What to do in cairo

22 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Cairo

Written by Jess Lee
Updated Jul 26, 2022

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Cairo is one of the world’s great megacities.

For historical sightseeing, there are few cities than can compete with Cairo, but Egypt’s capital offers many more things to do than just museums and mosques.

As beautiful and as rich in historic finery as it is confounding and an assault on your senses to first-time visitors, Cairo tends to be a city that travelers love and hate in equal measures.

Its sheer noise, pollution, and traffic can make a first visit here difficult to navigate, but Egypt’s capital has so much to offer travelers that look beyond its problems.

Full of vigor, Cairo is the best place to visit in the country to get a feel for modern Egyptian street life. No trip to Egypt is complete without a stay in the city Arabs call Umm al-Dunya (The Mother of the World).

The main tourist attraction everyone is here to see are the Giza Pyramids on the city’s doorstep, but the city itself is crammed with major monuments that span centuries of history.

There are so many things to do in Cairo that you’ll only be able to cover a sliver on one trip.

To help focus your visit and plan your time use our list of the top attractions in Cairo.

Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.

1. Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza

Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are Cairo’s number one half-day trip and the top thing to do on everyone’s itinerary.

Right on the edge of the city, on the Giza Plateau, these fourth dynasty funerary temples have been wowing travelers for centuries and continue to be one of Egypt’s major highlights.

Despite the heat, the dust, and the tourist hustle, you can’t miss a trip here.

The Pyramid of Cheops (also called the Great Pyramid or Pyramid of Khufu) is the largest pyramid of the Giza group, and its interior of narrow passages can be explored, although there isn’t much to see, except a plain tomb chamber with an empty sarcophagus.

Farther south on the plateau is the Pyramid of Chephren (also known as the Pyramid of Khefre), with an internal tunnel area, which can be entered, and the smaller Pyramid of Mycerinus (Pyramid of Menkaure).

Guarding these mortuary temples is the lion-bodied and pharaoh-faced Sphinx; one of the ancient world’s iconic monuments.

The Giza Plateau is set to welcome another attraction when the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is finally finished.

Sphinx and pyramids at Giza, Cairo

When opened, it will be the biggest museum in the world devoted to exhibiting the antiquities of a single civilization, displaying a wealth of Ancient Egypt’s artifacts, many of which have never been seen by the public before.

The Solar Boat (one of the ceremonial solar barques that was unearthed near the Giza Pyramids), which used to be displayed in a museum directly behind the Great Pyramid, has recently been moved to the GEM in readiness for the opening.

After a stop-start construction, beset with financial difficulties, the museum opening date has been set for late 2022.

The pyramid plateau is on the edge of Giza’s suburban sprawl, roughly 13 kilometers southwest of the central city.

Most people arrive by taxi, but it’s also accessible by an easier-than-you-think combo of taking the metro to Giza and then hopping on a local minibus that drops you outside the entrance.

As the area around the Pyramids of Giza is quite sprawling, many travelers elect to see the area by tour, often incorporating a camel or horse ride.

Address: Al-Ahram Street, Giza

2. See One of the World’s Great Collections in the Egyptian Museum

Exterior of the Egyptian Museum

The absolutely staggering collection of antiquities displayed in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum makes it one of the world’s great museums. You would need a lifetime to properly see everything on show.

The museum was founded in 1857 by French Egyptologist August Mariette and moved to its current home – in the distinctive powder-pink mansion in Downtown Cairo – in 1897.

Yes, the collection is poorly labeled and not well set out due to limits of space (and only a fraction of its total holdings are actually on display).

It also currently suffers with some empty cases due to artifacts having already been transferred to the as yet unopened new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), but you still can’t help being impressed by the sheer majesty of the exhibits.

When the GEM opens, this iconic building is slated to still be used as a museum, but it is uncertain which collections it will hold.

The museum’s major displays, including the Tutankhamun Galleries, which will form the highlight exhibition within the new GEM, are all definitely being moved.

Meanwhile, in April 2020, the Egyptian Museum’s Royal Mummies Collection was transferred to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations (NMEC) to further share out the vast amount of Egypt’s Pharaonic riches between Cairo’s museums.

Mummified monkey at the Egyptian Museum | Photo Copyright: Lana Law

If you’re pressed for time, make a beeline straight for the Tutankhamun Galleries.

The treasures displayed here were all found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, son-in-law and successor of Amenophis IV (later Akhenaten), who died at the age of 18.

The tomb, discovered by Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings in 1922, contained the largest and richest assemblage of grave goods ever found intact in an Egyptian tomb.

Highlights include Tutankhamun’s death mask and sarcophagi (Room 3), the pharaoh’s lion throne (Room 35), and his fascinating wardrobe collection (Room 9).

Afterwards, don’t miss a wander through the Egyptian jewelry collection (Room 4) which contains more bling than you’ll ever see again in one lifetime.

The Egyptian Museum sits right beside Midan Tahrir, the central square of Downtown Cairo.

The easiest way to arrive here is to take the Cairo Metro to Sadat station (on Midan Tahrir) and follow the exit signs to the museum.

Location: Midan al-Tahrir, Downtown

3. Admire Al-Azhar Mosque

Al-Azhar Mosque

Al-Azhar Mosque is the finest building of Cairo’s Fatimid era and one of the city’s earliest surviving mosques, completed in 972 CE.

The main entrance is the Gate of the Barbers on the northwest side of the building, adjoining the neo-Arab facade built by Abbas II.

Leave your shoes at the entrance and walk into the central courtyard. To your right is the El-Taibarsiya Medrese which has a mihrab (prayer niche) dating from 1309.

From the central courtyard, you get the best views of the mosque’s five minarets, which cap the building.

Across the courtyard is the main prayer hall, spanning a vast 3,000 square meters. The front half is part of the original building, while the rear half was added by Abd el-Rahman.

Al-Azhar Mosque is right in the heart of the Islamic Cairo district and easy to reach by taxi.

Al-Azhar Street runs east from Midan Ataba in the downtown area right to the square where the mosque sits.

Address: Al-Azhar Street, Historic Cairo District

El-Azhar Mosque Map (Historical)

4. Explore Coptic History in Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo)

Old Cairo

This small church-filled cluster of twisty laneways lies within the walls of Old Babylon, where the Roman Emperor Trajan first built a fortress along the Nile.

Parts of the Roman towers still preside over the main street.

The Coptic Museum here contains a wealth of information on Egypt’s early Christian period and is home to one of Egypt’s finest collections of Coptic art.

Next door, the 9th-century Hanging Church contains some beautiful examples of Coptic architecture. Founded in the 4th century, the church was originally built over the Roman gate towers (hence the name) and was substantially rebuilt during the 9th century.

For many Christian travelers though, the real highlight of a visit to this district is the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus where local legend says the Virgin Mary, baby Jesus, and family sheltered during King Herod’s massacre of male babies.

Farther into the quarter, you come to the Ben Ezra Synagogue which is said to be built near the spot where the baby Moses was found in the reeds.

Just outside the quarter, you can also visit the Mosque of Amr Ibn al-As; the first mosque built in Egypt.

Coptic Cairo is easiest reached by taking the Cairo Metro to Mar Girgis station.

Address: Sharia Mar Girgis, Mar Girgis

Old Cairo Map (Historical)

5. Spend Time Exploring Saqqara & Dahshur

Saqqara

The vast necropolis of Saqqara and the nearby site of Dahshur are home to the «other pyramids,» and a day trip out here is just as rewarding as a trip to Giza’s pyramids. The sites are roughly 30 kilometers south of Cairo.

The Step Pyramid is Saqqara’s most popular tourist attraction, but the entire area is littered with gorgeously painted tombs, which are well worth spending a few hours exploring.

Of particular note, don’t miss the Serapeum, where the mummies of the sacred Apis bulls were interred, and the Mastaba of Ti, with its colorful and highly detailed painted walls.

Saqqara is so large, and its history as a burial site so vast, that excavations here continue to unearth finds that make headline grabbing news worldwide.

Just down the road is Dahshur’s Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid which shouldn’t be missed. Expect even the shortest itinerary here to take at least half a day.

6. View the Royal Mummies at NMEC

National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations (NMEC) | diy13 / Shutterstock.com

Unlike many of Cairo’s other major museums, which all concentrate their exhibits on one specific era, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations (NMEC) is dedicated to telling the entire story of Egypt’s human history under one roof.

The museum partially opened in 2017 and has been slowly building up its exhibits. Its star attraction arrived in April 2020, when the Royal Mummies Collection found its new permanent home here.

Although the museum’s full collection is in no way yet complete, this is where you now come to view Egypt’s most famous Pharaonic mummies.

Ramses II and III, Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I, and Seti I and II are among the hugely familiar names of 22 mummies that are displayed in a specially designed Royal Mummies Gallery.

NMEC is in Fustat and is easily combined with a visit to Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo). The museum is a straightforward three-kilometer walk from Coptic Cairo’s churches, or a short taxi ride.

Address: Al Fustat Street, Fustat

7. Shop amid the Maze of Khan el-Khalili

Colorful Egyptian lamps for sale at Khan el-Khalili

Khan el-Khalili is one of the world’s great shopping experiences.

This souq (bazaar) is a labyrinthine collection of skinny alleyways established as a shopping district in 1400 CE, which still rings with the clang of metal workers and silversmiths.

The main streets have long ago given themselves over completely to the tourist trade (with plenty of cheap papyrus pictures and plastic pyramids on display), but divert off the main drag into the surrounding alleyways, and the tiny stores and cluttered workshops are some of the best places to visit to pick up traditional products in Egypt.

Here, you’ll find everything from antiques and gorgeous metal lampshades to locally woven textiles.

Khan el-Khalili shop

While here, stop in at Cairo’s most famous coffee shop, Fishawis, where syrupy Arabic coffee and sweet tea are dished out to tourists and local merchants alike at a rapid-fire pace.

For shoppers, the main souq road is Al-Muski Street (called Gawhar al-Qaid Street at its eastern end).

The gold and silver workshops mostly congregate just north of this street’s intersection with Al-Muizz Li-Din Allah Street, while the spice market section is just to the south.

The market is hemmed in on its eastern side by the Sayyidna el-Husein Mosque, built in 1792 to honor the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson.

The easiest entry to the Khan el-Khalili area is from Al-Azhar Street, directly across the road from Al-Azhar Mosque.

Cairo Bazaar Quarter Map (Historical)

8. Get Views across the City at the Citadel

The Citadel

In a commanding location at the foot of the Mokattam Hills, Cairo’s citadel was built by Saladin in 1176.

The original structure he laid out has long disappeared except for the eastern outer walls, but a legacy of rulers has made their own additions here.

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is the most famous monument and the main reason for visiting. Nicknamed the «Alabaster Mosque,» its white stone and tall, disproportionately slender minarets are one of Cairo’s great landmarks.

The other big reason to come up here are the views across the city; head to the Gawhara Terrace for the best panorama in town.

Just to the northeast of the Muhammad Ali Mosque is the El-Nasir Mosque, built in 1318-35 by Mohammed el-Nasir.

A collection of rather half-hearted museums (the Police Museum, National Military Museum, and Carriage Museum) take up some of the other buildings on site and are more worthwhile viewing for the architecture of the actual buildings rather than the exhibits themselves.

You can walk to the citadel area from Bab Zuweila, if you’re feeling energetic, by heading along Khayyamiyya Street. The walk takes about 30 minutes.

Address: Midan Salah-ad-Din, Historic Cairo District

Cairo Citadel Map (Historical)

9. Admire Mamluk Architecture in the Sultan Hassan Mosque

Sultan Hassan Mosque

One of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture in the world, Sultan Hassan Mosque is a vision of Islamic artistry with an abundance of stalactite detailing and intricate arabesque features.

It was built in 1356-63 for the Sultan Hassan el-Nasir.

The massive main doorway at the north corner is almost 26 meters high, and the minaret at the south corner is the tallest in Cairo at 81.5 meters.

The main doorway leads into a domed vestibule, beyond which are a small antechamber and a corridor leading into the ornate open court centered around an ablution fountain.

From here, an iron door leads into the sultan’s mausoleum where the stalactitic pendentives of the original dome still survive. In the center of the chamber is the sultan’s simple sarcophagus.

Directly facing the Sultan Hassan Mosque is the El-Rifai Mosque, built in 1912 to house the tomb of Khedive Ismail and constructed to replicate its older next door neighbor.

The ex Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi (1919-1980), is also buried here.

Both mosques prominently sit on Midan Salah ad-Din, directly below Cairo’s Citadel.

Address: Midan Salah-ad-Din, Historic Cairo District

Sultan Hasan Mosque Map (Historical)

10. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art

Cairo’s Museum of Islamic Art | Sun_Shine / Shutterstock.com

Cairo’s Museum of Islamic Art holds one of the most important collections of Middle Eastern artistry in the world.

Severe damage sustained from a car-bomb attack in 2014 resulted in this museum shutting its doors to the public for years but thankfully it has now been reopened.

Ottoman tile work, Ayyubid ceramics, frescoes, delicately patterned wood-inlay, coinage, carved marble tombstones, and jewel-toned carpets, among other items are all on display.

Definitely spend some time perusing the illuminated Qurans and the exhibits of richly decorative ceramics, glassware, and metal-ware.

Then move on to admire the heavily ornate jewelry collection and the rooms devoted to Astronomy and other sciences, where you’ll find highly detailed astrolabes and other equipment.

A visit here is a journey through the breadth and wealth of Islamic heritage.

The museum sits on the edge of the Historic Cairo district, so it’s a good place to either begin or end a visit to the neighborhood. It’s within easy walking distance (once you’ve crossed a hideously busy main road) to Bab Zuweila.

Address: Midan Bab Al Khalq, Historic Cairo District

11. Climb Up to the Roof of Bab Zuweila

Bab Zuweila

Of all the Historic Cairo district’s gates, Bab Zuweila is the most interesting.

You can climb to the top of this medieval-era relic (built in the 11th century) for some amazing rooftop views over the entire neighborhood.

The gate itself has two minarets and is the last southern gate of the old town still standing.

Right next door is the red-and-white stonework of the Sheikh al-Mu’ayyad Mosque, and a few steps farther away are the fascinating artisan stalls of the Street of the Tentmakers, where Egypt’s bright fabric used for weddings and other special occasions is sold in bulk.

Address: Al-Motaz li-Din Allah Street, Historic Cairo District

12. Stroll down Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street

Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street

The northern section of Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street is rimmed by fine Mamluk buildings, which have been painstakingly restored to their former glory.

The Madrassa of as-Salih Ayyub, built in 1247, is a showcase of the tranquil simplicity of Islamic architecture.

Directly across the road from the madrassa is the drop-dead gorgeous Madrassa of Qalaun, rightly considered one of the Mamluk period’s greatest architectural triumphs.

It was completed in 1293 by Qalaun’s son, Muhammad al-Nasir, and has an interior packed to the brim with intricate tile work, fine marble, mother-of-pearl mosaics, and stained-glass windows. Qalaun’s madrassa also functioned as a hospital when it first opened.

A little farther north is the younger (built in 1309) Madrassa of an-Nasr Mohammed with plenty of ornate detailing to admire, before you come to the fabulous Egyptian Textile Museum with a collection that spans the Pharaonic era right up to the Islamic period.

Address: Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street, Historic Cairo District

13. Visit the Ibn Tulun Mosque

Ibn Tulun Mosque

The second oldest mosque still standing in Cairo, Ibn Tulun Mosque, was built between 876 and 879 CE by the Abbasid governor Ahmed Ibn Tulun.

At the time it was built, it was the largest mosque in existence.

The main court’s colonnades have plentiful surviving fragments of intricate frieze work on display and open onto a series of narrow-fronted halls.

The main prayer hall (on the southern side of the court) still holds onto fragments of its older decoration of carved stucco and wood, and the mihrab here has remnants of its original gold mosaic decoration.

On the mosque’s northern side is the 40-meter-high minaret with a fine horseshoe arch over the entrance and a spiral staircase swirling through the interior. It is modeled on the minarets of the Great Mosque of Samarra on the Tigris.

If you climb the 173 steps up to its upper platform there are superb views extending over the sea of houses to the north, and to the Mokattam Hills in the east.

It’s an easy stroll from the Sultan Hassan Mosque to the Ibn Tulun Mosque walking straight down Al-Saliba Street.

Address: Al-Saliba Street, Historic Cairo District

Ibn Tulun Mosque Map (Historical)

14. Relax amid the Greenery of Al-Azhar Park

Al-Azhar Park

Built over what was essentially a medieval rubbish dump, Al-Azhar Park is the green lungs of the Historic Cairo district.

It was opened in 2005 and provides a much needed respite to the overcrowded chaos of Cairo’s street hustle.

Inside, the gloriously manicured gardens are a lovely place for an evening stroll, especially as the views over the entire old city are gorgeous from here at sunset.

There are also a couple of restaurants on-site, so it’s the perfect spot to put your feet up after a long day of sightseeing.

If you come on the weekend, the park is packed full of local families escaping the surrounding roar of traffic that cocoons the rest of Cairo.

Al-Azhar Park is most easily visited by taking a taxi, but if you’re already in the Historic Cairo district and it’s not too hot, you can turn east onto Darb al-Ahmar Street from Bab Zuweila and walk to the lower park entrance.

Address: Salah Salem Street, Historic Cairo District

15. Explore the Nile Island District of Zamalek

Cairo Tower

The Nile island of Gezira is home to the district of Zamalek and the majority of Cairo’s arty boutiques and hipster restaurants.

Dating from the mid 19th century, the entire area has a distinctly European feel to its architecture with wide boulevards rimmed by trees and splendidly ornate Belle Époque mansions (many of which are now home to various embassies).

Zamalek is Cairo’s top dining destination, but there are also a clutch of art galleries to explore.

The Museum of Modern Egyptian Art in the Gezira Fair Grounds, has a fine collection of 20th-century Egyptian art, including works by Mahmoud Said and Mahmoud Mukhtar.

Nearby, opposite Cairo Opera House, is the recently reopened Mahmoud Mukhtar Museum, which holds a small collection of the famous Egyptian sculptor’s work.

Even if you’re not specifically into art, check out the Aisha Fahmy Palace just off Sharia 26th July in Zamalek. This 1907 mansion has been finely restored to its original glory, and its rococo interiors are just as much a reason to visit as the rotating art exhibitions it now hosts.

Much of the southern section of Gezira is taken up by the exclusive tennis courts and riding stables of the Gezira Sports Club, but towering above all the lush greenery is the 187-meter-high Cairo Tower, built in 1961 by President Nasser. A trip up the observation deck at sunset to see dusk settle over the city is a must.

16. Visit Cairo’s Remaining Nilometer

Exterior of the Nilometer in Cairo

Inside the palace gardens, right at the island’s southern tip, is Cairo’s Nilometer, which was used to measure the ebb and flow of the Nile and predict the annual flood heights.

Unlike the Nilometers you’ll see in Upper Egypt (such as the surviving Nilometer on Elephantine Island in Aswan), this one is a much later construction, built in CE 861.

Also in the palace grounds is the small Umm Khalthum Museum, which celebrates the life of Egypt’s famed diva.

Umm Khalthum (1898-1975) is the Arab world’s beloved songstress, and you’ll hear her music everywhere you go in Egypt, blasted out onto the street from ahwas (traditional coffeehouses) and on the stereo of nearly every taxi.

Inside, the museum holds a collection of the singer’s possessions, including her fabulously sequined stage costumes, and there’s an interesting black and white documentary on her life (with English subtitles).

Outside the palace, Roda Island’s streets are fun to wander and still have some dilapidated mansion architecture of the early 20th century.

17. See the Sumptuous Interior of Manyal Palace

Manyal Palace

The north end of Roda island holds the gorgeously ornate Manyal Palace.

After an extensive restoration, which took several years, it has re-opened to the public.

The buildings here are an eccentric riot of styles that cherry-pick influences from both traditional Arabic and palatial European designs, resulting in an over-the-top, lavish symphony of interiors.

Check out the Reception Palace, where guests were hosted, with its elaborate wood ceilings, and then the Residential Palace with its Rococo flourishes, Ottoman-style tile work, and oil paintings.

The Throne Palace, decked out in gold, is the real highlight here, though.

The complex was built in the early 20th century by the uncle of King Farouk. It’s set within lush green gardens on the shore of the island.

18. Day Trip to Al-Fayoum

Fayoum landscape

The Al-Fayoum depression, 112 kilometers south of Cairo, is a wonderful day out from the city, with plenty of gobsmacking natural beauty and a handful of excellent historic sites all within a two-hour drive.

Lake Qarun and Wadi Rayyan are the main attractions for wilderness lovers, with plentiful birdlife on display, including flamingos.

If you want to stay overnight, the artist village of Tunis (where some of Egypt’s best pottery can be purchased) is the destination most visitors choose.

Al-Fayoum

Fayoum’s historic tourist attractions include the ruins of Medinet Madi, with its temple dating from the Middle Kingdom, and a clutch of small pyramids, the best being the Pyramid of Meidum and the Pyramid of Hawara.

The sight not to miss while in Fayoum, though, is the UNESCO-listed desert valley of Wadi Al-Hittan, where you can view the 40 million year old basilosaurus and dorodontus (pre-historic whales) skeletons that were unearthed here.

19. Mosque of Al-Hakim

Mosque of Al-Hakim

Caliph Al-Hakim is one of the most fascinating rulers of Egypt.

This Fatimid leader was renowned for his terrifying rule over the land, which included frequent murders of his royal household staff; nightly patrols of the streets of his city, dressed incognito on a donkey to make sure his subjects were behaving themselves; and issuing bizarre rulings across the country (such as banning the eating of the Egyptian mallow-leaf, called molokheya, because only he wanted to be able to consume it).

His mosque, finished in 1013 CE, has functioned over the centuries as a madrassa, Crusader fortress, and psychiatric hospital and was completely restored in the 1980s.

The minarets here are the most interesting architectural elements. They were originally round, and their present square casing and domed top sections (resembling an Arab incense burner) date from their rebuilding after Cairo’s 1303 earthquake.

The mosque sits in between two of the historic district’s most important gates. Bab el-Futuh (Gate of Conquests) on the mosque’s western side and Bab el-Nasr (Gate of Victory) to the east are similar in form to ancient Roman town gates and were both built in 1087.

You can walk between Al-Azhar Mosque and the Mosque of Al-Hakim by following Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah Street all the way north.

Address: Al-Galal Street, Historic Cairo District

20. Explore the Architecture of Downtown Cairo

Downtown Cairo

If you want to capture a sense of late 19th century Cairo, when the city was nicknamed the «Paris of the East,» take a stroll through the downtown district with your gaze diverted up at the car-exhaust blackened architecture rather than on the bedlam at street level.

The entire area is chock-a-block stuffed with gorgeous but crumbling Belle Époque buildings, which must have looked staggeringly glamorous when they were first built.

Some of the finest buildings from this era, which also have recently cleaned facades, are around Midan Talaat Harb.

On the western edge of Downtown, on Al-Gumhuriya Street, is 19th century Abdin Palace, once the home of Egypt’s last khedives.

Today, the former private apartments of the king are open as a museum and contain a bizarre collection of pictures, tapestries, and gifts that have been given to Egypt’s presidents by visiting dignitaries.

Downtown Cairo is easily navigated on foot – if you don’t mind dodging traffic as you cross the roads.

21. Day Trip to Tanis

Tanis

The remains of ancient Tanis, capital of the Tanite kings of the 21st and 22nd dynasties, lie in the northeast of the Nile Delta region, still partly buried under the ridge of the hills.

Tanis is probably most well-known as the lost city where Indiana Jones found the Ark of the Covenant in the classic film Raiders of the Lost Ark.

The movie’s storyline has nothing to do with the real archaeological site, though Tanis was indeed «lost» for centuries until archaeological work here in 1939 finally managed to name this site as the city.

The excavated remains haven’t been reconstructed as at other Ancient Egypt sites but are full of interest for the archaeologically inclined.

The temple remains mostly lie in ruins, with huge chunks of masonry and statuary scattered in place, while the royal necropolis with its empty tombs (the vast haul of jewelry treasures found here is now housed in its own room at the Egyptian Museum) is hugely interesting to visit.

Tanis is 143 kilometers northeast of Cairo and is best visited by private vehicle.

22. Ancient Heliopolis and El-Matariya

Baron Empain Palace, Heliopolis district, Cairo

Not to be confused with the Cairo suburb of the same name, ancient Heliopolis was the Egyptian town of Yuno (known in the Greek period as Heliopolis), which is one of the oldest cities in Egypt and, from the Old Kingdom onwards, the spiritual center of the entire country.

It’s a site really only for the most enthusiastic of amateur archaeologists as there are only scanty remnants left of the town and of the Temple of Re-Harakhty, which once stood here.

Most of the stones were repurposed over the centuries to build Cairo.

All that remains of the temple is a solitary obelisk made of red Aswan granite, standing 20 meters high.

Some five kilometers east of the obelisk, is the Necropolis of Heliopolis dating from the Middle and New Kingdoms. A notable feature of the Middle Kingdom tombs was the large numbers of weapons found as grave goods.

Near Heliopolis, 13 kilometers northeast from central Cairo, is El-Matariya Church with the so-called Virgin’s Tree. This sycamore was planted in 1672, replacing an older tree where, according to local legend, the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus rested during their flight into Egypt.

The little garden where the tree stands is watered from a spring, said to have been called into being by the infant Jesus. The spring yields good fresh water, whereas the water of all the other springs in the area is slightly brackish.

The legend of the Virgin’s tree links up with an older cult, for the ancient Egyptians venerated a tree in Heliopolis beneath which Isis was believed to have suckled the infant Horus.

Where to Stay in Cairo for Sightseeing

Cairo is a huge city. Many of the luxury hotels sit along the Nile River or are near the Giza Pyramids. Some of the best luxury and mid-range options are in the Garden City district and in Zamalek, both in central Cairo. Budget hotels are mostly found in the Downtown district, right in the center. Below are some highly rated hotels in convenient locations:

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cairo

A sightseeing tour is a great way to see Cairo’s highlights without the hassle of finding your way around, dealing with aggressive touts, and having to negotiate prices. Instead, you can relax and enjoy the sights while you learn about the attractions from a qualified Egyptologist. These tours also include convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as entrance to many of the sites. Below are some fun sightseeing tours that guarantee the lowest price:

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Cities to Explore: If your Egypt travels are going to take you to the country’s other major cities, be sure to check out our articles on Aswan and Luxor. Here, you can explore Egypt’s vast treasure trove of temples and tombs and learn more with our articles on Abu Simbel, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings.

The 20 best things to do in Cairo, Egypt

A massive list of the top tourist attraction and things to do in Cairo. What to see, where to stay and when to visit.

Did you know that most tourists in Egypt don’t know about the best things to do in Cairo and miss out a lot of the top tourist attractions?

Most of them just focus on the Pyramids in Giza, maybe the Egyptian Museum and then fly off to Hurghada or Luxor. Who could fault them? Egypt IS amazing (just check out my Egypt travel guide).

Still, taking to little time for Cairo is a mistake, I’m telling you! The region around modern Cairo has been continuously occupated for more than 6,000 years and it’s rich in history and culture (both modern and ancient). Richer than any other city in this world, in fact. That’s why I compiled a list of the 10 best things to do in Cairo for you.

But there is more!

I also tried to provide you useful links and insider tips you might not even find in high gloss Cairo travel guides. Egypt’s capital is not the easiest city. With more than 23 million inhabitants and the river Nile neatly intersecting it all, it can be quite the traffic nightmare. Plus, it’s not always easy to decide what to see in Cairo and what not (check out my detailed Egypt itinerary, in case time is short, though).

Anyway, let’s start with the list of the best places to visit in Cairo!

But before we go: Remember to check out my guide on what to wear in Egypt. And read my detailed Egypt travel guide before you go.

Note: I get commissions for bookings made through the links in this article

1. Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx

Despite what I said, there really is no way around putting the Great Pyramids of Giza on your list of things in Cairo. Visiting the most ancient of the Seven Wonders of the World (andthe only wonder that survived the ages) should be on every bucket list. For me, it certainly was a dream come true. So, don’t forget to read my full guide to visiting the Pyramids of Giza.

Standing in front of those gigantic, and yet so perfect, piles of stone makes you feel so small – both in terms of dimensions and historical context. To think they are more than 5,500 years old is almost incomprehensible. I mean, Machu Picchu, for example, is beautiful, but it’s only 500 years old. Imagine, the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops are 10 times older.

Obviously, you really have to visit the Sphinx as well. It marks the entrance to an ancient mortuary temple and many myths are told about its construction. Some claim it’s over 10,000 years old, while others believe it was built by the Pharao of the second pyramid, Khafra, around 2,500 BC. As I am no Egyptologist, I stuck to admiring the ancient landmark.

Note: If you want to climb inside the Pyramid, you’ll have to get an extra ticket (300 EGP). It will be quite hot and claustrophobic inside. The light show in the evening is rather mediocre.

Definitely consider booking a guided tour as this will faciliate things a lot! I recommend booking it on GetyourGuide. Here’s the tour with the currently best reviews to visit the Pyramids.

2. Egyptian Museum

There is no place in the world where you will find more artifacts from ancient Egypt than in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Located right on the famous Tahrir Square the colonial building houses the golden hoard from the tomb of Tutankhamun and so many other old Egyptian artifacts.

The museum is, from a visitor’s perspective, quite the nightmare. It’s more like a warehouse without proper inscriptions and little to no plan. So, I do recommend you to get a professional guide to guide you around (Here is a link to a well-respected tour). Know then that among all the places to visit in Cairo the Egyptian Museum is by far the most amazing attractions

Note: As of 2018 parts of the collection are starting to be relocated to the new Egyptian Museum in Giza. The new museum will be finished in 2022 but will be partially open starting from 2018.

3. Cairo Citadel

Considerably younger, but still a must-see in Cairo is the Cairo Citadel sitting on the hills on the east side of the Nile. It once served as a fortress and now houses a couple of beautiful mosques and the National Military Museum of Egypt. Read my full guide here >>

Your first and foremost reason to go there should be visiting the Mosque of Muhammad Ali (not the boxer!) or Alabaster Mosque how it is often called. It’s the grandest sacred building in the city and quite the iconic sight.

I actually loved the Al-Nasser Mohammed Ib Kalwoun Mosque better. It has a more refined look and a beautiful ageless patina to it. If you are worried about walking around Cairo all alone, do read my guide on travel safety in Egypt. Still, getting a private tour guide might be a good idea, as there is little in the way of explanation available on site (you can book one here).

Note: The Citadel is also one the best (if not the best) viewpoints in Cairo.

4. Presidential Palace Cairo / Abdeen Palace

Right in Downtown Cairo, you will find the Abdeen Palace. It’s the principal workplace of the President of Egypt. The palace is said to be one of the most sumptuous palaces in the world, though tourists are not allowed to enter the beautiful golden hallways and parlors on the second floor (only foreign dignitaries may visit).

But, the lower floors are open to the public. They house the Silver Museum, the Royal Family Museum, the Presidential Gifts Museum and, most importantly, the Arms Museum. The latter houses one of the finest collections of arms around the world and it’s a true paradise for lovers of military history. Oh, and did I mention the gardens and courtyards are quite lovely as well!

Note: There is no pre-registration required and you do not need to bring your passport.

5. Saqqara

When people talk about the Pyramids they usually think of the huge complex in Giza. Few people know that it all started somewhere else – in Saqqara. The step pyramid of Djoser was the first true Pyramid ever built and is about a hundred years older than the ones in Giza.

The impressive pyramid with a height of 62 meters is surrounded by a limestone wall some 10 meters high imitating bound bundles of reeds. A huge roofed colonnade is only the entrance, even though some 13 fake doors exist.

To me, the impeccable entrance to the mortuary complex was one of the most impressive sights in whole Egypt! Saqqara is not located in Cairo itself but some 15 kilometers outside the city center. It can be easily visited on a half-day trip from Cairo combining the other Pyramids in the area. Read more about it in my Saqqara guide.

Note: If you got the time, you may consider traveling on to Dahshur, where Sneferu’s “Bent Pyramid” can be visited. Here is a guided tour that visits both Saqqara and Dashur.

6. Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

As far as Islamic buildings in Cairo are concerned, it doesn’t get any better than the fabulous Mosque and Madrassa complex of Sultan Hassan. You’ll find it directly below the Cairo Citadel (you’ll have to drive around, there are no stairs).

The courtyard with its ancient well is particularly famous and probably one of the finest photography spots in Cairo. Hard to believe the construction of the building began in 1356. It’s one of the largest mosques in the world and was designed to include schools for all four of the Sunni schools of thought.

Note: As there are no inscriptions or anything on-site, a guide will be quite helpful.

7. Memphis

Memphis was the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom. It’s another of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cairo, though not a lot remains to be seen today. The city has been abandoned in late antiquity, the palaces looted and demolished.

The main reason you should visit is the colossal statue of Ramses II in the open-air museum. As there is a beautiful pavilion built around it, it’s the closest and most intimate look you will get at the ancient pharaoh and that perfect Egyptian masonry you’ll ever get.

Note: Best combine your visit to Memphis with a trip to Saqqara & Dashur

8. Tahrir Square

I want to be honest with you. Tahrir Square is not pretty. Actually, it’s downright ugly and more a big traffic crossing and not so much a place to stroll around. It was, however, the sole focal point of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution against former president Hosni Mubarak. It also played an important role in the June 2013 protests that ended the regime of Mohamed Morsi.

Note: As you will want to see the Egyptian Museum anyway, you can take some minutes to walk around the square which is directly in front of the Museum. Unlike in the picture above, it is usually quite deserted.

9. Museum of Islamic Art

With more than 100,000 objects on display, the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo is one of the greatest and most important museums of its kind in the world. Unlike the Egyptian Museum, the Islamic Museum underwent a major renovation from 2003 until 2010 and now features state of the art displays! Absolutely put it on your list of things to see in Cairo!

10. The Hanging Church

Did you know that around 10 percent of the Egyptians are Christian? In fact, Egypt has its own church, called the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. It has an ancient tradition and can be traced back to the 2nd century AD! One of the oldest, still surviving churches from those early times is the so-called Hanging church – named so for its nave suspended over a passage. Probably built in the late 7th century, it is home to over 110 holy icons and beautiful Coptic interiors.

12. Coptic Museum

If you want to know more about those early Coptic Christians in Egypt, you absolutely have to visit the Coptic Museum in Cairo. It’s one of those things to do if you got three days in Cairo or more, as I am not entirely sure spending too much time inside the museum is a wise move. Still, it’s a marvelous place with a fabulous collection.

13. Day trip to Alexandria

You probably heard of Cleopatra, didn’t you? But did you know she was not an Egyptian Pharao at all but of Greek heritage? Well, after Alexander the Great conquered Egypt he founded a city which served, until the Roman conquest, as its capital.

It was here the world-famous Library of Alexandria was founded and you really should not miss visiting what remains of this glorious time. Truth be told, it’s not a lot – most of the current landmarks date back to the Islamic era – like the Citadel of Qaitbay, but it’s still a wonderful day trip from Cairo!

14. Baron Empain Palace

One of the weirdest landmarks in Cairo is certainly the Baron Empain Palace. It is better known as Le Palais Hindou (Hindu Palace) and one of the many reasons to make your way to the suburb of Heliopolis. It looks a bit like a mixture between Angkor Wat and a sandcastle. It is now abandoned but still a beautiful place to see from outside

15. Al-Azhar Park

Cairo can be hot, incredibly hot in summer. If you are looking for a refreshing break and some shade, then the Al-Azhar Park might be something for you. The park offers beautiful views of the city (especially the citadel) and was a gift to Cairo from Aga Khan IV. It’s one of the few free things to do in Cairo on this list

Note: Make sure to visit the adjacent Al-Azhar Mosque while you are in the area.

16. Mosque of Ibn Tulun

Islam came to Egypt quite early (which is no wonder given the geographic proximity to Saudi Arabia). Not many religious buildings survived from those early times and the Mosque of Ibn Tulun would be your best bet if you are interested in the oldest part of Cairo. Ibn Tulun Mosque is, strictly speaking, not the oldest Mosque in Cairo (construction started around 876 AD). It is, however the largest mosque in Cairo, and about the only one maintaining its original shape.

17. Nilometer

There are a couple of islands in the Nile. If you fancy visiting one, then I suggest picking Rhoda Island. It is home to the so-called Nilometer – one of the oldest surviving Islamic buildings in Egypt. But what is it? Before the building of the Aswan High Dam, seasonal floods dictated the life of the Egyptians. High floods meant a lot of inundation of the surrounding areas, low floods led to poor harvests.

From ancient times Nilometers were used to predicts the annual floods but also to determine the levels of tax to be paid. Do visit!

18. Day trip to Wadi El Hitan

The Wadi El Hitan is a unique paleontological site some 150 kilometers southwest of Cairo, often called Whale Valley. It is the site where Archeologist found hundreds of ancient whale fossils in 2005, which quickly led to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The perfectly preserved fossils, as well as the general arid landscape, make it a lovely day trip from Cairo, even though it will be quite a strenuous day. But worth it!

19. Khan el-Khalili (shopping quarter)

Visiting Cairo without visiting at least one souk (Arabian market) would be a mortal sin. And there is no finer place to go shopping than the Khan el-Kahlili district in the historic center of Islamic Cairo. It is not only incredibly pretty with all its mosques and ancient arches, but it’s also a buzzing area with souvenir shops, restaurants, street cafes, and quite a history. For me, it’s one of the most fun things to do in Cairo at night.

Note: Naguib Mahfouz is the most famous traditional restaurant & café in the district you might want to check out!

20. Visit the Cave churches of the Zabbaleen

For those looking for places to go in Cairo that aren’t totally crowded with tourists, I recommend visiting one of the Cave churches of the Zabbaleen. Zabbaleen literally means garbage people. These garbage collectors are a unique community, if not all that well respected, within Cairo. While I usually do not promote that kind of tourism, you will find a beautiful Coptic cave church in one of their villages called Mokattam Village. There are several cave churches in the area, but the monastery of St. Simon the Tanner is the largest, with a seating capacity of 20,000!

Note: Entering the suburbs of Cairo without a knowledgeable guide is not recommended

Other things to do in Cairo, Egypt

I want to be honest with you: Cairo is a city of 23 million inhabitants, but they’re actually not that much more to do. Of course, I did not mention the fabulous Egyptian food, the nightlife, and the many shopping arcades as these are more or less self-evident.

Downtown Cairo is also full of beautiful buildings from the early 19th century and a walk (or a taxi drive) should be on your list of things to see in Cairo. There are, quite obviously, many smaller and larger Mosques and churches throughout Cairo I did not mention, nor did I mention the sheer craziness you will see on the streets and in the suburbs. Ultimately, you have to decide where to go to Cairo and where not. All in all, I’d say three days in Cairo are more than enough, more of you plan the day trips to Wadi el Hitan and Alexandria.

Where to stay in Cairo?

Note: I get commissions for bookings made through the links below.

Cairo is huge and the traffic can be a nightmare – especially when you are sitting in a taxi without airconditioning in summer. So, I do recommend you book a hotel quite close to the center. Few landmarks will be within walking distance – you will always have to pick a taxi (due to the sheer dimensions of the city). But as most of the tourist attractions listed on this list of things to do in Cairo are scattered around the city, staying in the center is the smartest move.

The best hotel in Cairo is by far the Four Seasons Hotel Nile Plaza. It offers world-class luxury for quite a decent price. It has quite a good location and you can enjoy beautiful views from its rooms over the city. The pool area is wonderful for a city hotel and the service was the best I had in Egypt. Click for prices & more pictures

The Ritz Carlton on Tahir Square will also be a good option, as the Egyptian Museum will be within a direct walking distance (2min). The hotel is not as crisp as the Four Seasons, but still an excellent choice. Click for prices & more pictures

A very lovely option for Cairo is the Mena house run by Marriott in Giza. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Pyramids right from your private balcony and even see the light show at night. Truly amazing, but a little bit far outside. They do have a lovely pool, so it’s best suited for those travelers who don’t plan to do too much in downtown Cairo. Click for prices & more pictures.

I do not recommend you book any hotels below 5 stars in Cairo or Egypt, let alone hostels. The Nile, the hot weather and lower standards in hygiene lead to all sort of weird problems for western stomachs you absolutely want to avoid. And mind you, the kind of diarrhea you catch in Egypt is nothing to joke about – not treated right away you might even end up in hospital quicker than you think (happened to my mother once).

The good part – the price level in Egypt is currently quite low. So, you’ll find excellent hotels even if you are traveling on a rather tight budget. A good budget choice, if want to call it, would be the Kempinski Nile Hotel in Cairo (click for prices & pictures). It has a great location, good rooms and usually a fantastic price.

By the way. If you are looking for some further Egypt inspiration, do read my review of a luxury Nile Cruise. In my opinion, the very best way to explore the rest of Egypt!

Best time to visit Cairo

The best time to visit Cairo is March or November. Both months are warm, but not too hot and with few tourists. That being said, the only months you should truly avoid is June to mid-September. It will be unbearably hot in summer and some places, like the inside of the Pyramids or the tombs in the valley of the kings, will be practically unvisitable due to the extreme heat. BUT hotel prices will also be at their lowest.

December and January will be quite cold and not really suitable for bathing (in case you want to move on to Hurghada or Sharm el Sheik). While it never really rains in Cairo, sandstorms are more likely to obscure the sky in spring. So, autumn is probably the better overall choice.

What to wear in Cairo

Egypt is an Islamic country and this means you should adhere to a more conservative wardrobe. That doesn’t mean you need to run around with a full veil, but neither does it mean running around like at a beach party.

T-shirts are okay and so are shorts (more or less), as long as they do cover the knee. You will see the locals dress rather smartly, though. If you want to be on the safe side and not risk any weird glances, loose linen trousers, and a shirt/polo shirt might be a better option. For mosques and churches, a conservative outfit covering all that naked skin is mandatory and so would be a veil for women.

To be quite honest with you: I’m always torn between respecting the foreign culture and demanding respect for mine. I believe finding an acceptable middle ground is always the best approach – especially if you show your best.

Further reads:

So, this was my guide to the best things to do in Cairo, Egypt. Hope you found some inspiration. Got any questions? Feel free to comment below. And pin this article to your Pinterest board if you liked it!

21 Unique Things to do in Cairo in 3 Days

March 30, 2022 // by Margherita

Here we share for you 21 things to do in Cairo in 3 days, based on what we did during our recent trip to the Egyptian capital, including some considerations on safety in Cairo.

If you are planning to visit Egypt, keep reading, and don’t forget to check our post about Egyptian visas and where to stay in Cairo!

Lovers at Al Azhar park, one of the loveliest corners of Cairo

Is it safe to visit Egypt in 2022?

This is the kind of post that needs an introduction. We visited Egypt twice – in April 2017 and January 2021. While planning and researching both trips, I lost count of the amount of times I googled ‘Is Egypt safe’.

What to see in Cairo… well, isn’t this a good enough reason?

We found very little up-to-date info on how to travel around Egypt independently, and whether or not it is safe – so much so that we were seriously thinking about canceling our first trip.

However, once again our curiosity prevailed and we ended up going, and spent three weeks traveling independently from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, and finally enjoying one week of rest in Hurghada.

We had a wonderful time in Egypt, and quickly penned a post that started like this. Is it safe to travel to Egypt? Yes. Now stop reading, and book your flight.

However, on the day of our departure from Egypt, there were two simultaneous bomb attacks in Tanta and Alexandria, and 44 people lost their lives.

Now, can I claim that a country is safe to visit on the aftermath of a bomb attack that claimed over 40 victims? It would be disrespectful and hypocritical. Can I claim that a country is safe to visit just because nothing happened to me while I was there? It would be incredibly simplistic.

[Related – How to Visit Iran Independently]

After our first visit in 2017, we kept following Egyptian news and current affairs thanks to local friends. We also got first-hand reports from friends, family, and fellow bloggers visiting the country.

I do indeed hope you’ll consider visiting Cairo and Egypt – the country truly needs tourism, now more than ever. Can I recommend it as a safe place to visit? Nowhere is ‘100% safe’ in these uncertain times.

On the other hand, it is true that the situation in Egypt remains uncertain, and it may flare up again. The country also remains on the front pages for its treatment of journalists, academics, and human rights defenders, who are routinely detained with no explanation – the arrest of student Patrick Zaki is a recent example.

The final decision of whether or not to travel to Egypt rests with you – all I can do is share how it was for us. Spoiler alert – it was amazing.

Don’t forget to arrange travel medical insurance before you leave for your trip! We recommend SafetyWing, especially aimed at long-term travellers and digital nomads. SafetyWing offers medical assistance all over the world, including in your own country!

A cat in Coptic Cairo

Check this video for a preview of things to do in Cairo in 3 days!

How Many Days in Cairo?

Cairo is a really massive city, the second-largest in Africa in terms of population. You could spend weeks and weeks touring it all, but for a first visit, we recommend spending at least three days in Cairo.

The first day could be dedicated to historic Cairo attractions like the Citadel, Islamic Cairo with Khan el Khalili and Coptic Cairo, the second day could include the Egyptian Museum and places of interest in Downtown Cairo, and the third day would be all about the #1 thing to do in Cairo – the Pyramids!

With extra days you could include some more unique places to visit in Cairo like the Cave Church in Mokattam, or a day trip to Memphis and the Saqqara Step Pyramid.

To make the most of your 3 days in Cairo, consider booking a tour – here are some of the best options!

Historic Sites in Cairo Egypt

1) Make your wishes come true at the Pyramids of Giza

Well, these need no introduction really! The Pyramids were truly one of the best travel experiences ever, and it deserves to be covered in detail in a separate post. Keep watching this space, a post will be coming shortly, including practical Pyramids info and how to avoid scams!

Can you believe how big the Sphinx is? The Pyramids are three times bigger!

Find some of the best Pyramids tours here!

2) Enjoy Cairo from above at the Citadel

One of the best things to do on a Cairo visit is heading to the Citadel, for two very good reasons – first, because it’s one of the very few car-free places in town, and second because it’s a great place to enjoy a view over the city, stretching all the way to the Pyramids if it’s a clear day.

The view from the Citadel

The Citadel was built on top of a hill during the 12th century by Saladin, the ruler of the city, to protect it from Crusader attacks. There are several Cairo points of interest located within the walls of the Citadel, including three mosques, the Egyptian Military Museum with a display of fighter planes outside, the Police Museum and Al-Gawhara Palace.

The Citadel is well worth exploring for half a day or so, enjoying the silence and car-free streets. We found very few tourists but lots of locals, eager to have their picture taken with us – our first encounter with Egyptian friendliness and hospitality.

Some friendly kids we met on the way to the Citadel

Entrance ticket: 60 EGP

3) Visit Muhammad Ali Mosque and Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qala’un Mosque

The twin minarets of the Muhammad Ali Mosque are the most striking feature of the Citadel, visible as soon as you approach from Downtown Cairo. The Mosque is definitely a highlight of a visit to the Cairo Citadel – from the elegant alabaster-covered courtyard to the carpeted interior, lit with lightbulbs suspended from the ceiling, the Muhammad Ali Mosque is probably to Cairo what the Blue Mosque is to Istanbul.

Muhammad Ali Mosque, definitely one of our favourite things to see in Cairo!

However, I would also recommend visiting the nearby Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque, older and less grand than Muhammad Ali, with a green-blue dome and arched interior, and hardly anyone visiting. Quirky fact – the walls of the mosque are covered in limestone taken from the Pyramids!

[Related – Things to do in Tehran (and why you shouldn’t miss it)]

4) Dive into the bustle and chaos of Islamic Cairo

The district known as ‘Islamic Cairo’ roughly includes the streets located between the Bab-Futuh and Bab-Zuwayla gates, including the Al-Azhar Mosque, Khan el Khalili souk and several more Cairo points of interest – so many, in fact, that Islamic Cairo is UNESCO-listed. The road plan still follows closely that of Medieval times – think narrow streets with very little sunlight, houses, madrasas and mosques closely packed next to one another, with storefronts and open-air markets taking up every visible inch of space.

The streets of Islamic Cairo

It’s the kind of place where maps are absolutely useless, where you may decide to follow a scent, a cat, or a random person and see where that leads you – after all, you’ll find your way around, sooner or later. If you’re hungry, just grab a taameya or foul sandwich from one of many holes in the wall, perhaps the best dining option unless you’re with locals. We didn’t have a guide and we regret that, as Islamic Cairo is the kind of place where most marvels lie behind closed doors, and you need someone in the know (and the right amount of baksheesh) to unlock those doors.

5) Explore the churches and unique atmosphere of Coptic Cairo

Coptic Cairo is the perfect antidote to the craziness of the Islamic Quarter and Downtown Cairo. The district is the oldest part of Cairo, inhabited continuously since the 6th century BC, and it remains the stronghold of Christianity in Egypt to this day. It’s a peaceful place, with no traffic and no noise, perfect to wander around on foot.

The most famous sight is definitely the Hanging Church, taking this name because it was built on top of the passage of a Roman fortress, suspended over the ground. Part of the floor of the church is made of glass, allowing visitors to see the Roman gatehouse below.

The Hanging Church outside

6) Visit the Only Round Church in Egypt

Right next to the Hanging Church there’s the Monastery and Church of St.George, one of the most important Greek Orthodox churches.

The Monastery and Church of Saint George, also located in Coptic Cairo, attract only a fraction of visitors compared to the popular Hanging Church just a few meters away, and its architecture is just as curious.

This is the only round church in Egypt, but unlike most round churches around the world, it is not meant to resemble the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The round shape was a practical choice, since the church was built on top of a Roman tower, whose foundations can still be seen today.

We recommend taking some time to explore the smaller side chapels, very fascinating in their star simplicity – you’ll see bare stone walls with icons of Saint George, with a single lightbulb hanging from the ceiling.

7) Walk through the Coptic cemetery

Right next to the Church of St.George, there’s an underground passage leading to the maze of streets that create the heart of Coptic Cairo, a true ‘village’ inside the city suspended in time. Another interesting sight there is the Ben Ezra Synagogue, built on the site where Moses was found floating in his basket.

Don’t miss a walk through the cemetery right next to the Church of St.George, a Coptic cemetery with some beautifully decorated graves. You won’t find gravestones, but rows of small chapels, decorated with statues of angels and saints.

It’s free to walk around and take pictures of the chapels, but please be respectful if you come upon a funeral or a grieving family, as they may not appreciate the intrusion.

The Coptic Cemetery

8) Travel back in time to the Egyptian Museum

Even if you don’t consider yourself a museum person, you can’t miss the Egyptian Museum. The museum is located in Tahrir Square, right in the middle of Downtown Cairo, and it’s completely FULL of priceless Egyptian antiquities.

When I say full… I mean full. The museum is very old, it’s gigantic and hard to navigate, and exhibits seem to have been arranged in a haphazard kind of manner – finding what you’re looking for is near impossible. Hopefully, soon it will receive a much-needed facelift and perhaps move to a new location – but until then, it remains in Tahrir Square.

The Egyptian Museum, a Cairo must see

Generally speaking, the lower floor contains statues, carvings and more ‘monumental’ kind of stuff, whereas utensils, the royal mummies and the famous treasure of Tutankhamon are located on the upper floor.

If you’re pressed with time, the best choice would be hiring a guide to help you navigate the museum. Alternatively, we recommend focusing on the upper floor – you’ll find King Tut’s mask in Room 3 and the royal mummies in two separate rooms on the far end of the hallway, for which you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket.

Entrance ticket: 60 EGP Museum / 100 EGP Royal Mummies

Unique Things to do in Cairo

9) Take a break from the traffic at Al-Azhar Park

Another wonderful place to escape the traffic and crowds of the city is Al-Azhar Park, not far from the Citadel. We reached it on foot, a 20-minute walk along a busy main road. Entering the park gave us a very pleasant feeling – there are landscaped gardens, water features and flower beds, in an attempt to recreate the atmosphere of ancient Islamic gardens.

Don’t miss Al Azhar Park, definitely a lovely Cairo tourist attraction!

The park has wonderful views both over the Citadel and the rest of the city, especially from the two viewpoints on either side of it.

Entrance ticket: 20 EGP

10) Climb Bab Zuwayla Minaret (or look for an alternative)

To see Islamic Cairo from above, we were told to climb to the top of Bab Zuwayla Minaret. However, we ended up getting sidetracked and only reached the minaret just after 5 pm, when it was already closed. Standing in the busy streets below, we could imagine how amazing it would be to see everything from above, and were already planning to return the following day, when a young man approached us and asked if we wanted to get to the top?

View from the top of the mysterious mosque

Long story short, for a mere 25 EGP each we were led to the rooftop of the mosque right next to the Bab Zuwayla Minaret – we weren’t quite as high up, but we still managed to get that famous bird’s eye view over Islamic Cairo, right at sunset.

11) Tour the kaleidoscopic Khan el Khalili

Khan el Khalili is Cairo’s souk, a large open-air market full of stores selling (faux) Egyptian antiques, lamps, vases, silverware, clothes, scarves, papyrus, perfumes… you name it. Yes, it’s quite touristy – the kind of place where sellers jump over each other to get your custom, luring you into their stores with glasses of tea and karkade, and you should be prepared to either bargain hard, or pay an inflated price.

Getting lost at Khan el Khalili

Love it or hate it, it would be a shame to miss it – we recommend visiting at twilight, perhaps after touring Islamic Cairo at sunset just like we did, to see the shop lights twinkle while the night falls.

12) Visit the ‘Rock Church’ in Mokattam

If you have more than just 3 days in Cairo, you can add this unique point of interest to your list. Very few Cairo tourists make it as far as Mokattam, a world away from the Nile and Downtown Cairo. Mokattam is the neighbourhood of the Zabbaleen, literally meaning ‘garbage collectors’, the poorest of the poor in Cairo, a Christian community that sorts through trash for a living.

The Monastery of Saint Samaan the Tanner is the main reason to add Mokattam to your list of places to go in Cairo. It is also known as ‘Rock Church’ or ‘Cave Church’, because this huge amphitheatre-shaped church was literally carved out of the rock.

The church was opened in 1975 to provide a place of worship for the Zabbaleen, who moved to Mokattam at the end of the 1960s.

It is one of the largest churches in the Middle East, with enough seats for 20,000 worshippers. Make sure you visit the seven side chapels, and admire how this extraordinary church seamlessly blends into the rock.

Places to Visit in Cairo for Foodies

13) Eat grilled chicken in the open air

Visiting Andrea for lunch on a Friday is one of the most popular things to do in Cairo! Remember that Friday lunch is the equivalent of Sunday lunch in the West – locals like to have lunch outdoors, especially in the nice season.

One of the most popular Cairo places to visit is Andrea, a restaurant on the Giza plateau open for over 50 years, mainly serving grilled meat.

The most popular dish is grilled chicken, marinated with herbs and spices, served with an array of side dishes, salads and homemade bread. You can also order breakfast dishes or other grilled meats besides chicken, like quail or pigeon.

Andrea keeps going strong because of its relaxed atmosphere and location under an awning, surrounded by trees and plants, with views over Giza. Since it’s so famous, m any more copycat restaurants have opened up around the city. So, if you want the ‘real’ Andrea experience, don’t forget to head to the only original restaurant in Giza!

14) Home-cooked cuisine at Fasahat Soumaya

As soon as I heard about this place, I knew I wanted to try it. Fasahat Soumaya is run by a wonderful chef dishing out home style cooking every day – but only between 5 and 7 pm! Make sure you’re at the restaurant at 5 – it’s located in a small passageway between 15 and 17 Youssef El Gendy, there are no English signs but you’ll recognise it by the big blue sign and crowds waiting outside.

There are only four tables so be prepared to wait a little bit but trust me, the food is so good and the atmosphere so cosy and homely that it’s all worthwhile! Only three or four dishes are served every day – we had meatballs, chicken livers and a delicious rice dish with yoghurt, sumac and fried bread.

15) Eat koshary from Abou Tarek

Koshary is Egypt’s most famous comfort food, a strange (but delicious) blend of pasta, lentils, chickpeas, fried onions and tomato sauce. You’ll find street food koshary served everywhere around the country for as little as 5 EGP.

If you want to taste a truly amazing koshary that will cost you only about 15 EGP or so, head to Abou Tarek, a koshary joint a few blocks away from Tahrir Square. Just two pieces of advice – go up to the first floor as the room is a lot nicer, and go easy with the spicy sauce!

We ate Abou Tarek’s koshary on our first night in Cairo, and we had our first encounter with Egyptian friendliness and hospitality when a couple invited us to join them at their table and told us how happy they were that we were visiting their country.

It was a lovely welcome to Cairo, a really special city – crazy, noisy and loud, but with lots of unique attractions and things to do.

Things to do in Cairo at Night

16) See the Nile from Above with a Drink

The luxury hotels in Zamalek and Downtown Cairo are great option if you want to head to a rooftop bar, for a sunset drink with great views over the Nile.

There are many hotels and bars to choose from, but the one we liked the best during our recent 2020 visit was the Opia Lounge and Bar at the Hilton, fun to visit both during sunset and at night. The decor is elegant, in line with the luxurious feel of the hotel, with giant chandeliers and a mixture of seating including lounges and high tables.

Menus are on iPads and include a mixture of creative cocktails, some made with spherification techniques, and classics, as well as beer and wines. You can also order creative small plates, served in 5 or 7-course tasting menus.

Make sure you reserve a table as the place is very busy, and remember there’s a minimum spend of 400 LE per person.

Not a bad view, right?

17) Try to find The Greek Club

We heard great things about Cairo’s Greek Club – apparently food is good and moderately priced, the atmosphere is really cool, beer is served and the restaurant room is one of the most elegant in town, without being pretentious.

This club is also one of the best places to visit in Cairo at night, and it was the chosen hangout of Cairo’s once-numerous Greek community.

There’s only a small issue – the Greek Club isn’t easy to come by, as it’s not on street level and there are no signs. The address is 21 Mohamed Bassiouny, the first building after Talaat Harb Square, and the Greek Club is on the first floor. Don’t miss the Greek salad and head out to the terrace for a fantastic view over the square and Cairo’s traffic below!

18) Eat in a local fast food open 24 hours

Fast food isn’t usually known for its quality, but Kazaz is a great exception to this rule. It’s a popular local fast food serving Egyptian and Western dishes, from taameya (falafel) to shawarma, to crispy fried chicken, mahshi (vegetables stuffed with rice), plus sandwiches.

The mahshi, falafel and shawarma are particularly good, but pretty much everything on the menu at Kazaz is excellent. The restaurant is very close to Tahrir Square, it’s open 24 hours and prices are affordable, starting at just 2.75 LE for falafel and 3.75 LE for a foul sandwich.

Other Fun Things to do in Cairo

19) Climb to the top of Cairo Tower

Are you looking to climb even higher than hotel rooftop bars? Your best bet is heading to the top of Cairo Tower, the tallest building in the whole of Egypt and North Africa at a whopping 187 meters. It actually used to be the tallest structure in the whole of Africa from its construction in 1961 until 1971, when it was surpassed by Hillbrow Tower in Johannesburg.

Cairo Tower is located on Gezira Island, a short distance from Downtown Cairo. It costs 200 LE to climb, or alternatively you can book a table at the Revolving Restaurant at the top, where minimum spend is 250 LE per person. You’ll be rewarded with scenic views over the city, all the way to the Pyramids when it’s clear!

20) Day Trip to Saqqara and Dahshur

Have you ever heard about the ‘other Pyramids’? That’s right – Giza isn’t the only place where you can find these stunning burial chambers.

Saqqara and Dahshur are a popular day trip from Cairo, and you can even add in a stop in Memphis, the first capital of Egypt, with an interesting open-air museum.

Dahshur is known for the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. The former is believed to the the Egyptians’ first attempt at building a pyramid, and the result wasn’t quite perfect – hence the name! The Red Pyramid is a lot more straight and orderly, and takes its name from the red limestone used for construction. Both pyramids can be visited inside – please proceed with caution if you are claustrophobic.

In Saqqara, the main attraction is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, but in the complex you’ll also find some finely decorated painted tombs, which can be visited inside. Don’t miss visiting Saqqara and Dahshur during your 3 days in Cairo!

21) Get lost in the Grand Egyptian Museum

Are you planning to visit Cairo in late 2022? If so, you may be lucky and be able to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza, which is set to become the largest museum focused on Egyptology and Egyptian antiquities.

The project is overseen by Irish-Chinese architect firm Heneghan Peng and it’s been over years in the making. When it’s completed, it will house over 100,000 artifacts including a 9 meter colossal statue of Ramses II in the atrium. It will be divided into 4 different sections highlighting the four eras of Ancient Egypt – Old, Middle and New Kingdom, plus the Greco-Roman period.

The old Egyptian Museum isn’t going to close, but some of its exhibits will be moved to this state-of-the-art museum – which will definitely become one of the top things to do in Cairo!

When to Visit Cairo

The best time to visit Cairo is the period between October and April, when the weather is dry and pleasant, but not too hot.

Being close to the desert, the weather in Cairo is dry year-round, but it gets unbearably hot from May onwards – in summer, temperatures often exceed 40°C, and going outdoors might become difficult. If you can only visit Cairo in summer, make sure you do most of your sightseeing in the early hours of the mornings, when it’s cooler.

The peak tourist season in Cairo is between December and February, especially during the Christmas/New Year break. Don’t forget to book your accommodation and entry tickets in advance if visiting during this time!

Do you know of any other unique things to do in Cairo? Let us know in the comments!

11 Things To Do In Cairo: Have A Memorable Trip To The White Desert

Cover Image Credit: soupysquirrel for Pixabay

Cairo, the capital of Egypt has many famous minarets in it. And this is the reason it is also called as The City Of The Thousand Minarets. It is the best place to explore the culture of Egypt and its history. Tourism industry is flourishing in Egypt. Egypt entertains around 8 million tourists every year making it one of the major sources of income for Egypt. Cairo is one of the most visited cities in the world because of the beautiful architecture and alluring sights. One can find various museums, mosques, and pyramids in Cairo. Here is a list of things to do in Cairo, the white desert.

Best Time To Visit Cairo

March-April and October-November are the best months to visit Cairo. These are the months when the temperature is a bit pleasant and the crowd is less. These months provide the most budgeted trip to Cairo as hotel rates are also low because of less crowd. The winter months of December and February see the maximum crowd because the evenings are pleasant and cool in these months and it becomes easy for sightseeing. Don’t visit the place in summers if you can’t take the heat.

Things To Do In Cairo

Cairo is the best place to visit to explore the culture of Egypt. You can witness the best of Cairo at the time of sunset as the monuments look all the more beautiful with a gleaning orange light around. Add these things to do in Cairo to your list and know more about the culture of Cairo.

1. Egyptian Museum – Visit

This museum is also called the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities because this museum has a huge collection of antiquities of Ancient Egypt. One can also find a collection of coins and papyrus in the museum. It is preferable if you hire a guide as he would provide you with full information about the place. One of the best things to do in Downtown Cairo is to visit this historic museum. So, don’t forget to pay a visit to this place.
Location : Tahrir Square, Cairo
Key Attraction: Tomb Tutankhamun Golden Hoard

2. Khan El Khalili Bazaar – Shopping

Khan El Khalili is one of the most vibrant marketplaces that one can visit. It is the best Arabian Market of Cairo with restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and whatnot. If you love to know the history of a place, then you would be interested to know the history of this place as well. You can shop for clothes, jewelry, spices, and perfumes as well. There is no fee to enter this market. So, hanging out in this market with your friends is one of the best free things to do in Cairo Egypt.
Location: Islamic District of Cairo
Key Attractions: Ancient Arches, mosques nearby

3. Pyramids Of Giza – Explore

This is one of the most popular places to visit in Cairo as it is one of the seven wonders of the world. They are around 4500 years old. Also, don’t forget to visit the Great Sphinx standing next to the Pyramid of Giza. Only 300 visitors are allowed on a daily basis to visit the pyramids, so you should try to visit the place in the morning when enough tickets are available. And don’t forget to get yourself clicked the iconic photo of kissing the Sphinx, it is one of the unique and adventurous things to do in Cairo.
Location: Giza Plateau, Southwest of Cairo
Key Attraction: Sound and Light show at Giza Pyramid at night

4. Mosque-Madrassa Of Sultan Hassan – See The Architecture

It is a massive but beautiful piece of architecture. It is one of the largest mosques in the world whose construction began in the year 1356. It is the height of the tomb, which is the major attraction for the tourists. It is the best spot for photography. The mosque is a must-visit on your visit to Cairo, though some people believe it to be one of the non-touristy things to do in Cairo, the decision rests totally on you.
Location: Old City of Cairo
Key Attraction: Tremendous Height of The Mosque

5. Cairo Jazz Club – Party!

If you love music and party, then this is totally for you. Cairo Jazz Club is a must-visit to enjoy the best of bands in Cairo. You will experience the best of the nightlife of Cairo here. One can enjoy the best of music with the best of food here. You will surely end up dancing on interesting music and enjoying your life fully. Do visit this club if you love music and dancing. It is one of the best things to do in Cairo at night.
Location: Cairo, Egypt

6. Al Azhar Park – Walk Through

It is one of the best parks in Cairo. Earlier it was a dumping ground which was later converted into a beautiful garden having fountains, restaurants and recreation areas as well. The entry fee to the park is 10 Egyptian pounds and it is worth a pay. The park is open till midnight and looks all the more beautiful at night. One of the unique things to do in Cairo is watching the sunset at this park.
Location: Islamic Cairo (Eastern Edge)
Key Attraction: Ayyubid Wall

7. Bab Zuwayla Minaret – Climb

For some fascinating top views of Cairo, you need to climb the Bab Zuwayla Minaret. But make sure you do that before 5 PM or you’ll be met with closed doors. The views from up there are simply amazing and you would regret missing this experience of seeing the antique and rustic houses of Egypt from the top. Climbing all the way up for some views may sound like one of those crazy things to do in Cairo that delight only thrill-seekers, but trust me, those views up there will be worth your while!

8. Loft 21 – Have A Drink

It’s not just about sitting in Loft 21 and having a refreshing cocktail or two. It’s about what you can do in addition to having a good drink here with friends that makes it one of the most popular places in Cairo. The rooftop seating of this place is simply amazing and will give you unbeatable views of this city, especially when it’s all lit in the evening. If you are seeking a great place to view the sunset in Cairo, then you must head over to Loft 21. Gazing at the colorful sunset from up here with a delicious drink in hand is among the most relaxing things to do in Cairo.

9. Fasahat Soumaya – Try Local Egyptian Food

Not many know about this place, which makes it one of the most wonderful and offbeat places to head down to for dinner with your loved ones. The aroma itself will want you to come inside and try everything on the menu. The place is run by a brilliant chef and you will love his home-style cooking, but only if you visit between 5 and 7 PM! You can locate the eatery in a small passageway between 15 and 17 Youssef El Gendy. There aren’t many tables, but the food is so excellent and the ambiance so cozy that you’ll want to wait for as long as it takes.

10. Day Trip To Alexandria

Coming to Cairo and not seeing Alexandria is a sin! It had served as the capital of Egypt under the leadership of Alexander the Great who had conquered Egypt at that time and founded the city of Alexandria. When here, you must also visit the world-famous Library of Alexandria that will tell you a great deal about the glorious history of Egypt. All in all, it will make for a wonderful day trip from Cairo.

11. Zabbaleen – See The Cave Churches

Take your exploration of Cairo one step further and traverse into the cave churches of Zabbaleen. The best part about this place is that it’s not crowded with tourists like other typical attractions of this city, which will help you explore it properly and without any hassles. Belonging to the garbage collectors community of Cairo, this Coptic cave church is located in a beautiful village called Mokattam Village. Out of the various cave churches situated in this area, the monastery of St. Simon the Tanner is the biggest and seats over 20,000 people at a time! Make sure you are accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

How To Reach Cairo

By Air
The nearest airport to Cairo is the Cairo International Airport. It is around 21 km from Cairo. There are frequent flights to Cairo from Indian cities such as Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, and New Delhi. Once you reach Cairo International Airport, you can book a cab or taxi for yourself.

By Road
If we look into the map of Egypt, we find that we can reach Egypt by road. It is around 4500 km from India. But it is not a suggested way because one has to pass through Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq, and seeing the political conditions, it can prove a bit risky.

By Train
Egyptian railways have a good inbuilt railway system. You can easily travel from one city to another within Egypt. Even Cairo is very well connected in this railways network. So, it is also a good option to choose from.

Cairo is the best city to visit to know about the culture and history of Egypt. You can do everything starting from exploring a museum and artifacts to enjoying the dance and music at a nightclub. Also, don’t forget to pay a visit to one of the oldest seven wonders of the world. Planning an international trip? Book a trip to Egypt with TravelTriangle and don’t forget to add these things to do in Cairo to your list. Have a fantabulous vacation with your family.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Cairo

Here are some common questions that might help further:

What are the top tourist attractions in Cairo?

Cairo is renowned for its ancient culture and humongous pyramids situated in the desert. Some of the best tourist attractions that you can visit in Cairo are the museum of Egyptian antiques, Nile River, Coptic Cairo, Al-Azhar park, Khan-Al Khalili, Cairo citadel, Cave Church, Hanging Church, and much more.

What are the best outdoor activities in Cairo?

Some of the best outdoor activities that you can do in Cairo include quad-biking and camel riding in the desert, hot air balloon rides, felucca boat ride, Pyramids tour, exploring the Egyptian museum, visiting the Red Sea, exploring Coptic and Islamic Cairo, etc.

Is it safe to visit Cairo during covid times?

The Egyptian Government has opened its borders for international travelers and issued some mandatory guidelines such as individuals with complete vaccinations are not required to produce a negative RT PCR test during departure, unvaccinated individuals are required to produce a negative RT PCR test done 72 hours prior to departure. Children below the age of 12 years of age are exempted from producing covid tests. Important protocols such as wearing face masks, using hand sanitisers, and social distancing should be followed in a public place.

What should you not miss in Cairo?

The best things that you must do during your Cairo tour include visiting the Museum of Egyptian Antiques, exploring various cafes in Cairo, visiting the Mohammed Ali Mosque, and exploring the Pyramid and great Sphinx.

What is Cairo famous for?

Cairo is known for its rich culture and ancient history during the reign of the Roman Empire. Cairo is renowned for the popular architectural marvels such as the Pyramids of Giza, several historical churches, the Nile river, and the Red Sea.

What is there to do in Cairo at night?

Some of the best things to do at night include going for a nice dinner on a luxurious cruise ship on Nile river, enjoying the light show at Giza Pyramids, Islamic sites tour, shopping in Egyptian markets, visiting the Opera house, and enjoying a felucca ride.

What is the best time to visit Cairo?

The best time to visit Cairo is between October and April because the weather in Egypt is quite pleasant during this period and exploring the famous tourist attractions becomes much more enjoyable.

How many days are required to explore Cairo?

For a short vacation, at least 2-3 days are required to explore the major tourist attractions in Cairo such as the Pyramid of Giza and Coptic Egypt. For an extended relaxing vacation, 5-7 days are sufficient for a Cairo tour.

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15 Best Things to do in Cairo, Egypt

Cairo…this sprawling, historic, ancient city is most visitors’ first stop on a trip through Egypt. The Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum top the list for most, but there is a lot more to see and do in this city. To help you plan your visit, here are the best things to do in Cairo.

Not everything on this list is located in Cairo. Several places are located in or near Giza (such as the Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara). I am including them in this article, even though they are not technically located in Cairo, because most people visit these places while staying in Cairo.

Interesting Facts About Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt. Over nine million people call Cairo home, with an additional 10 million living just outside of the city. This entire metropolitan area is the largest in Africa and the Middle East.

It is located on the Nile River, right where the desert transitions into the Nile delta. Giza sits on the west bank of the Nile River, just 5 km southwest of Cairo, so these two cities seem to blend into one another.

Cairo is called “the city of a thousand minarets,” for its predominance of Islamic architecture. Most people who live in Cairo are Muslim, however, about 10% of the population are Christians who belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Cairo has a hot desert climate. Rainfall is rare but most likely to occur during the winter months. During the summer, daytime highs typically reach 35°C (95°F) with high humidity, due to Cairo’s location near the Mediterranean Sea. It is much more pleasant to visit Cairo in the winter, with daytime highs of 20°C (68°F).

Best Things to do in Cairo

The Pyramids of Giza

For many people, the Pyramids of Giza not only top the to-do list in Cairo, but they are also the biggest tourist attraction in Egypt.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the last intact ancient Wonder of the World. This pyramid, along with the others that sit on the Giza Plateau, form one of the most recognizable sights in the world.

A visit here typically lasts at least two hours. Go inside the Great Pyramid, take selfies with the Great Sphinx, visit the panoramic viewpoints of the pyramids, see the Solar Boat, and if you like, go for a camel ride.

Planning Your Visit

2022 Price List for the Giza Plateau

Giza Plateau Entrance Ticket: 200 EGP per adult, 100 EGP per student (with valid ID)
Entrance Ticket to the Great Pyramid: 400 EGP
Entrance Ticket to the Pyramid of Khafre: 100 EGP
Entrance Ticket to the Pyramid of Menkaure: 100 EGP
Solar Boat: 100 EGP
Combination Ticket (Giza Plateau, Solar Boat & Great Pyramid): 600 EGP
Tripod: 20 EGP

Read More About the Pyramids

Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum contains the world’s largest collection of Egyptian artifacts. Highlights of a visit include seeing the solid gold mask and the golden sarcophagi of Tutankhamun, the Royal Mummies room, and a mind-blowing number of statues, jewelry, and treasures.

A visit here typically lasts two hours. The Egyptian Museum is located on Tahrir Square in Cairo. To get here, we recommend hiring a driver and guide, but you can also use Uber, taxis, or public transportation. It takes roughly 30 minutes to travel between the Giza Plateau and the Egyptian Museum.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to open in late 2022, although this date seems to change frequently. Once open, it will replace the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square. The Grand Egyptian Museum is massive…it’s so big that our guide, Laila, joked that you would need a tuk-tuk to see all of it. This museum is also conveniently located next to the Giza Plateau, so it will be very easy to combine these two sites without needing to navigate the streets of Cairo.

Planning Your Visit

Cost: 200 EGP adults, 100 EGP student with valid ID
Camera Ticket: 50 EGP
Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

Islamic Cairo

Islamic Cairo is the historic heart of Cairo. This area contains one of the largest collections of historic architecture in the Islamic world. Numerous mosques, madrassas, fortifications, and tombs date from the Islamic era of Egypt (639 to the early 16th century), making Cairo one of the world’s oldest Islamic cities.

In 1979, Islamic Cairo became a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Islamic Cairo is packed with things to see and do. It’s a fairly large area, located near the city center. You could spend days wandering the labyrinth of streets in Islamic Cairo, but for most visitors, just seeing the highlights is sufficient.

Top things to do in Islamic Cairo include:

If you want to visit everything on this list, it takes a full day. And what a memorable day it will be. Islamic Cairo can feel chaotic and overwhelming, but the sights, the food, and the people make this the most interesting part of Cairo, in my opinion.

Salah El Din Citadel

From its strategic position on the Mokattam hills in central Cairo sits the Citadel of Saladin. For almost 700 years (from the 13th to 19th centuries), this was the seat of government in Egypt. In 1976, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As you move around Cairo, you will see the Citadel from almost everywhere, because of its prominent location on the Mokattam hills.

The main attraction is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. The mosque was completed in 1857, in memory of Tusun Pasha, Muhammad Ali’s oldest son. It is modeled after the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

This mosque is also called the “Alabaster Mosque.” Alabaster covers the interior of the mosque as well as the courtyard.

The clock tower in the courtyard was given to Egypt by King Louis Philippe of France in 1845. In return, the obelisk that originally stood at the entrance of Luxor Temple now stands in Place de la Concorde in Paris.

While at the Citadel, make sure you visit Gawhara Terrace for one of the best views over the city. From here, you have a great view over historic Cairo, Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, and Al-Rifa’i Mosque. On a clear day, you will be able to see the Pyramids of Giza.

Planning Your Visit

Cost: 180 EGP adults; 90 EGP student with valid ID
Camera Ticket: None, you are permitted to take photos with a camera at no extra charge
Shoe Covers: 5 EGP; before entering the Muhammad Ali Mosque, you will need to remove your shoes. You can take them with you (free) or pay 5 EGP to keep your shoes on but wear shoe covers
Scarf: Women need to bring a scarf to cover their head
Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

Al-Muizz li-Din Allah al-Fatima Street

This is a very important street with a very long name. Called al-Muizz for short, this is one of the oldest streets in Cairo. It runs north-south through Islamic Cairo and it contains some of the most important monuments of historic Cairo.

This street is roughly 1 km long, running from Bab Zuweila in the south to Bab al-Futuh in the north. It is a busy, congested, noisy street and for some visitors it can feel overwhelming. Along this short stretch of road are an astonishing number of madrassas, mosques, shops, markets, and hammams.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: A madrassa is a Muslim school, college or university that is often part of a mosque. A hammam is a middle eastern type of steam bath for cleansing the body.

Just south of Bab Zuweila and al-Muizz street is the Tent Makers Market. On this 300-meter street, small shops sell colorful textiles and handmade blankets, cushions, bed covers, and tents. Continue the walk south to visit a produce market and numerous small shops in Islamic Cairo.

Walking al-Muizz was one of our favorite experiences in Cairo. It can be sensory overload, in a good way, in my opinion. Yes, it’s noisy and chaotic, but the people are friendly, the street food is delicious, and to walk down one of the oldest streets in Cairo is an unforgettable experience.

Climb the Minaret at Bab Zuweila

Bab Zuweila is the southern gate on the walls of Fatimid Cairo. It dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries and it is one of the last remaining gates of the Old City of Cairo.

Walk up several flights of stairs for a nice view from the terrace on top of the gate.

For a spectacular view of historic Cairo and al-Muizz street, you can climb both of the minarets.

Overlooking Sultan al-Muayyad Mosque

PRO TRAVEL TIP: A very narrow, spiral staircase winds its way up to the top of the minaret. Without any windows, it is almost total darkness for a short part of the climb, so make sure you bring a flashlight (the flashlight on your phone is sufficient). To step out onto the ledge, you will have to climb up one last narrow metal narrow staircase, step over a gap, and then climb over a waist-high wall. Skip the minaret climb if you suffer from claustrophobia or are not nimble enough to climb over the wall. Young kids should also skip this climb.

Cost: 40 EGP adults; 20 EGP students with valid ID

Khan el-Khalili

Khan el-Khalili is the famous shopping market in Islamic Cairo. It sits just off of al-Muizz street.

I was really looking forward to Khan el-Khalili, but it was a disappointment. This market is filled with touristy souvenirs, and according to our guide Laila, most of what is for sale comes from China. I think it’s worth a quick visit, but al-Muizz street, the tent market, and the side streets off of al-Muizz are much more interesting.

Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa’i Mosque

These two mosques sit side by side and can easily be visited together.

Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan is an enormous mosque that sits near the base of the Citadel. It was built between 1356 and 1363 during the Mamluk period.

Next door is Al-Rifa’i Mosque. It was constructed between 1869 and 1912 and commissioned by Lady Khushiar Hanim to expand and replace the existing shrine of the medieval Islamic saint Ahmed al-Rifa’i. Briefly, this mosque was the resting place of Reza Shah of Iran, who died in exile in 1944. His body was returned to Iran after World War II. The burial chamber is now occupied by his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who died in Cairo in 1980.

Planning Y our Visit

Cost: 80 EGP (includes both mosques); 40 EGP student
Camera Ticket: none necessary: photos are permitted with a camera at no extra charge
Tip for Shoes: At both mosques you will leave your shoes with an attendant. Our guide recommended leaving a 10 – 20 EGP tip at each mosque when retrieving your shoes.
Scarf: Women will need to cover their head with a scarf to enter the mosques.

Al-Azhar Park

Al-Azhar is a quiet green space that sits in the center of Cairo. This is a great place to go for a walk and escape the chaos and congestion of the busy city streets.

Coptic Cairo

Coptic Cairo is located in Old Cairo in the southern part of the city. The first settlements here date back to the 6th century BC. Many of the places to visit here originate from Egypt’s Christian past, but you can also visit a synagogue and the first mosque built in Africa.

All of the sites in Coptic Cairo are free to visit with the exception of the Coptic Museum.

The Hanging Church

The Hanging Church, also called Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. It is named for its position above a gatehouse of the Babylon Fortress, the Roman Fortress in Coptic Cairo. This is the most famous church in Coptic Cairo.

Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus

This is believed to be the place where the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary, and Jesus Christ) sheltered at the end of their journey into Egypt. The interior of the church is beautiful, with detailed woodworking and tilework.

Ben Ezra Synagogue

This synagogue started off as a church. In 882, it was sold and converted into synagogue. It has been rebuilt and remodeled several times in the past 1000 years. It is said that this is where the baby Moses was found.

Mosque of Amr Ibn al-As

This is the first mosque built in Egypt and Africa. It was built in 641 to 642 AD.

Coptic Museum

This museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Coptic art work. Tickets cost 40 EGP.

Cave Church

The main church, the one that holds 20,000 people, is the summer church. There is a smaller church with a ceiling that is used in the winter months when rain is more likely.

The Cave Church is free to visit.

Garbage City

To get to the Cave Church, you will have to drive through Garbage City. Yes, you read that correctly…Garbage City.

Garbage City is named for the large number of garbage collectors who live here. Called the Zabbaleen, these are the descendants of farmers who migrated to Cairo from Upper Egypt in the 1940’s, fleeing poverty and poor harvests. They settled in the Mokattam hills and began sorting trash as a way to make money. Over the years, their population has grown to at least 30,000 people, an entire community that sorts trash for a living. The majority of the Zabbaleen are Coptic Christians.

An extremely narrow, dusty road winds its way through Garbage City to the Cave Church. This is a busy place, as trucks filled with trash arrive from all parts of the city. Rubber, metal, paper, and plastic are all sorted and packaged together, to later be sent to China and other places to be used in the manufacturing of new materials.

It may be a hard, dirty, unhealthy way of life, but everything has value and gets recycled and reused. In fact, I read that over 90% of the trash is recycled, a much higher average than what most western recycling companies produce.

Walk Across the Nile River on the Qasr El Nil Bridge

This is the first bridge to span the Nile River in Cairo. It connects Tahrir Square with Gezira Island.

Cairo Tower

For the best view over Cairo, visit the Cairo Tower. Located on Gezira Island in Zamelek, you have 360° views over the city. On a clear day, you can see the Pyramids of Giza.

You can dine at the Sky Window Café or grab a table at the 360 Revolving Restaurant. The 360 Revolving Restaurant has a minimum purchase of 250 EGP per person.

Important Note: You will be asked to leave any food or snacks in the guardhouse at the base of the tower.

Cost: 200 EGP
Hours: 9 am to midnight

Day Trip to Dahshur, Memphis & Saqqara

A visit to Dahshur, Memphis and Saqqara is one of Egypt’s best history lessons.

Dahshur is an ancient, royal necropolis that is located 30 km south of Giza and 40 km south of Cairo.

Dahshur is where the ancient Egyptians perfected their pyramid-constructing skills. It is here that several of the first pyramids were built and it took a few tries to get things right. Visit the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, the precursors to the Pyramids of Giza.

Memphis was the first capital city of Egypt. A visit here is quick with a tour of the open-air museum.

Saqqara was the necropolis for the city of Memphis. It is here that you can see the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser and the oldest complete stone building complex in the world.

Step Pyramid of Djoser

A day trip to Dahshur, Memphis and Saqqara takes five to six hours, including transportation time from Cairo or Giza. It’s easiest to do this on a tour, but you can do this independently and hire a taxi.

Cairo – On a Map

How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.

How Much Time Do You Need in Cairo?

To visit everything on this list, you need a bare minimum of three days, and these will be three very busy days.

With one day in Cairo, I recommend visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum.

With two days in Cairo, add on the day trip to Dahshur, Memphis and Saqqara and either visit Coptic Cairo or several of the sites in Islamic Cairo (al-Muizz Street, the Citadel, and Khan el-Khalili).

With three full days in Cairo, you can do everything on this list, just get an early start each day and it really helps to have a guide and driver to help make the most of your time.

How to Get Around Cairo

The easiest way to get around Cairo is with a guide and private driver. However, you can get around independently and travel by taxi, bus, or metro. For a great article on how to use the public transportation network in Cairo, click here.

Cairo Metro Sign

Do You Need to Hire a Guide for Cairo?

Hiring a guide and driver has many benefits in Cairo: your transportation is taken care of, you get to visit the sites with a knowledgeable guide, and you get to learn a lot about the local culture and customs.

We hired Egypt Tailor Made, not only for our tour of Cairo, but also for the remainder of our time in Egypt.

Cairo Pass

The Cairo Pass gives you free entry to the sites in Cairo, Giza, Dahshur, Saqqara, and Mit Rahina. These sites include the Egyptian Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Coptic Museum, Saladin Citadel, all sites on the Giza Plateau, all sites at Saqqara, the Red and Bent Pyramids in Dahshur, and the sites in Historic Cairo.

Points of sale for the Cairo Pass include the Egyptian Museum, the Giza Plateau, and Saladin Citadel. It is also available at the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities office at 3 El-Adel Abubakr St. in Zamelak, Cairo.

You will need your passport, two black and white photocopies of your main passport page, and two passport photos. Students will need a valid student identification card. To purchase the Cairo Pass, you will pay with US dollars or euros and these need to be crisp, new bills, in perfect condition.

Is the Cairo Pass Worth It?

If you don’t plan on visiting all of these sites while in Cairo, the Cairo Pass is not worth it.

If you purchase the Cairo Pass, you get a 50% discount on the Luxor Pass, which could be worth it for some people. Learn more in our article about the Luxor Pass.

Where to Stay in Cairo

Marriott Mena House. This is where we stayed and it was fantastic. It was 8 pm and dark by the time we arrived at the hotel, but what a thrilling experience to see the Great Pyramid from our balcony. Breakfast is a buffet with endless choices of food (it’s one of the best hotel breakfasts we have had yet). Plus, you can sit outside and stare up at the Great Pyramid over a cup of coffee.

Pyramids View Inn. This small hotel offers views of the Sphinx and the pyramids. The view from the rooftop terrace is amazing and this is a great place to watch the Sound and Light Show, without joining the crowds.

Great Pyramid Inn. This is yet another hotel that boasts amazing views of the Pyramids of Giza. From the top floor terrace you have an awesome view of the pyramids. Some rooms have views of the pyramids and/or a balcony.

The Nile Ritz-Carlton. If you have dreams of staying in a Ritz-Carlton without spending a small fortune, Cairo is the place to do it. This hotel is located right on Tahrir Square so it is just a short walk to the Egyptian Museum (until the Grand Egyptian Museum opens) and the Cairo Tower.

If you have any questions about these things to do in Cairo, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information about Egypt:

Read all of our articles about Egypt in our Egypt Travel Guide.

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Comments 6

How did you get in touch with your private guide? Also how much do it cost?

We used Egypt Tailor Made with a guide for Cairo and a guide for Luxor + Aswan. Take a look at our post how much does it cost to visit Egypt and there is also a link to the tour company in this post. Cheers, Julie

It sounds like Egypt has become quite a popular travel destination over the last 9 to 12 months, even more so than during our visit in December 2019, so that could be why their prices have gone up. We don’t have any bargaining power with Egypt Tailor Made to help you get a better deal, unfortunately. Cheers, Julie

Good question! No, we never got burned out on seeing the pyramids. They always amazed us and I hope to see them again on our next visit to Egypt.

I thought that we would get burned out on seeing the tombs and temples in Luxor and Aswan, but the more that I learned about them, the more I wanted to see. They do kind of blend together after a little bit…but going back through my photos, and doing the research for these posts has taught me a lot. I can’t wait to go back some day and learn some more. 🙂 Cheers, Julie