Looking for the best in Cairo?
Cairo is one of the great cities of the ancient world. Home to some of the oldest pyramids and relics on Earth, this metropolis of 10 million people is Egypt’s largest city and capital.
As a popular tourist destination for centuries, the city’s notorious pollution, noise and crime do not detract from its continued location along the tourist trail.
15 Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
Modern Cairo is full of life and vitality, and while most visitors love and hate the city at the same time for a variety of reasons, there is no doubt that vibrant Cairo must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. is not.
Getting to Cairo by plane is relatively easy. From London or New York Sharjah to Cairo ticketthe best airfare during the off-season (excluding Christmas) from November to March.
See the Giza Pyramids (Giza Necropolis)
When people think of Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza are at the top of the list.
The largest pyramid on the Giza Plateau and in all of Egypt is the Great Pyramid. Known locally as the Pyramid of Khufu (built in the early 26th century BC for Pharaoh), its narrow passageways can be explored. But what people marvel at is its gigantic appearance.
Further south along the plateau is the Pyramid of Kefre (also known as the Pyramid of Chephra). Contains an explorable inner tunnel. The smaller Pyramid of Mycerinus (also known as the Pyramid of Menkaure) is right next to it.
This area on the edge of Cairo is perfect to visit in half a day. You can get here by subway, taxi or by taking a tour. Highly recommend the tour if you want to enjoy it to the fullest.
Guess the Great Sphinx riddle
The Great Sphinx of Giza stands in the Giza Necropolis at the entrance to the Giza Plateau. The lion-bodied and pharaoh-faced sphinxes that appear to guard the mighty pyramids are as much a symbol of ancient Egypt as the pyramids themselves.
Built around 2500 BC for Pharaoh Khafre (builder of the Second Pyramid of Giza), the Sphinx is a large monolith carved from the bedrock of a plateau that served as a quarry for the pyramids and other monuments in the area . Some believe that the Sphinx’s head may have first been carved out of natural bedrock that had previously been shaped by the wind.
floating along the Nile
Cairo is the perfect starting point for your Nile cruise. The Nile, which flows north, is the longest river in Africa and is commonly believed to be the longest river in the world. Winding its way through 11 African countries, just north of Cairo he splits in two and empties into the Mediterranean Sea.
The Nile fuels hydroelectric dams and provides irrigation along its route. But Cairo has a pristine and gorgeous riverfront that is perfect for water cruises. Choose from party boats, historic boats, overnight stays and all-inclusive options. Some packages also include guided tours to the Pyramids and other land areas.
Get lost in the Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum, also known as the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities or the Cairo Museum, is one of the largest museums in the region and one of the oldest archaeological museums in the Middle East.
It houses over 120,000 Egyptian artifacts, many of which are pharaonic in nature. Often depicted in books and movies, Cairo’s Egyptian Museum is the perfect place to get lost in the past.
Featuring everything from mummies and beautifully intricate gold masks to pottery, papyrus, sarcophagi and jewelry, the museum houses one of Egypt’s most valuable collections. The museum he founded in 1901.
The museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Entrance tickets are 200 EGP for adults and 100 EGP for students.
Explore the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)
First in Egypt, NMEC showcases the history of Egypt from prehistoric times to today. Extensive collection of over 50,000 artifacts, including the wooden coffin of Ramesses II and a cartonnage of gilded leaves from Nezim Ankh’s coffin (an ancient Egyptian blend of hemp and papyrus glued together). It’s a museum.
Collecting artifacts from all the major museums in the region, the Pharaonic Mummies collection, which opened in 2017, is very extensive, as well as Greco-Roman, Medieval, Islamic and modern collections.
Divided into two permanent collections, both chronological and thematic aspects can be explored.
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Entrance tickets are 200 EGP for adults and 100 EGP for students.
Admire the Hanging Church of Coptic Cairo
The Hanging Church, officially known as the Coptic Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary, is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. The first iteration of the church likely dates to his 3rd century AD and is also called the Suspended Church or Almo Araka. It was built by order of the Roman emperor Diocletian.
A suspended church is not actually suspended. Instead, it was built or hung over the gates of old Roman fortresses, hence the name hanging.
It is a unique structure with a roof shaped like that of Noah’s Ark. The altar is particularly beautiful, with inlaid wooden panels in the shape of lotuses on the wall above the altar.
Admission to the Hanging Church is free, but donations are accepted.
The Coptic Museum is located by the Hanging Church. It houses the largest collection of Coptic art in the world. The entrance fee for foreigners to the Coptic Museum is 40 EGP (Egyptian Pounds).
Enjoy the view from the Cairo Citadel
The Cairo Citadel is also known as the Citadel of Sultan Saladin al-Ayyubi (Saladin) or the Citadel of Saladin.
It is a formidable and impressive defensive fortress due to its strategic location in the Mukattam hills.
It is also one of the best locations for panoramic views of Cairo.
There are many attractions here, including the Muhammad Ali Mosque, built by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1848, and the Sultan Al Nasir Muhammad Mosque, a royal mosque during the Mamluk era. The site also includes the National Police Museum and the National Military Museum.
Daytime foreigner admission, Adult: EGP 200, Nighttime foreigner admission, Adult: EGP 160.
Relax in the green oasis of Al Azhar Park
Al Azhar Park is a lovely haven away from the hustle and bustle of Cairo.
There is a lot of greenery, including palm trees, a children’s playground, fountains, lakes and restaurants. There is also golf cart transportation within the park.
Al-Azhar Park in Cairo’s Old Town is a sprawling 30-hectare (74-acre) park. Originally a 500-year-old garbage dump, the park has been transformed into a green oasis with waterfalls, citrus trees and gardens. It opened in 2005 and cost over $30 million.
While in the park, visit the nearby Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo’s first mosque, commissioned in 970. Admission to the mosque is free.
Entry to Al Azhar Par is not free. Foreigners tickets are EGP 30, Sundays are his EGP 35.
There’s so much to see in historic Cairo that you can’t just stop at the top 10 typical Cairo attractions. If you’re looking for more to-do lists while visiting Cairo, here are 5 more ideas.
explore the cave church
Visiting cave churches is one of the most unique things to do in Cairo.
The stave church, or Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner, is located on the Mokattam Mountains in southeastern Cairo. To reach the Cave Church, you need to go through the Garbage City.
Garbage City is a poor hamlet at the foot of Mokatam Hills outside Cairo. It is home to Cairo’s largest concentration of Zabaleen garbage collectors, and the economy revolves around the collection and recycling of urban garbage.
Great Cairo’s garbage is collected by Zabaleen and taken to the Garbage City settlement. Residents then separate the trash from recycling. There is trash everywhere, on the roof, on the street, etc.
The cave church is hand carved from the mountain. The cave church itself is quiet, peaceful and clean inside.
The capacity is 20,000 people. Middle East’s largest church.
The cave church can be visited for free.
Show off your bargaining skills at Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
The Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar in the heart of Islamic Cairo is a bustling and colorful outdoor bazaar. You can find everything from spices to perfumes, souvenirs, jewelry and hanging lamps.
There’s a lot to see here, with Cairo street shops full of haggling shopkeepers, narrow alleyways, street performers, bars and restaurants.
Most shops in Khan El Khalili Bazaar do not accept credit cards, but US dollars and Euros are often accepted.
Admission to the bazaar is free.
Shop until you stop at the Cairo Festival City Mall
This modern mall has all the necessary features you would expect from a mall, including international chain stores, cinemas, restaurants, food courts and more. It also connects to IKEA.
There is also a dancing fountain attraction.
Huge, modern place with free Wi-Fi, shopping cart rentals, and valet parking. You can also rent a power bank for your mobile phone.
If you have kids, you’ll love the stroller rentals, mom’s room, and child identification bracelets. There’s also a Magic Planet with rides, games, and fun for kids (and adults).
It costs nothing to go to the mall.
Walk along Al Muid Ridin Allah Street
Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street (known locally as Al-Muizz) is a major street in the historic Walled City of Cairo.
One of Cairo’s oldest streets, its history dates back to the foundations of the first walled city in the 10th century.
This north-south street has become famous for its proximity to popular markets in the region, such as the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, and especially for the large and beautiful buildings built along its north side. It houses a magnificently restored Mamluk-style building.
It is only 1 km long inside the walled city, running from gate to gate, and traversing its length is an easy walk for most people.
Highlights along Al-Muizz include the madrasa of as-Salih Ayyub, built in 1247, and a fine example of Islamic architecture. Directly opposite the Madrasa is the beautiful Kalawun Madrasa, considered by many to be one of the greatest architectural triumphs of the Mamluk era.
Completed in 1293 by Muhammad al-Nasir, son of Qalaun, the neighboring building has interiors filled with fine marble, mother-of-pearl mosaics, intricate tilework, and stained-glass windows. Further north is Nasr Muhammad’s Young Madrasa (built in 1309) with many ornate decorations.
Then there’s the Egyptian Textile Museum, which has a wide collection from Pharaonic to Islamic times. So is the large and imposing Sultan Hassan Mosque (Sultan Hassan Mosque Madrasa).
Enjoy the view at Cairo Tower
Located on the Nile Island of Gezira is the Cairo Tower. At 187 m (614 ft) tall, it is the tallest structure in Egypt and North Africa. This free-standing concrete tower is second only to the Pyramids of Giza, and its circular observatory and revolving restaurant at the top offer some of the best views in Cairo.
Home to the Zamalek district and Cairo Tower, home to most of Cairo’s artistic boutiques and hipster restaurants, Gezira’s Nile Island is also a great place to hang out and explore with friends.
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