Becoming acquainted with the Egyptian city of Cairo is no easy task, but during a tour of Egypt, you'll be in the well-informed hands of docents who know plenty about the fascinating metropolis. As the former home of Pharaohs, Roman rulers and Muslim warriors, the city is centered upon the Nile River, which to this day still serves as a main hub for commerce between Egypt and many surrounding nations.
If you want an introductory course in Cairo, look no further: Here's your guide to how to eat, shop and party like a local:
Must-eat restaurants
So you've never smoked a hookah while eating Mediterranean food? You might as well try it out in Cairo's Sequoia restaurant, where you can eat anything from pasta and sushi to housemade hummus before, during and after taking a puff of fruity tobacco. A popular spot among young locals, this establishment invites visitors on Egypt tours to sit back, relax and enjoy a few sips of cardamom coffee while gazing out on the bustling streets outside.
If you want to try out some Egyptian comfort food, stop by El Kebabgy, which serves up grilled pigeon and shish kebabs that will make anyone's mouth water. Surprisingly, this establishment is located in the lobby of the five-star hotel Sofitel Gezirah, and despite its high-end association, still makes everyone feel as though they've walked into a charming, mom-and-pops restaurant.
Get ready to boogy
Egyptians love to dance, and the people who live in Cairo are no exception. Nightclubs are open until dawn, and the parties continue for as long as residents want. Because so many buildings have popped up in this booming metropolis over the years, many of the best nightlife scenes are actually on the water. To have an unforgettable night, youthful travelers on tours of Egypt can hop on the Blue Nile for the evening and dance to Arabian techno at El Morocco well into the morning hours.
Boutique shopping
Don't be fooled by the imitation trinkets sold by some street vendors. Instead, hit up some of the boutiques that have been around for half a century, such as the Mounaya Gallery. You can pick up a number of awesome souvenirs from housewares to women's jewelry. Egyptian goods are typically decorated with fantastic designs, and you can see the difference between something that has been made in China versus a piece made by the hands of a local craftsman.
