The capital of Egypt and Africa's largest city is romantic, exotic and chaotic, and you have to experience it at least once in your lifetime. Over 16 million people call this city home, and it is a global centre of Arabic culture, history and commerce. Staying in cheap hotels will enable you to save money when you visit Cairo, so you can set aside some funds for eating out and sightseeing trips.
Everyone wants to visit the Pyramids and the Sphinx on a trip to Cairo, but there is a great deal more to see as well. This city has had many rulers over the millennia and its historic buildings highlight these various influences. You can see five thousand years' worth of Greek, Roman, Turkish, French, British and Arab culture in the architecture.
The shopping in the city is excellent too, and the best way to get around is by foot, which is great for browsing. Islamic Cairo, Coptic Cairo and the Cairo Museum are must-sees, as is the City of the Dead - Qarafa - a vast necropolis that is the final home of many Cairenes.
Getting around Cairo isn't expensive either, as the density of the main sights makes them quite close together. It is advisable to make use of a detailed map though. If you need to go further afield in search of ancient culture, there are loads of different modes of transport. Taxis are easy to flag down and the city's Metro system is a pleasure to travel on.
In Cairo cheap hotels are plentiful, so if you're on a budget look for deals in the central areas of Cairo. Generally, if you find a hotel between the train station and Midan Tahrir, you should be fine. If you want something a little more up-market, look near Heliopolis or close to the Pyramids. Or you could stay in one of the quieter suburbs such as Zamalek.
