Cairo hotels

Hotels in Cairo

Cairo is Africa's second-largest city and one of the world's largest and busiest urban centres. The Egyptian capital is renowned for its world-class museums and ancient landmarks, and is referred to as 'the city of a thousand minarets' in references to its extraordinary Islamic architecture.

The city is known in Arabic as al-Qahirah, which translates to 'the vanquisher', although some residents prefer to nickname the city the 'Mother of the World'. Cairo also has one of the world's oldest seats of higher education, al-Azhar University, which was founded in 975, 121 years before the founding of Britain's Oxford University.

Attractions in Cairo

The Giza Necropolis

On the outskirts of the city, the Giza Necropolis is one of Egypt's most recognisable landmarks and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This archaeological site, which includes the Great Sphinx, a village, three pyramids, and a number of cemeteries, is more than 4,500 years old and is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Dating back to the 1830s, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali is relatively modern in comparison to many other Egyptian landmarks, but it is certainly no less impressive. This former Ottoman mosque, which was the largest of its kind when it was built, can hold 10,000 people, and is in the historic Cairo Citadel district, where you can find numerous other enchanting medieval sights.

Islamic Cairo

In the centre of the Egyptian capital, Islamic Cairo is more than 1,000 years old and is the home of the city's largest mosque, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun. Dating back to the 9th century, this building is even older than the district itself, and is overlooked by an imposing spiral minaret.

The Egyptian Museum

Containing around 120,000 artefacts, the Egyptian Museum houses one of the most important ancient collections in the world, and opened in 1902. The gallery, which is close to many Cairo hotels, is home to the formidable Gold Mask of Tutankhamun, the tombs of Pharaoh Thutmose III, and many other fascinating artefacts from the great ancient Egyptian Empire.

Al-Azhar Park

A beloved green space, Al-Azhar Park opened to the public in 2005 and features the well-preserved medieval Ayyubid City Wall. This beautifully landscaped park also offers great views of the city's historic landmarks, and is home to the majestic Lakeside Café, which serves delightful Lebanese cuisine.

Hotels

For an affordable, stylish hotel, choose the Pyramids View Inn with its outstanding views, or consider the deluxe Conrad Cairo with its superb views of the Nile. Another great choice is the Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah, which is revered for its outdoor pool and also offers excellent views of the famous river.