Cairo is the capital of Egypt and its most important city, and with almost 20 million inhabitants, it's also one of the world's largest cities. Cairo’s an ancient city that also happens to be a modern metropolis—it’s one of the biggest cities in the Middle East and has the traffic and noise issues to prove it. But as long as you’re not looking for solitude, Cairo—the City of the Thousand Minarets—is a splendid place to explore Egyptian history and culture. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)
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Once known as the Roman stronghold of Babylon, Cairo’s oldest section is the ancient heart of the Coptic Christian community featuring five original churches, the first mosque built in Egypt and the oldest synagogue, all representing three of the major world religions.
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This famous museum houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyption artifacts (more than 120,000 items on display) featuring the famous Tutankhamun collection with its beautiful gold death mask and sarcophagus and the royal Mummy room, which houses an additional eleven Pharaonic dignitaries.
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Located in the Citadel, this mosque was built between 1824 and 1857 in the Ottoman style by Mohammad Ali Pasha, a ruler of Egypt.
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Stretching for 4,187 miles, the longest river in the world flows from its major source, Lake Victoria in east central Africa, through Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia and northwards into Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea.
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This vibrant open-air bazaar is a treasure trove of Egyptian culture, with bustling streets filled with local artisans and vendors. Here, you can pick up unique souvenirs like spices and perfumes, or simply soak up the local atmosphere. And don't forget to haggle for the best bargains. The best time to go is in the morning before the crowds arrive and the weather gets too hot. Take a break from the shopping and pay a visit to El-Fishawi Cafe, one of Cairo's oldest, for a cup of tea or coffee. To learn more about the bazaar's rich history, join a walking tour to discover fascinating stories and insights from a knowledgeable guide.
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This church, originally built in the ancient fortress of Babylon in Old Cairo around 4th century AD, derives its name from its location suspended above two Roman gate towers.