Cairo Beyond the Pyramids: The Soul of the City by an Egyptian
- Sep 11
- 21 min read
Updated: Sep 16
The sound that announces Egypt to me is not the wind blowing across the desert sands nor the eternal waters of the Nile. It's the shrill bell ringing in the street: a sign that the milkman had arrived.
We lived on the third floor, and when she heard the bell, my mother would throw a bucket tied to a rope attached to weathered iron bars out the window. Down below, the milkman would place two glass bottles of fresh milk, and she would pull them back, smiling.
This is my first memory of Cairo: a simple gesture, repeated daily, that made the city pulse with small neighborhood rituals.
When I say I was born in Egypt, many imagine my childhood memories would be of the pyramids, the Sphinx, the gold of the pharaohs, or the Nile at sunset. But for me, these were just ordinary neighbors, without the glamour or mystery they evoke in thousands of people around the world.
My Cairo begins on the balconies, in the alleys of Khan el Khalili, in the scents of hot coffee and spices. It is this intimate Egypt, made of memories and echoes of a cosmopolitanism now almost mythical, that I want to share here.
Between the streets that inspired Naguib Mahfouz, where literary cafés still maintain their invisible presence, and the stories of an elegant Cairo described in Lucette Lagnado's The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit, lies a city that goes beyond postcards.
In this text, I will guide you on a two-fold tour, far beyond the pyramids, promising a transformation from mere tourist to a traveler deeply connected to Egypt's soul and its narratives.
By the end of this journey, you will not only witness the grandeur of temples but also immerse yourself in the heartbeat of Cairo's vibrant streets and its enduring spirit.
The essential Egypt, of pyramids and pharaonic treasures, is certainly unmissable.
My Cairo, made of personal memories, literature, and affection, is an invitation to stroll with me through the streets of my childhood, in search of a city that still whispers its stories.
Have you ever thought of exploring Egypt beyond traditional itineraries? Share your most interesting facts about Cairo in the comments!
👉 Planning your own trip? Don’t miss my 10-Day Egypt Itinerary with Cairo, Nile Cruise & Luxor, a complete guide with costs, logistics, and local tips.
Cairo isn’t defined by a single monument or memory: it’s a tapestry of many layers. Here are the ones that stand out most to me:
✨ The Soul of Cairo in Five Layers
|
Table of Contents
The list below also works as a handy table of contents. To jump directly to a specific paragraph, click on it!
Part 1 : Essential Egypt with my local tips
Let's start with the itinerary everyone dreams of taking, but with the secrets and sensations that only those who have lived there can share.
This is the Egypt of postcards, seen through a lens of affection. But once you've marveled at the monumental wonders, what unique treasures and vibrant tales could be waiting to capture your imagination in the nooks and crannies of My Cairo?.
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx: The Monumental Neighbors
It's impossible to describe the feeling of standing before the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, guarded by the enigmatic Sphinx, are not just monuments; they are the embodiment of eternity.
To build these giants, it took over 30,000 people over many years, with engineering techniques still debated by historians.
This colossal effort makes visiting these works even more impressive, something no photograph can capture.
It's no wonder that conspiracy theories, underground tunnels, and never-before-seen secrets are still discussed today!
My Egyptian Take
As a child, the pyramids were just a shadow on the horizon outside my window. Years later, upon returning to Cairo, I saw them with different eyes: the golden morning light on the ancient stones enveloped me in a profound serenity and awakened within me a sense of pure wonder.
In the late afternoon, be sure to catch the Light and Sound show. The pyramids light up as the story of the pharaohs unfolds against the golden desert. Touristy? A little. Worth it? Absolutely.
If you choose to go inside the pyramids of Giza, you'll need to walk through tight, low corridors, often hunched over. It can feel stuffy if you're claustrophobic. Still, standing inside these ancient walls is an unforgettable experience.
And, of course, a camel ride through the sands is a cliché worth experiencing. Photos are available for a fee, a detail that can take tourists by surprise, but the sensation of seeing the pyramids from the middle of the desert is one of those images that will last forever.
Memory Box🌿 My Childhood Memory at the Pyramids On my return to Egypt, I had an unforgettable experience. I was with my cousins, and given the choice, everyone opted for horses, wary of the camel's size and unsteady gait. I was the only one to venture out. What I didn't know is that camels stand up with their hind legs first: I was nearly thrown forward, clinging to the saddle, amidst general laughter. Then I noticed the camel was much slower than the horses. I finished the ride covered in dust, but with an amazing view and a memory I still treasure. |
The secret to truly experiencing them is to arrive early, right at opening, before the intense heat and crowds.
Want a complete itinerary to explore Egypt from north to south? Check out our 10-day Egypt itinerary and plan an unforgettable trip!
The Grand Egyptian Museum: A Treasure Rediscovered
The Essential:
The ancient Egyptian Museum, in downtown Cairo, has always been the guardian of incomparable pharaonic treasures. Now, the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is an architectural masterpiece, designed to be the definitive home of Egypt's greatest treasures.
It is here that more than 5,000 pieces of the complete Tutankhamun collection are finally assembled, with many artifacts on public display for the first time.
Most galleries are open in a pre-launch phase; the full opening is scheduled for November 2025 (exact public date early-November; VIP events earlier). Check dates before you go.
In addition to the famous golden mask, I recommend paying attention to some details that tell more human stories:
Everyday objects, such as Tutankhamun's sandals, board games like Senet, or delicate kohl bottles, remind us that, behind the pharaonic grandeur, there were people with vanities, hobbies, and routines as tangible as our own.
The princesses' jewelry, including necklaces and bracelets, found in royal tombs, reveals the extraordinary talent of artisans and the love of beauty that permeated all classes.
The statues of scribes, almost always seated cross-legged, are fascinating: they were not kings, but the intellectual elite of the time. Their serene expressions contrast with the pharaohs' imposing presence, and demonstrate the value placed on knowledge.
My Egyptian Take
My personal connection is with the old museum, where I learned that true emotion lay not only in the famous pieces, but also in the small, worn statues and discreet amulets that revealed the daily lives of ancient Egyptians.
I haven't visited the new museum in person yet, but I followed its pre-opening through reports, photos, and videos sent by a friend. Even from a distance, it's impossible not to be impressed by the grandeur of the space.
My suggestion for visitors is the same one that has always guided me: after seeing the icons, take time for an anonymous piece. In addition to the famous mask of Tutankhamun, look for the wooden statue of Ka-aper, "The Village Chief."
His crystal eyes look so real, it feels like he's watching you, whether in an old hallway or a new museum. It's these small details that make Egypt feel alive, not just a place from history.
Being born in Egypt, I like to call myself a descendant of Tutankhamun. My only regret is that I never inherited the jewels buried with him! :)
Khan el-Khalili Market: The Beating Heart of Cairo
The Essential:
Losing yourself in this medieval souk is one of the most intense experiences you can have in Cairo. It's a vibrant labyrinth of colors, scents, and sounds.
Founded in the 14th century, it remains the commercial heart of Old Cairo to this day. Here you can find everything: silver jewelry, fragrant spices, embroidered fabrics, and the inevitable tourist souvenirs.
It's a chaotic and fascinating place, where time seems to flow at a different pace; a vibrant labyrinth of colors, scents, and sounds, from polishers tapping brass to coffee beans cracking in the roaster.
An Egyptian’s Guide to the Real Khan el-KhaliliTo feel the soul of the market, step off the main streets and into the back alleys. Landmarks like the Al-Hussein Mosque or the historic Wikala of Al-Ghuri can guide you. Or simply ask a local. Cairo loves pointing the way.
The finest souvenirs here aren’t objects, but the greetings, aromas, and stories you carry back home. |
My Egyptian Take
I remember my mother navigating these alleys with a skill I've never been able to match. She seemed to know every shortcut, every face, and stopped at every stall to exchange a few words, as if the market were a natural extension of her home.
The secret is not in the main streets, but in the back streets, where the true artisans live, and daily life unfolds far from the flashy storefronts. It's in these passages that my grandmother bought spices, and I lost myself in the smell of freshly ground coffee
Tired from exploring Khan-el-Khalili? Take a break at the famous Café El Fishawy, an institution in the heart of the market, in continuous operation for over 200 years. Amid stained mirrors and worn wooden chairs, it has welcomed kings, artists, and writers, including Naguib Mahfouz, who immortalized these streets in his novels.
Sitting there, with a mint tea or Turkish coffee, to the sound of tawla (backgammon) stones hitting the board, is like feeling the social and literary breath of the city, as if at any moment Mahfouz might pull up a chair next to you.
Golden tip: In Khan el-Khalili, haggling is part theater, part sport, just like in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. Open at ~50% of the first price, smile, and enjoy the banter. Aim to pay what feels fair, not to “win.” The memory is worth more than the margin.
Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan: A Journey Through Time
The Essential:
The classic route from Luxor to Aswan is the most poetic way to discover the treasures of Upper Egypt. Sailing the serene waters of the Nile, which shaped the entire history of pharaonic civilization, watching life unfold along the banks as it did millennia ago, is an unforgettable experience.
A cruise between Luxor and Aswan reveals temples that seem suspended in time: Karnak, with its monumental columns; the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs rest; the Luxor Temple, magically illuminated at dusk; and Philae, the sacred island dedicated to Isis.
Each stop is a journey within a journey, a living lesson in ancient history. After a deep dive into history, unwind on the sun-drenched beaches of Sharm el-Sheikh, just a short flight away.
Trading the ochre landscapes of the Nile for the turquoise blue of the Red Sea and the temples for coral reefs is the contrast that defines Egypt's richness: a country that lives between ancient history and a natural paradise.
My Egyptian Take
Leaving the chaos of Cairo and embarking on a cruise is like entering another dimension. The true magic happens at dawn, when the fishermen set sail in their feluccas, and at sunset, when the sky blazes behind the columns of the temples.
I linger by the river, caught in its tranquil cadence. Life unfolds here not in minutes and hours, but in a rhythm as old as the water itself: children's laughter on the banks, the slow march of livestock, the silent glide of a passing boat.
It’s a place of profound continuity, where time feels less like a line and more like a current.
Part 2: My Cairo, An Affectionate and Literary Itinerary
If essential Egypt is made of pyramids, temples, and pharaonic treasures, my Cairo beats to a different rhythm.
It lives in the alleys of Gamaliya, in the school of my childhood, in the literary cafes where my father proposed to my mother and where Naguib Mahfouz wrote.
It's in the smell of morning coffee and the sound of tawla stones hitting wooden trays. It's a route invisible in tourist guides, but one that I carry within me. A second map that lay gently over Cairo’s streets, where memories, literature, and affection give landmarks their soul and turn a simple tour into a deeper connection.
Gamaliya: The Alleys That Became Literature
Naguib Mahfouz didn't just write about Cairo; he used the city itself as his palette. To experience it, reading his books isn't enough; you have to walk through its settings.
It was here that he grew up and found inspiration for his famous Cairo Trilogy, transforming its narrow alleys, centuries-old mosques, and bustling markets into living characters.
Walking through Gamaliya is like smelling the spices mixed with the dust of ancient stones, hearing the call to prayer echoing through the alleys, and entering the pages of a novel, where the passions, dramas, and transformations of a family mirror those of an entire country.
For me, Gamaliya is not just a literary setting, but part of my childhood. My school was there, and I walked every morning to meet my friends and teachers.
The streets Mahfouz described with such realism were also the streets that shaped my first steps, an invisible link between fiction and real life.
That's why, when I returned to Gamaliya, I felt like I was walking through two novels at once: one masterfully written by Mahfouz, and my own, frozen in time.
📚 An Egyptian's Guide: A Literary Walking Tour of GamaliyaTo truly step into the pages of Naguib Mahfouz’s Cairo, you need to know where to look. Follow this mini-itinerary to explore the heart of his literary world:
"Cairo is more than a city; it is a world entire." Naguib Mahfouz |
How to explore Gamaliya in Islamic Cairo
The best way to explore the neighborhood is on foot, letting yourself get lost in its narrow, bustling streets. For a more in-depth experience, consider hiring a local guide from Viator or GetYourGuide.
Additionally, you can find knowledgeable local guides through local tourism offices or community organizations, offering a more authentic and personal experience. These guides often provide unique insights, reveal hidden secrets and tell the stories behind the ancient facades that you might not find elsewhere.
Remember that Gamaliya is part of the so-called 'Historic Cairo,' an area recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your visit can easily be combined with a stroll through the Khan el-Khalili market, which is just a few steps away.
Literary Cafés: Where Life Happens
Café Riche
In downtown Cairo, it's not just a café: it's an institution. Since its opening in 1908, it has been the scene of literary gatherings, political debates, and bohemian evenings that marked Egypt's 20th century.
Writers, artists, and intellectuals, including Naguib Mahfouz, have passed through here, finding inspiration and companionship at its tables. The atmosphere seems suspended in time: walls that have heard heated discussions, love stories, and ideas that shaped the modern country.
A distant echo of the Parisian salons where the women of the French Revolution also conspired and dreamed of a new world.
Sitting at Riche is like immersing yourself in the intellectual heart of Cairo, a feeling that reminds me of the cafés of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris, where cultural life also unfolded between café tables and endless conversations.
Order a strong Turkish coffee, gaze at the old portraits, and feel the weight of history.
Café Groppi
Café Groppi
More than just a pastry, it is a historic café. One of the symbols of elegant Cairo in the early 20th century.
Famous for its chocolates and ice cream, it was the meeting place for the city's cosmopolitan elite. It also gained literary life in the pages of The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit, where it appears as the setting for this sophisticated and international Cairo.
For me, Groppi is even more special: it was here that my father proposed to my mother. I can imagine the scene at a discreet table, amidst displays of refined sweets and the hustle and bustle of a Cairo that breathed romance and modernity.
Groppi, for me, is proof of how literature and life can intertwine: a place that exists simultaneously in fiction and family memory.
How to explore the cafés:
Both cafés, Riche and Groppi, are in the vibrant Downtown Cairo area (Wust el-Balad) and can be combined with a walking tour of the area's architecture.
Café Riche is ideal for a longer stop to soak up the historic atmosphere, while Groppi is perfect for a quick sweet treat and a nostalgic trip to the city's elegant past.
Downtown Cairo (Wust el-Balad): Belle Époque Cairo
Downtown Cairo, or Wust el-Balad, was born in the 19th century as a project of modernity. A Cairo that aspired to become the "Paris of the Nile."
Its wide avenues, monumental squares, and Belle Époque buildings, with wrought-iron balconies and ornate facades, still tell the story of a cosmopolitan city, open to the world, that exuded elegance and modernity.
It is this atmosphere that vibrates in the pages of Lucette Lagnado's The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit. Today, the somewhat faded grandeur of these buildings contrasts fascinatingly with the chaotic energy of the streets, filled with shops, old cinemas, and incessant traffic.
For me, it's impossible not to think of the echoes of that dreamed-of Cairo, so far removed from the frenetic hustle and bustle that dominates today. Here, nostalgia and contemporary life meet at every corner, as if past and present still compete for space under the same light of the Nile.
How to Explore Downtown Cairo (Wust el-Balad):
The soul of Downtown reveals itself on foot. Set aside an afternoon to stroll leisurely, starting at Tahrir Square and following Talaat Harb and Qasr al-Nil avenues. Enter the passages and galleries that open between the grand buildings: many house old bookstores and shops that seem frozen in time.
If you have time, also pop into one of the historic cinemas that still stand. And, of course, combine your stroll with a visit to Café Riche or Groppi, icons of an elegant Cairo that continues to pulsate in the heart of the city.
Alexandria: The Breath of the Mediterranean
For one Cairo family, summer vacation had a name and a scent: Alexandria and the salty Mediterranean breeze.
A port that, for centuries, welcomed Greeks, Italians, Jews, and Armenians, forming a unique cosmopolitan society, a meeting place of peoples that reminds me of Sicily, where every corner tells the story of a different civilization.
It was our refuge, the city where the pace slowed and the desert heat gave way to a melancholic seaside elegance. I remember long walks along the Corniche, the avenue that hugs the bay, with its European-style buildings and the sound of the waves crashing against the sand.
It is also the site of legendary pastry shops like Délices and Trianon, a reminder of a refined and multicultural Alexandria.
Alexandria has always had a soul more connected to Europe and its Greco-Roman past. It is the city of Constantine Cavafis and Lawrence Durrell's Alexandria Quartet, a place that seems to live on memories and nostalgic beauty.
It was also here that I spent many of my childhood holidays. For me, Alexandria was the place to reconnect with the sea, with leisurely afternoons, sandcastles, and the sweet flavors that characterized the season.
Returning to Alexandria was a double dip: into the collective past of this mythical city and into my own family memories.
How to Explore Alexandria:
The city deserves at least two days, but it can be visited on an intense day trip from Cairo (about a 3-hour drive). Be sure to stroll along the Corniche, visit the modern Library of Alexandria, a tribute to its legendary past, and explore the Citadel of Qaitbay, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse.
To feel the atmosphere of the past, stop for a coffee at Trianon or Délices Patisserie, places that still retain the charm of the city's golden age.
Feeling like adding Alexandria to your itinerary? Save this post for later or share it with anyone who dreams of visiting Egypt!
For a truly seamless experience, my best tip is to join a guided day trip. You’ll get the context of a local guide and skip the stress of navigating on your own. A great choice is this private day trip to Alexandria, which covers all the essential sights in comfort.
Now that you've experienced the soul of the places that make up the heart of Egypt, you might be wondering how to turn this inspiration into a real trip. If you'd like more details on how to visit each of these places, I've prepared a guide for you.
The Flavors of My Childhood
No memory is as powerful as the one awakened by a flavor. When I think of Egyptian food, I almost taste again the dishes of my childhood. In Cairo, food nourishes not only the body but also the soul of the city. And the memory begins even before the taste itself.
I hear the sounds of our Cairo kitchen: the steady chop of parsley and dill on a wooden board, the low murmur of my mother and aunts as their hands worked quickly around a large bowl of fragrant rice. They would sit for hours, patiently rolling each grape leaf into a tight, perfect parcel. From that world of sounds and gestures of shared creation, the real magic of food was born.
No one captured this truth better than Naguib Mahfouz. From the family dramas of the Cairo Trilogy to the vibrant chaos of Midaq Alley, food is the very texture of life.
It’s the steam rising from a shared breakfast of foul, the crispness of a ta'ameya bought on a busy street corner, the sweet syrup of a pastry that marks a family celebration. These are the flavors that tell the city's truest stories:
Ta'ameya (Egyptian Falafel): Forget chickpea falafel. In Egypt, our version, called ta'ameya, is made with fava beans, which gives it a green interior and a unique flavor. For me, it was the quick snack bought at a street stall on the way home, served hot and crispy inside soft pita bread. It's the taste of simplicity and life happening on the street.
Wara' Enab (Stuffed Grape Leaves): This isn't an everyday dish, but a celebratory one. I remember the almost ritualistic patience of my mother and aunts around the table, carefully rolling each grape leaf stuffed with rice, meat, and spices. The aroma that filled the house was the scent of celebration, of a family gathering.
Koshary: If there's one dish that embodies the delicious chaos of Cairo, it's koshary. An unlikely blend of rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and fried onions. It sounds strange, but it works perfectly. It's the quintessential comfort food, a quick and refreshing lunch amidst the city's hustle and bustle.
Basbousa and Konafa (Party Sweets): No celebration would be complete without sweets. I remember the pastry shop windows displaying golden trays of basbousa, a semolina cake soaked in syrup, and konafa, with its crispy pastry strands filled with cream, cheese, or nuts.
Hamaam Mahshi (Stuffed Pigeons): This is a delicacy that divides opinions, and I confess I sided with those who didn't have the courage! On my return to Cairo, my uncle insisted on taking us to a simple restaurant, one of those authentic places off the tourist trail, where he used to go to eat pigeons stuffed with rice. Watching my cousins enjoy such a traditional dish was a cultural experience in itself, even if I preferred to stick to pita bread!
These flavors continue to tell stories long after the last bite!
🍴 The Flavors That Taste Like Cairo
|
Unforgettable Encounters: Where Travel Surprises
But memories of Egypt aren't limited to places or flavors; they also live on in unexpected encounters.
On that same trip, at the restaurant of the hotel where we were staying, the friendly waiter who served us every day approached my uncle with a very serious proposal: he offered some of his best camels in exchange for my hand in marriage.
Amid the family's surprise and laughter, there was Egypt in all its intensity: a place of warm hospitality, unique humor, and an infinite ability to leave us speechless.
The Shock of Return: Where Memory and Reality Collide
Rediscovering Cairo also meant confronting the brutal changes that time imposes. One afternoon, my family and I went in search of the cemetery where my grandfather was buried.
What we found was a shock: on the sacred ground of our memories, a new building stood, indifferent to the past it had buried.
The feeling was horrifying. A void that no pyramid or temple can fill. It was the moment I realized that, sometimes, the places we keep inside us no longer exist on the outside.
This encounter with absence, with the city's relentless transformation, is also part of my history with Egypt.
🕊️ The Cemetery Shock We went in search of my grandfather’s grave. Instead, a new building stood where memory once lived. A reminder that cities change, even when our hearts don’t. |
👉 Have you ever experienced the shock of returning to a special place and finding it no longer as you remembered? Share your experience in the comments. Let's talk about the memories that remain, even when places are gone.
Conclusion: Where the Two Egypts Meet
Traveling through Egypt is navigating between two worlds: that of grand history, imposing itself in temples and pyramids, and that of life that pulsates in the streets, in cafes, and in the simplest gestures. The first dazzles, the second connects.
I hope this two-layered itinerary inspires you to seek both. To marvel at Tutankhamun's gold, but also to find humanity in an anonymous statue.
To lose yourself in the chaos of Khan el-Khalili, but also to find a moment of peace in a cafe that inspired a Nobel Prize in Literature.
From Cairo, I carry with me the echoes of my childhood: the sound of backgammon tiles I learned to play with my father, and the art of reading coffee grounds, a family secret shared by my mother. Upon my return, I added to these memories the grandeur of its monuments.
It is this blend of affection and the eternal that transforms a tourist trip into an unforgettable journey. So I invite you not only to witness the timeless story told in stone, but also to linger in the quiet moments between them. The sweetness of a fresh date, the clatter of backgammon in a café, the warmth of a shared smile.
This is the Egypt that cannot be seen with the eyes alone, but must be felt with the heart. And this is the Egypt that I invite you to discover.
Which Egypt would you like to discover first: the Egypt of the pharaohs or the bustling streets of Cairo?
Ready to turn this inspiration into an adventure? To help you organize every detail, I've created a practical, step-by-step itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions for Your Trip to Egypt
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Yes, the main tourist areas such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts are considered safe and have a strong tourist police presence. However, it is advisable to avoid traveling through remote and border areas. For a more peaceful experience, especially for first-time travelers or solo women, traveling in a group or with the support of a local agency is an excellent option. As with any major destination, take the usual precautions with your belongings.
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
The months between October and April are the most pleasant, with milder temperatures, perfect for exploring temples and archaeological sites. Be prepared for blistering temperatures during the summer (June to August), particularly if you are traveling south.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Yes. Brazilians and Portuguese citizens require a visa, which can be obtained upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, before immigration. The process is simple, but your passport must be valid for at least six months.
What currency should I bring? Do they accept dollars or euros?
The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). It is recommended to always carry local currency for tips, groceries, and small expenses. Dollars and euros are accepted in hotels, large restaurants, and tours, and exchanging them for EGP is easy at banks and exchange bureaus.
How should I dress in Egypt?
Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, and respectful dress is essential, particularly in mosques and religious sites. For women, it is recommended to cover the shoulders and knees. Bring light cotton or linen clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a light scarf; some mosques provide coverings, but not all. Shoes off inside prayer areas.
How many days are ideal for exploring Egypt?
Ideally, you should reserve between 7 and 10 days: 2 for Cairo, 3 to 4 for a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and the rest for Sharm el-Sheikh or Alexandria.
Is it worth going inside the pyramids of Giza?
Yes, but be prepared: the corridors are narrow and stuffy, and can be uncomfortable for those with claustrophobia. Still, being inside a pyramid is a unique experience.
What can't I miss in Cairo besides the pyramids?
The Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, the Khan el-Khalili market, and tea at the historic El Fishawy Café, where Naguib Mahfouz wrote.
Where can I experience the most authentic Cairo?
In traditional cafes like Riche, Groppi, and El Fishawy, or walking through the alleys of
Gamaliya, the setting for Mahfouz's Cairo Trilogy.
Comments