#FirstCrush Exploring Cairo

Cairo’s an ancient city that also happens to be a modern metropolis—it’s one of the biggest cities in the Middle East and has the traffic and noise issues to prove it. But as long as you’re not looking for solitude, Cairo—the City of the Thousand Minarets—is a splendid place to explore Egyptian history and culture. (Editor’s note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you’re currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government’s travel alerts.)

First, the drawbacks: Cairo’s crowds make Manhattan look like a ghost town, papyrus sellers and would-be guides hound you at every turn, and your snot will run black from the smog.

But it’s a small price to pay to tap into the energy of the place Egyptians call Umm ad-Dunya – the Mother of the World. This urban buzz is a product of 22-or-so million inhabitants simultaneously crushing the city’s infrastructure under their collective weight and lifting its spirit up with their exceptional charm and humour. One taxi ride can pass resplendent mosques, grand avenues, and 19th-century palaces, with a far away view of the pyramids of Giza. A caked-on layer of beige sand unifies the mix of eras and styles.

Blow your nose, crack a joke and look through the dirt to see the city’s true colours. If you love Cairo, it will definitely love you back.

Article courtesy: Expedia, Lonely Planet

#FirstCrush The crown jewels, Buckingham Palace, Camden Market…in London, history collides with art, fashion, food, and good British ale. A perfect day is different for everyone: culture aficionados shouldn’t miss the Tate Modern and the Royal Opera House. If you love fashion, Oxford Street has shopping galore. For foodies, cream tea at Harrod’s or crispy fish from a proper chippy offers classic London flavor. Music and book buffs will love seeing Abbey Road and the Sherlock Holmes Museum (at 221B Baker Street, of course).

1. Tower of London remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. Visitors can take enjoy entertaining tours by Yeomen Warders (aka beefeaters) and learn about the tales and tragedies of this historic royal place. Don’t forget you can see the stunning Crown Jewels and the oldest exhibition in the world, the Line of Kings.

2. See London from a different perspective and take a trip on a fun Thames River Cruise. Get a unique view of the city from the river and spot all the iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, London Eye and the O2. From Westminster to Greenwich, you can meander right through the heart of London and see all the best sights along the way!

3. Westminster Abbey is a stunning gothic church and UNESCO World Heritage site that sits behind the Houses of Parliament. Many famous names are part of the rich history of Westminster Abbey, from royals to scientists, poets and aristocrats. More recently, it was the church where Kate and Wills were married in 2011. Westminster Abbey has to be one of the best things to do in London and is definitely one of London’s most important landmarks.

4. It’s worth taking a trip out of London to Windsor Castle to visit the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. As the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II – and her preferred weekend palace – it has over 900 years of rich royal history. Visitors can see the amazing State Apartments and the world’s smallest doll house, too.

5. Hampton Court Palace is one of London’s most loved palaces and was once the home of King Henry VIII. A sprawling and impressive building, Hampton Court Palace boasts stunning gardens, a world famous hedge maze and the only surviving royal chocolate kitchen dating back to the 17th century.

6. Victorian bascule bridge, Tower Bridge, dates back to 1894 and was once a symbol of industrial development and London’s urban expansion. Now it houses a permanent exhibition which explores the history of the bridge, as well as a new Glass Walkway, recently opened in 2014 to give visitors a unique view over the river and pedestrians below.

7. Visit the home of the late Princess Diana and the childhood residence of Queen Victoria. Kensington Palace is a stunning building in the heart of London and promises engaging exhibitions that delve into the lives of the great women of the monarchy. From Fashion Rules to Victoria Revealed, there’s so much to learn at Kensington Palace.

8. ZSL London Zoo is a great attraction if you’re in London looking for things to do with the family. London Zoo is home to a wide range of exotic animals and has conservation at the heart of what it does. Get involved with animal feedings and go inside the Butterfly Enclosure to really get close up to nature.

9. Prepare to be spooked at The London Bridge Experience. Located under the arches of London Bridge, delve into the underworld of this historic city and learn about the most terrible crimes and killings. A visit to the Tombs will also test your courage, so only go if you dare!

10. Enjoy a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, an identical reconstruction of the original 16th century open-air playhouse in which Shakespeare directed his world-famous plays. Set on the banks of the River Thames, it’s one of London’s most iconic buildings and a must-see if you’re a fan of the Bard!

Article Courtesy: Expedia, Trip Advisor