Welcome to Cairo, Egypt’s vibrant capital, the place historical past, tradition, and the beautiful Nile River come collectively to create an unforgettable expertise. With a lot to see and do, it could possibly really feel overwhelming—however don’t fear, I’m right here to assist with a listing of the 24 finest issues to do in Cairo.
I visited Cairo on my honeymoon, and town utterly amazed me! From exploring historical landmarks to soaking within the native tradition, I’ve included all of the highlights from my journey, plus a number of experiences I didn’t get the prospect to attempt however would like to.
One tip whereas planning: e-book your excursions and actions early. Cairo is a vastly fashionable vacation spot, and one of the best experiences refill quick—securing your spot forward of time will prevent the trouble.
Let’s get began!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Don’t wait to e-book your guided actions in Cairo and danger lacking some important experiences!
Here are the principle issues to e-book prematurely:
And listed below are one of the best accommodations: Steigenberger Hotel($$$), Almadiafa($$), Tahrir Plaza Suites($)
1. Admire the beautiful collections on the Egyptian Museum
The first spot I visited on my go to to Cairo was the Egyptian Museum, and I can inform you that it’s one of many must-visit locations to go to in Cairo. The museum hosts the most important assortment of Egyptian antiquities on the planet, so you’ll be able to simply spend all the day admiring the displays and nonetheless not handle to see the whole lot.
TIP: Plan your museum go to earlier within the morning; sadly, the museum doesn’t have air con, so it will get fairly sizzling and uncomfortable. Also, visiting early within the morning means you’ll escape the larger crowds that often arrive within the afternoon.
I like to recommend setting apart at the very least 3 to 4 hours in your museum go to, which must be sufficient time to see the principle highlights. And if there’s one factor you shouldn’t miss, it’s the Tutankhamun Hall. This is the place you’ll see the funerary golden masks of Tutankhamun, in addition to many different treasures from his tomb.
P.S. You can take photographs of the whole lot within the museum – besides the Tutankhamun Hall! And although that is unlucky, it made me admire what I used to be rather more – it truly is (for many of us) a once-in-a-lifetime alternative.
PRICE: EGP 550 (US$10)
2. Visit the pyramids & the Great Sphinx in Giza
The Great Pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza are Egypt’s most well-known landmarks, and Cairo is a brilliant handy base for visiting them. I extremely advocate visiting the Giza plateau on a guided tour from Cairo – that’s what I did, and it was undoubtedly cash nicely spent.
TIP: in the event you’re feeling adventurous (and also you’re not claustrophobic), you too can go inside one of many pyramids. I ventured into the smallest of the three pyramids, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and it was an incredible expertise. However, this isn’t included within the normal entry ticket, so earlier than you enter the plateau, speak to your information about getting a ticket from the entrance desk.
During the tour, you’ll see the three Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, have loads of time to take photographs, and even go on a 15-min camel journey – it’s enjoyable and never as scary because it seems to be. Your information will present invaluable data on the historical past of those monuments, which is able to add a complete new perspective to your go to.
PRO TIP: Don’t settle for a camel journey that’s not a part of the tour you paid for! The camel homeowners will attempt to rip-off you – you’ll decide on the value, and as soon as they get you to the agreed vacation spot, they may request more cash to convey you again. I do know it sounds loopy, however many individuals have fallen sufferer to those scams – be additional cautious round right here.
PRICE: US$22
Subscribe right here to rise up to 35% off your lodging in your subsequent journey!
3. Embark on a cruise alongside the Nile River
The Nile River runs proper by means of Cairo, and it’s one of many metropolis’s (and the nation’s) most notable pure points of interest. While in Cairo, a cruise on the Nile is an absolute should; I like to recommend reserving a spot on this dinner cruise, which, moreover an open buffet dinner, features a conventional dance present and is a superb alternative for sightseeing.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time for a dinner cruise, however I did go on a felucca crusing journey alongside the Nile, and it was an incredible expertise! The felucca is a standard picket boat that takes you alongside the river so you’ll be able to admire the majestic Nile riverfront – I extremely advocate it in the event you’re brief on time!
PRICE: Dinner cruise: US$51; Felluca crusing journey: US$10
4. Shop on the stalls of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar
One of probably the most iconic Cairo landmarks is Khan el-Khalili (map), a bustling bazaar within the metropolis heart. This bazaar dates again to the 14th century and has been the middle of commerce in Cairo for hundreds of years. In Khan el-Khalili, you’ll discover what appear to be numerous stalls promoting souvenirs, conventional handicrafts, spices, jewellery, and loads of different cool issues.
If there’s just one place you buy groceries in Cairo, it must be Khan el-Khalili. It’s the last word place to get some distinctive souvenirs out of your journey, however remember to haggle till you’re feeling such as you’re getting a good value. Unfortunately, distributors in Cairo (and Egypt on the whole) attempt to overcharge vacationers, and it doesn’t really feel good to be scammed.
NOTE: When exploring the bazaar, maintain your valuables out of sight and ensure they’re protected. This is such a crowded place, and theft is at all times a danger, so it’s higher to be protected than sorry.
5. Check out the exhibitions at The Grand Egyptian Museum
The subsequent cease in your Cairo explorations will take you to Giza as soon as once more and to The Grand Egyptian Museum. This is a newly constructed museum, and although it’s nonetheless beneath building, some displays have change into obtainable to the general public.
Please don’t combine it up with the Egyptian Museum (#1 in my record), these are 2 totally different locations!
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is positioned close to the Giza Pyramids and it undoubtedly extra fashionable. It consists of the whole assortment of King Tutankhamun’s artifacts. The older Egyptian Museum positioned in Tahrir Square alternatively, homes an enormous but conventional show of artifacts, whereas GEM is extra immersive in my view.
Once the museum is totally accomplished, it is going to change into one of many largest and most fashionable on the planet, in addition to the most important archeological museum on the planet. Here, you’ll see artifacts which have by no means been displayed earlier than – that’s tremendous cool!
Currently, solely a few expositions are open to the general public, so you need to test on the official web site what is out there by the point you go to.
PRICE: EGP 1270 (US$25)
6. Visit the enduring Citadel of Saladin
The Citadel of Saladin (map), also referred to as the Cairo Citadel, is among the most spectacular Cairo landmarks. Dating again to the twelfth century, this fortress performed an vital position in defending town from the Crusaders. Today, it gives one of the best panoramic views over Cairo.
Within the partitions of the Citadel, you’ll come throughout the Mosque of Muhammad Ali (map), in addition to the towers of the Citadel and the Citadel jail. Tickets can be found for buy on-site, and the Citadel welcomes guests day by day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
NOTE: Tickets for Cairo points of interest are not often obtainable on-line, which means that you simply’ll have to affix a queue and purchase them immediately on the location. That’s another excuse why I like to recommend taking guided excursions at any time when doable – guides get the tickets in bulk for all the group, they usually have a bonus over individuals queuing up – this protects valuable time!
PRICE: EGP 550 (US$12)
7. Go up the Cairo Tower to get pleasure from one of the best views of town
One of the primary issues I noticed within the Cairo metropolis heart was the Cairo Tower (map) – you can not miss it! This imposing tower is just not solely tall – and it’s the tallest constructing within the metropolis – nevertheless it additionally has a really intricate and crowd pleasing design.
Even although you’ll be able to simply admire the constructing from the bottom, I extremely advocate going as much as the remark deck and having fun with one of the best view of Cairo. Besides taking within the views, you too can have a meal on the revolving restaurant, however remember that it’s a bit pricier, and it’s worthwhile to make a reservation prematurely – there’s extra information on their Facebook web page.
PRICE: EGP 250 (US$5)
8. Pay a go to to The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
I hope you’re a museum buff as a result of there’s one other spot you completely want to go to in Cairo – The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. This museum covers all the historical past of the Egyptian civilization, from historical occasions to the current day, and shows greater than 50,000 artifacts.
I recommend taking a number of hours to discover the entire galleries within the museum, however you need to pay particular consideration to the Royal Mummies Gallery, which incorporates the mummies of 20 Egyptian kings and Queens. This is among the few Cairo points of interest that gives on-line ticket purchases – you will get your ticket right here.
PRICE: EGP 500 (US$10)
9. Spend a calming day at Al-Azhar Park
Cairo is hectic – there’s little question about that! So, in the event you want an escape from the crowds and all of the noise, head to Al-Azhar Park (map) and immerse your self in its peaceable environment. This is a large park with many strolling paths, so even when there are different individuals there, you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from your peace and quiet.
You can stroll round, sit and admire the views of town, or also have a drink at one of many cafes and eating places throughout the park. There’s additionally a devoted youngsters’ space, so the entire household may have enjoyable on this park go to!
NOTE: If a neighborhood provides to take your image, don’t settle for it until you’re keen to pay them. Remember that they may request cash, and a few may not be keen to present you your telephone again until you pay them.
10. Explore Old Cairo on a guided tour
If you don’t prefer to roam the streets of Cairo by your self (and it’s higher in the event you don’t – you would possibly get misplaced) or in the event you’re brief on time, I recommend reserving a guided tour that can take you thru Old Cairo.
The tour will cowl websites from each Islamic and Coptic Cairo, together with the Citadel of Saladin and El Moez Street, well-known for its attractive Islamic structure, in addition to the Christian church buildings, Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church. A standard lunch can be included within the tour, so that you’re set for the entire day.
NOTE: Cairo is a large and bustling metropolis, and sadly, it’s stuffed with vacationer scams. For instance, our information warned us that as a substitute of change in euros, locals would possibly present the change in Egyptian kilos – the 1 Euro coin and the 1 pound coin are extraordinarily comparable. That’s simply one of many many causes I like to recommend exploring Cairo on a guided tour.
P.S. Here is an efficient free strolling tour as nicely (a tour primarily based on ideas) – they’re at all times tremendous informative and enjoyable, I attempt to take one in every metropolis I’m going to!
PRICE: US$55
11. Stop by Al-Azhar Mosque to admire the structure
There are loads of mosques in Cairo, so that you could be uncertain which of them you need to go to. Well, if that’s the case, I like to recommend visiting Al-Azhar Mosque (map), Cairo’s oldest mosque and one of the spectacular architectural landmarks.
Take a while to admire the intricate particulars on the facade earlier than you proceed inside. Entrance is free for everybody, however try to be dressed modestly to enter (shoulders and knees coated), and also you’ll must take off your footwear.
12. Visit the Abdeen Palace Museum
Off to the museum once more, I do know! But this time, it’s a little bit of a special museum than those talked about above. The Abdeen Palace Museum (map) is an opulent, ornate palace that was the house to the Egyptian royal household and now serves as one of many presidential palaces.
The museum assortment incorporates many silver and gold artifacts, in addition to weapons and armor that offer you a glimpse into newer Egyptian historical past. You also needs to take a while to stroll across the gardens and snap some photographs. If doable, go to on a weekday to keep away from the crowds.
PRICE: EGP 100 (US$2)
13. Have enjoyable on a desert safari from Cairo
Ready to have some enjoyable? Well, get able to embark on a full-day desert safari from Cairo! This safari features a 4×4 journey by means of the sand dunes, a camel journey, sandboarding, and horse driving. You’ll additionally get to benefit from the scenic views all day lengthy and cease for lunch on the Magic Lake camp – you received’t be bored for a minute.
I took a tour myself and it was probably the most enjoyable I had on all the journey! Just ensure you put on comfy garments (lengthy pants and a long-sleeve shirt) and get a dessert scarf and a pair of goggles (or at the very least a very good pair of sun shades) and also you’ll be all able to go.
PRICE: US$130
14. Explore the Zamalek neighborhood
Regardless of the place you’re staying in Cairo, you must take a while to discover Zamalek (map), a big and cosmopolitan neighborhood that’s located on a man-made island on the Nile River.
TIP: Before your go to to Zamalek, you need to learn The Lady of Zamalek (obtainable for buy right here), a novel that mixes real-life occasions with fiction. The novel will present an perception into the Zamalek neighborhood, in addition to a glimpse into Twentieth-century Egyptian historical past – it’s a very good and informative learn.
You can simply attain Zamalek from Cairo’s metropolis heart by way of the 6 October Bridge (map) – you’ll be able to stroll or take a taxi. Once there, go for a stroll across the neighborhood (don’t fear, it’s protected), and maintain your eyes peeled for the Cairo Opera House and the Aisha Fahmy Palace.
15. Take a guided personal tour to Luxor
Luxor was presumably my favourite place in Egypt (I nonetheless can’t resolve between that and the pyramids). So, when you have time in your Cairo journey, I extremely advocate that you simply e-book a full-day guided tour of Luxor.
Since Luxor is sort of removed from Cairo (660 km or 410 miles), you’ll must go by aircraft – the flights are included within the tour. During this tour, you’ll go to the majestic Luxor and Karnak temples, the Valley of the Kings, and the Hatshepsut Temple, plus go on a felucca journey on the Nile – it’ll be a day filled with actions, however undoubtedly definitely worth the time and vitality.
PRICE: US$300
16. Visit Egypt’s first pyramid in Djoser, Memphis, & the Bent Pyramid
The Great Pyramids of Giza are Egypt’s most well-known monuments, however that doesn’t imply that they’re the one pyramids within the nation. On this guided tour from Cairo, you’ll be able to go to the primary pyramid ever inbuilt Egypt, the Djoser pyramid in Saqqara, the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid of Dahshur, in addition to Memphis, the traditional Egyptian capital.
The tour lasts between 6 and seven hours, provides lodge pick-up (and drop-off, after all), and can take you to some lesser-known however equally fascinating Egyptian monuments. Your tour information will inform you in regards to the wealthy historical past of all of the locations you go to, so this may even be an excellent studying alternative.
PRICE: US$40
17. Enjoy a calming stroll alongside the People of Egypt Walkway
If you’re questioning what to do in Cairo within the evenings, I like to recommend a pleasant stroll alongside the People of Egypt Walkway (map). This lengthy promenade stretches alongside the East financial institution of the Nile River and gives an excellent alternative to see a special image of town.
Although you’ll be able to take this stroll through the day, it’s higher in the event you do it at evening, and the explanation for that’s twofold – firstly, you don’t want to fret in regards to the warmth, and secondly, the walkaway is properly illuminated within the evenings. You can simply stroll round and admire the views or cease in one of many quite a few cafes and eating places alongside the best way.
18. Go on a guided day journey to Alexandria
One of the preferred issues to do in Egypt and Cairo is to take day journeys to different components of the nation (you’ve most likely guessed that primarily based on my suggestions up to now). Well, I’ve one other glorious advice – a guided day journey to Alexandria!
Alexandria has an important place in Egyptian historical past. During this tour, you’ll get to see a few of its most vital landmarks, together with the positioning of the well-known Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of many 7 wonders of the traditional world. Lunch and lodge pick-up/drop-off are included within the value – you simply want to make sure you have some comfortable footwear.
PRICE: US$39
19. Visit The Hanging Church
When you’re not occurring day journeys and nonetheless in search of issues, you need to go to one other one of the celebrated Cairo vacationer points of interest – The Hanging Church (map). This Coptic Orthodox church traces its origins again to the fifth century and is recognizable for its distinctive architectural model.
Don’t overlook to look out for the church’s most hanging function – the picket roof formed like Noah’s ark – and take a while to admire the fantastically adorned inside. Entrance is totally freed from cost, however be aware of the way you’re dressed; at all times costume modestly when visiting spiritual websites.
20. Spend a calming seashore day on a visit to the Red Sea
Besides its wealthy historic and cultural legacy, Egypt can be an unimaginable seashore vacation spot. The Red Sea is known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful coral reefs, so that you shouldn’t miss an opportunity to expertise it on this day journey from Cairo.
This tour will take you to El Ain Sokhna, a resort city on the coast of the Red Town, the place you’ll be able to spend the day swimming and enjoyable beneath the solar. And when you have the prospect to go snorkeling, do it! Snorkeling within the Red Sea is a really magical expertise; the coral reefs listed below are one of the lovely pure wonders I’ve ever seen – don’t miss out!
PRICE: US$100
21. Learn about historical Egypt on the Pharaonic Village
The Pharaonic Village is among the coolest issues you are able to do round Cairo! The goal of this attraction is to indicate how the traditional Egyptians lived their on a regular basis lives. This is in contrast to the rest you’ll see in Egypt, and one of the simplest ways to expertise it’s by reserving a personal guided tour.
On the tour, they may take you crusing among the many community of canals within the village, and you will notice replicas of many vital Egyptian monuments. You may also watch how conventional papyrus is made (that is tremendous cool!) and even go to replicas of Egyptian properties to get a glimpse of life in Ancient Egypt – it’s the last word expertise!
PRICE: US$82
22. Try conventional Egyptian meals
Your go to to Cairo can be incomplete with out attempting some conventional Egyptian meals. I’ll be sincere – I used to be not an enormous fan of Egyptian delicacies, however there have been a number of dishes I actually loved, like koshary, the nation’s nationwide dish.
Koshary is a really various dish – it’s made with rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, fried onions, and tomato sauce, and it’s an actual explosion of taste. I actually like that it was recent but filling, so undoubtedly attempt it! There are a number of nice locations to have koshary in Cairo, comparable to Koshary Abou Tarek (map) and Koshary El Tahrir (map).
P.S. The incontrovertible fact that I personally was not a fan of sure Egyptian dishes shouldn’t flip you away from attempting – you may need a totally totally different style, and you may find yourself having fun with it loads.
23. Go on a buying spree on the Citystars Mall
Sightseeing is enjoyable, however it could possibly additionally get a bit a lot. Well, if that occurs, you’ll be able to at all times spend a day buying and enjoyable, and there’s no higher spot for it in Cairo than the Citystars Mall (map).
This is a large mall that includes quite a few designer shops, in addition to different outlets, eateries, and cafes. You can spend a complete day right here with out becoming bored, and it’s additionally an excellent alternative to get some issues to recollect out of your journey – it’s a win-win!
24. Walk round El-Tahrir Square
Last, and in no way the least, I like to recommend a go to to El-Tahrir Square (map). The sq. is among the focal factors of town, and also you’ll undoubtedly move it by when exploring. But you also needs to take the time to roam across the sq. and take a look at the imposing obelisk in its very heart.
Nearby, you’ll discover some cool outlets and cafes, so while you get bored with strolling across the space, you are able to do some impulse buying or simply chill and loosen up with a espresso in hand. It’ll be time nicely spent, belief me!
Where to remain in Cairo
If you wish to discover out what Cairo is understood for and test off all (or most) of the issues on this record, you’ll want to remain within the metropolis. Below, you’ll discover my handpicked lodge suggestions in every value class, however in the event you want some additional solutions, seek the advice of our full information on the finest locations to remain in Cairo.
Luxury (US$150 and up)
- Steigenberger Hotel ($$$) – located in Downtown Cairo and overlooking El-Tahrir Square, this upscale lodge is among the final locations to remain within the metropolis, providing entry to a pool, a restaurant, a fitness center, and room service
- Kempinski Nile Hotel ($$$) – a 5-star lodge positioned on the financial institution of the Nile River, that includes a rooftop swimming pool and a wellness heart, in addition to facilities like butler providers {and professional} massages
Mid-range (US$60 – US$150)
- Almadiafa ($$) – this lodge is in a central location and provides air-conditioned rooms, every geared up with a fridge and a minibar, laundry providers, and an airport shuttle at an extra cost
- New President Hotel ($$) – visitors at this 3-star lodge will get pleasure from a keep in properly adorned rooms, an a la carte restaurant and bar, a scrumptious breakfast, and complimentary Wi-Fi
Budget (as much as US$60)
- Tahrir Plaza Suites ($) – this reasonably priced lodge is in a really perfect location for exploring town and has comfy rooms, a shared lounge, and a 24-hour desk prepared that can assist you with any facet of your journey
- Garden City Plaza Hotel ($) – a budget-friendly lodge that gives an on-site forex alternate, room service, and compact rooms that function personal loos stocked with free toiletries
Practical data
Before we wrap up this submit, I wished to supply some sensible ideas that can make your Cairo simpler and extra nice – learn by means of the sections beneath!
How to get round
Getting round Cairo is just not as troublesome as it might appear at first – in the event you method it proper! The very first thing you need to know – driving is out of the query! Cairo has such hectic site visitors that getting behind the wheel is a horrible concept. Luckily, there are different modes of transport you’ll be able to depend on, so no want to fret.
Public transport
Cairo does have an in depth public transport community, however I wouldn’t advocate utilizing it, particularly in the event you’re visiting for the primary time. The buses and the metro are extraordinarily crowded, and vacationers are sometimes the goal of theft; additionally, there’s the chance of harassment of girls, so it’s finest to steer clear.
However, when you have no different selection otherwise you’re keen to take your probabilities, you’ll find extra information on the general public transport community right here.
Taxis/Ride Sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing providers can be found in Cairo – they usually’re one of the simplest ways to get across the metropolis. If you favor ride-sharing, Uber is out there in Cairo, and it’s an effective way to get round at a good value.
If you wish to order a an airport switch, I’d advocate WelcomePickups, a trusted service that gives truthful costs and skilled drivers, so that you don’t have to fret about your security at any given second.
TIP: Whenever doable, go for guided excursions. All of those excursions embody transfers, and most of them supply lodge pick-up and drop-off, so that you received’t have to fret about getting from level A to level B. Plus, they’re protected, and you might be accompanied by a neighborhood information that may aid you navigate town.
As I discussed, Cairo is teeming with vacationer scams, and while you’re a part of a bunch, you’re much less more likely to be focused. Plus, your information can warn you about among the most typical scams, in addition to defend you from the pushy distributors who’re attempting to promote you one thing. Also, the information can inform you the truthful value of sure gadgets and even negotiate for you.
All about SIM playing cards
As quickly as you land in Cairo, you need to get again on-line. The means to try this is both by activating an eSIM in your telephone or by getting a bodily SIM card with a knowledge plan.
The record beneath options one of the best eSIM and SIM suppliers in Egypt:
Whenever I journey, I take advantage of an Airalo eSIM, and I’m very proud of their service. It’s straightforward to make use of and nice worth for cash. Unfortunately, on my journey to Egypt, I didn’t trouble to buy an eSIM beforehand, so I needed to get a bodily SIM on the airport. I acquired an Orange SIM card, and it labored nicely for me – it was cheap and supplied nice protection.
FAQs about one of the best issues to do in Cairo
⏲️ Is 3 days in Cairo sufficient?
Yes, 3 days are sufficient to see the principle highlights of Cairo, together with visits to the Egyptian Museum, the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, and Khan el Khalil bazaar, in addition to occurring a guided tour of Old Cairo and attempting some conventional meals.
🏛️ What do vacationers sometimes do when visiting Cairo?
Some of the preferred vacationer actions in Cairo are a dinner cruise on the Nile River, buying at Khan el-Khalili bazaar, visiting the Citadel of Saladin, and going up the Cairo Tower.
💰 Is Cairo an inexpensive metropolis?
Yes, Cairo is a really reasonably priced metropolis in comparison with different vacationer locations world wide. Every week-long journey to Cairo will value you about US$300 to US$400 per individual (with out flights), and your cash will go a good distance right here.
👖 How ought to I costume in Cairo?
While in Cairo, you need to costume modestly, particularly in the event you’re planning on visiting any spiritual buildings. You ought to cowl your shoulders and your knees and keep away from brief skirts and shorts.
🚶 Is Cairo a walkable metropolis?
📅 What is one of the best month to go to Cairo, Egypt?
The finest months to go to Cairo are from October to April when the climate is just not as sizzling, and you may comfortably discover town.
Final phrases on the highest issues to do in Cairo
We’re on the finish of this information on one of the best issues to do in Cairo. By now, try to be all set with actions in your journey!
Don’t overlook to e-book all of the organized actions prematurely; Cairo is a brilliant fashionable vacation spot, and in the event you wait too lengthy, one of the best experiences might not be obtainable in your journey dates.
If you’ve got every other questions on Cairo or issues to do, drop me a remark beneath. I’m completely satisfied to get again to you and aid you plan your journey!
Enjoy your time in Cairo,
Hristina
Pin it for later!
Pin it for later!
