Cairo's Cultural Highlights

By Louise Morris


No trip to Cairo is complete, it's true, without the necessary camel trip to the Sphinx, the numerous images of vast pyramids and an exceptional boat ride up the tremendous river Nile - but that isn't all there is to this culturally packed city.Cairo is among the world's oldest cities and reputedly one that has seen all influences of the world descend within its limits. That's why you'll see architecture from numerous fantastic civilizations gathered in Cairo, with the land of the Pharaohs converging into a spectacular enigma alongside echoes left by the Romans and also the Greeks, amongst others.You can discover about the stunning history of Cairo, spanning 4,000 years, by way of a visit to the Egyptian Museum. This timeless building, with its striking outer facade, displays over 136,000 artefacts such as the earth's largest collection of historical Egyptian antiquities, which is a must-see for all ancient Egypt enthusiasts.

Even those with only a mild interest in memories of the past will find something to captivate at this famous museum, from artefacts brought from the very tomb of Tutankhamen - including treasures and prized possessions - to mummified corpses of royal bodies of the New Kingdom, a display which will mesmerise and enthral both grown ups and children.However leaving the past and moving into the modern, Cairo has a lot to offer to the current tourist also. For instance, its live music scene is one to be skilled, with cultural sounds thrumming late into the night in bars and clubs, and those selecting the right time to visit may match with the Cairo International Film Festival, a globally well-known occasion that attracts thousands of stars and reaffirms Cairo's status as the cultural capital of the Arab world.

At the film festival, you can see the latest in blockbuster and arthouse films gathered together in one location, with thousands of fellow fans joining you to appreciate what is on offer at this exciting occasion. You might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two - the festival has seen numerous well-known faces through the years, including Christopher Lee, Morgan Freeman, Nicolas Cage and Elizabeth Taylor.

And when you fancy taking in more of Cairo's musical scene, why not sample a memorable experience at the Cairo Opera House or the Khedivial Opera House? These stages have seen performances from world famous talent and the highest quality operas, making them an unmissable attraction for enthusiasts.There's so much you can do other than the typical tourist attractions whenever you step off your flights to Cairo - just make sure you've enough time where to accomplish them!






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