Cairo is the capital city of
Egypt and is also the largest and most populated city of Egypt. Cairo is also the largest of all metropolitan areas in Africa, and one of the most expansive of all urban areas in the world. Located beautifully on the Nile River, Cairo is the hub of architecture, media, and film, as well as a sprawling archaeological representation of ancient Egypt's history and development.
Cairo is home to the oldest of artifacts in the history of the world. The artifacts of the royal mummies, as well as those of the famous gilded King Tutankhamun, form some of the beautiful antique collections.
The iconic pyramids, as well as the Great Sphinx, are found within the Giza site, and they date back into the 26th century BC. These are some of the most beautiful spots in Cairo, attracting tourists from all corners of the world. Close by, the Zamalek District, complete in a green natural leafy setting in the Gezira Island, is home to Cairo Tower. Cairo Tower stands one hundred and eighty-seven meters tall, just the perfect place to offer incredible panoramic views of the entire city.
Located on a raised part of the city, is the ancient Citadel castle, on the spot where the Muhammad Ali Mosque stands, making an attractive Ottoman landmark. This spot conveniently overlooks the Islamic Cairo region. Along the zigzag line streets, there are outstanding medieval architectural designs like that of the Al-Azhar Mosque and the giant Bab Zuweila Gate.
Cairo is home to the ever-busy el-Khalili Bazaar, complete with stalls that sell all forms of art and craftworks. Coptic Cairo, a vibrant area within the city, features excellent tourist spots like the Fortress of Babylon from the Roman Era, the beautiful Hanging Church, as well as the Coptic Museum, with stunning exhibitions of ancient artifacts from Christian Egypt.
The evenings in Cairo can be spent away in the numerous Ahwas, otherwise known as coffeehouses.
Cairo is a beautiful travel destination that runs all year round. Cairo experiences a hot desert climate that is typical of hot and highly humid summers and mild, moderately tolerable winters.
During summer, between
May and
August, the temperature is exceptionally high, as is the sunshine, making the days quite hot and humid. The evenings, however, are fresh and have pleasant weather.
During winter, from
December to
February, the weather is mild and far less humid, with the days having a stable, tolerable temperature. Snowfall is uncommon during winter, but rainfall is experienced, albeit in minimal amounts.
The peak of the travel season is between August and December, owing to the holidays and events being held then. Throughout winter, a surge of tourists is also experienced. These two seasons have minimal extremes on the weather as the summer scorch cools down to allow for tolerable and chilly days.
Between
November and December, Cairo holds a major event that attracts crowds from far and wide; the Cairo International Film Festival. The event strives to celebrate and appreciate the film industry of Arab productions and usually has awards and prizes given to outstanding people.
On varying dates, the Muslims in Cairo celebrate the Eid-al-Fitr, amid feasting, decorations, and special functions to celebrate the completion of the Holy month of Ramadhan. And then, a short period after the New Year celebrations, in
January, the Coptic Christmas is celebrated amid feasting and special church services.