Discover Cairo

The centuries-old bazaar in the heart of the old town is a maze of narrow alleys full of spices, gold, water pipes and souvenirs. In the surrounding cafés, haggling and chatting traditionally happen over tea and shisha.

The medieval Citadel of Saladin offers one of the finest views over Cairo and houses the imposing Muhammad Ali Mosque, reminiscent of the Hagia Sophia with its distinctive pencil minarets.

The historic museum at Tahrir Square continues to display a vast collection of ancient Egyptian art and everyday objects, impressively complementing the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza.

Dinner on an illuminated Nile boat with traditional music and belly dance show is a popular way to experience Cairo's skyline at night from the water.

Direct flights land at Cairo International Airport from numerous European cities, with a flight time of about 4.5 hours from Switzerland.

Arabic is the official language. English is generally well understood in hotels, museums and on organized excursions; in the lively bazaar quarter, some bargaining skill often helps more than language ability.

October to April is best for sightseeing, as summer months in the city can get very hot and stuffy.

Generally yes; the biggest challenges are chaotic traffic and pushy vendors in tourist zones — with common sense and polite firmness, the city can be explored comfortably.