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Egypt’s capital, Cairo, is a mix of the ancient and the modern; it’s a city that has a culture and history stretching back millennia. There are so many amazing places to visit in Cairo; its iconic sites, bustling markets, and rich culture make it a very special destination to visit. The city is an interesting place to visit, whether you want to see the Pyramids of Giza or stroll through the streets of Islamic Cairo. If you are a history buff, an art lover or an adventure enthusiast, Cairo is for you.
10 Places To Visit In Cairo
Here is a list of places to visit in Cairo that capture the essence of the city, combining historical significance with breathtaking beauty.
1. Pyramids Of Giza
Photo: Alexander Popovkin / Unsplash
The Pyramids of Giza is Egypt’s most famous monument and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The biggest and most iconic of these three pyramids is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which is 138 metres high. You can wander around the pyramids and the nearby limestone Sphinx, a masterpiece of Egyptian architecture and engineering. The Giza complex provides an insight into ancient burial and should not be missed by anyone visiting Cairo. It is a wonderful experience to visit the Pyramids of Giza, to look at such old buildings and feel awe at their size and history.
Location: Giza
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
2. Islamic Cairo
Photo: Yamen / Wikimedia Commons
Islamic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the centre of Cairo’s Islamic legacy, with mosques, madrasas and tombs dating to the Islamic Golden Age. The town has the famous Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali and the magnificent Sultan Hassan Mosque. Streets of Islamic Cairo are lined with lively bazaars and craftsmen. A trip to this historical district is a step into the past, into the culture, and into Cairo’s Islamic civilisation.
Location: Cairo
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
3. Cairo Citadel
The 12th-century Cairo Citadel, built by Saladin, provides a 360° view of the city of Cairo. Built high on a hill, it had been constructed to protect the city from the Crusaders. There are some stunning mosques in the Citadel, such as the magnificent Mosque of Muhammad Ali. The citadel also houses museums, including the Military Museum and the Museum of Islamic Art, which provide a fascinating insight into Egypt’s military heritage. A visit to the Citadel offers a glimpse into Cairo’s medieval past and is one of the city’s key historical attractions.
Location: Cairo
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
4. The Egyptian Museum
Photo: Dilip Poddar / Unsplash
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses the world’s greatest array of ancient Egyptian artefacts. Among the museum’s most notable features are Tutankhamun’s treasures, mummies, antique jewellery and many statues and historical objects from Egypt’s long history. This museum is a must-visit for tourists interested in Egypt’s pre-historic civilisation and provides an immersive experience of its culture, art and history. With more than 120,000 objects on display, the museum offers a fascinating tour through Egypt’s history.
Location: Cairo
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
5. Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Photo: Thales Botelho de Sousa / Unsplash
Khan El Khalili is one of the most ancient markets in the Middle East and must be visited at least once if you are in Cairo. Located in Islamic Cairo, the market is a series of winding streets full of shops that sell everything from spices to jewellery, fabrics and souvenirs. It is fun to stroll through the bazaar to experience the local culture. Visitors can bargain with vendors for the items they want to purchase. It’s also a good spot to experience the cuisine of the locals and take in the atmosphere of Cairo’s vibrant market.
Location: Cairo
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
6. The Nile River
Photo: Jordi Orts Segalés / Unsplash
The Nile is Egypt’s lifeblood, and a trip to Cairo is not complete without experiencing the river. The Nile River cruise will let you observe the cityscape of Cairo and the historical buildings that are on the banks of the river. There are also felucca boats that are more intimate and more quiet. A cruise on the Nile is the best way to unwind, admire the city, and immerse yourself in Egypt’s closeness with the river that has fed the country for thousands of years.
Location: Cairo
Timings: Varies by tour
7. Al-Azhar Park
Photo: Thales Botelho de Sousa / Unsplash
The al-Azhar Park is an extremely attractive, open park with breathtaking views of the Cairo skyline, the Cairo Citadel and the city’s dozens of mosques. The park was built on the ruins of a former rubbish dump and is now an idyllic retreat from the commotions of the city. You can wander around its gardens, eat in restaurants with panoramic views, and take in the peace and serenity of this urban haven. It’s worth spending an afternoon at Al-Azhar Park with your loved ones.
Location: Cairo
Timings: 9 AM – 10 PM
8. The Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church)
The Hanging Church, or Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, is one of Cairo’s most significant Coptic Christian sites. The church dates back to the 3rd century and features a nave that suspends over a gatehouse. It is a Coptic Cairo-based church and an important focal point of Egypt’s Coptic Christian population. You can see its beautiful wooden ceiling, carved icons, and religious artefacts and learn about the long history of Christianity in Egypt.
Location: Cairo
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
9. The Citadel Of Saladin
Photo: Michael Starkie / Unsplash
The Citadel of Saladin is a traditional Islamic monument that contributed to Cairo’s defensive efforts against the Crusaders. The fort is built on a hill and offers stunning views of the city. Visitors can explore the gigantic Dome and Minarets of Muhammad Ali’s Mosque. Military museums can be found inside the citadel, as well as the ruins of old walls. The Citadel of Saladin, one of the monuments to Egypt’s medieval military might, is worth seeing for all those interested in history.
Location: Cairo
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
10. Saqqara Necropolis
Photo: Dmitrii Zhodzishskii / Unsplash
Just outside Cairo, Saqqara is an ancient cemetery that was once the necropolis of the Egyptian capital city of Memphis. It has the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the earliest pyramid in Egypt, which began the process of making pyramids in ancient Egypt. Visitors can visit tombs, mastabas and pyramids, all within a massive archaeological complex. Saqqara provides a window into Egypt’s earliest pyramid traditions and is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in the culture of ancient Egypt.
Location: Giza
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
11. Coptic Museum
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
The Coptic Museum in Cairo boasts one of the world’s most valuable collections of Coptic artefacts. The museum’s collections cover more than 2,000 years of Egyptian Christian history, including art, textiles and religious relics. Tourists can discover the history of Coptic painting and explore Egypt’s Coptic Christian tradition. In Coptic Cairo, the museum provides a rare glimpse of the relationship between Egyptian, Christian and Byzantine civilisations.
Location: Cairo
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
12. Zamalek District
There’s a lush, chic neighbourhood in Cairo called Zamalek, filled with lush gardens, colonial structures and cultural monuments. You can walk through its peaceful boulevards, visit the Cairo Opera House or go to the nearby Cairo Zoo. Zamalek also has excellent restaurants and cafes overlooking the Nile. The neighbourhood is ideal for anyone wanting to live in Cairo’s more exotic neighbourhood without being far from the old city.
Location: Cairo
Timings: 24*7
Cairo is a city that combines a blend of ancient and modern attractions. You can find multiple places to visit in Cairo. From the ancient pyramids to the bustling markets of Islamic Cairo, the city is a living embodiment of Egypt’s culture and heritage. Whether you are looking for history, going for a cruise on the Nile, or simply walking around the bazaars, plan a trip with TripXL for an unforgettable experience.
Cover Photo: Omar Elsharawy / Pexels
