Egypt is a fascinating country that has mesmerized travelers from all around the world, due to its rich history, towering pyramids, and varied artifacts. So, there’s much to see and plenty of things to do when one lands in Egypt’s capital city – Cairo. In fact, the city can be rather intimidating due to its metropolitan sector being the largest in the Middle East, and also the 15th largest city in the world!
Therefore, when travelers wish to find the best things to do in Cairo, they’re inevitably spoiled for choice. There’s a vast array of religious sites, museums, historic landmarks, and of course, those stunning monuments everyone learned about in history class. And let’s not forget about the glorious Nile River, which is another important focal point for both locals and visitors to Cairo.
There’s no time to waste, let’s discover the best things to do in and around Cairo.
Want to learn more about Cairo? Watch our video where we have a conversation with Aton, a local tour guide, who shares his best tips and insights!
1. Explore the past at the Egyptian Antiquities Museum
Egyptian museum 🇪 🇬 🇪🇬
Posted by Mohamed Elsayed محمد السيد on Thursday, 29 December 2016
A visit to one of Cairo’s many museums should be on top of every visitor’s list. And there’s no better starting point than popping by the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, which features over 120,000 ancient Egyptian relics. There are several rooms dedicated to various timelines and key events in Egyptian history. Make sure to visit the mummy room and see them unwrapped in front of your eyes!
Egyptian Antiquities Museum
Address: Meret Basha, Ismailia, Qasr an Nile, Cairo Governorate
Website: Egyptian Antiquities Museum
Tip from tour guide
Make sure to check out the details of the unfinished head of Queen Nefertiti, the wife of King Akhenaton. Her statue was excavated near Tell el Amarna and brought to the Egyptian Museum for preservation. Another notable attraction in the museum is the limestone statue of Prince Rahotep and his wife Nofret (The beautiful) from the 4th dynasty - one of the best-preserved masterpieces with vivid colors.
2. Discover another aspect of the city at the Coptic Museum
Posted by Sarra Ben Attia on Saturday, 1 April 2017
Visiting museums are some of the best things to do in Cario, especially when they explore the multi-religious facet of this city. The Coptic Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the foundations of the Coptic Christian faith in Egypt. A large collection of ancient artifacts, bibles, sarcophagi, and icons should fascinate both history and religious buffs.
The Coptic Museum
Address: 3 Mari Gerges, Kom Ghorab, Misr Al Qadimah, Cairo Governorate
Website: The Coptic Museum
Tip from tour guide
If you're interested in deep diving into the religious facets of the city, check out the rest of the Religious Complex around The Coptic Museum in Old Cairo. Wear comfortable shoes to prepare for a lot of walking and be sure to stop and admire the unique architectural details and embellished walls.
3. Enter the beautiful Mohamed Ali Mosque
Mohamed Ali Mosque at Salah El Din Citadel in #Cairo <3 #MohamedAliMosque #SalahElDinCitadel #OldCairo #thisisegypt #SpringToursEgypt
Posted by Spring Tours Egypt on Tuesday, 13 September 2016
Egypt is a predominantly Islamic country, and it only makes sense to visit the Mohamed Ali Mosque to gain greater insight into its rich Islamic history. This mosque was built in memory of Muhammad Ali’s son, Tusun Pasha, and surrounded by a stunning citadel. The mosque is very active and attracts both worshippers and foreign visitors who come to admire the architecture and the expansive views of Cairo.
Mohamed Ali Mosque
Address: Al Abageyah, Qism El-Khalifa, Cairo Governorate
Website: Mohamed Ali Mosque
Tip from tour guide
While you're exploring this mosque, make sure to also visit Al-Rifa'i Mosque adjacent to the Midan al-Qal'a (Cairo Citadel). It's the royal mausoleum for the members of Muhammad Ali's family.
Once you're done marveling at the glorious domes of this mosque, remember to drop by the local markets in the vicinity. Fall in love with Cairo in these bustling markets and learn about the city's history and economy while shopping for souvenirs.
Tip from tour guide
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, or Alabaster Mosque, stands majestically on Saladin's Citadel, overlooking the city's lively streets. Built in the early 19th century during Muhammad Ali Pasha's rule, it was designed to reflect Egypt's revival, inspired by Istanbul's Sultan Ahmed Mosque. The mosque is also Muhammad Ali Pasha's final resting place. Its grand alabaster dome and richly decorated interior make it both a significant religious site and a symbol of modern Egypt.
4. Witness one of the seven wonders of the world at the Gizeh Plateau
An early morning view the Pyramids at the Gizeh plateau.
Posted by Minnie Tours on Thursday, 23 February 2017
If you can handle the high temperature, then a guided tour through the Gizeh Plateau is absolutely essential! Here you’ll be exposed to the ancient sphinxes, temples, and pyramids, which are over 4,500 years old and some of the finest attractions Egypt has to offer. You can travel on horseback, camel, or even hire a taxi and the sites can be accessed between 9:00am to 11:00pm.
Gizeh Plateau
Address: Al Haram Str., Cairo 11511, Egypt
Cairo Tour Guide
Sama Nagy
I’m Sama your tour guide for your pleasant stay, I am an active licensed professional tour guide, I have been working at it with great enthusiasm,I welcome you to Egypt and I will support you during the tour, and you are going to enjoy your stay here in Egypt . This is a beautiful city where you can relax-and enjoy Egypt’s powerful history civilization,It is extremely important for all guests... Read more
Tours by Sama
Cairo Tour Guide
Anwaar
I'm Anwaar, your expert guide to Egypt, where every corner tells a tale! I craft adventures that mix history, culture, and pure fun. Join me on an immersive journey through its storied past and vibrant present. Let's wander through hidden gems and iconic landmarks, crafting memories that will last a lifetime. Adventure awaits—let's explore together!
Cairo Tour Guide
M Gomaa Hifny
Hello! I'm Mohamed Farrag Gomaa, and I’m proud to be a licensed professional tour guide in Egypt. issued in Cairo, my license number 17733 . My passion for being a tour guide stems from my deep love for Egyptian history, culture, and the stories that have shaped this incredible land over thousands of years. I find immense joy in sharing these stories with people from around the world, helping t... Read more
Tours by Mgomaa
Cairo Tour Guide
Elham Elhussieny
I'm Elham your professional and licenced tour guide to Hidden Treasures! With a keen eye for detail and a love for uncovering hidden gems, Elham is your ultimate guide to off-the-beaten-path adventures. With years of experience navigating diverse landscapes and cultures, Elham's tours are a blend of discovery, authenticity, and local flavor. Join Elham for a journey beyond the tourist traps, w... Read more
Tours by Elham
5. Ride on horseback to the Saqqara Pyramids
Saqqara💖💖 ⚘Perla⚘
Posted by Egypt Smiles To You on Saturday, 8 April 2017
The Saqqara Pyramids are the oldest pyramids in Egypt and are highly praised by archaeologists and visitors alike. One of the reasons is that’s easier to make out the hieroglyphics in the tomb areas. The best way to access these pyramids is by hiring a horse for the day. Just wear something cool including headwear as it’s incredibly hot in this area.
Saqqara Pyramids
Address: Saqarah, Al Badrashin, Giza Governorate
Website: Saqqara Pyramids
6. Get close and personal with the Giza and Keops Pyramids
Another major highlight for travelers to Cairo is visiting the great pyramids of Giza. They’re very well preserved, which is quite a fete considering how ancient these structures are. The best part is that visitors are permitted entry and may climb up the burial chambers of the Pharaohs.
Giza and Keops Pyramids
Address: Al Haram, Nazlet El-Semman, Al Haram, Giza Governorate
7. View the gorgeous Hanging Church
Hanging Church, Old Cairo ...
Posted by Egyptology Temple on Monday, 19 June 2017
The Hanging Church also goes by the names of El Muallaqa, St Mary, or Sitt Mariam, and is notable for its stunning exterior façade, which is exquisitely decorated. Visitors can view the icons and mosaics that adorn the interior of the church that dates back to the 3rd-century and is another important landmark of the Coptic Christian faith.
Hanging Church
Address: Kom Ghorab, Misr Al Qadimah, Cairo Governorate
Website: Hanging Church
Tip from tour guide
In Old Cairo, the Hanging Church is renowned for its icons and mosaics and is connected to a legend about Mokattam Hill. In the 10th century, Fatimid Caliph al-Muizz challenged Anba Abraham, the 62nd Coptic patriarch, to prove that faith could move mountains. After intense prayer and fasting, Anba Abraham received a divine vision from the Virgin Mary. Subsequently, Mokattam Hill shifted dramatically during an earthquake, fulfilling the biblical promise. This miracle prompted the caliph to restore the Hanging Church, which now symbolizes profound faith and divine intervention. The church's mosaic skillfully depicts the event, showing people celebrating the hill's movement, dancing with their horses, and holding crosses and the Bible.
8. Catch a movie or do some shopping at Festival City Mall
Posted by Cairo Festival City Mall on Friday, 16 June 2017
Exploring all those pyramids and museums may get a little tiring. You might want to take things slow, perhaps catch a movie or do a bit of shopping. The Festival City Mall is a nice contemporary shopping venue that has all the amenities one could ask for. It’s also not too large, or over-commercialized so it’s an easy venue to explore without the hustle and bustle of larger malls. Operating hours are between 10:00am to midnight.
Festival City Mall
Address: Cairo 171-11835, Egypt
Website: Festival City Mall
9. Bargain to your heart’s content at the Khan Al-Khalili
El Fishawy Coffeeshop - Khan Al-Khalili
Posted by Friends of Egypt on Saturday, 17 September 2016
While shopping malls can be a lot of fun, nothing comes close to bargaining for great deals at an authentic Egyptian bazaar. At the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar, visitors have an opportunity to browse the excellently displayed curios and chat with the friendly and helpful dealers. The stalls are perfectly arranged, and it’s easy to navigate the bazaar to find exactly what you’re looking for. Expect to find plenty of great souvenirs and gifts here such as spices, t-shirts, statuettes, jewelry, and galabiyyas.
Khan Al-Khalili
Address: El-Gamaleya, Qism El-Gamaleya, Cairo Governorate
Website: Khan Al-Khalili
10. Enjoy the best view of the city at the Cairo Tower
Revolving Restaurant
Posted by Wadi Degla Sporting Club on Thursday, 16 April 2015
Since Cairo is such a sprawling city, it’s very difficult to gain a sense of its vastness on ground level. The Cairo Tower offers visitors an opportunity to view the city and all its important landmarks from its top-level revolving restaurant. Spend some time enjoying a local meal or cocktail, while your eyes fixate on the Nile River and the many important landmarks in the distance.
Cairo Tower
Address: El-Gezira, Cairo 11511, Egypt
Website: Cairo Tower
Cairo gives travelers a taste of the ancient world
Few cities on the planet have the same amount of ancient artifacts, monuments, and structures that one will find in Cairo. The Pyramids of Giza are the main draw, but as we’ve already seen, there are so many other wonderful things about Cairo. The diverse range of important landmarks and museums available will delight even the most ardent of history buffs.
History
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