Why now?

New daily flights are starting to the city modestly billed the 'Mother of the World' by medieval Arabs. You've got a month of 70-degree heat before the arrival of overcast skies and chillier temperatures.

Getting there

BMI's new Heathrow to Cairo service kicks off on October 29 from £299 inc tax.

Where to stay

In a city of towering five stars, Hotel Longchamp (00 20 2735 2311, hotellongchamp.com) is a more intimate option, with lovely terraces, clean if slightly uninspiring doubles from £33-a-night on a Nile island.

What to buy

Got the papyrus print pharaoh? Then head to the Townhouse Gallery (+2576 8086, thetownhousegallery.com) for exhibits by some of the city's highly rated contemporary artists.