There’s nothing like a luxe journey to the Egyptian desert to disrupt your routine and broaden your horizons. This yr, the nation’s capital, Cairo, expanded its academic tour of the soon-to-be opened Egyptian Museum, turning into a must-visit metropolis for artwork and historical past aficionados, together with yours really. Forward, an editor’s information to a weekend in Cairo—what to see, the place to eat, and the place to remain.
Khan el-Khalili bazaar
What to see
The Egyptian Museum: The museum, which isn’t absolutely opened as of August 2023, is dwelling to a set of over 120,000 historic artifacts—the largest assortment of Egyptian antiquities in thee world. For now, it’s providing excursions of the big open-air foyer; whereas the gathering exterior just isn’t as broad because the one inside, the world is stuffed with giant sculptures and historic artifacts.
Outdated Cairo: The historic space is Cairo’s oldest a part of city and considered one of its most cultural. Amongst different issues, it homes historic spiritual buildings from the nation’s three main faiths—Islam, Christianity, and Judaism—stays of Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo, and Roman-era buildings which have been preserved.
Al-Qarafa, or Metropolis of the Lifeless: You can’t miss Egypt’s necropolises. Although they’re, the truth is, burial grounds housing hundreds of tombs, they’re additionally unbelievable to see. The lands embrace grand, colourful, elaborate mausoleums honoring outstanding members of society, subsequent to extra humble graves in a wide range of architectural kinds, constructed to appear like small homes, for fallen members of the group.
Khan el Khalili Bazaar: One other must-see, the colourful bazaar is the place to really feel the vibration of the town, get to know the tradition, and store. I ended up buying a handmade brass tea kettle that now decorates my New York Metropolis kitchen. (Professional tip: apply your haggling.)
Lotus Backyard: To buy essentially the most pure important oils and fragrance oil blends, go right here.
Pyramids of Giza: After all, do not skip the pyramids. I extremely suggest hiring a non-public information for the tutorial a part of the tour, and later, why not benefit from the view whereas on a camel trip within the desert?
The place to eat
Tianma: This elegant hotspot flaunts a high quality asian-fusion menu and specialty cocktails. Each night at sundown company also can get pleasure from a champagne sabering ritual.
139 Pavilion: Best for a lunch or dinner subsequent to the Pyramids of Giza. (Marriott Bonvoy Good American Specific card members can earn 6X on eligible purchases and $300 annual eating assertion credit score.)
Naguib Mahfouz Cafe: Situated contained in the bazaar, this dinner spot provides conventional Egyptian meals–together with the very best lentil soup.
The place to remain
The St. Regis Cairo: For a five-star luxurious expertise—both short- or long-term—select the St. Regis Not solely do the suites, eating rooms, and lounge areas have full views of the town, however the resort additionally boasts award-winning eating places, the chain’s iconic tea service and Bloody Mary ritual, and a dreamy spa to loosen up after an extended day of touring the pyramids.
JW Marriott Resort Cairo: This resort gives an identical degree of luxurious and class because the St. Regis, and because of its expansive pool, water park, and enjoyable daytime actions, it’s a nice match for these touring with youngsters.
Extra inexpensive but stylish choices embrace: The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa, Katameya Dunes, Cairo Marriott Resort & Omar Khayyam On line casino, Le Méridien Cairo Airport, and Renaissance Cairo Mirage Metropolis Resort. (Marriott Bonvoy Good American Specific card members can get free room upgrades and different perks, $100 luxurious property credit score, and earn 6X on eligible purchases at Marriott Bonvoy properties.)
Rosa Sanchez is the senior information editor at Harper’s Bazaar, engaged on information because it pertains to leisure, trend, and tradition. Beforehand, she was a information editor at ABC Information and, previous to that, a managing editor of superstar information at American Media. She has additionally written options for Rolling Stone, Teen Vogue, Forbes, and The Hollywood Reporter, amongst different retailers.
