Bab Zuwayla was part of the original walls of Cairo built in 1092. The Zuwayla gate is one of the most well known landmarks in the city and is also one of three remaining gates of the Fatimid dynasty. This historic gate contains twin towers, each with a minaret. Originally these towers were used by soldiers to keep watch over the southern countryside, however today they provide some of the best views of Cairo. For a small fee, you can climb to the top of each tower and get a glimpse of the surrounding buildings, streets, and daily life. I felt on top of the world as I gazed downward at the opposing tower of Bab Zuwayla and took in the scenery of this ancient city.

This gentleman caught my eye from his stool in the back of the store as I wandered through the narrow alleys of the Khan el-Khalili souk in Cairo, and he beckoned me to come in. Thinking of my already overstuffed suitcase and still a bit skittish from the hard sales tactics of the other shopkeepers, I shook my head and remained on the street, but when I raised my camera to signal my desire to take his picture, he readily consented and even posed a little. Now I wish I had stopped and ventured inside his shop. It was an oasis of calm in the chaos of the rest of the souk, and it smelled wonderful. Next time I'll definitely stop in, and I'll remember that when properly motivated, I can always make a little more room in my luggage, especially for something small like spices, the smell of which can quickly bring me back to just such a moment.

After the revolution the Egyptian army walled off several streets around Tahrir Square to restrict traffic. These walls have now been painted by graffiti artists with scenes from the revolution. This wall is just south of the American University in Cairo campus.

This photograph from my trip to Egypt has always been one of my favorites. The visible line of the "old world" existing alongside modern day culture is very powerful, and is commonly evident in Cairo. The image was taken in a part of town which is often referred to as Fatimid Cairo or Islamic Cairo. It is an area rich with Egyptian culture and is overflowing with impressive historical sites from Fatimid dynasty. The Zuwayla gate, with its twin minaret towers, is one of the most well-known landmarks. Originally the towers were used by soldiers to keep watch over the southern countryside, however today they provide some of the best views of the city. In Fatimid Cairo, I also enjoyed visiting the Al-Azhar Mosque and would consider it a must see for its stunning architecture and scale. If you enjoy a busy market, be sure to check out the nearby Khan el-Khalili. It’s an ideal place to meet the locals, people watch, and pick up a few souvenirs.

I couldn't get enough of the lamps at Sultan Hassan mosque, built in 1357. Hanging in perfectly straight rows, they create a stunning visual effect from every angle.

this bridge called by kaser EL Neil Cairo connect the island between two cities in Cairo and Giza Cairo east bank the Nile and Giza west bank the river Nile this bridge built 1898 during the king ismali this bridge decoration with two lion form west and two lion from east side they brought from France its really land mark Cairo.

As if it wasn't enough to see the Giza Pyramids lit up at night, we got to feast and dance in this glorious tent, as part of the closing festivities of AFAR Experiences Cairo.

The beauty and grandeur of the downtown buildings are somewhat blunted by the dust and dirt of this mega desert metropolis, but the charm and romance resonates amongst the vibrancy of the street scenes. For a throw back to an era of revolutionaries and intelligentsia, visit the historic Cafe Riche and check out the portraits of famous Egyptians that line the walls from past decades.

The Pharaohs may be gone, but their treasures and stories can still be found at the amazing Egyptian Museum in the heart of Cairo. Over 120,000 artefacts are on display including huge statues of the pharaohs and the gods they worshipped, jewels, scrolls of papyrus, coffins inlaid with semi-precious stones and gold leaves and ancient mummified remains. Although it would take months to admire each and every relic, your expert guide will help you discover some of the most famous objects such as the golden treasures from Tuthankhamun’s Tomb. Marvel at King Tuthankhamun’s intricate coffin, the seemingly infinite jewels and his world-famous solid gold funerary mask. Other amazing artefacts include the statue of Khafre, the Fayoum Portraits and the Nubian funerary cache.

The heart of modern Cairo, Tahrir Square, is typical of the more modern, commercial centre of Cairo; it houses numerous important old and modern structures in addition to it being a public transport hub, all of which have turned the square into one of the most important and busiestareas in the city. However, Tahrir Square witnessed a series of past events and changes of regimes throughout the history of the country.

A sarcophagus outside the Egyptian Museum in Cairo looks up at the charred remains of the headquarters of the NDP, Hosni Mubarak's party, which ruled Egypt for decades before the January 25 revolution.

I traveled to Cairo last month with AFAR Experiences, and we visited the beautiful Sultan Hassan Mosque to meet with Imam Moez Masoud. The mosque, built in the mid-1300s, sits placidly in the midst of buzzing, honking Cairo, a peaceful oasis for those seeking God in the chaos of cell phones and taxis.

visit Cairo Tower where you can take photos for the beautiful panoramic view. Cairo Tower, also known as El Gezira Tower or Borg Al Kahira is considered one of the most prominent features of the Egyptian capital. Its partially open lattice-work design is intended to evoke a lotus plant.

Mosque of Ibn Tulun is one of the largest and oldest mosques in Cairo, Egypt. Vistors are required to wear protective covers over their feet and women are required to wear head scarfs.

One of the core gifts of AFAR Experiences Cairo was to walk away with a more compassionate understanding of modern day Islam–thanks to our speakers Moez Masoud (Interfaith activist, TV host) and Riham Bahi (Professor, women's rights activist). http://www.afarexperiences.com/

One of the many things I loved most about being in Cairo was the abundance of fresh fruit juice everywhere you went. Strawberry, mango and (as seen in Greg's hand) my favorite, guava! Here, we're at a breakfast buffet following our very own private tour of the Egyptian Museum.

This was a pretty emotional moment at Cafe Riche, a historical cafe in downtown Cairo.. I was talking with Azer Farag Azer, a business man (pictured in the middle above) who has been a customer of Cafe Riche since 1960. He was speaking about a lot of the things he has seen happen over the years here, when he called up the waiter, Felfel (pictured on the right), who has been working at Cafe Riche since 1943. Azer called Felfel the most honorable man he knew and called him on stage.

The pyramids are breathtaking at night. From this angle, the Sahara stretches indefinitely into darkness to the left of the monuments, and Giza sparkles like an inverted skyscape on the right.