Five of the best quirky, offbeat attractions you will surely enjoy when in Egypt

Most people, when they think of Egypt, conjure up images of deserts, pyramids, and ancient mosques in their mind’s eye. There’s a lot more to Egypt than these sights, though. The country is full of quirky, offbeat attractions that are sure to thrill and entertain.

This article will list five of the best quirky, offbeat attractions you will surely enjoy when in Egypt.

#1 – A relaxing cruise to see the sights along the Nile River

A relaxing cruise down the Nile is a great way to kickstart your trip in Egypt. You’ll be able to take in the sights and sounds of the Nile, the longest river in the world, and you’ll be able to do so at a relaxing pace on a cruise boat floating down the river. When booking your next trip to Egypt, make sure to book all inclusive Egypt holidays that feature a cruise along the river Nile.

#2 – A trip to the Birqash Camel Market north of Cairo to see the frenetic auctions for camel buying and selling

Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, is one of the busiest cities in the world. Regardless of the time of day, people can be seen going to and fro on its busy streets. The city is also home to dozens of markets (or souks, as they are known in the local Egyptian tongue) selling jewellery, silks, fabrics, souvenirs, and much more.

One of the most unusual, and interesting, markets in the Cairo region is the Birqash Camel Market located 20 miles to the north of Cairo in the village of Birqash. It’s here that hundreds of camels are bought and sold each day by colourful camel traders with very unique personalities.

The camel auctions are lively and exciting to watch, with dozens of local camel traders shouting out bids at an astonishingly quick pace. It’s not uncommon for shouting battles to break out between rival camel traders, too.

If possible, try to visit the Birqash Camel Market on a Friday, as this is the busiest trading day of the week.

#3 – Shop for souvenirs in one of the world’s oldest bazaars, Khan Al-Khalili

The Khan Al-Khalili souk is the largest and oldest market in Cairo. Built in 1382, it was built to be a place where travelling merchants could trade and exchange their wares. Today, it’s the biggest and most popular souk in Egypt.

Virtually all types of goods are available to purchase at Khan Al-Khalili. Clothes, fabrics, furniture, precious metals like gold and silver, jewellery, souvenirs, and much more are all available to purchase at modest prices. Excellent Egyptian cuisine can be enjoyed at food stalls located in Khan Al-Khalili, too.

If you decide to purchase any goods at Khan Al-Khalili, make sure to haggle else you may get ripped off. The local merchants are quite adept at swindling unsuspecting tourists out of their money, and they’ll use every trick in the book to get you to pay more than you should for their items. Pick a price and stick to it, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you find the deal unfavourable.

#4 – Visit the famed Hanging Church which is one of the oldest Coptic Churches in Egypt

The Coptic Orthodox Church, a Christian denomination founded by Saint Mark the Apostle in 42AD, is arguably the oldest Christian denomination in the world. Despite facing persecution by Egyptians, Crusaders, and Fatimids over the years, the Coptic Church has survived into the modern era with some 12 million practising Coptic Christians in Egypt alone.

‘Coptic Cairo’, a quarter located in ‘Old Cairo’, is the home of the Coptic faith. The area is home to a number of Coptic Churches, of which the Hanging Church (or Kineeset al-Muallaqa, as it is known in Arabic) is the most impressive. Built in 690AD on top of a Roman fortress, the Church is stunning to look upon and interesting to explore. It’s remarkably well preserved, too, considering its age.

The ‘Coptic Museum’, a museum telling the history of the Coptic faith, can be found close to the Hanging Church, too. This museum is a must visit for anyone wanting to learn more about the Coptic faith.

#5 – Spend a weekend in Dahab

Dahab is a small town located on the Sinai Peninsula on the southeastern coast of Egypt. The town has gained a great deal of popularity in recent years as a great location to enjoy a relaxing weekend by the beach.

Dahab also has a rich culture and history, and is home to museums and art galleries showcasing local exhibits and works of art created by local Egyptians. Dozens of restaurants selling authentic Egyptian cuisine can be found scattered throughout the city, too. Adventure activities like windsurfing, kite surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, and much more are also on offer in the city.

Make sure to include Dahab on the itinerary for your next trip to Egypt. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Summing Up

There’s more to Egypt than deserts, pyramids, and pharaohs. The country is home to literally dozens of quirky, offbeat attractions that are sure to thrill and entertain. Make sure to include the five attractions listed in this article on the itinerary for your future trips to Egypt. You won’t regret it.

Journey with us from place to place, language to language, photo to photo

Source: