downtown is the best area. Most notable restaurants and eateries that have become an integral part of Cairo holiday deals are Abou sid, al-Gahsh, Kushari Tahrir and Felfela. Zamalek is home to numerous restaurants that serve delicious traditional food. Some of the most important ones are Euro Deli, Maison Thomas, Soqaia and La Bodega.

Explore Egyptian Coptic History with Old Cairo Holidays

If you are holidays in Cairo, don’t miss on visiting the Old Cairo as this is the place where you can explore the intriguing history of Christianity in Egypt.
If you want to feel the exuberant Egyptian streak, plan holidays to Cairo. The capital city of Egypt is one of the top notch tourist destinations in the country. The city is famous for its pyramids and rich ancient history. However, these are not the only attractions in the city. To explore more of Egypt, you should visit the Old Cairo. This part of the city is home to Coptic Cairo where you would find numerous churches and ruins of Roman fortifications.

Besides Coptic Cairo, other attractions in this part of the city are Coptic Museum, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Mosque of Amr ibn al-‘As and Babylon Fortress. These are the major attraction that make Old Cairo an integral part of plan Cairo holiday packages. Fortress of Babylon is the most prominent attraction in Old Cairo. In Egyptian language, it is pronounced as Babalog. This fortress was built by the Romans to protect the city of Memphis. Original fortress was founded around 30 BC, the year when Augustus entered Alexandria. The fortress became centre of the new religion i.e., Christianity in 1 AD. Within the fortress, you would come across a convent, several churches and Coptic Museum.

Coptic Museum is famous for exhibiting the world’s largest collection of Egyptian Christian artifacts. Therefore, every year several tourists interested in exploring history of Christianity in Egypt add this museum to their Cairo holiday deals . This museum was founded in 1910 by Marcus Simaika Pasha. It covers an area of 8,000 square meters. While walking around the alleys the museums, you would also come across some of the best examples of Coptic art.

There are several churches in the Old Cairo. Hanging Church is among the most important ones. It is also known as El-Moallaqua. Its nickname is Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church. It was built in 3rd century AD which makes it one of the oldest churches in the entire country. According to the experts, this was one of the first churches that hosted Coptic rituals. The church has gone through several renovations. During the renovation of 19th century fourth aisle was added to the structure.

Another attraction in this part of the city is Al-Azhar Mosque. It entices large number of people to plan Cairo holidays. This museum was established by Fatimid conqueror of Egypt- Jawhar al-Siqilly in 1970. The are area where this mosque is located, you would come across alluring Islamic gravestones from 10th century.

Hotels You can Consider While Planning Holidays to Cairo

There are several hotels in Cairo. While looking for Cairo holiday deals, you would have lot of options in terms of accommodation.
Cairo the capital city of Egypt entices large number of people with its variety of historical attractions. While planning holidays to Cairo, you should not overlook the hotels you are booking. The city is home to some of the best boutique hotels in the country. Apart from boutique hotels, you can also choose from wide variety of budget hotels.

Talisman Hotel de Charme is one of the best hotels in the city. The hotel is strategically located in Central Cairo. This boutique hotel has 24 rooms. Every room has its own identity. No matter which room you are picking, authentic feel and captivating décor is guaranteed. Best part of staying in this majestic hotel is that several popular sites and monuments are just a walk away. You can reach Islamic Cairo, Egyptian Museum and bazaars in not more than 20 minutes. Therefore, it is gradually becoming rage among people planning Cairo holidays.

Internet service and breakfast are complementary. People who are fed up of chaos and mayhem of city life prefer to stay in this hotel as it is quieter than others. It is housed in an old building in a small street. Another worth staying hotel in Central Cairo is Windsor hotel. This mid-range hotel is among the oldest ones in and around the city. It was built in 1899 as Royal Baths. During Second World War it served as a British Officers Club. The bar is preserved in same condition with original décor. You can choose from 55 beautiful rooms.

For budget travelers there are unlimited options in terms of accommodation. One of the popular budget hotels in the city is Isis Hotel. The hotel is located nearby Midan Talaat Harb. To visit the hotel, you need to reach at 15th floor. It allows you to get rid of the heat and bustling atmosphere. Without Le Meridian Pyramids Hotel in Giza, list of hotels in Cairo is incomplete. This is the largest hotel in the area and Pyramids of Giza can be seen from its windows. The luxurious resort hotel always remains in the top priorities of people browsing through Cairo holiday deals.

Le Meridian Pyramids Hotel features themed restaurants, tennis courts, sauna, shopping arcade and swimming pools. If you are booking Cairo holidays packages especially to spend incredible time with your family, consider staying in this hotel. Excellent service, delicious gastronomy and view of Pyramids of Giza are few things that make this hotel one of the best in entire Cairo. In Central Cairo, you would come across several hotels.