Overview
Cairo is the best of both worlds—a cosmopolitan city that simultaneously transports visitors to an ancient world that is still alive. Gleaming skyscrapers and modern nightclubs are juxtaposed against 13th-century villas and set against—of course—the backdrop of the pyramids. No visitor can leave the city without paying respects to the Sphinx, or taking a camel ride into the Giza sunset. Moving forward in time, the cluster of Christian churches in Coptic Cairo includes St. Sergius church, where legend has it that Jesus and the Holy Family stayed, while Islamic Cairo offers exquisitely restored mosques such as Ibn Tulun, circa 876-879, the oldest surviving mosque in the city. Return to the present in a short taxi ride to Zamalek. The upscale neighbourhood on Gezira Island is home to embassies, villas and chic shops, such as Khan al-Maghraby gallery on Mansour Mohamed Street or peruse the works of Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz at the Diwan Bookstore on 26th July Street. But even gentle Zamalek can be hectic: Set sail on a Felucca (sailboat) at sunset, when the cool breeze comes off the Nile.
Must-See Attractions
The Citadel
Grand medieval fortress that now houses museums, ancient mosques and historical sites.
The Coptic Churches
Date back to the late 4th and early 5th centuries.
The Egyptian Museum
Has 107 halls divided into seven sections, each devoted to one era in Egypt's history.
Attraction Information
The Pyramids of Giza
Constructed for King Cheops and his family around 2650 BC.
Attraction Information
The Sphinx
One of the most famous monuments in the world.
For more attractions information visit Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence.
Upcoming Events
Sphinx Festival
Dec 01, 2009–Dec 05, 2009
Held at the Pyramids, celebrates fusion of art and science with music, dance and seminars.
Event Information
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, on the east bank of the river with views of the Citadel.
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence, with magnificent views of the Great Pyramids from the west bank of the Nile.
