Top Five Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Cairo

Egypt is a country steeped in history, mythology and awe-inspiring stories that span many generations. The country is known for having some of the best-preserved marvels in human history, the Great Pyramids of Giza themselves. I was lucky enough to visit the country during the last Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) cycle, and I have had the privilege to visit some of the most historic sites in the world while in the capital. Also known as the ‘city of a thousand minarets (mosques)’, Cairo is home to some of the most important archaeological sites in the world, including the pyramids themselves. Here is a list of five of the most amazing, inspirational, and beautiful places that I had the honour of visiting while travelling to Cairo.

**View of Cairo from Cairo Tower. Credits: Lokesh Jayanetti.**

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, also known as NMEC, is the first of its kind in the Arab world, being the first museum to focus on the richness and diversity of Egyptian civilization, from prehistoric times to the modern era. Located in Old Cairo, the NMEC is built to resemble a mummification temple with a pyramid built in the middle of the building. The interior looks more modern than expected compared to the outside, but it is impressive, nonetheless. The main section of the museum covers artefacts from prehistoric Egypt right up to the Roman Empire. Below this impressive collection of over 50,000 artefacts lies the Royal Mummies Hall, which includes several perfectly preserved mummies recovered from tombs across Egypt. In a nutshell, the NMEC is a modern museum that houses some of the most important archaeological artefacts that document the rise of one of the most powerful civilizations in the world.

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is open from 9 am to 5 pm Cairo time and costs 240 Egyptian pounds (120 Egyptian pounds for students with an ID).

**Entrance to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). Credits: Lokesh Jayanetti.**

Khan El-Khalili Market

Khan El-Khalili market, located near the heart of Cairo, is a large and vibrant part of the city that boasts a wide range of cultural products on sale. Established in the 14th century, the market has been a hub for commerce and trade for generations, most of which Khan El-Khalili still holds to this day. It is located near several popular and important cultural destinations in Cairo, such as the Al Hussein Museum. However, when you visit the market one day in the future, be ready to do a lot of haggling for a reasonable price on the product you want to purchase; it can save you a lot more money than you think.

Khan El-Khalili market is open from 9:30 am to 12 am Egyptian time.

**A street in Khan El-Khalili market. Credits: Lokesh Jayanetti.**

Cairo Tower

Cairo Tower is one of the most popular and one of the highest points in the capital city. Towering 187 meters high and located at the end of Zamalek Island, this tower was built in 1961 and resembles a stylised lotus plant, with over 8 million mosaic lozenges covering the exterior of the building. The top of the tower reveals a 360-degree view of almost the entire city of Cairo, with the best time to visit in the early mornings or late afternoons, during which it is even possible to see the Pyramids of Giza. The tower also has a rotating restaurant which serves traditional Egyptian food with a panoramic view of Cairo city. It truly is a spectacular destination to visit while in Cairo, as it will give you an idea of just how massive Cairo truly is.

Cairo Tower is open from 9 am to 1 am Egypt time and costs 250 Egyptian pounds to enter.

**Cairo Tower in the distance. Credits: Lokesh Jayanetti.**

River Nile

It is no surprise that the river Nile itself would be on this list, as the capital of Egypt was built right next to it. The Nile has historically been seen as the longest river on the planet, extending at a length of at least 6,650 kilometres, or 4,132 miles long. The river has been seen as a sign of prosperity and good fortune by both ancient and modern civilizations in the country alike, with the flooding of the Nile providing sustenance and much-needed water to the area. It also has large mythological connections, as the ancient pharaohs saw it as a deity. Additionally, the Nile was believed to have been used to transport the large stones used to construct the Pyramids of Giza themselves. Besides these historical facts, the Nile still provides a spectacular view for all to enjoy. Besides being mighty during the daytime, the river also provides beauty and splendour during the night

The Great Pyramids of Giza

The number one best spot to visit in Cairo could not have been anything but the Great Pyramids themselves. Located on the Giza Plateau in the Giza province of Cairo and on the west bank of the Nile, the pyramids have long since been the most popular location in the entire country. They are some of the most important and most spectacular archaeological finds in human history, with some dating the pyramids as far back as 4,500 years ago. The Great Pyramids of Giza are also collectively seen as the oldest and most intact of the 7 UNESCO Wonders of the World. The pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs of the time of their construction, with each one being named after that certain ruler. Khufu, also known as Cheops or the Great Pyramid, is the largest of the three primary pyramids, with its original height being 481 feet tall. The second of the trio, Khafre, was built for the son of Khufu, and once stood at a height of 448 feet. The third of the trio, and the smallest, is Menkaure, which stood at a height of 213 feet high. Although each pyramid differs in height and size, they are still spectacular on their own. However, the Great Pyramids of Giza are best experienced together, as the trio that they are meant to be, and they will continue to stand the test of time, as they were intended to do