Buy airline tickets to Cairo for majestic mosques, hectic bazaars, serene parks and Nile felucca boat trips. Gezirah's nightlife is hot and Zamalek's shopping stylish.

Things to do

Buy a ticket to Cairo's Pyramids at Giza, and Tutankhamun's gold mask in busy Downtown. Islamic Cairo's Al-Azhar Park near the Citadel is a green oasis. On Rhoda, celebrate the late, great singer at Umm Kulsoum Museum.

Shopping

A holiday to Cairo is not complete without bargaining for hand-blown glass or silver at world-famous Khan el-Khalili market in Islamic Cairo. Upmarket Gezirah is the place for stylish jewellery and local crafts. Egyptians love the huge modern malls in Heliopolis.

Restaurants

After your flight to Cairo, sample local delicacies in unpretentious Downtown restaurants or mezze (snacks) before dinner. Wealthy locals dine at glamorous restaurants like El Morocco, springing up on Nile houseboats around Zamalek.

Nightlife

Buy a ticket for Cairo Opera House in Zamalek to hear classical Arabic music. Gezira's bars are perfect for smoking fruity sheesha pipes, or drinking huge quantities of tea. Make the most of your Cairo city break watching belly-dancing at Downtown's Haroun Al-Rashid.

When to go

KLM has frequent flights to Cairo. Go for October's Rally of the Pharaohs at Giza, November's Arabic Music Festival, or book your airline tickets for Cairo International Film Festival in December.