It's a great time to visit Cairo. You know why?

Prices are down as tourists have been driven away by years of political instability. But that hasn't taken away from the vibrancy of Egypt's capital

If you've ever dreamt of going to the chaotic (yet fascinating and charming) Egyptian capital of Cairo, the time is now. While once one of the most visited cities in the world, years of political instability have driven many tourists away and prices down. That means a golden possibility for unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that might not be bargains for long.
Arriving in Cairo, the first thing that strikes most visitors is the chaos of it all. The city's horrendous traffic seems to grind to a halt every few meters, and Cairo can seem almost impossibly crowded. Yet, gems - both famous and lesser-known ones ­- pop out of every nook and cranny. The sprawling mega city has something for everyone.
It goes without saying that a visit to Cairo wouldn't be complete without taking in Egypt's most famous sight: the Pyramids of Giza and the nearby Sphinx. Getting there is easy - the pyramids are a short drive or bus-ride away from downtown Cairo. Many people, however, find childhood dreams of the Pyramids tainted by ugly urban encroachment, aggressive touts, and depressingly malnourished and mistreated camels and horses.
But don't let that ward you off. Despite the occasional hassle, the over 4,500-year-old Pyramids are worth the trip, and a skilled guide will bring the world of ancient Egypt to life. To make things even better, for the first time in many lifetimes, tourism to the Pyramids has slowed to a trickle; so much that you might find yourself alone in one of the Pyramid's internal corridors or chambers, a la Indiana Jones.
For a modern take on the Pyramids, try the 'Sound and Light' show, which features a dazzling laser display engulfing the area while the "voice of the Sphinx" narrates history.
If a trip to the Pyramids hasn't quenched your thirst for Ancient Egypt's secrets, there's plenty more. The city's must-see Egyptian Museum - one of the world's finest - holds a fascinating array of items (over 135,000 at any given time), ranging from objects retrieved from the fabled Tomb of Tutankhamen to jewellery and the mummified remains of 11 kings and queens.
For the politically minded, a trip to the Egyptian Museum can be combined with a look at Egypt's more recent past. The museum sits on the northern edge of Tahrir Square, where hundreds of thousands of people gathered in 2011 in protests that led to the resignation of Hosni Mubarak, and many demonstrations later, to the ouster of Mohamed Morsi.
The square - which is surrounded by a number of hotels, the downtown campus of American University Cairo and a horrendously unattractive government office - remains Cairo's vibrant heart. Be careful crossing the street though - Cairo is not known for its disciplined drivers, and travel experts warn that protests in the square can get ugly.
While the city is a sensory overload in many ways, there are plenty of places to relax. For a truly authentic experience, head to a traditional coffee shop, or 'ahwa' in the local dialect. These charming places -­ favourite haunts of Cairenes - offer an authentic Egyptian experience, complete with strong Turkish coffee, never-ending supplies of tea, and, of course, the rich aroma of shisha smoke.
If you're tired after a long day of taking in the sights, head over to Al Azhar Park in the late afternoon, just before the sun sets. Opened to the public in 2005, it is a relatively new addition to Cairo's cityscape, and offers stunning views of the city from its lush green gardens, as well as several restaurants and cafes. Cairo being Cairo, there's also history to be found there, such as a 12^th century defensive wall built by the Ayyubid Dynasty.
Entire books have been written about what to see and do in Cairo. But to be clear: if you've ever wanted to go, there is no time like the present. The weakness of the Egyptian pound - which is at 4.72 to the dirham - makes it an affordable destination from the UAE, especially given frequent, and inexpensive, flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah.
More importantly, Egypt, a country once largely dependent on tourists, is now seeing very few of them. Besides the obvious benefit of having some of the world's most spectacular sights almost to yourself, you'll be helping Egyptians ­- some of the most welcoming and warmhearted people in the world - at a time when many of them need it most.
So, what are you waiting for?
bernd@khaleejtimes.com
Bernd is a  gizmo freak with a sweet tooth. He likes air­planes and shiny, blingy things