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Cairo, the Egyptian capital, perfectly mixes antiquity, culture and modernity. Its bustling Khan El Khalili bazaar and Pyramids of Giza give the city its uniqueness and vibrancy. There are lots of things to do in Cairo from a cruise trip down the serene Nile to a walk along its ancient streets. Egypt offers a wide range of activities to suit all tastes. From breathtaking museums to mouth-watering regional food, Cairo will satisfy the traveller, the historian, and the shopper. Be it discovering ancient wonders or enjoying modern luxuries, Cairo will leave each visitor with an unforgettable experience.
11 Things To Do In Cairo
This is a compiled list of the best things to do in Cairo, each of which presents a different slice of Cairo’s cultural and historical life.
1. Explore The Pyramids Of Giza
Photo: AXP Photography / Pexels
No trip to Cairo would be complete without seeing the mythical Pyramids of Giza, a masterpiece of Egypt’s ancient glory and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Great Pyramid and its twin sibling pyramids, Khafre and Menkaure, attract visitors for their architectural brilliance and historical importance. And the Great Sphinx that guards the tomb makes it even more mysterious. Visitors can experience the place on camel rides, with stunning views of the desert, or take guided tours to discover the mysteries and engineering marvels of these ancient structures.
Major Attractions: Great Pyramid, Great Sphinx, Camel rides
Best Time To Visit: October to April (early morning or late afternoon)
2. Cruise The Nile River
Photo: Thales Botelho de Sousa / Unsplash
A Nile River Cruise is an immersive experience that encapsulates Cairo’s magic. Whether on a vintage felucca or a high-end dinner cruise, cruising along the most iconic river, with stunning vistas of the city’s skyline at sunset, is a great experience. The silent tour offers an ideal break from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerses the tourists in its serene charm. Many cruises offer entertainment on board, too, such as belly dancing shows and Tanoura dance, which combine fun with culture.
Major Attractions: Sunset views, Tanoura dance, Dinner cruises
Best Time To Visit: Evening or sunset cruises
3. Visit The Egyptian Museum
Photo: Dilip Poddar / Unsplash
The Egyptian Museum is the centre of Egyptian antiquity and contains one of the world’s largest collections. You can marvel at the famous gold mask of Tutankhamun and all the statues, jewellery, and mummies that were recovered from its grave. It is also a great way to discover Egypt’s ancient history. Every display describes the pharaohs, their lives and their legacy. By taking a guided tour, you can learn more about these timeless gems. The museum is located in the city centre of Cairo.
Major Attractions: Tutankhamun’s gold mask, royal mummies, ancient artifacts
Best Time To Visit: Morning (to avoid crowds)
4. Wander Through Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Photo: Thales Botelho de Sousa / Unsplash
Enjoy the lively spirit of Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s renowned historic bazaar. The bazaar is a cultural powerhouse with an exquisite collection of artisanal items, fine traditional jewellery, spices and exotic souvenirs. The narrow streets, packed with brightly painted shops, are full of life and intrigue and have an enchanting feel. In addition to shopping, the bazaar will also let you try local street foods, like fresh falafel and sweets. Whether it’s a cultural tour or a souvenir purchase, Khan El Khalili is not to be missed when exploring Cairo’s creative energy.
Major Attractions: Souvenirs, local crafts, street food
Best Time To Visit: Evening for a lively atmosphere
5. Tour The Citadel Of Saladin
Photo: Dilip Poddar / Unsplash
The Citadel of Saladin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was an emblem of Cairo’s medieval Islamic tradition. This ancient city is home to the amazing Mosque of Muhammad Ali, known as “Alabaster Mosque” due to its pristine white façade. There are several museums, too, within its walls that house military history and artefacts from that period. The high altitude of the citadel affords stunning panoramic views of Cairo, and the area is popular for photography. It offers a mix of history, architecture, and beauty, making you feel all about Cairo’s rich history and heritage.
Major Attractions: Alabaster Mosque, Military Museum, panoramic views
Best Time To Visit: Morning or late afternoon
6. Discover Coptic Cairo
Coptic Cairo is a fascinating historical neighbourhood that celebrates the city’s Christian history. This ancient suburb has incredible monuments, such as the Hanging Church, a church carved out of the cliff, and the Coptic Museum, which contains a large number of Christian artefacts. The Historic Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Church of St Sergius are both worth visiting, as well as those that were thought to have housed the Holy Family while travelling through Egypt. The tranquillity and deep history of Coptic Cairo make it an unmissable destination for any traveller wishing to explore Cairo’s cultural and religious origins.
Major Attractions: Hanging Church, Coptic Museum, Ben Ezra Synagogue
Best Time To Visit: Morning
7. Explore Al-Azhar Park
Photo: Thales Botelho de Sousa / Unsplash
Al-Azhar Park is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Cairo. With lush, beautiful grounds, the park has well-tended gardens, graceful fountains, and walking paths. It’s a good place to rest, take walks or go for picnics with your family and friends. The park’s location above the ground offers amazing panoramic views of the Cairo Citadel and the old city skyline at sunset. Peaceful, beautiful and secluded, Al-Azhar Park is one of the most recommended destinations for nature enthusiasts and tourists who want to get away from the busy life of Cairo.
Major Attractions: Panoramic views, walking trails, restaurants
Best Time To Visit: Late afternoon to catch the sunset
8. Visit The Mosque Of Ibn Tulun
Photo: Mark Fischer / Wikimedia Commons
Ibn Tulun’s Mosque is one of Cairo’s oldest and largest mosques and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and history. The 9th-century structure boasts an amazing large courtyard, arched columns and carved decoration typifying the style. The distinctive element is its unusual spiral minaret, which you can scale to have spectacular panoramic views of the skyline of Cairo. The tranquil atmosphere of the mosque and its historical significance make it a popular attraction for architects and historians. Visiting this monument will give you an insight into Cairo’s Islamic history and ancient architectural beauty.
Major Attractions: Spiral minaret, Islamic architecture, city views
Best Time To Visit: Morning
9. Try Traditional Egyptian Cuisine
Photo: Mario Raj / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Cairo is a culinary oasis where every taste has a story of Egyptian culture. It is renowned for traditional meals such as koshari (a hearty stew of lentils, rice and pasta), ful medames (a stewed fava bean dish) and crispy falafel, which are served at many local restaurants. Try local eateries such as Felfela, which offers old-school recipes, or check out the city’s vibrant street food market, where you’ll find freshly cooked food. Whether you’re eating in a small restaurant or getting your nibbles from a street stall, Cairo’s food scene is sure to please every palate.
Major Attractions: Koshari, falafel, ful medames
Best Time To Visit: Mealtime (lunch or dinner)
10. Take A Walking Tour Of Islamic Cairo
Photo: AXP Photography / Unsplash
Islamic Cairo is an old neighbourhood that provides a fascinating insight into Egypt’s Islamic history. There are many mosques, madrassas and souks here, all giving the feel of Medieval Cairo. Walking around town, you will find architectural marvels like Sultan Hassan Mosque, which has colossal size and complex architecture, and Al-Rifa’i Mosque, which is the ultimate example of modern Islamic architecture blended with ancient history. Its bustling streets are full of culture and have a rich history and spirituality. Visiting Islamic Cairo takes the visitor on a journey through timeworn splendour, culture and architecture.
Major Attractions: Sultan Hassan Mosque, Al-Rifa’i Mosque, medieval streets
Best Time To Visit: Morning
11. Admire The Sound And Light Show At The Pyramids
Photo: Francisco Gomes / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza is an evening performance that captures the essence of Egypt’s ancient past. Through spectacular lighting, music and narrative, the production details the pharaohs, the pyramids, and their lasting legacy. With its illuminated Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, it has the most magical setting, making it a must-visit place for both history buffs and families. It’s a theatrical experience in which you get a taste of Egypt’s rich history and enjoy the famous monuments in a beautiful and memorable setting under the stars.
Major Attractions: Illuminated pyramids, historical narrative, unique ambiance
Best Time To Visit: Evening (timings vary with seasons)
Cairo combines history and modernity to create a travel experience of a lifetime, offering visitors a range of things to do in Cairo. From ancient ruins such as the Pyramids of Giza to a Nile Cruise, every moment here is unforgettable. It is a city for all kinds of history enthusiasts, food lovers and culture seekers. Book your Egypt tour with TripXL for a memorable journey without any hassle.
Cover Photo: Diego F. Parra / Pexels
