Things To Visit in Cairo, For most tourists, their first destination in Egypt is the massive and historical metropolis of Cairo. People often think of the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza when they think of this city; however, they would be greatly mistaken.
This guide will help you make the most of your time in Cairo by outlining the top attractions and things to visit in Cairo.
You won’t find all of these items in Cairo. in fact The Giza Plateau is home to a number of notable landmarks, including Saqqara and the Pyramids of Giza.
Although they are not precisely in Cairo, In addition to I am putting them in this post nonetheless, as the majority of visitors go there when they are in Cairo.
Things to visit in Cairo, The capital of Egypt is Cairo. With an extra 10 million people residing in the suburbs, Cairo is home to more than nine million people. Together, these cities make up the biggest metro region in all of Africa and the Middle East.
At the point where the desert meets the Nile delta, it lies on the river Nile.in fact Located on opposite sides of the Nile River, Giza and Cairo give the impression of being one seamless metropolis due to their proximity (only 5 km southwest of Cairo).
Egyptian capital Cairo is known as “the city of a thousand minarets” due to the abundance of Islamic buildings dotted across the city. Although Islam is practiced by the majority in Cairo, in fact a small percentage, around 10%, identify as Christians and belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Hot desert weather is typical in Cairo. Although it happens rarely, In addition to winter is when you may expect the rainiest weather. Due to Cairo’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, summertime highs can reach 35°C (95°F) with high humidity. Daytime highs of 20°C (68°F) make a winter visit to Cairo much more bearable.
In addition to being the most popular Egyptian landmark, the Pyramids of Giza are also among the most popular things to do in Cairo.
One of the world’s oldest wonders, the Great Pyramid of Giza, remains mostly undamaged. in fact One of the world’s most famous landmarks is the Giza Plateau, which is home to this and several other pyramids.
At least three hours is the usual duration of a visit here.
Explore the Great Pyramid, pose for photos with the Great Sphinx, In addition to take in the sights from the many vantage points.
A First-Time Visitor’s Guide to the Pyramids of Giza
The Finest Spots to View the Giza Pyramids
The Museum of Egypt
Things to visit in Cairo, The greatest assortment of ancient Egyptian relics on display anywhere on the globe is at the Egyptian Museum. Exhibit highlights include Tutankhamun’s pure gold mask and gilded sarcophagi, the Royal Mummies chamber, and an overwhelming assortment of sculptures, jewels, and artefacts.
Two hours is the usual duration of a visit here. Tahrir Square in Cairo is home to the Egyptian Museum. Although public transit, Uber, or taxis will get you here, we suggest hiring a driver and guide.
The journey from the Giza Plateau to the Egyptian Museum takes around half an hour.
The Grand Egyptian Museum’s in fact opening date is tentatively set for 2023, while it is subject to modification. In addition to It will take the place of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square once it opens. Our tour guide, Laila, made a joke about how huge the Grand Egyptian Museum is, saying that you would need a tuk-tuk to see everything. in fact You may easily combine visiting this museum with seeing the Giza Plateau without having to brave Cairo’s congested streets, thanks to the museum’s proximity to both.
In addition to The historic centre of Cairo is Islamic Cairo. One of the greatest concentrations of Islamic architectural history is located here. Due to its abundance of Islamic architecture, Cairo is considered one of the world’s oldest Islamic towns. Its mosques, madrassas, fortresses, and tombs span the Islamic period (639–16th century) in Egypt.
World Cultural Heritage Site status was bestowed upon Islamic Cairo in 1979.
in fact There is an abundance of attractions in Islamic Cairo. It’s close to the heart of the city and covers a sizable area. Islamic Cairo’s maze of alleyways may keep you busy for days, but most tourists just need to see the must-see attractions.
Fortress of Salah El-Din
Road of the Mother of Allah al-Fatima
Infant Zuweila
Abdul Khalil Khan
A mosque in Ibn Tulun
Among the oldest mosques in Cairo is the Al-Azhar.
Islamic Art Gallery
Park of Al-Azhar
Sultan Hassan’s Mosque and Madrassa
Mosque of Al-Rifa’i
It would take a whole day to see everything on this list. It is going to be an unforgettable day. Although Islamic Cairo might be a bit overwhelming at times, I find that the views, food, and people here are what really make it worth visiting.
Things to visit in Cairo, The Citadel of Saladin has a commanding view of metropolitan Cairo from its perch above the Mokattam hills. From the thirteenth century until the nineteenth century, in fact this was the administrative centre of Egypt. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1976.
Being so prominently located atop the Mokattam hills, the Citadel will be visible from nearly anywhere in Cairo as you explore the city.
Its mosque, Muhammad Ali Mosque, is the major draw. In honour of Muhammad Ali’s eldest son, Tusun Pasha, the mosque was finished in 1857. It takes design cues from Istanbul’s Blue Mosque.
Also known as the “Alabaster Mosque,” this mosque’s interior and courtyard are both adorned with alabaster.
no doubt In 1845, King Louis Philippe of France presented Egypt with the clock tower located in the courtyard. In addition to Here in Paris, in the Place de la Concorde, you can see the obelisk that was formerly at the entrance to the Luxor Temple.
If you’re in the Citadel, you must go to Gawhara Terrace to see the city from a bird’s-eye perspective. Historic Cairo, the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, and Al-Rifa’i Mosque may all be seen from this vantage point. In addition to If the weather is clear, you can see the Pyramids of Giza.
The lengthy name of this roadway belies its significance. This is one of Cairo’s oldest streets, known as al-Muizz. It carries some of the most significant ancient monuments of Cairo along its north-south course through Islamic Cairo.
This road stretches from Bab al-Futuh in the north to Bab Zuweila in the south and is about 1 kilometre long. For some tourists, the hustle and bustle of the street may be too much to handle. In addition to There is an incredible abundance of madrassas, mosques, stores, marketplaces, and hammams along this little route.
Important travel tip: Many mosques also house educational institutions known as madrassas, which are mostly Muslim. The traditional Middle Eastern steam bath known as a hammam is a great way to relax and rejuvenate.
The Tent Makers Market can be found to the south of Bab Zuweila and al-Muizz Street. Colorful fabrics, as well as handcrafted blankets, pillows, bed coverings, and tents, no doubt are sold by small stores along this 300-meter strip. Walking south, you’ll come across a vegetable market and a plethora of little stores in Islamic Cairo.
Among our favourite Cairo experiences was walking al-Muizz. It has the potential to overwhelm the senses, but in a positive way. Sure, it’s loud and chaotic, but the locals are nice, In addition to the street food is tasty, and strolling along one of Cairo’s oldest streets is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Located on the southern wall of Fatimid Cairo, Bab Zuweila is the gate in question. no doubt It is one of the few intact gates of Cairo’s Old City and dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries.
Infant Zuweila
From the terrace atop the gate, In addition to you may enjoy a pleasant view after ascending many flights of stairs.
Top Activities in Islamic Cairo
You may climb both minarets for a breathtaking view of al-Muizz Boulevard and mediaeval Cairo.
The minaret of Bab Zuweila
Gazing out at the Sultan al-Muayyad Mosque
Things to visit in Cairo, An expert traveler’s tip: to reach the minaret’s peak, one must ascend a narrow, winding stairway. Bring a torch (the one on your phone will suffice) because there is a brief section of the ascent where there are no windows and it is nearly pitch black.
In order to reach the edge, you must ascend a last, tight metal staircase, traverse a gap, and finally scale a wall that is waist-high. For those who are claustrophobic or lack the agility to scale the wall, the minaret climb is unsuitable for them. Avoid this climb if you have little children.
One of Islamic Cairo’s most well-known marketplaces is Khan el-Khalili. Just off al-Muizz Street is where it is located.
Ruler of Khalilistan
Despite my high expectations, Khan el-Khalili fell short. no doubt Tourist trinkets abound in this market, with our guide Laila telling us that the majority of the merchandise originates from China. Although I believe it is worth a brief visit, I find far more interest in al-Muizz Street, the tent market, and the side streets that branch off of it.
Saudi Arabia’s mosques, Madarassa and al-Rifa’i
Visiting both of these mosques at the same time is quite possible because they are adjacent.
Near the citadel’s base is the massive mosque of Sultan Hassan. During the Mamluk era, construction began in 1356 and continued until 1363.
Nearby, you’ll find Al-Rifa’i Mosque. The current shrine of the Islamic saint Ahmed al-Rifa’i, who lived in the Middle Ages, was expanded and replaced with this one, commissioned by Lady Khushiar Hanim and built between 1869 and 1912. Once upon a time, in 1944, while living in exile, Reza Shah of Iran was laid to rest at this mosque.
His son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who passed away in Cairo in 1980, currently resides in the burial chamber where his father’s remains were returned to Iran during World War II.
The Arabian Desert
Things to visit in Cairo, The tranquil green space of Al-Azhar is located in the heart of Cairo. no doubt A stroll here is a wonderful way to unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Old Cairo, in Cairo’s southern half, is where you’ll find Coptic Cairo. In addition to The earliest known settlers arrived in the area around the sixth century BC. Here you may explore several sites that date back to Egypt’s Christian era, including the earliest mosque in Africa and a synagogue.
The only exception to the rule that all places in Coptic Cairo are free to visit is the Coptic Museum.
Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, sometimes known as the Hanging Church, is among Egypt’s oldest houses of worship. The Roman fortress in Coptic Cairo, Babylon, is where it gets its name from; In addition to it sits atop a gatehouse there. Among Coptic Cairo’s churches, this one is the most well-known.
Things to visit in Cairo, In addition to The Holy Trinity—Joseph, Mary, and Jesus Christ—is said to have taken refuge here at the conclusion of their exodus from Egypt. The church’s interior is stunning, with intricate tilework and carpentry.
Once upon a time, this place of worship was a church. no doubt A synagogue was built there after it was sold in 882. Several reconstructions and remodels have taken place throughout the last thousand years. In addition to The legend goes that the newborn Moses was discovered here.
As far as Egypt and Africa are concerned, this mosque stands alone. From 641 to 642 AD, it was constructed.
The greatest collection of Coptic art in the world is housed at this museum. A single ticket will set you back one hundred Egyptian pounds.
In Cairo’s Mokattam hills is the Monastery of Saint Simon, sometimes called the Cave Church. In addition to With a capacity of 20,000, this church surpasses all others in the Middle East.
The summer church is the primary church, which can accommodate 20,000 people. When it’s expected to rain during the winter, a smaller church with a roof is used.
Pay what you want to see at the Cave Church.
Things to visit in Cairo, You must pass through Garbage City on your way to the Cave Church. Garbage City, yes, it is right.
Because there are so many people who work collecting trash in this city, it is called Garbage City. In addition to The Zabbaleen are a group of farmers who came to Cairo from Upper Egypt in the 1940s, seeking a better life after experiencing bad harvests and extreme poverty. no doubt They made their home in the Mokattam hills and turned to rubbish sorting for income. A whole town that makes a livelihood by sorting garbage has expanded to include at least 30,000 people. Coptic Christians make up the bulk of the Zabbaleen population.
From Garbage City to the Cave Church, a dusty, exceedingly small path weaves its way. In addition to Trash trucks come from all around the city, so it’s always bustling here. Materials such as rubber, metal, paper, and plastic are bundled and exported to countries like China for further processing into new products.
The Wasteland
Things to visit in Cairo, Everything has worth and is recycled and reused, even though it’s a hard, filthy, unhealthy way of life. Actually, no doubt I heard that more than 90% of the garbage gets recycled, which is far more than the average output of most recycling firms in the West.
ENJOY A BRIDGE WALK ACROSS THE NILE RIVER AT QASR EL NIL.
In Cairo, this bridge crosses the Nile River for the very first time. It links Gezira Island to Tahrir Square.
The Bridge of Qasr el-Nil
The Cairo Nile River
Things to visit in Cairo, Go to the Cairo Tower if you want a bird’s-eye perspective of the city. From your vantage point atop Zamelek’s Gezira Island, you can see the whole city. In addition to The Giza Pyramids are visible on sunny days.
The View from the Cairo Tower
One option is the 360 Revolving Restaurant, while the other is the Sky Window Café. no doubt There is a 250 Egyptian Pound minimum purchase at the 360 Revolving Restaurant.
Take note: The guardhouse at the tower’s base is the designated area for leaving food and refreshments.
Destinations: Dahsur, Memphis, and Saqqara
The greatest way to learn about Egypt’s history is to visit the ancient cities of Saqqara, Dahshur, and Memphis.
Thirty kilometres south of Giza and forty kilometres south of Cairo is the ancient royal necropolis of Dahshur.
In Dahshur, the ancient Egyptians honed their craft for building pyramids. It took some trial and error, but this is where a number of the earliest pyramids were constructed. Precursors to Giza’s Pyramids: see the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid.
Historically, Egypt’s capital city was Memphis. Exploring the outdoor museum is a great way to make the most of your stay.
The city of Memphis’s necropolis was Saqqara. Here you may view the world’s oldest fully constructed stone building complex, the world-famous Step Pyramid of Djoser.
Things to visit in Cairo, Traveling from Cairo or Giza to Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara in a day will take around five or six hours. While taking a tour makes it much easier, you may also accomplish it on your own by hiring a cab.
Read our post on planning a day trip to Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara for all the specifics.
an extra benefit! Egyptian Civilizations Exhibit at the National Museum
This recommendation for a Cairo attraction came from one of our readers. In 2017, the NMEC opened its doors to the public. no doubt The museum’s 22 mummies are displayed on the bottom floor in a chronological arrangement. The material on Egyptian culture is located at a higher level. It is possible to combine this museum with the nearby Coptic and Islamic Cairo sections. Weekends are ideal for visiting, as school field excursions are not in session.
To access additional information about any point of interest, just click on its icon on the map. Of course To add this map to your Google Maps account, click the star next to the title.
Open Google Maps on your computer or mobile device. Then, go to “Your Places” from the menu and select Maps. In addition to You should be able to see this map on your list.
Visiting all of the places on this list will take at least three days, and those three days will be jam-packed.
The Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza are must-sees on a day trip to Cairo.
If you have two days in Cairo, you may see Dahshur, Memphis, and Saqqara on a day excursion, and then choose between seeing Coptic Cairo or Islamic Cairo, Of course which includes monuments like Khan el-Khalili, the Citadel, and al-Muizz Street.
Just be sure you get an early start each day and hire a guide and driver to make the most of your three days in Cairo. You can easily do everything on this list.
Two Comprehensive Itineraries for Two Days in Cairo and Giza
COME WITH ME TO CAIRO!
Things to visit in Cairo, Hiring a private driver and guide is the most hassle-free way to see Cairo. Nonetheless, you’re more than capable of getting around on your own via subway, bus, or taxi. To read an excellent piece about navigating Cairo’s public transit system, go here.
Does Cairo require a guide?
In Cairo, hiring a tour and driver takes care of transportation, allows you to see the landmarks with an expert, and teaches you a lot about the culture and traditions of the area.
Egypt Tailor Made was our go-to service during our stay in Egypt, not only for the Cairo trip.
You may visit Giza, Dahshur, Saqqara, Mit Rahina, and Cairo for free with the Cairo Pass. Of course The Egyptian Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Coptic Museum, the Saladin Citadel, all of Saqqara, the Red and Bent Pyramids in Dahshur, all of Giza Plateau, and all of Historic Cairo are included in this list of locations.
Or 90 euros for the Cairo Pass. You can use it for five days.
The Egyptian Museum, Saladin Citadel, and the Giza Plateau are some of the places where you may buy the Cairo Pass. The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities office in Zamelak, Cairo, located at 3 El-Adel Abubakr St., also has it.
Two black-and-white photocopies of the main page of your passport, together with two pictures of your passport, are required. Valid student identity cards are required. Please ensure that the US dollars or euros you use to purchase the Cairo Pass are crisp, fresh, and in pristine shape.
The majority of individuals would say no. The $100 USD won’t go far unless you cover a tonne of ground in Cairo and Giza or schedule many trips to the Egyptian Museum and the Giza Plateau. Also, as of January 2023, the Cairo Pass might not be worth buying due to the high US currency vs. the Egyptian dinar.
Using the exchange rate in January 2023 as an example, I calculated that a visit to the following sites would cost $57 USD: the Egyptian Museum, the Giza Plateau, the Saladin Citadel, Bab Zuweila, the Coptic Museum, the Islamic Art Museum, In addition to the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, and the pyramids in Dahshur, including the open-air museum in Memphis. Of course You will barely recoup the price of the Cairo Pass if you go to all of these.
The Cairo Pass isn’t worth it right now, but it was a steal in early 2022.
Things to visit in Cairo, Having said that, the Cairo Pass grants you unlimited visits to the Egyptian Museum and the Giza Plateau. In Cairo, these are the most expensive things. A single admission to the Giza Plateau, which includes the Great Pyramid and the Khufu Boat Museum, costs 600 Egyptian pesos (about $21 USD). Pay $42 (for two included tickets) if you’re planning on going twice.
Some may find the 50% reduction on the Luxor Pass to be worthwhile if they buy the Cairo Pass instead. Read our article on the Luxor Pass to find out more.
The Mena House Marriott. Our time here was absolutely first-rate. Seeing the Great Pyramid from our hotel balcony was an exhilarating experience, even though it was dark when we arrived at 8 o’clock. Enjoy one of the nicest hotel breakfasts we’ve had so far at this buffet-style restaurant. On top of that, while sipping your coffee, In addition to you can relax outside and gaze at the Great Pyramid.
The Mena House Cairo. Marriott
Inn at Pyramids View. Views of the pyramids and the Sphinx are available from this charming hotel. If you want to see the Sound and Light Show without fighting your way through the crowd, the rooftop deck is the spot for you.
The Pyramids of Giza are visible from this hotel, as they are from many others. The patio on the top level offers a breathtaking panorama of the pyramids. A balcony or view of the pyramids is available in certain rooms.
The Ritz-Carlton on the Nile. Cairo is the perfect location to live out your fantasies of a Ritz-Carlton vacation without breaking the bank. Guests of this hotel may easily reach the Cairo Tower and the Egyptian Museum (until the Grand Egyptian Museum opens) because of its prime location on Tahrir Square.
Things to visit in Cairo, In some respects, we can say that there are, in fact, two different faces of Egypt. The first is the Egypt of Cairo and the Nile, the bazaars that animate the medieval alleys, the pyramids, In addition to the Sphinx. Certainly The second is instead that of the Red Sea, where there are many seaside resorts and luxury resorts so loved by tourists in search of sunny beaches and seabeds to explore and things to visit in Cairo.
Temples, pyramids, tombs, and sphinxes from the Pharaonic era are interspersed with Muslim mosques and Coptic churches. But, besides knowing the most surprising archaeological remains of the place, in fact the traveler can enjoy the varied nightlife of Cairo, In addition to swim in the wonderful beaches of the Red Sea, or take a walk on the banks of the Nile.
but in reality, every corner of this site is home to wonderful pieces of ancient art or statues that would form the highlight of any other museum.
There is a wealth of history here to explore, which makes this place one of Egypt’s best tourist attractions. Visit the Al-Azhar Mosque and the dazzling Sultan Hassan Mosque, making sure to go under the roof of the ancient medieval gate of Bab Zuweila, Certainly from where you will see some of the best views of the minarets in the whole district.
The entrance to the temple is presided over by enormous stone pylons, which welcome the visitor, who can see the entrance patio, the temple of Ramses III, and the enormous hypostyle hall, formed by 134 columns of colossal dimensions. Inside the temple, there was a sacred lake, in fact which served to perform the worship of the god, in addition to numerous chapels and rooms.
On the walls inside the temples, we can admire various scenes representing different battles, as well as representations of some religious cults of the time.
in fact Many of the tombs are decorated with engravings of unique beauty, several of which represent the deceased in an act of worship or other activities, as well as scenes from the lives of the workers who carried out their construction. Once the visit to the Valley of the Kings is over, Certainly it is worth stopping to contemplate the figures of the Colossus of Memnon, which represent the figure of Pharaoh Amenhotep III sitting facing east.
Certainly Its interior is formed by various chapels in honor of gods like Anubis or Hathor, the latter represented by a woman with cow ears. Some of its terraces were once richly decorated with palm trees, fruit trees, vineyards, and even ponds.
In the vicinity of the Temple of Kom Ombo, you can visit the Crocodile Museum, which exhibits the mummies of several crocodiles found during the excavations, probably preserved in honor of the god Sobek.
Its interior is formed by various chapels in honor of gods like Anubis or Hathor, the latter represented by a woman with cow ears. Some of its terraces were once richly decorated with palm trees, fruit trees, vineyards, and even ponds.
FAQ
We can see most of the city’s attractions and do the must-see activities in just 48 hours. We shall, however, inevitably, have to let go of certain possessions. If that’s the case, and you only have 48 hours to spend in Egypt’s capital, you’ve come to the perfect spot.
The great bulk of the sights can be covered in three days. On the first day, you’ll see the old town; on the second, you’ll see the pyramids and the Nile; and on the third, you’ll learn about Cairo’s Islamic history.
Ancient Egypt’s beating heart and spirit are located in the massive metropolis of Cairo. Visitors come from all over the world to view the Giza pyramid complex, but the city also has a fantastic food scene and a distinct Middle Eastern culture.
We can see most of the city’s attractions and do the must-see activities in just 48 hours. We shall, however, inevitably, have to let go of certain possessions. If that’s the case, and you only have 48 hours to spend in Egypt’s capital, you’ve come to the perfect spot.
