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Things to do in Old Cairo sweep you away to ancient history, spiritual icons, and vibrant culture. Stroll through Coptic Cairo’s narrow alleys, the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue, or explore the Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque. Walk through the Khan El Khalili bazaar for souvenirs and spices, or behold Islamic architecture at the Citadel. Discover myths of bygone centuries in the Coptic Museum, or bask in a sunbath on the Nile. Whatever your task, religion, history, or real Egyptian life, whatever you do, it will be a rich and unforgettable one.
Top 10 Things To Do In Old Cairo
Uncover the things to do in Old Cairo, from ancient churches and mosques to lively bazaars and museums, revealing a rich tapestry of history, culture, and spiritual heritage.
1. Explore The Hanging Church
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Begin your discovery of Old Cairo with historic Hanging Church, one of Egypt’s most significant and oldest Coptic Christian landmarks. Its building is simply breathtaking, featuring a wooden ceiling resembling Noah’s Ark, a marble pulpit mosaically carved, and religious icons carved with great delicacy over the centuries. Listening to a mass or simply sitting there in peaceful reflection can be a life-changing experience. One of the most wonderful things to do in Old Cairo, the Hanging Church gives you an authentic insight into the Christian heritage and architectural beauty of the city.
Major Highlights: Coptic designs, wondrous buildings, peaceful atmosphere
Location: Mar Girgis, Metro Station (Mar Girgis, Ibrahim Ali, Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4244001, Egypt
2. Uncover Ancient Artifacts At The Coptic Museum
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
Neighboring the Hanging Church is the Coptic Museum, a discreet treasure house that elegantly preserves Egypt’s earliest Christian heritage. Housed in a grand early 20th-century mansion amidst tranquil gardens, the museum features the world’s biggest collection of Coptic artefacts. Inside, you’ll discover intricately carved stone crosses, ancient manuscripts, wooden icons, vibrant textiles, and religious scrolls, each narrating stories of faith, resilience, and cultural fusion. One of the best things to do in Old Cairo, this museum provides travellers with a rich insight into how Christianity developed in sync with Egyptian customs.
Major Highlights: Historic artifacts, serene garden ambiance, religious heritage
Location: 3 Mari Gerges, Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4244001, Egypt
3. Explore The Historic Ben Ezra Synagogue
Photo: Faris knight / Wikimedia Commons
Slipping through a serene courtyard, Ben Ezra Synagogue gives us a glimpse of Egypt’s suppressed Jewish heritage. Dated back to the 9th century, the stunningly preserved synagogue is filled with history and religious lore. Within are gorgeous woodwork, elaborately carved columns, and Torah scroll exhibitions that speak to centuries of prayer and reverence. No longer serving any religious ceremonies, the synagogue is still a reminder of Cairo’s religious heritage and unapologetic penchant for cultural diversity. It accompanies the mosques and churches in the area to present the city’s distinctive tri-faith heritage.
Major Highlights: Jewish heritage, biblical tales, architectural majesty
Location: 264J+7CV, Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4244001, Egypt
4. Stroll Through The Serene Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque
Photo: Sherief1969 / Wikimedia Commons
Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, the first mosque to be built in Egypt and the whole of the African continent, is a place of peace amidst the densely populated streets of Old Cairo. Established in 642 AD by General Amr ibn al-As, the ancient mosque reminds us of Islam in Egypt. Its open central atrium, minimalist lines, and plain arches of the mosque draw from early Islamic architecture, avoiding finery for peace. Stroll through its broad corridors, and you are surrounded by a tranquil, reflective atmosphere that promotes peace and reflection. The Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque is not just a portal into Islamic Cairo’s history but a testament to religious toleration too.
Major Highlights: Historical building, spiritual environment, Islamic tradition
Location: Kafour Mosque Square, Sidey Hassan Al Anwar, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
5. Unveil History At The Church Of St. Sergius And Bacchus
Photo: fusion-of-horizons / Wikimedia Commons
Being one of Egypt’s most religious Christian sites, the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus is spiritually and historically significant. It’s said to be where the Holy Family, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, had taken refuge from their journey into Egypt. In the heart of Old Cairo, the church welcomes visitors to stroll into its serene basilica, which is adorned with stunning marble pillars, wood panel ceilings, and vibrant but worn religious murals. Stepping down into the basement sanctuary brings on awe and reverence, making it one of the city’s most emotionally jolting places.
Major Highlights: Spiritual crypt, religious history, peaceful introspection
Location: 264J+G77, Mari Gerges, Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4244001, Egypt
6. Wander The Ancient Ramparts Of Babylon Fortress
Photo: Ahmed Yousry Mahfouz / Wikimedia Commons
Step into Egypt’s Roman heritage by visiting the Babylon Fortress, an incredible relic of ancient military power that stands in the heart of Old Cairo. Constructed by the Romans originally as a fort against the strategic flow of the Nile between Upper and Lower Egypt, its rugged stone walls stand today, speaking in low tones of forgotten empires. Strolling through the remnants of its gates, bastions, and towers, centuries bear down upon your steps. Strolling on the worn ramparts, tourists are brought back to days when the fortress was an outpost of strategy.
Major Highlights: Tour of Fort, historic background
Location: 264H+8X2, Mar Girgis, Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4244001, Egypt
7. Buy Handmade Crafts At Souq Al-Fustat
Photo: لا روسا / Wikimedia Commons
Along the old Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, Souq Al-Fustat exists, a cozy souq that exposes the soul of Egyptian craftsmanship. Amidst the chaotic atmosphere of Cairo’s larger bazaars, this craftsman souq offers itself as a serene, intricately edited experience. Strolling through its silent alleys, you’ll see handmade, beautifully hand-painted ceramics, leather items, copper lanterns, and well-made silver jewellery. Mini art galleries and warm cafes are what build the laid-back atmosphere, inviting you to sit a while, have a tea, and absorb the craftsmanship around you.
Major Highlights: Local handicrafts, local culture, laid-back shopping
Location: 265J+JHF, Al Kafour, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4244010, Egypt
8. Climb The Spiral Minaret Of Mosque Of Ibn Tulun
Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons
Even technically beyond the centre limits of Old Cairo, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun remains one of the experiences not to be missed in Old Cairo for any traveller discovering the rich Islamic heritage of the area. Dating back to the 9th century when Ahmad Ibn Tulun constructed it, this mosque is Egypt’s oldest and most intact Islamic monument. Its enormous deserted courtyard, horseshoe arches, and delicately chiselled stucco ornamentation convey Abbasid extravagance. Its spiral minaret, which was copied from the Great Mosque of Samarra in Iraq, is its most striking feature. For tour circuit-avoiding history enthusiasts, this mosque provides spiritual richness and architectural splendour in equal proportion.
Major Highlights: Historic minaret, panorama of the panopticum, ancient craftsmanship
Location: Ahmad Ibn Tulun Square, El-Sayeda Zeinab, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
9. Visit The Nilometer And Its Riverside Gardens
Photo: Prong hunter / Wikimedia Commons
Nilometer on Roda Island is one of the less-visited but fascinating things to do in Old Cairo. On the bridge over Old Cairo, this beautiful building stood at least as early as 861 AD and was an important instrument for ascertaining the level of the Nile’s floodwaters. Constructed during the Abbasid era, the Nilometer is a finely lined structure with marble and is several meters in diameter, surrounded by a column inscribed with medieval Arabic units. Combine it with a felucca ride nearby to fully appreciate the age-old link between Egyptian civilisation and the Nile.
Major Highlights: Tamerfella riding, Nile history, early engineering, serene riverside
Location: 2 Abd El-Malek Ln, Al Manial, Cairo Governorate 11518, Egypt
10. Take A Peaceful Felucca Ride On The Nile At Sunset
Photo: Marwa elchazly / Wikimedia Commons
The most magical thing to do in Old Cairo is to relax after your day with a serene felucca cruise on the Nile. Departing from Roda Island, these old wooden sailing vessels offer a comfortable, discreet ride along the ancient river.As the sun approaches dusk, you’ll sail on palm-lined beaches and observe Cairo’s cityscape change under the gentle light, a refined ending to your day of Old Cairo sightseeing. While motorboats rely on machines, feluccas rely on none and cooperate with the wind, which embodies a serene and reflective atmosphere. The gentle creak of the boat and gentle whisper of the sail invite you to recline, unwind, and inhale the agelessness of the Nile.
Major Highlights: Sunset cruise, serene river, romantic atmosphere
Old Cairo is not a destination; it’s a lifelong journey to religion, art, and history. From ancient mosques and churches to vibrant souks, the city has stories to share with the thousands. Be one an architecture enthusiast, a pilgrim of religion, or a fan of highly diverse cultures, things to do in Old Cairo offer an experience that will last a lifetime and does full justice to Egypt’s rich culture. Plan with TripXL for a holiday here.
Cover Photo: w_lemay / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
