Cairo, the capital of Egypt and one of the most fascinating cities in the world, is an ever-changing kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. It is the melting pot of all fascinating elements of Africa and the Orient with the sophistication of Europe, making old and new coexist harmoniously 

The Ancient Egyptians built the Pyramids as tombs to preserve the bodies of heir dead kings because they believed in their resurrection and immortality. The Pyramids of Giza are the most famous of Egypt's sights but are only a small part. The three great Fourth Dynasty pyramids of Giza, their surrounding tombs, the Sphinx and the step pyramids at Saqqara are only a few of a series which stretch out over a distance of 70 km as far as El Fayyum.

To be surrounded by history, visit the Egyptian Museum in Tahir Square, which houses the finest collection of artifacts, including the treasure of Tutankhamun, preserved for more than 3000 years, as well a s a wealth of Pharaonic, Islamic and Byzantine art and sculpture. For those interested in Islamic art, the Islamic Arts Museum in Midan Bab el Khalq is regarded as the largest museum of its type in the Middle East. It houses 80,000 rare objects from the dawn of Islam until the end of the Ottoman period. Its collection of rare manuscripts includes the largest copy of the Koran in Kufic script on gazelle skin. 

A magnificent collection of objects dating back to the early Christian era can be seen at the Coptic Museum at Misr al Qadima. It also exhibits various aspects of the Hellenic, Nubian and Islamic civilizations.
Among other places that should be visited is Sakkara, the old site of Memphis, capital of the Old Kingdom, where a great necropolis and many other ancient relics can be found, the most important of which is the step‑Pyramid built by King Zoser (3rd Dynasty, 2816BC).

One of the finest evening entertainments is the Son et Lumiere at the Pyramids. Both they and the Sphinx are illuminated by projected lights while a narrator tells the story of the ancient Pharaohs. Cairo has no shortage of all the usual nightlife attractions, being able to offer a marvelous selection of restaurants, clubs, casinos, theatre and cinemas. 

As for shopping, apart from many fine stores in the city center and all the usual shops that one would expect, the one place that all visitors head for is Khan el Khalili, a warren of booths and boutiques selling every imaginable item of clothing and ornament. Of special value are jewelry, spices, copper, rugs and mother-of-pearl inlaid work. Those with a more practiced eye may also come across genuine antique bargains.