Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Al Manial Palace)

Your image of a trip to Egypt is one that probably includes lots of desert scenery, majestic ancient ruins in the middle of dunes, and lush gardens around the banks of the Nile. Cairo is none of that. Cairo is one of - if not the largest, depending on your source - metro area in Africa, and definitely the largest in the Arab World. It's crowded, busy, bustling, noisy, and chaotic. Very few of its site date back to ancient Egypt and most travelers leave either underwhelmed or worn down by the large city. But, this is a really easy fix: adjust your expectations. Because Cairo is a city oozing in culture and history. It's also the center of the Arab World's music and film industries, and has been the preeminent center of culture in the Arab World for over a millennia. With amazing neighborhoods and dynamic experiences, you could easily entertain yourself for four days in Cairo. So, what should you do in Cairo? I'm glad you asked! Here is my guide to Cairo's best sites.