population: 9.5 million

extension: 3,085 square kilometers

Museums

If you're interested in museums and you're in Cairo, you should definitely check out the Egyptian Museum, which is home to a vast collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun. Another great option is the Museum of Islamic Art, which has an impressive collection of Islamic art from across the centuries. If you want to explore more museums, you can also visit the Coptic Museum, which showcases the history of Egypt's Coptic Christians, or the Gayer-Anderson Museum, which is housed in two historic homes and has a diverse collection of artifacts from different eras and cultures.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to try in Cairo, as suggested by locals, include:

1. Koshari: a vegetarian dish made from rice, lentils, chickpeas, macaroni and topped with fried onions and tomato sauce.
2. Ful medames: a dish made from fava beans, typically served with bread, boiled eggs, and vegetables.
3. Ta'ameya (falafel): deep-fried balls made from ground fava beans and/or chickpeas, often served with tahini sauce or in a sandwich.
4. Shawarma: a Middle Eastern sandwich made from roasted meat (usually chicken or beef), vegetables, and garlic sauce wrapped in pita bread.
5. Molokhia: a stew made from leaves of the Molokhia plant (also known as Jew's Mallow) cooked with garlic and chicken or rabbit meat.
6. Mahshi: stuffed vegetables such as peppers, eggplants, or zucchini with rice and minced meat cooked in tomato sauce.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes that you can enjoy while in Cairo.

Activities

If you're interested in experiencing some of the local activities in Cairo, here are a few suggestions:

1. Visit Khan el-Khalili: This historic bazaar is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. You can wander through the narrow alleys and browse the shops selling everything from spices and teas to jewelry and souvenirs.

2. Enjoy street food: The food scene in Cairo is incredible, and there are plenty of delicious street food options to try. Some of the popular dishes include koshari (a mix of rice, lentils, and pasta), ful medames (a fava bean dish), and taameya (Egyptian falafel).

3. Go on a Nile River cruise: Take a relaxing boat ride down the Nile River and enjoy the views of the city from the water. Many cruises also offer dinner and entertainment, making it a fun night out.

4. Attend a traditional music and dance show: Cairo has a rich cultural history, and there are many shows that showcase traditional music and dance performances. Whether you're interested in belly dancing or Sufi whirling, there's sure to be a show that will capture your interest.

5. Explore Al-Azhar Park: This beautiful park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some greenery. You can take a leisurely walk, have a picnic, or just relax and take in the views of Cairo.