Top Attractions & Activities in Cairo Egypt

Cairo welcomes you every moment with the warmth of a live city, filled with an aromatic smell of spices in the air, the sound of market vendors shouting out what they have to offer, and the high julach of ancient wonders against the skylines.

Deep inside all this sits the Great Pyramid of Giza's majestic stature-the landmark of mankind over the past 4,500 years. But Cairo is more than pyramids; from the timeless stare of the Sphinx to the irreplaceable treasures inside the Egyptian Museum, every step across this city brings to mind a journey through history.

Cairo is a city of experience, and now let's find out what must-visit attractions make Cairo an experience of a lifetime!

Explore the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Amongst the highest achievements of ancient engineering, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the most venerable amongst the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This magnificent monument attracts millions of tourists every year. Approximately 2570 BC is the time frame assigned for its construction.

Standing at 481 feet high and 756 feet at the base, the Great Pyramid remained the tallest man-made structure in the world for around 4,000 years. It is one of the most important things to do while in Cairo to see this pyramid, together with the other nine pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and some smaller tombs, all within the Giza Plateau.

To appreciate its grandeur, one should dedicate at least three hours to it. The entrance fee is 160 EGP; an additional 360 EGP allows access into the Great Pyramid. There is an additional half-hour's worth of sightseeing through its chambers.

Be aware of crowded periods. Fridays and Saturdays tend to be busier.

Remember, climbing the pyramids is not allowed, and plan your visit accordingly.

The site is conveniently located about 15 km (9 miles) southwest of central Cairo.

So, to sum it up, the Great Pyramid of Giza is a sight to behold when you go to Cairo, as it gives a sneak peek into history and enriches your excursion through the history of Egypt.

Marvel at the Sphinx.

Known in Arabic as Abu Al Hol, The Sphinx is a well-known landmark in Cairo. It is a limestone statue of a lion with a human head. It dates back to around 2500 before Christ and showcases the skills of ancient Egyptian craft workers.

-The Sphinx stands an impressive 20 meters high. From paw to tail, it stretches 73 meters long. Its width at the haunches is 19 meters. Of course, it is a must-see in Cairo, and when you stand before it, you will be shocked at its size.

-It's a manifestation of the great talent possessed by ancient builders: during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre, the Sphinx was carved from nummulitic limestone. Excavation started around 1400 BC. In 1931, a big restoration work was undertaken to conserve the Sphinx.

-The Sphinx lacks its famous nose. Theories of its loss include the possibility of it being damaged by Napoleonic troops.

-Damaged and perhaps decayed with time, the Sphinx is another great attraction to tourists. Give it time to understand its history and what secrets it holds. A visit to the Sphinx will be obligatory when visiting Cairo.

Discover the Egyptian Museum.

The Egyptian Museum is indeed a treasure haunted by ancient history; it boasts one of the largest collections of Pharaonic artifacts on earth, showing more than 170,000 assorted items, culminating in a unique viewing experience of the past.

The museum first started in 1902 and is located on Tahrir Square. The floor area of the museum is more than 13600 square feet. The number of halls exceeds a hundred. The museum showcases materials from the Predynastic to the Graeco-Roman periods, which span from about 5500 B.C. through A.D. 364. Objects displayed include the celebrated Golden Mask of Tutankhamun and over 3,500 artifacts from his tomb. For those interested in the Amarna Period, there is a special room dedicated to rare artifacts that were collected from a 16-year rule that dramatically transformed Egyptian art and culture.

The mummified remains of pharaohs, representing a kind of burial practice of the ancients, stupendous jewelry pieces, presenting stupefying craftsmanship. A very exciting experience is that of visiting the Egyptian Museum. It is, however, best with a guide for extensive insights. Entrance tickets are E£160 for adults and E£80 for student admission, while an extra charge applies for the royal mummies' chamber. With the opening of The Grand Egyptian Museum, the Egyptian Museum is a must-see. It will showcase over 100,000 artifacts from the megacity in a modern space.

Things to see and do in Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is so alive with history. Lots of activities can cater to all kinds of travelers. One has to stop at sites like the Great Pyramid and the Egyptian Museum. But there is so much more to enjoy while in Cairo.

Try Egyptian food at local restaurants. Koshari and molokhia are must-tries!

Wander down neighborhoods loaded with street vendors and market activity. Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is a shopping heaven.
Witness cultural shows of music and dance, which are manifestations of the artistic side of Egyptian culture.
Savor mint tea or Arabic coffee at one of the local cafes. Just sit and soak in the ambiance.
There are guided tours that make you appreciate the history of Cairo. You will come to know its culture and traditions.

Cairo is the largest city across Africa, with more than 22 million inhabitants. A place so alive and so full of history. Walk along the ancient streets of Islamic Cairo, a UNESCO site, or sit back and relax in a local café. The culture of Cairo will amaze you.

Wander Through Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Started in 1382, The Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is a vibrant place in Cairo, situated right in Islamic Cairo. Here, the old and the new converge—a wonderful place for shopping.

Strolling through, you will see shops selling
Jewelry made of local gemstones
Handmade textiles for souvenirs
Spices with intoxicating aromas
Unique pottery and paintings
Beautiful leather good

Take your time and immerse yourself; each corner hides something special. The structures are exquisite, especially with their Islamic and Mamluk architecture.

Koshary, Egypt's favorite dish, is found in a nook of that very bazaar. An excellent way to enjoy Cairo. If you want a more relaxed experience, arrive early in the morning or in the long afternoons, where it exudes chaotic life. The atmosphere can almost distract from the attractions. Of course, Khan El-Khalili is an attraction in its own right.

Looking for a place where shopping, culture, and food come together? Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is your perfect destination. Great finds and a lot of fun.

Visit Al-Azhar Mosque.

Al-Azhar Mosque was started in the 10th century by Sultan al-Muizz li Din Allah; it's one of the best sights in Cairo. The mosque has five minarets, a large courtyard with a fountain, and is an example of Islamic art.

Next to it is Al-Azhar University, established in 970 CE. It is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university teaches Islamic studies and Arabic literature; students come from everywhere to study there. Over 20,000 people may worship at this mosque. It is not just for the purposes of worship, but also for speaking and events.

Visitors are welcome without any entrance fee from sunrise to sunset.
One can visit this mosque for the experience during Ramadan, when the atmosphere becomes rather special.
Wear decent and respectful attire; women should go with a scarf on their heads.
Some basic fitness is required because of walking and climbing stairs.

Sinai Al-Azhar Mosque allows tourists to dive deep into the Islamic culture and history of Cairo. You can find different souvenirs like prayer beads and Islamic art. This mosque serves the purpose of spirituality, education, and culture; hence, it is a must-see place in Cairo.

Stroll Through Al-Azhar Park

Al-Azhar Park is a marvelous oasis of beauty in the city of Cairo, extending over 30 hectares and opened in 2005. This park is meant to be a haven, a real peace sanctuary embraced within the city. You will find beautiful, well-manicured gardens, very quiet walking paths, and exciting fountains here.

Walking through the park, one can see some of the beautiful views of Cairo landmarks such as the Citadel. The park has the character of Islamic landscaping in the design of all steps taken, which makes it more beautiful to enjoy. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy some local food in a peaceful setting.

Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am until 10:00 pm
Prices: Tickets are around 40 Egyptian pounds for an adult and 30 Egyptian pounds for a child.
Clear 760,000 cubes of debris to create this beautiful escape.

The park has popular play areas and lovely water facilities. Al-Azhar Park may not be included all the time in the tour packages, but it is one attraction of Cairo that visitors must not miss.

Admire the Museum of Islamic Art.

The Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo is an exceptional preservation site for Islamic culture. It was opened in 1881, making it one of the first rights to forge museums of Islamic art. It is located on Bb Al-Khalq square and houses over a hundred thousand objects.

These tell the story of a rich history that the Islamic world has carried in its bosom. You will see beautiful calligraphy and detailed work in metals. Each piece of it has its private story. The museum comprises two floors of artifacts from various Islamic dynasties. Temporary exhibitions occupy the ground floor, while the museum's permanent collection is displayed on the upper floor.

Highlights include pieces from the Umayyad dynasty and the Ottoman Empire. These exhibits show how Islamic art has evolved over time, demonstrating the shift in Islamic art from its previous shape. The museum has already regained its glory amid battles, such as renovations due to a bombing in 2014. It is, therefore, a must-see place while in Cairo. Visit it for at least half a day to admire and discover what is in store.

Explore objects from different Islamic ages.
Join guided tours and educational programs.
Visit the special shop for mementos and literature.
Refresh yourself at the museum café.

Explore Saqqara and the Step Pyramid.

Saqqara is situated some 30 kilometers to the south of Cairo. It is a living example of ancient Egypt. The Step Pyramid of Djoser, around 2700 BC or so, is the centerpiece of its attractions. An older stone pyramid, Djoser's, serves as his burial site. The entrance fee for a visit to Saqqara reaches E£150, allowing access to the Step Pyramid and additional attractions such as the Imhotep Museum. The Necropolis consists of tombs adorned with colorful scenes of life and rituals.

Somewhere else, it can cost E£60-150 to see different attractions in Saqqara. It holds amazing structures such as:

- The Step Pyramid of Djoser

- The Tomb of Mereruka, showing a festive banquet

- The mastabas exhibiting hunting and fishing scenes

According to the Cairo travel guide, spend the proper amount of time here. Do not skip the serdabs with statues of the deceased. Hiring a local guide for £850 and tips will enhance your experience.

The Saqqara Pyramids are a must-visit anywhere in Cairo. Good for photo opportunities or delving into history. Visit during March or April for pleasant weather, about 21°C.

Experience the Cairo Tower.

Standing at 614 feet, the Cairo Tower is the tallest building in Egypt and a prime tourist attraction. Built in 1961, it has the form of the lotus flower, a symbol of beauty and strength.

On the observatory deck, there is a breathtaking view of Cairo. The deck completes a rotation every 70 minutes, giving you glimpses of vibrant colors during sunset. Another highlight is a revolving restaurant located in the Cairo Tower, where international and Egyptian fare are served, allowing diners to gaze upon the busy streets of downtown Cairo and the Great Pyramids of Giza.

People enjoy the ambiance that accompanies dining here, making it one of the iconic things to do in Cairo.

The entry ticket costs approximately 200 EGP ($10).
The tower is open all days of the week from 9 am to 1 am, making it convenient for planned visits.
Taxis and Uber are readily available to take you there. Inside the tower, there are lifts for easy access.
The best time to visit is during the winter months, allowing for sunny skies and pleasant weather.
Their security checks are very tight for safety reasons during your visit.

After the visit, visit some local shops nearby to buy presents for family and friends: Egyptian cotton, jewelry, and miniatures of the Cairo Tower. This heritage site will make your city trip memorable: enjoy magnificent views, delicious food, and the culture of Cairo. See Cairo through the Cairo Tower's eyes.

Check Out the Mosque of Muhammad Ali

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, or the Alabaster Mosque, is a beautiful specimen of Ottoman architecture, found within the Citadel of Cairo. From 1830 to 1848, it was built, attaining approximately 52 meters in height with a majestic central dome. There are decorative tiles all over the interior, and huge chandeliers hang and show scenes from Islamic history. The mosque has a capacity of about 4,000 worshippers, all in its spacious prayer hall.

This mosque is one of the places to visit in Cairo. The entrance is magnificent, almost 9,000 square feet, ushering visitors into an ambience mingled with history and spirituality. The Turkish-style minarets are admired at an altitude of 82 meters above sea level. Entering the mosque is impressive. Inside lies the tomb of Muhammad Ali Pasha, who was instrumental in Egypt's modernization.

When you visit, ensure you wear something modest. Remove your shoes before entering the mosque. Be subtle, maintaining respect while there. The mosque remains open every day. In summer months, it opens between 9 AM and 5 PM, with winter closing at 4 PM. Thus, you can take your time to appreciate its beauty.

Location: Citadel of Cairo
Entrance fees: Generally, modest fees apply.
Transportation: Taxi or other ride-sharing services cost 10-15 Egyptian pounds (EGP).
Safety: Safety measures are heightened with the availability of CCTV and bag checks for a safe visit.

Visiting this mosque offers an opportunity for a display of Islamic architecture and an entryway into an Egyptian plunge. Do not leave without experiencing this place while in Cairo Tour, as it's truly a jewel.

Learn at the Coptic Museum.

The Coptic Museum is much visited in Cairo. It portrays the history of the Copts and Christianity in Egypt, which started in 1908. It has 16,000 items dating back to 5,000 years. Many of its artworks, textiles, manuscripts, and ceramics shed light on the expansion of Christianity throughout Egypt.

At the Coptic Museum, the visitor will view artifacts from the fourth century A.D. The first Bible, which contains not more than thirty leather books, is one of them. The essence of the museum makes one feel in Egypt, being together with its Christian history.

Entry fee: LE 100 and an extra LE 50 for photography.
Open from 9 AM to 4 PM each day; 12 hours is enough for a visit.
Consider it best if you plan to spend at least two to three hours for a full appreciation of what you will see.
One- to three-hour guided tours help you appreciate your stay even more.

Reaching the Coptic Museum is easy, with taxis available and street parking. Definitely do not leave Cairo without a visit to this museum; it will make your entire trip worthwhile.

Cairo is the confluence where extremely ancient history and vibrant culture meet in a single city. This guide demonstrates all activities with respect to Cairo.

Let Cairo do its charm and keep you bewitched. You'll find many treasures