Top Things To Do In Cairo

Cairo is best known for the amazing Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the museums that hold the treasures of ancient Egypt, but there are so many more things to do in Cairo. Things that many people miss. I’ve visited Cairo twice now, so I’ve had time to explore not only its highlights, but also its other top sites. In addition to the pyramids, you can explore Islamic Cairo, full of beautiful, Islamic architecture, some dating back to the Fatimid caliphs, Coptic Cairo, which showcases Cairo’s Christian history, which not many know about, and the Citadel, which protected Cairo for hundreds of years. On top of this, you can also visit Gezira Island, which is in the Nile near Cairo, to see a panoramic view of the city from the Cairo Tower, the Cairo Opera House, art galleries, and art museums. This post is your guide to all the top things to do in Cairo.

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About Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt, with Greater Cairo being the biggest city in Africa and, surprisingly, one of the biggest in the world. Sometimes also called ‘The City of a 1,000 Minarets’, due to the large number of Islamic mosques, it’s both exotic and chaotic at the same time, as well as full of treasures.

Car horns honk incessantly and store vendors work hard to entice you into their shops, while the Islamic call to prayer seems to reverberate in the air everywhere. It’s a never ending torrent of people, sites, and sounds vying for your attention. It’s dusty and dirty, and not for everyone, but some, like me, find it beautiful.

Top Things In Cairo

Visit The Pyramids

There are three areas to see the best of the Pyramids. Not only are they relatively close to each other, they’re also relatively close to Cairo.

The Earliest Pyramids

Built around in the 27th century BC, the earliest pyramids served as lessons for the later great ones.

Saqqara, the royal necropolis of ancient Egypt, has what’s considered the first Egyptian pyramid. Built for Pharaoh Djoser of Dynasty III, it’s called the ‘Stepped Pyramid’.

In nearby Dahshur, you can see the first attempt at a smooth-sided pyramid, called the ‘Bent Pyramid’, which was a failure, and the first successful one, the ‘Red Pyramid’. Both built by pharaoh Sneferu, father of Khufu, who went on to built the famous Great Pyramid at Giza.

How To Get To The Ancient Pyramids: Saqqara, and nearby Dhashur, are about 20 miles (32 km) from Cairo. It’s best to visit via organized tour, or trips arranged by your accommodation. If you prefer a tour, I recommend one of these two.

• Private Day Tour Saqqara Pyramids, Memphis and Dahshur Pyramids
• Private Day Tour Giza Pyramids, Memphis and Sakkara Pyramids

The Pyramids of Giza

The famous Pyramids of Giza, on the Giza Plateau, were built by successive pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure in the 26th century BC. Making them even more spectacular, they were once encased in smoothly-polished white limestone, which must have been dazzling in the brilliant sun.

The Great Pyramid of Giza, or Pyramid of Khufu, is the tallest and oldest of the three. It’s also the only wonder of the ancient world left standing.

Khafre’s pyramid stands in the middle and is the second largest. It only looks taller as it sits higher. Menkaure’s pyramid is the smallest, while the three shorter ones were for royal family members.

The Great Sphinx is also located in on the Giza Plateau, shrouded in its mysteries.

The sites here are nothing short of amazing, and when you add in the fact that they’re almost 5,000 years old, and the amazing feats of engineering it took to build them, they’re completely over the top. What often surprises tourists though is how close they are to Cairo, as you can often see the city in the background. This can seem a little odd after all the slick photos and videos you see of them before you arrive.

How To Visit The Pyramids: The pyramids of Giza are only about 9 miles (15 km) from Cairo. In addition to an organized tour or taxi you can also take the metro from Cairo to Giza, then a minibus from there. If you prefer, stay in Giza and just walk to them. If you want a tour, here are three that I recommend:

• Top Rated Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Camel Ride, Lunch & Inside Pyramids
• Cairo Pyramids, Great Sphinx, Private Tour With Camel Ride
• Private Day Tour Giza Pyramids, Memphis and Sakkara Pyramids

See my post Visiting the Pyramids of Egypt for full details

The Top Museums

National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

The Grand Egyptian Museum is the newest and the largest. In fact, it’s the largest archaeological museum in the world. It’s located in Giza, closer to the pyramids. It really is a must-visit, loaded with artifacts from the pyramids, Tutankhamen’s tomb, and more.

How To Get To The Museum: The Grand Egyptian Museum is located 1.2 miles (2 km) from the Pyramids of Giza.

Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

There used to be almost 120,000 artifacts on display in the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. When the new museums were built, many items were redistributed. It still, however, contains thousands of artifacts and is still open (as of January 2026).

How To Get To The Museum: The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is located in Central Cairo, a 5-minute walk north of El-Tahrir square, or short drive. Depending on your location, you can walk or take a taxi.

See The View From Cairo Tower

Cairo Tower is located on Gezira island, west of El-Tahrir Square. Its 614’ (187 m) observation offers stunning 360 views of the city. There’s also also a restaurant at the top, which is a tranquil escape from the chaos of the city.

Note that you can faintly see the pyramids near the horizon on the right (below).

How To Get To Cairo Tower: On Gezira island in Old Cairo, Cairo Tower is about a 15-20 minute walk west of El-Tahrir square, or short drive via Qasr al-Nil Bridge. Depending on your location, you can walk or take a taxi.

Cairo Art Museums & Opera House

Also located on Gezira island, south of Cairo Tower, you can find the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art, Palace of the Arts, Cairo Opera House, Mahmoud Mukhtar Museum, and art galleries.

If you’re staying near El-Tahrir Square, spending a half day here is a pleasant escape from all the sales hawkers. If you want to see a show, check out the schedule at the Cairo Opera House.

How To Get To The Museums & Opera House: On Gezira island in Old Cairo, about a 15 to 20-minute walk west of El-Tahrir square, or short drive via Qasr al-Nil Bridge. Depending on your location, you can walk or taxi.

El-Tahrir Square

Although El-Tahrir Square is technically just a giant roundabout, it’s has become a famous landmark in Cairo. It was called Liberation Square after the Egyptian revolution in 1919. It’s also where several hundred thousand Egyptians came to protest in the Arab Spring of 2011, resulting in the resignation of Hosni Mubaric.

Explore Islamic Cairo

An UNESCO World Heritage site, Islamic Cairo, also known as Old Cairo, or Historic Cairo, is one of the world’s oldest Islamic cities. This area is so rich with historical Islamic architecture, it’s considered an open-air museum.

This area is full of Islamic monuments, mosques, tombs, and madrasas (Islamic schools), many built by the Fatimid caliphs centuries ago. There are also people living here today, as well as Egyptians visiting, so it’s a great place to experience some local culture.

Top Sites in Islamic Cairo

The top sites of Islamic Cairo are noted below. They start at the ancient walls of the North Gate, Bab al-Futah, and generally following historical Mu’izz street (short for al-Mu’izz li Din), which runs all the way to Bab Zuweila at its southern end.

Note that some sites are down side streets, so download maps.me (which works without WiFi) in advance and mark locations for navigation.

Al-Hakim Mosque: Just inside the Bab al-Futah Gate, is Al-Hakim Mosque, one of the largest Fatimid mosques in Cairo. It was built in the 10th century.

Bayt Al-Suhaymi (House of Suhaymi): Once the home of a traditional Islamic merchant, it has been converted into a museum.

Akmar Mosque: This was a neighborhood mosque, built in the 12th century (below).

Beshtak Palace: A historic palace and museum on the site of the Eastern Fatimid Palace. Some areas provide a glimpse of its former grandeur.

Qalawun Complex: Built over the ruins of the Fatimid Palace, Qalawun Comolex (below) contains a mosque, madrasah (Islamic school), and mausoleum. If you only have time for one place, make it this one.

Sayyidna Al-Hussein Mosque: Known to be one of the holiest sites in Islamic Egypt, some believe the head of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein, is buried on the grounds. It was built in the 12th century. Entry is for Muslims only.

Khan El-Khalili Souk: Built in the 14th century, Khan El-Khalili is a major souk. Popular with tourists, it’s more touristic than the rest of the area, but still worth a visit.

El-Azhar Mosque: Commissioned by the Fatimid Dynasty in 970, it was one of the first mosques in Cairo, giving it historical significance.

How To Get To Islamic Cairo

Bab al-Futah Gate is about 2.5 miles (4 km) from El-Tahrir Square. If you want to explore on your own, take a taxi to the gate, asking them to wait, or return later. As a note, Islamic Cairo is not very far from the Citadel, so you could walk between the two. Alternatively, you can arrange a tour of the area, like one of these:

• Cairo Private Day Tours: Discover Islamic and Coptic Cairo
• Tour To Citadel And Coptic And Islamic Cairo

See The Cairo Citadel

The Citadel is 12th century medieval fort. It was the center of Egyptian government until the 19th century.

In addition to Muhammed Ali Pashar Mosque, there are also several museums here, including the National Military Museum, Police Museum, and Al-Gawhara Palace Museum.

Make sure to walk behind the Citadel for a stunning view of Cairo.

How To Get To The Cairo Citadel: If you’re coming from Islamic Cairo, the Citadel is about a 25-minute walk southeast of the South Gate, Bab Zuweila, (southern end of Mu’izz street), or short taxi ride. You can also catch a taxi from your hotel. If you prefer a tour, I recommend one of these:

• Private Tour in Cairo Citadel
• Tour To Citadel And Coptic And Islamic Cairo

Visit Coptic Cairo

Coptic Cairo is believed to have been settled by the Persians in the 6th century BC. They called the area Babylon, in reference to the Babylon of Mesopotamia. They also built a canal from the Nile (which used to reach here) to the Red Sea.

Later, the Romans built a fortress here, called Babylon. These ruins remain today.

Before the Islamic conquest in the 7th century, this area was a stronghold for Christianity. In fact, many believe this is where the holy family stayed after their flight to Egypt.

Fortress of Babylon

Built in the time of Roman emperors Trajan to Arcadius (98 AD – 395 AD). Several Coptic churches, a convent, and the Coptic museum sit within the ruins.

Coptic Museum

The Coptic Museum contains the largest collection of of Egyptian Christian artifacts in the world.

Orthodox Churches

Built within, and over, the confines of the Fortress of Babylon, there are several interesting Coptic churches. The church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus is built over the site where Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus may have stayed.

Two other well known churches include the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George and El-Muallaqa, the Hanging Church (which got its name as it’s suspended above a passage of the old fortress).

The Hanging Church was the residence of the Coptic Pope after moving from Alexandria in 1047 AD.

Amr Ibn Al Aas Mosque

Just outside Coptic Cairo, is the site of the first and oldest mosque in Africa. Built in 641 AD, after the Arabs conquered Egypt, it was named after the man who introduced Islam here.

I visited on a Friday, which is an Islamic holiday, so the mosque was packed and a market was in full swing in the streets. I bought pita bread, cheese, olives, and cilantro from the girl below and just watched Egyptian life for a while. Almost no one spoke English here, but they were very friendly.

The girl selling me cilantro (above) wanted to give me much more than I needed for my money, but I let her keep it. She later ran down the street to catch up with me, but due to the language barrier, I never really learned why. I think it was a gesture of thanks for the extra money.

I was very grateful to know how to say thank you (shukran) and peace be upon you in Arabic (A salamu alaykum).

How To Get To Coptic Cairo:

Take a taxi or take the metro to Mar Girgis station and take the short walk to the area. Or, take one of these tours:

• 4-Hour Private Tour Coptic Cairo And Islamic Cairo
• Tour To Citadel And Coptic And Islamic Cairo

How To Get Around Cairo

Airport

Many hotels offer pick up service for a reasonable cost. I recommend this option upon arrival as it’s the easiest and the airport can be a little chaotic. Uber does operate in Cairo and is another option. You can also arrange a private transfer, like this one: Cairo Airport: Private Transfer to/from Hotel. The private transfer, however, will probably be the most expensive option.

Taxi

Uber does operate in Cairo, which is good. Careem is another ride hailing app popular here. If you use a standard taxi, note that there are old taxis with no meters and newer ones with meters. To prepare for the ‘no meter’ taxi, get a cost estimate at your hotel or a local in advance and negotiate before getting in. Or check the Uber cost and use that to negotiate. Remember that those with meters may simply take a longer route, so meter alone does not mean the best deal. Also, always bring smaller notes as few will have change, or admit to it.

Metro

Some people suggest not riding the metro in Egypt, but I found it an interesting place to learn about the culture. It’s inexpensive and faster than a taxi, but can also be an adventure. Be prepared with a photo of the map and a plan. Note that Egyptians do not queue, so you need to be assertive when buying your ticket, as well as getting on and off the metro. Especially during rush hour, when it is packed.

There are separate cars for men and women, with the women’s cars usually the middle two. This is to protect women from harassment. It’s OK for women to ride in the men’s cars, just not the other way around. I rode solo in the male cars a few times with no issues (before I learned there were separate cars). During rush hour, when the metro is the busiest, and extremely crowded, it’s best for women to ride in the women’s cars.

Driving

Do not drive on your own in Cairo. The locals are relentlessly crazy drivers on a free-for-all dash to get around. Plus, the roads are packed during rush hour. If you’re adventurous, you can self-drive to other cities, but it’s better to use other transportation.

Want To See More Of Egypt?

Cairo really is a bucket-list worthy attraction. And if you have time there are so many sites and things to do beyond the main attraction of Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza.

To read more of Egypt, also check out my posts on the Pyramids, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Alexandria. And to help you plan your trip, see my Egypt Travel Guide.

If you’ve visited and have comments, or even if you have questions, please drop me a note below.

Note: Egypt has a history of terrorism, so always check government warnings in your country before planning a visit. If you’re a US citizen, sign up for the STEP program. It will send you alerts if issues arise. If you’re not a US citizen, see if your country offers something similar.

Safe Travels!

Julie