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Cairo, a city steeped in history, is the gateway to exploring the wonders of Ancient Egypt and the incredible legacy of the ancient Egyptians. From iconic landmarks to cultural treasures, there are countless things to do in Cairo that will leave you in awe. After landing and settling in, you can start your journey with a breathtaking lunch atop the Cairo Tower, enjoying panoramic views of this vibrant city.
If you’re planning to visit the legendary Pyramids of Giza, the timeless Sphinx, or delve into the rich heritage of Islamic Cairo, our detailed guide has everything you need to plan your perfect day. Whether you’re exploring the bustling bazaars, marveling at ancient artifacts in the Egyptian Museum, or taking a serene boat ride on the Nile River, this guide ensures you make the most of your visit.
Nearest International Airport to Cairo and How to Get There
CAI, or Cairo International Airport, is the primary international access to Cairo. It lies NE, approximately 22 km from the city center. You can easily book the Cairo Airport Taxi service for a convenient transfer, offering 24/7 door-to-door transfers from the airport to any destination.
What is Cairo Best Known For?
Cairo is best known for its rich history, ancient landmarks, and vibrant culture. Here are some of the key highlights.
Al-Azhar Mosque
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Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the most famous and historic mosques in Cairo, built in 972 AD during the Fatimid era. It's one of the oldest mosques in the city and a generally important place of knowledge and faith in Egypt, while within the country this great Imam of Al-Azhar is one of the most famous religious leaders.
It is a very attractive and peculiar mosque, having evolved over more than 1,000 years, with numerous additions at different times giving the building almost every conceivable variety of architecture. The mosque has three slender minarets: one built in the 14th century, one in the 15th century and the last one in the 16th century. The courtyard is the oldest and most valuable part of the building.
Al-Azhar is also home to the second oldest university in the world, built in 988 AD. It is now one of the best places to learn Sunni theology and has a modern student campus. Visitors from all over the world come to this historic site to learn about its history and background. If you're in Cairo, the Al-Azhar Mosque is a place not to be missed.
Al-Azhar Park
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Al-Azhar Park is Cairo's most beautiful lush green oasis, built on a former medieval garbage dump and now hailed as the "green lung" of the Islamic district of Cairo. Finally inaugurated in 2005 after two years of renovation and opening to the public, the park was designed to be a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of today's Cairo streets - a nature lover's dream.
The park has gardens and paths that are always well maintained and are perfect for an evening stroll. When the sun goes down, the lighting and the historic structure of the buildings give you a fantastic view of Cairo's old town. You can take good pictures or just enjoy the tranquillity of the atmosphere.
Inside the park, there are restaurants selling all kinds of food that you can try. You can take your tea or full meals with you, so you can rest after travelling around Cairo.
Getting to the park is fairly easy: take a taxi, or if you're near the Islamic Cairo district, you can walk to the park from the lower entrance near Bab Zuweila. Just don't walk when the sun is at its strongest. Al-Azhar Park is certainly an oasis of beauty and tranquillity for anyone seeking peace and quiet in Cairo.
Saqqara and Dashur
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Saqqara is an important ancient burial site, located about 30 kilometers south of Cairo. It was the cemetery for Memphis, one of ancient Egypt's most powerful cities. Together with Dahshur, Saqqara is where the ancient Egyptians perfected their building skills. These sites make for an exciting day trip from Cairo and are a must-see.
Saqqara is famous for the Step Pyramid, one of Egypt’s most iconic structures. But there’s much more to explore. The area is filled with beautifully decorated tombs that tell stories of Egypt’s ancient past. Walking through these tombs feels like stepping back in time. A tour of Saqqara can take several hours due to the many things to see.
The site is still being excavated, and new discoveries are often made, providing fresh insights into ancient Egyptian life.
Not far from Saqqara is Dahshur, home to the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid. These pyramids are unique in shape and design. The Red Pyramid is considered Egypt’s first true pyramid, and both pyramids are worth visiting.
Exploring Saqqara and Dahshur can take half a day or more, and these ancient sites are an essential part of any trip to Cairo.
Nile River
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A trip to Cairo isn’t complete without experiencing the amazing Nile River. This river has been the lifeblood of Egypt for thousands of years and flows through the heart of the city, offering a unique way to see Cairo. You can enjoy many activities along the Nile, like floating restaurants, bars, and large cruise ships, especially at night.
For a peaceful experience, try a ride on a "felucca," a traditional sailing boat. These boats have been used for centuries on the Nile. As you sail, the cool breeze and the sounds of the city’s mosques at sunset create a calm, unforgettable experience. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy Cairo’s beauty.
Sailing on the same river Cleopatra once sailed on is a special experience. Imagine the history around you as you float along. This will be a cherished memory of your trip.
Another must-see along the Nile is the Nile Bridge, the first bridge to cross the river. It connects downtown Cairo to Gezira Island and offers great views of the river and the city.
The Nile is more than just a river—it’s a symbol of Egypt’s rich history and culture. A visit to Cairo without experiencing the Nile is truly incomplete.
Zamalek
Michael Starkie on Zamalek is a very beautiful neighborhood situated on Gezira Island in the middle of the Nile River. It is also famous for its trendy shops, cafes, and modern restaurants. This area has a unique European-style appearance from the 1800s. Zamalek boasts some of Cairo's best eateries, with great variety. For art lovers, it also has good art galleries.
One of the attractions is the Modern Egyptian Art Museum. It contains a fine collection of 20th-century Egyptian art, including works by famous artists such as Mahmoud Said. It is a good spot for anyone interested in Egyptian art.
If you don't like art, Zamalek has much more to offer. Aisha Fahmy Palace was constructed in 1907 and is known for its interior. It often hosts different art exhibitions, and it is nice to take a look around.
Another must-see is the Cairo Tower. It stands 187 meters high and gives great views over Cairo. It was built in 1961 and is one of the city's top landmarks. The best time to visit is in the late morning when the view is clear. You can also enjoy a meal at the Sky Garden Cafe, just below the observation deck.
Zamalek is an excellent combination of culture, history, and beautiful views. Whether you like art, architecture, or food, it's a place you shouldn't miss in Cairo.
Coptic Cairo
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The Coptic Museum is located in Coptic Cairo. It has one of the best collections of Coptic art in Egypt, all religious in nature, with textiles and old manuscripts, some of which help explain the early Christian period in Egypt.
Another place to visit is the ninth-century Hanging Church, built on the ruins of an ancient Babylonian castle. The church owes its name to the curious position of its structure above two Roman gate towers. For this and other reasons, it is considered by many to be one of the oldest churches in Egypt. It has beautiful Coptic architecture.
You can also visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, which is historically very important because it is believed that the baby Moses was found there. For those who are not religiously inclined, the history behind the synagogue is still an interesting experience.
The area is also home to small street markets selling souvenirs and traditional goods, and even if you're not shopping, the lively streets are worth a stroll. Best of all, visiting Coptic Cairo is free, making it one of the more budget-friendly things to do in Cairo.
Cairo Citadel
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Probably one of the most famous landmarks in Cairo is the Cairo Citadel. The building dates back to 1176 and is located on the top of a hill in the Mokattam Hills, overlooking Cairo. This is one of those sites that no visitor should miss, as it's one of the best things the city has to offer apart from the pyramids and is often referred to as the heart of Islamic Cairo.
From the top of the citadel, there are panoramic views of Coptic Cairo and, on a clear day, the Pyramids of Giza. The view is fantastic and the time spent looking is well spent. For any visit to an Islamic religious site, make sure you wear appropriate, decent clothing.
Inside the citadel itself, the biggest attraction is probably the Muhammad Ali Mosque, or better known as the Alabaster Mosque. Built in the 19th century, it is famous for the white stone that adorns its façade and for the height of its minarets. It offers some of the best views of Cairo, including those from the Gawhara Terrace.
Another famous mosque is El-Nasir Mosque, built between 1318 and 1335 AD. It is impressively unique in structure and architectural beauty, making it a place to visit for its historical significance.
Khan el Khalili Bazaar
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Venture into the heart of medieval Cairo, better known as Islamic Cairo, and the Khan el Khalili Bazaar. A 14th century Dunya marketplace - one of the liveliest and most colourful in Cairo - it is a must for souvenir shopping and a taste of Egypt's deep culture.
As you wander the narrow streets of the bazaar, you will come across everything from silverware and gold jewellery to antiques, colourful lamps and perfumed incense. The market is packed with these quaint treasures that tell a story of Egyptian craftsmanship.
The highlight of the bazaar is the selection of handmade accessories in the form of thread-embroidered shawls, hand-carved wooden trinkets and luxurious carpets with vibrant patterns and silky textures. These rugs are stunning to the touch.
There are also areas of gold, copper and spices, where the scent of various spices such as saffron, cumin and cinnamon can be smelled with the gleam of jewellery and copperware. A stroll through these markets is unforgettable, even if you do not intend to buy anything.
Giza Plateau
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The Giza Plateau is home to the famous Great Pyramid of Giza, the last surviving ancient Wonder of the World. It’s one of the most visited places in the world. A typical visit lasts at least two hours and is unforgettable. No trip to Egypt is complete without seeing it.
Besides the Great Pyramid, you can explore the Pyramid of Chephren (Khefre), which has an interior tunnel you can visit. Nearby is the Pyramid of Mycerinus (Menkaure), the smallest of the three.
The Giza Plateau takes you through Egypt’s history. The smallest pyramid, Menkaure, is followed by the second-largest, Khafre, and finally the Great Pyramid built by Pharaoh Khufu. The size and precision of these pyramids are truly impressive.
The Sphinx, a statue with a lion’s body and a pharaoh’s face, guards the pyramids. It’s another highlight of the site.
Soon, the Grand Egyptian Museum will open near the Giza Plateau. It will be the largest museum dedicated to Ancient Egypt, with many new artifacts.
For the best experience, visit in the afternoon when the sun sets and the pyramids glow golden. A trip to the Giza Plateau is a must-do in Cairo, offering a unique connection to Egypt’s ancient past.
Is Cairo safe to walk around?
Cairo is generally safe for tourists to walk around, especially in popular areas like the Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, and Islamic Cairo. It's important to stay alert and use common sense while exploring. If you travel smartly and use a reliable tour operator, your visit should be safe and enjoyable.
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- During the day, most tourist spots are safe, but be cautious in crowded places to avoid petty theft. The government and local authorities prioritize tourism, making Cairo one of the safest cities in Egypt. If you’re traveling solo, follow basic safety guidelines.
- Some areas, like the Sinai Peninsula and certain parts of the western desert, are not recommended due to political instability.
- For a more relaxed experience, Hurghada, a resort town on the Red Sea, is considered very safe with lower crime rates. It’s great for family-friendly activities like scuba diving and snorkeling.
- In Cairo, be vigilant, stick to well-known routes, avoid traveling alone at night, and use trusted transportation options. By following basic safety precautions, you can enjoy your time in Cairo worry-free.