A Tour Of Cairo For First Time Visitors

Cairo, Egypt. A highly sought after bucket list destination. Many historians say Egypt is the birthplace of civilization. Cairo is a city whose history dates back more than four millennia. Founded in 2000 BCE. Yes that is right. Two thousand years prior to year 1. An absurd amount of history has been discovered and is protected within the city limits of Cairo. This city is culturally rich and diverse. More than four thousand years worth of history is held within Egypt’s capital.

It comes to no surprise that Egypt is one of the most sought after vacation destinations. As you travel, or begin planning out your travel itinerary, you may want an activity or two to occupy your time in Cairo. Though the process of elimination was difficult, Tripio has narrowed down a list of the best sites to see during your first vacation to Egypt.

This page will include Tripio’s idea of must-see attractions to make the most of your next adventure in one of the world’s oldest known civilizations. Let’s get you excited to begin planning your adventure and building your custom itinerary on the Tripio App. 

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Cairo Museum

Photo by 2H Media on Unsplash

For those looking to immediately dive into the abyss of history and culture that embodies this great city, the Cairo Museum is the best way to get started. The Cairo Museum holds the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the world. More than 120,000 artifacts of Egyptian history and art are displayed and cared for by the Cairo Museum (officially named the Egyptian Museum). During this period of acclimation, explore the wonders of the Cairo Museum in a cooled air-conditioned environment where you can take your time and not worry about passing out.

The Cairo Museum is a great way to start your adventures in Egypt. Here you will learn all the basics and the in depth detail of Egyptian history and be ready to tackle all of the other wonderful attractions in and around Cairo. 

The Great Pyramids of Giza 

Photo by Osama Elsayed on Unsplash

How can a tour of Cairo be even thought of without the mention of The Great Pyramids of Giza. What’s a better thing to cross off of your bucket list than the last remaining landmark included in the Seven Wonders of the World. The pyramids at Giza have sparked interest from archeologists from around the world for centuries. No other landmark in the world has sparked as much controversy and conspiracy as the Great Pyramids of Giza. This historical landmark dates back over five thousand years. With an approximation of completion c. 3300 BCE.

This is a must see attraction during your first vacation to Cairo. As a matter of fact this is a must see attraction no matter how many times you have been to Cairo. People travel from across the world for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this one. Be sure that you incorporate The Great Pyramids of Giza to your custom itinerary on the Tripio App and cross off this bucket list destination. 

The Great Sphinx

Photo by Hossam M Omar on Unsplash

And what’s a better follow up to the Great Pyramids of Giza than the Great Sphinx of Giza? This is a two bird one stone attraction. The Sphinx is the protector of the sanctity of Giza. This world famous figure has stood over Giza for 4500 years. Archeologists believe that the Sphinx was built from limestone 4500 years ago due to its resemblance to the Pharaoh Khafra. The Sphinx is a world class destination and one adventure that cannot be passed on while constructing your perfect travel itinerary on the Tripio App. “Giza” as it was called is conveniently located just outside the city of Cairo. You can even see it from the city (depending on where you are). 

Cairo Citadel 

Photo by Omar Elsharaaway on Unsplash

Salah Al-Din Al-Ayoubi Castle, otherwise known as the Cairo Citadel is a top destination to visit in Cairo. This medieval construct, established in 1176. The entire building constructed from pure stone and limestone. This is always a hit attraction for first time visitors to Cairo. Touring the Cairo Citadel opens the opportunity to explore a historic side of Egypt that is often overlooked compared to its neighboring landmarks. The Cairo Citadel was the seat of the Egyptian government for over six hundred years between the 13th and 19th-centuries.

Legend has it that the spires of the citadel can be spotted from a thousand miles away. This destination is a top tier attraction for the city of Cairo. 

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar in Cairo

Photo by Simon Berger on Unsplash

Aside from historic value, Khan el-Khalili offers one of the greatest shopping sprees in a lifetime. Cairo, culturally known for its fancy bazaars with hundreds of local boutiques. There is no better place to pick up an authentic souvenir than at the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Here you can find just about everything. This is a top contender attraction for travelers looking to blend in with local life and get a taste of what underground Cairo looks like. Hookahs, trinkets, souvenirs and more are all available for purchase at the exciting cultural walk through Khan el-Khalili.

Are you excited yet to build your very own custom itinerary on the Tripio App for your first vacation to Cairo?

All of these activities and more can be discovered on the Tripio App for travel.

Craving more of Egypt, check out: Egypt: Top 10 Historical Sites

-Matthew Knotek, Tripio Guru. 

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