Cairo is a big city that is home to several million families and as a result, it offers a good selection of children’s activities. As well as zoos and theme parks, there are also many spectacular sights for children to enjoy.
Cairo Tower
The Cairo Tower is renowned across the world for its revolving restaurant on the top floor. A lift is available to take guests up to the restaurant, or the more energetic can attempt to climb the hundreds of stairs. The views from the restaurant are stunning and even children will find they’re lost for words when they first see out of the window. The Nile, eastern Cairo and part of the desert can be seen from either the restaurant or the popular observation deck. The Pharonic Personal Analysis is almost as popular with children as the novel revolving restaurant. It provides Egyptian hieroglyphics on imitation papyrus and a personality analysis in both Arabic and Egyptian.
Cairo Zoo
The zoo at Giza is one of the most striking and beautiful zoos in the world. It can be found on the west bank of the Nile, overlooking Cairo University. It is home to many species of animals including a large number which are native to Africa but are now extinct in Egypt. Children delight in the sights on offer at the zoo and can learn about animal behaviour, as the zoo houses an institute dedicated to the study of captive animals’ behaviour.
Egyptian Antiquities Museum
This museum is one of Cairo’s leading attractions. Children are guaranteed to be impressed by the amount of gold that can be found in the Tutankhamun collection. They will also be amazed by the amount of rare and incredibly extravagant pieces of Egyptian jewellery. Eleven mummies can be found in one room of the museum, with some even being unwrapped so that visitors can see their faces. The museum contains enough exhibitions and information to keep children amused for hours.
Qanatar
Qanatar can be found within a 90-minute drive south of Cairo. It is a stunning island that is home to several amusement parks equipped with favourites, from fair rides to entertainment. The island is located in the middle of the Nile and is perfect for family picnics as well as relaxing while your kids chase a football, a Frisbee or each other. Traditional Victorian stone bridges can be found throughout the island, offering easy access to and from the mainland.
Cultural Activities
Cairo is renowned for its fascinating museums and stunning churches and mosques. The city was once the cultural capital of the world and much of that magic still remains.
Saint Mercurius Church
This stunning church was built in the 6thcentury AD and was comprehensively restored in the 12thcentury. It is known as the ‘Saint of the two Swords’ and is thought to be the only church in Cairo that still has its original foundations.
Egyptian Antiquities Museum
This impressive museum is housed in a neoclassical building and offers visitors the chance to see the world’s largest collection of Egyptian artefacts. There are over 100,000 items in total, so you will need to plan your trip carefully to make sure you get to see everything that you want to, as it is virtually impossible to see everything here in one day. In fact, it is said that if you were to spend just one minute looking at each item, you would still not have seen everything nine months later. It is wise to hire a museum guide to show you round. The famous Tutankhamun collection includes an enormous amount of gold and jewellery as well as beautiful ancient thrones. The Royal Mummy Room is home to 11 mummies, some of whom have their faces unwrapped for a better view. For more information contact: +205 796 9741
Egyptian Ethnological Museum
This museum is home to exhibitions which cover the activities and traditions in Cairo throughout the ages. Displays include village crafts, costumes and equipment as well as reconstructions of daily life in Cairo throughout the ages. For more information, telephone: +202 354 5450.
Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
The Mosque is thought to be one of the largest buildings in the world which is dedicated to Islam. It was built between 1356 and 1363, out of stone from the pyramids at Giza. Between each of the sitting rooms (or liwans) are religious schools (madrassas). Visitors enter through a giant doorway which is an impressive piece of art in itself. It is a fascinating site and gives a real insight into Islamic beliefs and culture.
Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art is both a fascinating and impressive selection of Islamic art and antiquities. The museum is home to more than 10,000 artefacts, making it impossible to fully experience everything on display here in just one day. Visitors will find displays from a wide range of Islamic periods that influenced Egypt. These include the Fatimid, Turkish and Persian periods. Phone: +202 390 9930
Pharaonic Village
This interactive museum allows visitors to fully experience what life would have been like in Pharaonic Egypt. Ancient Egypt has been reconstructed and visitors can step back thousands of years while they sail around the village on a barge and learn about Egypt’s ancient ancestors. For more information, phone: +202 571 8675.
Dining & Shopping
Egyptian cuisine is a perfect fusion of Arabic, Middle Eastern and African foods. You will find many restaurants in Cairo serving local delights as well as many international restaurants serving dishes from all around the world.
Kebabs, in particular the shish kebab, are very popular with local people and tourists alike. The shish kebab is always served with salad, tomatoes, tahini sauce and whole wheat pita bread. Grilled pigeon is a national delicacy throughout Egypt, as is Egyptian marinade. This dish consists of seasoned chicken breasts soaked overnight in buttermilk before they are cooked. Mashed chick peas are a popular side dish, as is kushari, noodles mixed with onions, lentils and tomato sauce. Meats are usually grilled or roasted, with chicken and lamb being favoured. Cows here are more likely to be used as help on the farms rather than food for the locals.
People looking for authentic Egyptian cuisine will find a wide range of dishes at the numerous streets stalls, which offer delicious food at exceptionally good prices. Cafés also offer excellent value for money, but they do not offer as wide a selection of food as the restaurants. Street stalls, cafés and restaurants can be found throughout the city.
Cairo offers an incredibly wide range of shopping opportunities for all of its visitors. Popular buys include perfumes, spices, gold, silver, brass and copperware, leatherwork, carpets, glass and ceramics. You may choose to shop in one of the many street markets or try your hand at bargaining at the souks. If you prefer to shop indoors, there are a wide range of air-conditioned shopping centres housing items guaranteed to suit all tastes.
The infamous souks literally sell anything and everything, with specialities including carpets, souvenirs and camels. The famous Khan el-Khalili souk remains largely unchanged since the 14th century and is very popular among those looking to buy souvenirs and those simply wanting to experience an Egyptian bazaar.
Cairo’s street markets are renowned around the world for their bright colours, lively stall holders and wide array of items. Egyptian fabrics such as cotton can be bought at Wekala al-Balaq market, while the market on Mohammed Ali Street specialises in all kinds of musical instruments.
If you are going to try your hand at bargaining at either the souks or the street markets, a few things to bear in mind include: always halve the first asking price and start your bargaining from there; be polite and keep a sense of humour while bargaining - it is supposed to be fun and it is considered insulting to lose your temper in public; walking away is a good way to get the price lowered quickly; pay what you think the item is worth, but remember that there will be many items just like the one you are haggling over just around the next corner.
Outdoor Activities
Although Cairo is not renowned for its worldwide sporting achievements, there are many excellent sporting and outdoor opportunities on offer for visitors. Whether you prefer to get into the midst of the action or to take a backseat, there will be plenty to occupy you.
Al-Azhar Park
The Al-Azhar Park is located in the heart of the city and features shaded walkways that are perfect for an afternoon stroll. There is stunning scenery on offer, impressive Arab architecture and breathtaking views of the city. The park was originally created to provide a leisure and recreational area for residents and tourists. There is a severe lack of parks in Cairo, so Al Azhar is constantly buzzing with activity. Aside from beautiful gardens, refreshing fountains, tree-lined paths and an impressive amphitheatre, the park has many restaurants serving various cuisines.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is incredibly popular among the local people. If you would like to ride a horse while you are on holiday, you will find stables near the pyramids at Giza, where horses can be rented out. No equipment is necessary, but it is important that you rent a horse that suits your horse riding ability.
Football
The city is home to a number of football teams who all compete nationally. The two most popular teams are Al-Zamalek and Al-Ahly, both of which play their home games at the International Stadium. The local derby between the two teams is the most popular sporting event in Egypt and much of the Arab world. If you happen to be in Cairo for a match, it is well worth trying to get tickets.
Rugby
The Cairo Rugby Club always welcomes holidaymakers to join them in training. They train at the Victory College playing fields every Monday and Wednesday evenings. It’s an opportunity to train among semi-professional players and learn a few tips as well as having a good old fashioned run around. You will need to take your own running shoes, but everything else will be provided.
