A Traveler's Guide to Cairo

Cairo has many claims to fame. It is the capital city of Egypt. It is the largest city in the Arab world. It is the largest city in all of Africa. And as if that isn't enough, it's one of the oldest continually inhabited locations on the planet. The history of the region in and around Cairo goes back several millennia BC. However, Cairo hasn't been lost to the sands of time; it is just as alive and vibrant as ever.

Egypt is located in the extreme northeast of the continent of Africa. It has the distinction of being one of the only countries in the world to be included in the geographies of two continents. It is considered a part of Africa and a part of the Middle East/Southwestern Asia. Most of Egypt is desert sand, but the Nile River provides much needed water to sustain life. All of Egypt's major cities are located on or near the Nile River or Nile Delta. Cairo is no exception. It is located on the Nile right at the spot where it branches out into the Nile delta, the most fertile region in all of Egypt.

Cairo was an important stop on the Nile River during the times of the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Over time it remained an important city during the Roman and Muslim conquests. It wasn't until 1922 that Egypt gained complete independence. When it did, Cairo's population began to grow and its importance as a financial hub was established.

The desert climate in and around Cairo keeps the weather hot and dry during the summer time. Temperatures usually peak in the 90's Fahrenheit during the summer, and winter temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation is extremely rare in Cairo. The city receives less than an inch of rain in an average year.

Cairo has a rich history, and there are plenty of historical sites to see in the city. The Egyptian Museum is the largest display of Egyptian antiquities anywhere in the world. With almost 200,000 items on display, this museum attracts thousands of visitors each year. Old Cairo is the part of town that contains the most ancient buildings. These buildings include the Coptic Museum, the Hanging Church, and the Babylon Fortress. The most popular shopping area in the city is the Khan El-Kalili. The site of this shopping center was used as a shopping bazaar for centuries. Tourists who shop here are shopping in the same place that people centuries ago shopped in.

Football is by far the most popular sport in Cairo. The city has two teams that compete in Egypt's premier league. They are El Zamalek and Al-Ahly. These two teams compete annually and draw crowds in excess of 70,000. Their games are some of the most watched games in all of Africa and the Arabic world.

Cairo is serviced by Cairo International Airport. The airport is connected to the rest of the city by buses and taxis, and an extensive subway system makes travel through Cairo quick and efficient.