Inyaka

Islamic Cairo may be a misnomer, as the area is not particularly Islamic, at least no more than the other areas of Cairo, but it is fascinating. It is culturally and historically rich. The Citadel is there, as well as the Khan el Khalili bazaar, the Al Azhar Mosque, the Gayer Anderson Museum, as well as the Cities of the Dead.

A trip to Cairo would not be complete without a visit to Giza either. It is considered technically separate from the city, but the two are deeply linked. If only for the pyramids, a journey there should not be avoided.

Believe it or not, Cairo is one of those places that should really be on everyone’s must see list of travel destinations. It is rather like a Russian nesting doll, in that there is a succession of magical worlds to discover, many nestled within another and another. Cairo is charming, it contradicts itself; it is beautiful, noisy, crowded, and mysterious. It is everything you would expect from a place that is seven thousand years old.

Central Cairo is a particular must see, although it is still fairly young. There are museums, theatres, art galleries, and much, much more.

For a taste of history, Old Cairo is absolutely necessary. It is the link connecting the Islamic period with the Pharaonic period.