Do you want to delve into the rich history of Egypt? Then Cairo, the capital city of Egypt would be the perfect place for you where you will get great insight into the rich culture, lifestyle and history of Egypt. From the grandeur of the Pyramids of Giza to rich artefacts displayed at the Egyptian Museum, Cairo is a perfect place to witness Egyptian culture and vibe. There are several things to do in Cairo, the city of thousand minarets that will make their holidays in Egypt worth remembering. Stroll through this blog to know about the best things to do in Cairo for a great vacay.
Top 12 Things To Do In Cairo For A Fun-Filled Vacation
With so many things to do in Cairo, tourists often get confused. To help them enjoy their vacation in a hassle-free way, we have curated this list of top 8 things to do in Cairo.
- Witness The Charm Of The Iconic Pyramids Of Giza
- Enjoy Shopping From Khan el-Khalili
- Take A Tour Of The Egyptian Museum
- Enjoy A Felucca Ride On The Nile River
- Spend Some Peaceful Time At Al-Azhar Park
- Enjoy A Vibrant Nightlife At Zamalek
- Marvel At The Architecture Of Al-Azhar Mosque
- Take A Tour Of Coptic Cairo
- Explore The Historic Islamic Cairo
- Pay A Tribute To Virgin Mary By Visting The Cave Church
- Admire The Skilled Artisans At Tentmakers Market
- Visit The Sultan Hassan Mosque To Marvel At the Architecture
1. Witness The Charm Of The Iconic Pyramids Of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza is synonymous with Egypt. There is no other attraction in Egypt that is as famous as the pyramids. Out of all the activities to do in Cairo, taking a half day tour of the famous Pyramids of Giza is the best thing to do here. These pyramids belong to 4th century and give an insight into the history and culture of the ancient civilization. The main and the largest of all the pyramids is the Pyramid of Cheops which has a tomb chamber. Solar Boat Museum is another intriguing attraction located right behind the Great Pyramid. One of the best things to do here is a camel ride which most of the travelers opt for to explore the beauty of the Pyramids of Giza to the fullest.
Location: Al Giza Desert, Egypt
Famous for: For rich history dating back to the 4th century
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
Entry Fee: 200 E£
2. Enjoy Shopping From Khan el-Khalili
Shopping is always fun and definitely more when it comes to shopping from a foreign land. One of the fun things to do in Cairo is shopping from the Khan el-Khalili (Souq Quarter) which was established in1400 AD and since then the market has been a favorite shopping spot among the people of Egypt. It is the best place to enjoy a true shopping experience in Egypt where you will find everything from handicrafts to antiques, Egyptian Jalabeya to Scarab, leather slippers to geometric pattern boxes, and a lot more that truly define the artistic skills of the local craftsmen here. While enjoying shopping, take a halt at the nearby cafes to taste Arabic coffee.
Location: El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Famous for: Shopping of antiques, handicrafts, metal lamps, perfumes and other traditional things
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Entry Fee: Approx. 157 E£
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3. Take A Tour Of The Egyptian Museum
One of the most famous things to do in Cairo is take a tour of the famous Egyptian Museum and dig into the history of Egypt. One of the best places to visit in Cairo, Egyptian Museum was built in 1857 and is renowned for housing the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities. The architecture of this museum is striking in itself and was architected by Marcel Dourgnon who won an international competition that was specially conducted to search for an architect of this building. The unique collection of this museum boasts of statues of Menkaure, Khafre and Khufu, Tutankhamun's death mask, collection of Royal Mummies, Egyptian jewelry collection, collection of papyri, and a lot many that have the ancient significance.
Location: Midan al-Tahrir, Downtown
Famous for: Rich artefacts from the ancient times
Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm; Fridays: 09:00 am to 11:00 am and 1:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Entry Fee: 160 E£ for foreigners
4. Enjoy A Felucca Ride On The Nile River
One of the most fascinating things to do in Egypt is taking a Felucca Ride on the iconic Nile river and enjoy mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscape. Nile River which was once the longest river in the world has been the lifeline of the local people of Egypt since Stone Age. Sailing on this traditional boat amidst a picturesque landscape and a coastline dotted with scintillating skyscrapers and ancient buildings look absolutely stunning. For an extra dose of fun and adventure, board a party boat with the locals and dance on the tunes of Arabic music. Taking a romantic Felucca ride along the Nile River is definitely one of the best things to do in Cairo at night. After the sun sets, being on this boat amidst the glistening waters looks absolutely stunning.
Location: Parking, zamalek inside elgabalaia, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Famous for: Enchanting views
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 pm to 01:00 am
Ideal Duration: 60 minutes
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5. Spend Some Peaceful Time At Al-Azhar Park
If you are too tired exploring the historical places in Cairo, then you can relax and spend some peaceful time at Al-Azhar Park which was opened in the year 2005 out of the debris accumulated over 500 years at the Al Darassa Hill. This lush green park offers a huge respite from the hustle and bustle of Cairo and gives tourists and locals alike a chance to unwind at this lush green manicured space. If you are looking for things to do in Cairo with kids, then Al-Azhar Park is the best place to explore and experience nature at its best. The park also houses cafes, restaurants and a museum for the entertainment and refreshment of guests.
Location: Salah Salem St, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Famous for: Manicured gardens, a museum, cafes and restaurants
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm
Entry Fee: 10 E£
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6. Enjoy A Vibrant Nightlife At Zamalek
One of the best things to do in Cairo at night is strolling through the streets of Zamalek which is famous as a party district in Cairo. Housing some of the best restaurants in Cairo, international hotels, bars, and art galleries, Zamalek is the perfect destination for party lovers. The European ambience, mansions, and wide boulevards of Zamalek are just perfect to enchant your senses and lure you to spend more time here. The most striking attraction of Zamalek is the Cairo Tower which is known to offer the best views of the neighborhood and also a dining at the famous rotating restaurant. Located in close proximity to Zamalet at the southern end of Gezira, there are myriad of art galleries and museums like Palace of Arts, Museum of Modern Egyptian Art and others.
Location: Western Cairo
Famous for: Night parties, bars, restaurants, international hotels
7. Marvel At The Architecture Of Al-Azhar Mosque
A structure dating back to 972 AD, Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the best places to visit in Egypt as the structure is famous for its marvelous architecture from the Fatimid Era. The fine architecture of this mosque is the blend of many architectural techniques & styles. Mihrab is one of the most striking features of the mosque which tourists must definitely visit on their mosque tour. There is also a madrassa which was founded in 988 AD which later turned into a university which is now the second oldest university in the world. Seeking blessings of the God and admiring the unique architecture of this mosque is one of the best free things to do in Cairo.
Location: El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Famous for: Architecture
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
8. Take A Tour Of Coptic Cairo
If you are a history lover, then this is the place in Cairo which you shouldn’t miss. The richness of Coptic Cairo lies in the fact that one can find ancient ruins here and one from the Babylon Era. The intriguing history of the architectural remains of Coptic Cairo dates back to the 4th century and taking a walking tour is the best way to explore the beauty of Coptic Cairo. The old churches that are nestled here are known for their fascinating architecture and interiors like the Church of St George, Ben Ezra Synagogue and many more. In the main street of the Coptic Cairo, one can find ruins of Roman Towers. Hanging Church and Coptic Museum are the center of attractions of this place.
Location: Sharia Mar Girgis, south of Downtown
Famous for: Ruins, museums and churches
Entry Fee: Different entry fee for different attractions
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9. Explore The Historic Islamic Cairo
Visiting the historic Islamic Cairo should be on top of the list of things to do in Cairo for an enriching historical experience. Since Islamic Cairo is the living testament of city’s glorious past, you can marvel at the innumerable architectural wonders like the mosques, hammams, and other significant cultural landmarks, shrouded in mystery. Visit the Al Muizz Al-Deen Street built in the 11th century and is the home to numerous palaces and mausoleums adorned with intricate artwork which will awe-inspire history buffs and architects from across the world. Never forget to witness the majestic grandeur of Al Azhar Mosque, Cairo Citadel, Sultan Hassan Mosque, Ibn Tulun Mosque, Azhar Park, etc., for a remarkable Egyptian expedition.
Location: Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Famous for: Mosques, Madrasas, Hammams, Fountains
Entry Fee: N/A
10. Pay A Tribute To Virgin Mary By Visting The Cave Church
The Cave Church of Cairo, also known as the Monastery of Saint Simon, is nestled at the heart of Mokattam Mountain and considered one of the largest churches in the entire Middle East. This church revolves around thousands of backstories dating to 1940’s when Coptic community were started settling in the Zabbaleen City. In the contemporary times, the Cave Church is mostly famous for the impressive paintings, sculptured statues of Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene, and stories engraved on the walls of the mountain rocks and one of the popular places to visit in Cairo for a remarkable Egyptian tour. You will fall in love with the intricate carvings done out of rocks which represents the mastery over art.
Location: 27JG+3PW، البيدق, Ghayt Al Adah, Abdeen, Cairo Governorate 4421240, Egypt
Famous for: Alluring paintings and statues of Mary Magdalene and Virgin Mary
Entry Fee: Free Entry
11. Admire The Skilled Artisans At Tentmakers Market
The Tentmakers Market or Al Khyiamia is a popular tourist destination and the best for shopping in Egypt. Best known for the handwoven textile designs and embroidery techniques manifested on exquisite pillow covers, blankets, wall hangings, and apparels, the Tentmakers Market will transport you to a world of skilled artisans who have mastered the art of tent making and weaving for showcasing their creativity and passion. Cairo’s legacy has been preserved and continues for the rigorous efforts of this age-old community which has contributed to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Apart from the exclusive stores and shops of souvenirs, the architecture of the market is the major highlight since it dates to 17thth century Egypt.
Location: 27R4+FXF, Al Khayama, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate 4292230, Egypt
Famous for: Tent Making & Textile Art, Shopping, Architecture
Entry Fee: N/A
12. Visit The Sultan Hassan Mosque To Marvel At the Architecture
Sultan Hassan Mosque is the crown jewel of the Cairo city and one of the largest mosques in the world with Mamluk architectural style. Built in the mid 14th century and best known for its location to get the best panoramic views of the entire Cairo, the mosque symbolizes the Mamluk’s architectural power during their reign in the region. You will immerse yourself in the lush greenery of the huge courtyard adorned with finest mosaic designs along with a blue lagoon in the middle which centers everyone’s attraction. You will find a prayer room, followed by other rooms with madrassa which is a storehouse of sacred relics and scriptures of Koran. Never forget to visit the mausoleum dedicated to Sultan Hassan which can be added to things to do in Cairo.
Location: 27J4+WF7, El-Darb El-Ahmar, El Khalifa, Cairo Governorate 4292008, Egypt
Famous for: Mamluk religious architecture, Three tiered minarets
Entry Fee: 60 EGP
Now that you are aware of the best things to do in Cairo, we hope you will have a pleasant time vacationing at this capital city of Egypt. Plan a holiday here by booking cheap flights to Cairo and explore the historical wonders of the city. From the magnificent charm of the Pyramids of Giza to traditional shopping experience at Khan el-Khalili, Cairo has it all. So, if you are fascinated to visit this amazing place then plan your holiday soon.
FAQs
The best time to visit Cairo is from March to April and from October to November when the weather is pleasant for all sorts of tourist activities. It is advisable not to plan your trip to Cairo during the summer season..
One should spend at least 2 days here to explore all the main attractions and enjoy best activities here. You can also extend your Cairo trip based on your interests.
Cairo International Airport is the main airport in the city and is located approximately 22 km from the main city center.
Since Cairo is brimmed with a myriad of cultural landmarks, you can carry out various activities for a memorable vacation. Some of the most popular things to do in Cairo with kids are: :
- Take them on a historical tour of Egyptian Museum.
- Go with them on a scenic Felucca ride on the Nile River.
- Ride camels at the Pyramids of Giza.
- Enjoy a fun-filled day at ClubLiko.
- Have unlimited activities at Animal Planet at Giza Zoo.
Cairo is also an ideal honeymoon destination for couples who are interested in discovering a city’s rich historic past. Some of the most romantic things to do in Cairo for couples are: :
- Take a romantic Felucca ride on the Nile River.
- Enjoy camel ride with your partner at Pyramids of Giza.
- Enjoy some serene moments at Shark’s Bay Beach.
- Enjoy parasailing at Na'ama Bay.
- Catch mesmerizing views from revolving restaurant at Cairo Tower.
Cairo is one of the best destinations in Egypt for shopping. Starting from the old traditional markets to the luxurious malls, you can find innumerable shopping options in Cairo. The best shopping places in Cairo are:
- Khan Al-Khalili
- Suuq el Ataba
- Souk al Fustat
- Street of the tentmakers
- City Stars Mall
Yes, camel riding, quad biking, ATV and hot air balloon ride are the most famous adventurous activities to try in Cairo. Moreover, cruising the Nile River on a traditional Felucca boat is also another thrilling activity to carry out in Cairo.
No, there are no beaches in Cairo since it is a landlocked city. Ain Sokhna is the nearest beach to Cairo which is quite far from the main city.
Yes, 3 days are ideal enough in Cairo who want to cover the major highlights of the city including the Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo, Islamic Cairo, and Khan El-Khalili market. Moreover, people can extend their trip based on their preferences and choices.
Cairo is mostly famous for the Pyramids of Giza Complex which consists of the Great Pyramid of King Khufu, the world’s oldest and biggest statue of Sphinx, the mummification house, and the Valley Temple. Moreover, Cairo is also famous for a plethora of cultural landmarks including the Egyptian museum, Coptic Cairo, Islamic Cairo, etc., which can provide you with cultural insights.
