A bustling city rich with culture and history, there’s so much to see and do in Cairo. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, here’s what to bring along to make the most of your time in this enchanting city.
Egypt’s capital is a fairly formal city when it comes to business attire, so plan accordingly.
From exploring historic landmarks to dining your way through the city, Egypt’s diverse capital city makes for a perfect weekend away. Be sure to bring along these essentials.
Cairo may be a thoroughly modern city, but it retains a conservative bent when it comes to customs and traditions.
The pace of business is slower in Egypt, so keep a flexible calendar. Try not to overbook yourself — avoid scheduling more than one important appointment each day.
While the iconic pyramids may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Cairo, there’s much more to explore in this vibrant city. Here’s what to plan in advance to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
For a decadent, Middle Eastern-inspired evening, book a table at Bab El-Sharq at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo. Enjoy mezza — small plates — and a selection of shisha (hookah) flavors as you dine under the stars in the property’s lush gardens. After dinner, revel in the rhythm and music of a nightly belly-dancing performance. For fine Italian fare, enjoy an evening at Vivo, where Michelin-starred Chef Oliver Glowig offers a carefully curated menu of rustic cuisine in a well-appointed setting.
Exploring the city can wear you out, and there’s no better way to recoup than with a day at The Nile Ritz-Carlton Spa, Cairo. Schedule a session in the signature spa treatment room for total relaxation. After a full-body coconut exfoliation, the application of mineral mud, a journey to the steam room and a full-body massage, you’ll leave refreshed and ready to continue your adventure.
Cairo is home to some of the world’s best museums and sights, from the Cairo Opera House to the Egyptian Museum, and not to mention, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. To experience the best of the city with an insider’s knowledge, ask the concierge at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo to arrange a private tour guide.
For a truly unique experience, embark on a 40-minute camel ride into the desert for an evening of majesty and beauty. After a traditional meal and entertainment by dancers and musicians, guides will lead you to telescopes stationed in the desert for otherworldly views. Alternatively, take to the water for a sunset sail along the Nile. Watch the sun dip behind the horizon as you float along on a traditional felucca, all while reveling in the distinctly Egyptian surroundings.
Tucked along the Nile River, Cairo is Egypt’s largest city. In addition to its rich and ancient history, highlighted by the nearby pyramids, the sprawling capital is also considered “the world’s most 24-hour city,” thanks to its vibrant culture, active nightlife and abundance of museums, restaurants and other attractions. Whether you choose to focus your journey on culture and history or pack as much into a short vacation as possible, you’re destined to fall in love with the romance, color and beauty of Cairo.
It’s impossible to think about Egypt without thinking of its pyramids. And while they’re certainly the country’s most iconic attractions, there’s much more to explore. Museums filled with ancient artifacts, Islamic art and contemporary pieces abound. Churches and burial grounds give visitors a sense of the depth of Egypt’s religious and cultural history. Even if you’ve only a few days to spare, your experience with Cairo’s cultural treasures will be rich.
Although you could spend weeks in Cairo and always find something new to explore, it’s possible to see and do a lot in just a weekend. From taking a snapshot with the Sphinx to sampling local cuisine and taking in a performance at the world-renowned Cairo Opera House, Egypt’s diverse capital city has so much to offer. And, of course, that great, big river, the Nile, should attract a bit of your attention, too.