What are the top things to do in Cairo, Egypt?
Cairo was one of the most important cities in the history of ancient civilizations. This 10 million-strong megacity, which is Egypt’s capital and largest city, contains some of the world’s oldest artifacts and pyramids.
The city has been a tourist attraction for many centuries. Its notorious pollution, crime and noise have not detracted from the popularity of the destination.
CAIRO, EGYPT: 15 Best Things to Do
Cairo, the modern city, is bustling with life. While many visitors love it and others hate it, you must experience this vibrant metropolis at least once.
It is easy to get from London or New York by plane. You can get the cheapest airfares from November to March, excluding Christmas, if you are flying to Cairo via London, New York or Sharjah tickets.
See the Pyramids of GIZA
The Pyramids of Giza come to mind when people talk about Egypt.
Great Pyramid is Egypt’s largest pyramid. The narrow passageways of the Pyramid of Khumfu, which is locally known as such (for the original pharaoh for whom it was built in early 26th Century BC), can be explored. The huge outside is the part that people are most amazed by.
The Pyramid of Khefre, also known as the Pyramid of Chephren, is located further south on the plateau. The pyramid has an interior tunnel which can be explored. It is right next to the smaller Pyramid of Mycerinus, also known as Pyramid of Menkaure.
The area around Cairo’s edge is a wonderful place to spend a half-day. This area is easily accessible by taxi, metro or tour. A tour is highly recommended if you are looking to make the most of your visit.
GUESS WHAT THE RIDDLE IS OF THE GREAT SPHINX
The Great Sphinx of Giza is also located in the Giza Necropolis, at the entrance to the Giza Plateau. The lion-bodied, pharaoh face Sphinx guards the gigantic pyramids. It is as famous as ancient Egypt itself.
The Sphinx was built around 2500 BC by the Pharaoh Khafre, who also constructed the Second Pyramid of Giza. It is a monolith that has been carved out of bedrock on the plateau which served as a quarry for other monuments. Some believe that the Sphinx’s head was carved out first from a bedrock which had been previously sculpted into shape by wind. It was then excavated to make blocks for the Pyramids.
FLOATING ALONG THE NILE RIVE
Cairo makes a good starting point for Nile River Cruises. It is believed that the Nile, which flows north, is the longest in Africa. The river flows through 11 African nations and divides into two at the north end of Cairo before emptying itself in to the Mediterranean Sea.
Along its entire route, the Nile powers hydro-dams and is used for irrigation. Cairo, however, has an unspoiled riverfront that’s perfect for water cruises. Choose from party boats, historic boats or overnight options. Other packages include guided tours of the Pyramids or other landlocked attractions.
GET LOST IN THE EGYPTIAN MOUSEUM
The Egyptian Museum (also known as Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, Cairo Museum) is one of largest and oldest museums of archaeology in the Middle East.
Over 120,000 Egyptian artifacts are housed here, including many pharaonic pieces. The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, in Cairo, is often portrayed in movies and books. It’s a wonderful place to lose yourself in history.
The museum is home to some of Egypt’s finest collections, including mummies, gold masks and pottery. It also houses papyri and sarcophagi, as well as jewelry and sarcophagi. It was established in 1901.
Every day, the museum is open from 9am to 5pm. Tickets cost 200 EGP per adult and 100 EGP per student.
DISCOVER THE NATIONAL MUSEUM FOR EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATIONS
The NMEC is the first museum of this kind in Egypt. It displays Egypt’s history from the prehistoric era to the present. The museum is large and contains over 50,000 items, such as the wooden Coffins of Ramses II or the Nejim-Ankh coffins with gold foil leaf cartonage.
The collection includes mummies from Pharaohs, as well as artifacts of Greco Roman, Medieval Islamic, and Contemporary.
You can browse both the chronological and thematic sides of the collection.
Open daily from 9am to 5pm, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations.
Tickets cost 100 EGP and 200 EGP respectively for adult admissions.
ADMIRE THE HANGING CHIRCH IN COPTIC CAIRO
Hanging Church is also known as Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church. It’s one of Egypt’s oldest churches. It is believed that the first version of this church dates back to the 3rd century. The Suspended or Al-Moallaqa name also refers to it. The Roman Emperor Diocletian ordered its construction.
The Hanging Church doesn’t really hang. The name “hanging” is a result of the fact that it was built over or on top of the old Roman fortress’s gates.
The roof is shaped like the structure of Noah’s Ark. Above the altar, wooden panels inlaid with lotus shapes decorate the wall.
Donations are welcome, though entry to the Hanging Church itself is free.
It is situated near the Hanging Church. The museum houses the biggest collection of Coptic artifacts anywhere in the world. Entrance to the Coptic Museum for non-Egyptians is EGP 40.
ENJOY THE VIEW FROM THE CAIRO CITADEL
Citadel of Saladin or Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi is another name for the Cairo Citadel.
Due to its strategic position on Muqattam Hills, it is a powerful and impressive defensive fortress.
This is also the perfect place to get a panoramic view without any restrictions of Cairo.
You can see a number of things, such as the Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque which served as the Mamluk royal mosque. On the site, you’ll also find the National Police Museum and National Military Museum.
Daytime foreigner entrance fee, adult: EGP 200, night visiting foreigner entrance fee, adult: EGP 160.
Relax in the green oasis of Al Azhar Park
Al Azhar Park offers a peaceful, relaxing break from Cairo’s noise and bustle.
The park is full of palm trees and children’s playgrounds. There are also restaurants, lakes, fountains and a play area for the kids. Golf cart rides are available within the park.
Al Azhar Park, located in the Old City of Cairo is 30 hectares large (74 acres). It was originally an old dumping site that was turned into a lush oasis, complete with gardens, waterfalls and citrus trees. The park opened in 2005 and was built at a cost of over 30 million dollars.
Visit the nearby Al-Azhar Mosque. It was Cairo’s very first mosque and it opened in 970. The mosque’s admission is free.
Al Azhar Par admission is not free. Tickets for foreigners are EGP 30 on Saturday and EGP 35 Sunday.
We couldn’t limit ourselves to just the top 10 Cairo attractions. There is so much more that you can do in Cairo’s historic past. Here are some other ideas for your Cairo bucket list.
Explore the cave church
The Cave Church in Cairo is a unique experience.
In the Mokattam Mountain in the southeast of Cairo, you will find the Cave Church or Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner. Garbage city is the only way to get to Cave Church.
Garbage city is an impoverished settlement located at the foot of Mokattam Hill, on the edge of Cairo. Garbage City is Cairo’s biggest concentration of Zabbaleen waste collectors. Its economy revolves around the collection and recycling of garbage.
Zabbaleen collect the garbage from Greater Cairo and transport it to Garbage City. The residents then sort the recyclables from the trash. Garbage is everywhere, on the streets, roofs and more.
Hand carved from the mountain, The Cave Church has a serene and peaceful interior. It is a calm, clean, and peaceful place inside the Cave Church.
It is the biggest church in the Middle East.
Visit the Cave Church for free.
BRING YOUR BARGAINING SKILLS TO THE KHAN AL-KHALILI BAZAAR
The Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar, located in the center of Islamic Cairo is an open-air market that’s busy and vibrant. From spices and perfumes, to souvenirs, jewelry and hanging lamps to souvenirs you’ll discover it all.
You can see a variety of things in Cairo, such as the street shops with their haggling shopkeepers and narrow alleyways filled with buskers. There are also bars, restaurants, and many other attractions.
Most shops in Khan el-Khalili Bazaar do not accept credit cards, however USD or Euros can be accepted.
No entry fee is required to the bazaar.
Shop till you drop at the CAIRO FESTIVAL CITY CENTRE
The modern shopping center has everything you would expect from a typical mall: international chains, cinemas, restaurants, and food courts. The mall is also connected to IKEA.
Even a fountain that dances is available.
The place is huge and modern, offering free Wi-Fi as well as shopping carts to rent, valet parking, and more. Rent a phone power bank.
You’ll enjoy the child ID bracelets, stroller rentals, and mommy’s rooms if you have children. Magic Planet is another place with games, rides and other fun activities for kids (and parents).
The mall is free to enter.
WALK AL-MUIZZ LI-DIN ALLAH STREET
Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street is a main street within the walls of Historic Cairo.
It dates from the founding of the walled original city, in the 10th Century.
The street, which runs north-south from the Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar to the northern end, is famous for its large, beautiful, and well-maintained Mamluk-style buildings.
Most people can easily walk the length of the city walled at just 1 kilometer, from gate-to-gate.
The Madrassa as-Salih Ayyub is a beautiful example of Islamic architectural design. It was built in 1247. The beautiful Madrassa Qalaun is located directly across the street from this madrassa. It’s considered to be one of Mamluk architecture’s most important architectural achievements.
The interior of the mosque, completed in 1293, by Qalaun’s son Muhammad al-Nasir, is filled with marble mosaics, stained-glass, tilework, and intricate work. The Madrassa An-Nasr Muhammad (built in 1309) is located further north. It has a lot of intricate detailing.
The Egyptian Textile Museum has a large collection that includes textiles from the Pharaonic period to the Islamic Period. The Sultan Hassan Mosque is also a large, impressive building.
Enjoy the views from The Cairo Tower
Cairo Tower is located on Gezira Island, a Nile Island. It is the tallest building in Egypt, and also in North Africa. The free-standing concrete tower is only second to the Pyramids of Giza for popularity. Its circular observation deck, revolving restaurants and the rotating restaurant on top offer some of Cairo’s best views.
The Cairo Tower is located on the Nile Island Gezira, which also houses the Zamalek district and many of Cairo’s hipster and arty restaurants. It’s a wonderful place to explore with your friends.