Egypt has always been a captivating travel destination, but a variety of factors in recent years have caused the number of tourists to diminish. The capital city of Cairo is turning over a new leaf in 2020 and instilling a few changes that are enticing travelers from all corners of the globe to visit. Keep reading to find out why this is the year that the gurus are traveling to Cairo.

A New Egyptian Museum Is Opening At The End Of The Year

Cairo will always be a popular travel destination among those who are interested in the fascinating history of Ancient Egypt. The city is set to become even more popular in 2020 thanks to the new museum that is set to open toward the end of the year. The Grand Egyptian Museum has been in the works for a number of years now, and as its opening date draws closer, interest in Cairo is peaking.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is said to be the largest archeological museum in the world, stretching over 50 hectares of land. Its proximity to the Pyramids of Giza makes it even more appealing to anybody curious about the history of the country. Both ancient and modern artifacts will be displayed, giving the full story of Egypt.

One of the most exciting aspects of the new museum is that it is said to exhibit the full collection of Tutankhamun, which will include a number of artifacts that have never been displayed before in any exhibition around the world. For history buffs, this is a huge deal!

There’s A String Of New Restaurants

It’s not just a new museum that’s coming to Cairo. The food scene has undergone something of an overhaul as well, as a string of new, trendy restaurants have opened. One of the most famous areas in Cairo for foodies is the suburb of Maadi, located in the south of the city. Maadi is home to the beloved Road 9, a mecca for food-lovers that is lined with restaurants boasting dishes from just about every cuisine you could think of.

The beauty of dining out in Cairo is that both traditional Egyptian foods and international favorites are on offer. Seasoned travelers recommend at least trying some authentic Egyptian dishes while in Cairo. In particular, the rice, pasta, and chickpeas dish is known as koshary should be on everyone’s eating bucket list.

While there is a selection of high-end restaurants to choose from in Cairo, the city also has many opportunities for more casual dining experiences: think humble street food you can eat on the go and relaxed cozy cafes catering to all kinds of food requirements.

Locals Are Fighting Back Against Long-Term Societal Problems In Cairo

Despite its many wonders, Cairo has been viewed as unsafe by westerners in recent years. Particularly since the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, numbers of foreign tourists traveling to Cairo have dwindled. Long-term societal problems, particularly regarding gender inequality, have also plagued the country.

The good news is locals are beginning to fight back against discrimination and inequality. A number of women’s rights groups have popped up in the city and have created a number of resources to help those who face harassment on the street.

The United States government currently advises anyone traveling to Egypt to exercise increased caution, as the country is still not safe enough to be categorized as a Level 1 risk by the Bureau of Consular Affairs. But Cairo is safer now than it has been in recent years, with the stigma around reporting harassment being challenged all the time. Many Egyptian locals are positive about more changes that will come in the future and benefit the country, increasing the levels of arriving tourists even more.

It’s A Destination For Every Kind Of Traveler

There are several reasons why Cairo is an increasingly popular travel destination in 2020. One of them is that it’s simply a great choice for every kind of traveler. Although it’s famous for travelers interesting in learning more about the country’s history and witnessing some of the most famous landmarks in the world, there is a lot more to Cairo.

The city has fast-paced energy that stimulates every sense, from sight to sound to smell. There are rural areas just as there are urban centers ideal for those looking to dance the night away. Whether you like to spend your time viewing art, architecture, historical artifacts, nature, or a combination of all of them, Cairo will have something for you.

The opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum is enticing a new generation of travelers to visit Cairo, but there are many other reasons why foreigners are adding Cairo to their bucket lists again. Don’t miss out on this travel trend that is taking the world by storm.