Take a step back in time in Cairo, Egypt’s capital and largest city. Home to the Nile River, museums boasting antiquities and the nearby Pyramids of Giza, there is no shortage of wonders to behold in Cairo.

GETTING THERE & AROUND
U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa before entering Egypt. Travelers may purchase a renewable single-entry, 30-day tourist visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports. Cairo International Airport is the main gateway. Take a taxi from the airport to downtown Cairo; the trip is about 13 miles. Cairo Metro offers an easy and affordable way to travel once within downtown Cairo.

LODGING
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence
Nestled on the western bank of the Nile River, the resort boasts 262 guestrooms and suites. Enjoy dinner aboard First Nile Boat for an up-close experience of the Nile. Don’t leave without visiting the hotel’s river-facing pool.
35 Giza St., Oula, Al Giza, Giza Governorate, Egypt, tel 20 2 35671600 fourseasons.com

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo
Guests may request a room with river or city views at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo. Dine in one of the hotel’s nine restaurants, including the rooftop Bar El-Sharq. To unwind, visit the large swimming pool or luxurious spa.
1113 Nile Corniche, Ismailia, El Nil, Cairo Governorate, Egypt, tel 20 2 25778899 ritzcarlton.com

Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis
The recently opened property pays homage to ancient Egypt while embracing a contemporary design. The first Waldorf Astoria property in Egypt, the hotel lies a short drive from Cairo International Airport.
Orouba Street, Sheraton Al Matar, El Nozhr, Cairo Governorate, Egypt, tel 20 2 26960000 hilton.com

DINING
Abou Tarek
Popular among locals and tourists, the iconic restaurant specializes in koshary, a dish made with rice, lentils, chickpeas, noodles, fried onions and a spicy tomato sauce.
Marouf, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate, Egypt, tel 20 2 25775935

The Grill
Located in InterContinental Cairo Semiramis, the French restaurant serves dinner nightly alongside views of the Nile.
Corniche El Nil, Qasr Ad Dobarah, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate, Egypt, tel 20 2 27988000 ihg.com

Zitouni
Experience Egyptian cuisine at Zitouni. Located in Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a special Friday brunch buffet.
1089 Nile Corniche, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate, Egypt, tel 20 2 27916877 fourseasons.com

ATTRACTIONS
Cairo Tower
For panoramic views of Cairo, visit Cairo Tower. Standing more than 600 feet tall, the tower boasts an observation deck, revolving restaurant and café. On a clear day travelers may catch a glimpse of the pyramids.
Qasr Al Nil, Zamalek, Cairo Governorate, Egypt, tel 20 2 27365112

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
The archaeological museum houses an impressive collection of more than 170,000 artifacts, including the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world.
El-Tahrir Square, Ismailia, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate, Egypt, tel 20 2 25796948 egyptianmuseumcairo.eg

Khan el-Khalili
The open-air bazaar, or souk, is filled with vendors selling Egyptian goods from spices and perfume to jewelry and lanterns. Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.
El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate, Egypt