Cairo, Egypt’s thriving capital city, is home to over 16 million people, making it one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. In fact, it is the 19th largest in the world and boasts a surprisingly high population density.
Situated on the banks of the famous Nile River, Cairo displays a rich historical tapestry, beautifully represented by its Islamic City, the charming Kop district and the alluring Old Cairo neighbourhood. Also, in the heart of Cairo is the magnificent Egyptian Museum, renowned for its vast collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, which confirms its status as one of the largest museums in the world. Even betting sites nigeria offer games dedicated to this sacred place of the African continent.
The Pyramids and their treasures
No visit to Cairo would be complete without a tour of the iconic Pyramids of Giza, a testament to the awe of the ancient civilisation that once flourished in the region.
While Cairo retains its historical roots, it has also evolved into a fast-paced modern city. The streets are adorned with modern shops, exclusive restaurants serving gourmet food and trendy clubs that add a vibrant energy to the city’s nightlife.
What to do in Cairo during winter?
Winter, which lasts from November to March, is considered the best time to experience the charm of Cairo. During this period, daytime temperatures hover around 25 degrees Celsius, while nights remain pleasantly cool around 10 degrees Celsius.
There is occasional rain in the city, but it is short-lived and weak, so an umbrella is not necessary. The spring season, lasting from March to May, brings with it moderate warmth. However, the summer months can be scorching with temperatures rising to 40 degrees Celsius.
Traditions and cultural nuances
When visiting Cairo, it is important to familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions, which differ from those of Europe. Egyptians often greet each other with the traditional phrase “Salaam alaikum” and it is customary to smile during conversation.
However, women are advised to avoid excessive smiling, as local men may misinterpret it as flirting. In addition, Egyptians usually speak in a loud voice, which should not be mistaken for anger or aggression. Over time, subtle differences in communication styles can be noticed.
As a predominantly Muslim country, Egypt values Islam and its cultural values. Sensitivity must be exercised and refrain from making remarks that could be seen as offensive to Islam or Egyptian culture. Those cultural considerations applied to the entire Middle East region.
Similarly, it is best to avoid discussions about politics or European family values. Regarding clothing, it is advisable to adhere to a specific dress code in line with local customs. Revealing clothing that exposes the back, shoulders or thighs may be considered offensive to Muslims. This applies to both men and women. However, it is worth noting that hotels and beaches may have more lenient dress codes.
When entering mosques, it is customary to remove all footwear as a sign of respect for the religion. This includes boots, sandals and slippers. Failure to do so may be considered disrespectful. It is also advisable to refrain from public displays of affection, as hugging and kissing may be considered offensive behaviour in some places.
Cairo International Airport serves as the main gateway to the city and the rest of the country. As the second largest airport in Africa, it handles more than 16 million passengers annually. In particular, it provides frequent flights to popular holiday destinations such as Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.
The airport has three terminals to ensure efficient travel arrangements, and a convenient free shuttle bus service operates around the clock, transporting passengers between terminals. However, care should be taken when dealing with taxi drivers who may try to overcharge for travelling between terminals.
