Most people know Cairo for the Giza pyramids on the outskirts of the city. However, what they don’t know is that there is more to Cairo than just the pyramids. Hamad Al-Yafei aims to showcase the beauty of Cairo, a city that he considers his second home.

Born in Doha, Qatar, Hamad moved to Egypt to pursue a Bachelor of Laws at Cairo University. He fell in love with Cairo and, even after moving back to Qatar to start his law firm, visits it as often as possible. He publishes his travel diaries online in an effort to get more people to appreciate all the beauty that Cairo has to offer. The fascinating city is bursting with hidden gems that he believes people should visit whenever they are in Egypt.

The Citadel

The Citadel is an Islamic fortress that was completed in 1183 AD and offers excellent views of Cairo. Built by Salah ad-Din, an Abbasid Ruler, as a fortification against the Crusaders, it served as the seat of the Egyptian government for 700 years. It is home to unique historical spots such as the Mohamed Ali Mosque with its breathtaking Ottoman-style architecture, the Egyptian Military Museum, Carriage Museum, and Al-Gawhara Palace. 

Wust El-Balad (Downtown)

Known as Cairo’s rebellious quarter, Wust El-Balad is a beautiful cultural spot and one of the most popular destinations for art lovers in Egypt. It is one of Cairo’s most peaceful and charming areas with an artistic ambiance that offers a fun and lively scene. In addition to numerous old and rustic cafés and restaurants, Wust El-Balad is home to the Abdeen Palace and the Egyptian Museum that offers night shows on Thursdays and Sundays.

Khan el-Khalili 

Khan el-Khalili began as a shopping district in 1400 AD and is one of the best Middle Eastern shopping experiences in the world. It is a maze of narrow alleyways that offer various items for sale. The main streets have been taken over by the tourist trade, where plastic pyramids and cheap papyrus pictures are on sale. The alleyways that divert off the main roads have tiny stores and cluttered workshops that offer traditional Egyptian products such as antiques, metal lampshades, and locally woven textiles. The Souq is also home to The El-Fishawy café, Cairo’s most famous coffee shop where customers enjoy sweet tea and syrupy Arabic coffee.

Bab Zuweila

Bab Zuweila, built in the 11th century, is one of the three remaining gates in Cairo and perhaps the most interesting. The medieval era relic, which is the only surviving Southern Gate of the Fatimid era, has two minarets. Interested individuals can climb to the top of the gate for beautiful views of Islamic Cairo.