Wish you were here

Palace of the Pharaohs

Monita Pesumal describes Cairo’s captivating ancient attractions

Cairo is busy, loud and chaotic, and filled with age-old mystique and splendour. The fiery maze that is Egypt’s capital city will leave you spellbound, holding your breath and gasping in wonder at every sharp turn. But like a taboo lover, it will hook you with its charms… and leave you wanting more.

GETTING THERE Any of the Middle Eastern airlines that fly into Colombo will take you to Terminal 2 of the Cairo International Airport in a little over 10 hours. For added peace of mind, book online or through your travel agent.

Cairo Airport’s Meet and Assist Service promises a seamless transition through immigration, luggage and customs, and provides a safe ride to your hotel in a chauffeur driven limo. It’s way better than trying to grab a taxi or Uber, which can be quite an adventure in this chaotic city!

WHERE TO STAY With over 11 or more major localities in Cairo, the two best districts to stay in and make the most of your sightseeing experiences are either the glorious old Giza or the hip and trendy Zamalek urban district, which lies on an island on the Nile and is named Gezira.

The five-star Marriott Mena House Hotel is literally at the base of the Pyramids and within walking distance to the Great Sphinx of Giza, Cairo University and the Egyptian Museum (home to stunning treasures of King Tutankhamun and many other fascinating Pharaonic artefacts).

Want to wake up and see the Pyramids? Not a problem! Be spoilt in Marriott’s deluxe plush bedroom with a private balcony and indulge in breakfast overlooking the only extant wonder of the ancient world.

SAVOUR If you have Egyptian friends, they will convince you to try mulukhiyah, which is a traditionally thick leafy Egyptian soup that was typically consumed by royals but is now a wholesome meal enjoyed by all.

The Abou El Sid Restaurant in Zamalek is popular for local fine dining delicacies including foul (chickpeas) with tahini sauce, koshari (stuffed pigeon with rice), and mulukhiyah with rabbit meat and rice.


Enjoy ‘Om Ali’ (bread pudding with mixed nuts) for dessert – and yes, you can thank me later! Take a stroll at night along charming old Muizz Street, which dates back to the 10th century, and have a coffee or shisha in one of the many local cafes around the old town. You can even catch a tanoura dance show while you’re there.

INDULGE Offering a variety of heavenly massages, facial treatments and body wraps, the spa at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza guarantees personalised attention. Ladies will enjoy being pampered by the ‘Cleopatra bath ritual’ – a decadently soothing milk bath with honey and rose petals, to ease tensions and nourish the skin.

DISCOVER Book yourself a couple of escorted VIP tours along with an English-speaking guide and you’ll be amazed by what this wonderful city has to offer.

On one day, you can enjoy a private excursion to the Great Pyramid of Giza, stay on for the music and light show, as well as take a selfie with the Sphinx.

And the next day, you can see how Egyptian royalty lived by visiting the opulent Manial and Abdeen palaces.

SHOPPING Khan el-Khalili, which is the bustling bazaar in the centre of Cairo, is where the city’s heart beats. This is where you’ll find everything from artisan lamps and hand embroidered cushion covers to replicas of the pyramids and belly dancing outfits.

A pit stop at the El Fishawi cafe, which has been around since 1797, for some refreshing tea with mint is highly recommended.

The fiery maze that is Egypt’s capital city will leave you spellbound, holding your breath and gasping in wonder at every sharp turn.