15 Best Things To Do In Cairo, Egypt

There are a plenty of outstanding experiences in Cairo that everyone will love it. Cairo is the capital of the Arab world city of Thousand Minarets. City full of rich and historic treasures.Cairo ….this sprawling, historic, ancient city is most visitor’s first stop on a trip through Egypt.

The Pyramids of Giza ,Great Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum top the list for most, but there is a lot more to see and do in Cairo- here are the 20 best things to do in Cairo.

Note everything on this list is located in Cairo…several places are located in or near Giza(such as the Pyramids

Experience The Giza Pyramids And The Great Sphinx

For many people, the Pyramids of Giza not only top the to-do list in Cairo, but they are also the biggest tourist attraction in Egypt.The Great Pyramids of Giza is the last intact ancient Wonder of the World. This Pyramid, along with the others that sit on the Giza Plateau, from one of the most recognizable sights in the world.

There’s simply nothing like being there—the Pyramids of Giza are overwhelmingly awesome and staggeringly immense.

Ready for a closer look, then? Sun-scorched explorers may thrill at the idea of escaping the desert heat by entering the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, plumbing the depths of Khufu’s burial chamber under 6 million tons of stacked limestone—those looking for a more leisurely pursuit can enjoy a sunset stroll beneath the shadow-strewn face of the enigmatic Great Sphinx. However you choose to experience the wonders at the Giza complex, your private guide will ensure your time among the immemorial wonders is as seamless as it is memorable.

The Great Sphinx of GizaA visit here typically lasts at least two hours and half. Go inside the Great Pyramids, Take selfies (asks your tour guide) with the Great Sphinx, visit the Valley Temple; visit the panoramic viewpoints of the pyramids. Go for a camel ride (minimum 30 minutes)

 2021 Price List for the Giza Plateau:

• Giza Plateau Entrance Tickets:200 EGP Per adult,100 EGP per student(with valid ID)
• Entrance Ticket to the Great Pyramid: 400 EGP per adult, 200 EGP per student.
• Entrance Ticket to the Pyramid of Khafre: 100 EGP
• Entrance Ticket to the Pyramid of Menkaure: 100 EGP

https://www.egyptkeytours.com/tours/grand-egyptian-museum-giza-pyramids-great-sphinx-coming-soon-copy/

Take In The Museum Of Egyptian Antiquities

The Egyptian Museum contains the world’s largest collection of Egyptian artifacts. Highlights of a visit include seeing the collection of king TUT especially the sold gold mask and the golden sarcophagi. The Royal Mummies room and a mind blowing number of statues, jewelry and treasures.

A visit here typically lasts at least two hours. Located in the heart of downtown, Tahrir Square Cairo, the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities (often simply called the Egyptian Museum), is a repository and showcase for the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian relics.

Important Note: The Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to open in 2021, although this date seems to change frequently. Once open, it will replace the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square. The Grand Egyptian Museum is located near the Giza Plateau and including the complete Tutankhamun collection; many pieces will be displayed for the first time.

• COST: 200 EGP adult, 100 EGP student (with valid ID)
• Camera Ticket: 50 EGP
• Hours: 9am to 5 pm

https://www.egyptkeytours.com/tours/egyptian-museum-including-entrance-feescopy

Explore Saqqara, Walking In Memphis And Visit Dahshur Pyramids

Another great trip from Cairo and definitely one of the top things you should do when in this city is to take a highly-rated day trip to Saqqara accompanied by a qualified Egyptologist. Near the site of the ancient city of Memphis – capital of the Old and Middle Kingdom in Egypt – Saqqara is home to the oldest stone monument in the world!

Known as the Step Pyramid of Zoser, deceased pharaohs and their families, as well as important generals and sacred animals were buried and then found here.Delightfully free of crowds compared to the pyramids of Giza, heading here is a must if you have a day to spare in Cairo.

Important Note: Visitors can now enter the once-closed Pyramid of Djoser after years of extensive renovations.

 Saqqara was the necropolis for the city of Memphis. It is here that you can see the famous Step Pyramid of King Djoser and the oldest complete stone building complex in the world.

Dahshur is an ancient, royal necropolis that is located 30km south of Giza and 40 km south of Cairo.

Dahshur is where the ancient Egyptians perfected their pyramids-constructing skills. It is here that several of the pyramids were built and it took a few tries to get things right. Visit the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, the precursors to the pyramids of Giza

Memphis was the first capital city of Egypt. A visit here is quick with a tour of the open-air museum.A day trip to Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur takes five to seven hours, including transportation time from Cairo or Giza. It’s easiest to do this on a tour.

2021 Price List

• Normal Tickets Saqqara & Imhotep Museum: 180 EGP per adult, 90 EGP per student (valid student ID)
• Serapum: 150 EGP per adult, 75 EGP per student (valid student ID)
• Merruka Tomb: 80 EGP per adult, 40 EGP per student (valid student ID)
• Ticket for whole Saqqara: 440 EGP per adult, 220 EGP per student (valid student ID)
• Step pyramid (South Entrance): 100 EGP per adult, 50 EGP per student (valid student ID)
• Step pyramid (South Tomb): 100 EGP per adult, 50 EGP per student (valid student ID)
• Camera photography inside the tomb: 300 EGP
• Memphis Ticket: 80 EGP per adult, 40 EGP per student (valid student ID)
• Dahshur Ticket: 60 EGP per adult, 30 EGP per student (valid student ID)

Visit Old Coptic Cairo And Coptic Churches

A walk through the Coptic area of Cairo is fascinating. Coptic Cairo is located in old Cairo in the southern part of the city. The first settlements here date back to the 6^th centuryBC. Many of the places to visit here originate from Egypt’s Christian past, but can also visit synagogue and the first mosque built in Egypt and Africa.

The Hanging Church

The hanging Church ,also called Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. It is named for its position above a gatehouse of the Babylon Fortress, the Roman Fortress in Coptic Cairo. This is one of the most beautiful and famous church in Coptic Cairo. Still holds services for the reverent to this day.

Hanging Church,Cairo,Egypt CHURCH OF ST.SERGIUS AND BACCHUS OR CAVERN CHURCH

This is believed to be the place where the Holy Family (Joseph,Mary and Jesus Christ) sheltered at the end of their journey into Egypt escape from king Herod.It worth a look.

BEN EZRA SYNAGOGUE

This synagogue started off as a church.882, it was sold and converted into synagogue. It has been rebuilt and remodeled several times in the past 1000 years. It is said that is where the baby Moses was found.

MOSQUE OF AMR IBN AL-AS

The mosque was built in 641-642AD,as the center of the newly founded capital of Egypt, Fustat .The original structure was the first mosque founded in Egypt and Africa.

COTIC MUSEUM

This museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Coptic art work.

Ticket cost 100 EGP per adult,50 EGP per student(valid ID)

https://www.egyptkeytours.com/tours/tour-to-coptic-cairo-cave-church-at-garbage-city-and-market/

Islamic Cairo

 Islamic Cairo is the historic heart of Cairo. This area contains one of the largest collections of historic architecture in the Islamic world. Numerous mosques, madrassas, fortifications, and tombs date from the Islamic era of Egypt639 to the seventh century to 19 century, making Cairo one of the world’s oldest Islamic cities.

In 1979, Islamic Cairo became a World Cultural Heritage Site

Islamic Cairo is packed with things to see and do. It’s a fairly large area, located near the city center. You could spend days wandering the labyrinth of streets in Islamic Cairo, but for most visitors, just the highlights is sufficient.

It’s a must-see for any visitors and deserves at least a couple of days exploring.

Top things to do in Islamic Cairo include:

• *Salah El-Din Citadel and Mosque of Mohamed Ali
• *Khan El-Khalili
• *AL-Muizz li-Din Allah Al-Fatima Street
• *Ibn Tulun Mosque
• *Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
• *AL-Rifai Mosque also called the Royal Mosque

• *Al Azhar Mosque
• *Al-Azhar Park
• *Museum of Islamic art
• Museum of Islamic art
• *Bab Zuweila
• *City of the Dead

Practical Tip: Visiting Islamic Cairo

Appropriate dress is not just but necessary if you want to enter mosques, legs and shoulders must be covered. Wears sturdy shoes that can be easily slipped off.

Caretakers are usually around from 9am until early evening. Mosques are often closed to visitors during prayer times.

With the exception of Sultan Hassan and Al Rifai, Qalawun Complex all mosques are free to enter.

CAIRO CITADEL

The  Citadel  was  built  by Salhadin, the  Muslim  caliph  who  defeated  the Crusaders,  between 1176 and 1183. It  was  the  center  of  Egyptian government  until  Khedive   Ismail moved  his  palace  to  the  new  Abdeen Palace in 1860.  The  Citadel  is  famous  for  its  great views over Cairo (as far as the Pyramids of Giza), and  is  home  to  three  mosques  and  three indifferent  museums: the National  Military  Museum,  the  National  Police Museum,  and the Al-Gawhara  Palace  Museum.

The main attraction is the mosque of Mohamed Ali.

Ticket cost: 180 EGP per adult, 90 EGP per student (valid student ID)

Camera Ticket: None, you are permitted to take photos with a camera at no extra charge.

Shoe Cover: 5 EGP before entering the Mohamed Ali Mosque, you will need to remove your shoes. You can take them with you (free) or pay 5 EGP to keep your shoes on but shoe covers.

While at the Citadel, make sure you visit Gawhara Terrace for one of the best view over the city. From here, you have a great view over historic Cairo, Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifai Mosque. On clear day you will be able to see the pyramids of Giza.

Mosque-Madrassa Of Sultan Hassan

These two Mosques sit side by side and can easily be visited together with one Ticket.

Sultan  Hassan  Mosque  Finished  in 1363,  this  mosque  was  raised  by  the Mamluk  Sultan  Hassan  and  lying  below  the  citadel  and  next  to  the  much more recent  Rifaii  mosque,  it’s  maybe  the  primary  example   of the  Islamic  Mamluk dynasty.  One  of  the  largest   mosques  in  Egypt  and  the  Arab  world, it  was used as a school for different  Islamic (Sunni)  schools  of  thought  and  also  contains a mausoleum.

 MOSQUE OF AL-RIFAI

Rifaii  Mosque  Built  in  1911,  this  mosque  holds  the  tombs  of  Egypt’s  last  kings:  King  Foaud  and  his  son  King  Farouq,  plus  a great  number  of  Egyptian aristocrat  families. The  last  Shah  of  Iran,  who  retreated  to  Cairo  after  being ousted  from  power  in  his  country,  is  also  buried  in  the  mausoleum.

Ticket cost: 80 EGP per adult, 40 EGP per student (valid student ID)

Camera Ticket: None, you are permitted to take photos with a camera at no extra charge.

Tip for Shoes: At both mosques you will leave your shoes with an attendant. Recommended leaving a 10 EGP Tip at each mosque when retrieving your shoes.

Scarf: Women will need to cover their head with a scarf to enter the mosque.

Al-Azhar Park

Escape  the  chaos  and  congestion  of  the  busy  streets  of  Cairo  by  heading to  the  green  landscaped  gardens  of Al-Azhar  Park  where  you, relax in a tranquil  setting  while  gazing  at  beautiful  panoramic  views  of  the  capital.

Embracing  valuable  history,  the  park  is  also  home  to  the  newly discovered  Ayyubid  wall,  constructed  by Salah El Din  more  than  800 years  ago.  You  can  also  choose  to  sit  back  at  one  of  the  numerous and unique cafes  and  restaurants,  all  offering  5 star  services. They  have  been built  and  thoughtfully  positioned  for  visitors to  appreciate  the  beautiful surroundings.

Ticket cost: 25 EGP per adult15 EGP per child on Friday 30 EGP per adult and 20 per child

Opening Hours: 9am to 10 pm

 Mosque Of Ibn Tulun And Gayer Anderson Museum

Looking more like a fortress with its imposing wall full of beautiful crenulations, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is believed to be the oldest mosque in Cairo, and the city’s largest mosque in terms of land area, which covers no less than 26.300 sq. m. Standing among beautifully decorated arches in the vast courtyard, the mosque was built by Ibn Tulun in the 9th century and served as the center of the Tulun Dynasty capital. The building’s beauty and surroundings are best appreciated from atop the spiral minaret, a structure that was inspired to Ibn Tulun by his homeland, Iraq, where in Samarra such a minaret soars above the town’s ancient mosque.

The Gayer Anderson Museum The  Gayer  Anderson  Museum  in  Cairo  is a must-see  on  your  exploration tour  of  Islamic  Cairo.

It consists  of  an amazing  patchwork  of  Islamic  styles  and  artifacts packed into  two  wonderful  ancient  residences:  Beit el-Kiridiliya (1632)  and  Beit Amna  Bent  Salim  (1540).  The  museum  was  founded  by  a British major, John Gayer-Anderson,  an  army  doctor  who  restored  and  furnished  the two  residences  between  1935  and  1942,  filling  them  with  antiquities, artwork,  furniture,  glassware,  crystal,  carpets,  and  silks  and  embroidered Arab  costumes.   Used as  a location  in  the  James  Bond  film \”The Spy Who Loved Me\”, the  museum  houses  a puzzle  of  theme-decorated  rooms: the  Persian  room  has  exquisite  tiling;  the Damascus  room  has  lacquer and  gold,  whereas  in  other  parts  of  the  museum,  you’ll  find  a central marble  fountain,   decorated ceiling  beams  and  carpet-covered  alcoves.

Ticket cost: 60 EGP per adult 30 EGP per student (valid ID)

Opening Hours: 9am to 4pm

Bargain At Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

No visit to Cairo is Complete without a stop at the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, where you will be transported back in time to an old Arab souk. Shop owners calling you to their stalls, the scent of spices, the hustle and bustle of trade, and the many beautiful objects that can purchased will have you lost among alleys for hours. Put your haggling skills to the test when buying statuettes, spices, souvenirs, silver jewelry, t-shirts, galabiyyas, belly dancing costumes, or anything for that matter. When your shopping’s done, don’t miss out on a traditional cup of tea at the famous Fishawi’s cafe or Naguib Mahfouz café & Restaurant.

 Walk At El-Moez Street

This is a very important street with a very long name , called AL-Moez for short, this is one of the oldest street in Cairo.it runs north-south through Islamic Cairo and it contains some of the most important monuments of historic Cairo.

Moez Street is roughly one KM long, running from Bab Zuweila in the South to Bab Al-Futuh in the north. Along this short stretch of road are an astonishing number of madrassas , mosques , shops , markets , café , old houses and Hammams.

A madrassa: is a Muslim school, college or university that is often part of a mosque.

A hammam: is a Middle Eastern type of steam bath for cleansing the body.

Tent Market

The Tent Makers Market is located in a 300-meter-long street overlooking Bab Zuwayla, Cairo’s medieval gate and the only one remaining from the 11th and 12th-century walls of Fatimid Cairo. It is a roofed alleyway with small openings for illumination and ventilation at its ceiling. Small shops sell colorful textiles and handmade blankets, cushions, bed covers, and tents.

 Walking Al-Moez Street is one of the unique and unforgettable experiences in Cairo.

Monastery of ST, Simon

The Monastery of Saint Simon ,also known as the Cave Church, is located in the Mokattam hills  southeastern of Cairo. The church can hold up to 10.000 people, making it the largest church in the Middle East.

St. Simon Monastery. A vast expanse etched in the belly of a mountain awaits the unsuspecting visitor. Colorful, carvings and sculptures by a Polish artist named Mario, who has voluntarily dedicated his life to this monastery, surround you as you make your way through the main gate. Archaic, handcrafted caves laden with paintings, rugs and ancient furniture lead you to an amphitheater that can seat 10,000 and a library with books that date back to the 3rd century.

Seven churches reside within the walls of this mega structure, along with a fully equipped cafeteria and rooms that can be rented by visitors and travelers. Words cannot fully capture the splendor that seems to emanate from this holy site, so much so that this monastery earned mention within Marco Polo’s “Book of the Marvels of the World.”

The main church , the one that holds 10,000 people, is the summer church. there is a smaller church with ceiling that is used in the winter months.

Garbage City

To go to the Cave Church, you will have to drive through Garbage City.  Yes, read that correctly …Garbage City, is named for the large number of garbage collectors who live here.

Called Zabbaleen, these are the descendants of farmers who migrated to Cairo from south of Egypt in the 1940s, fleeing poverty and poor harvests. They settled in the Mokattam hills and began to sorting trash as a way to make money. Over the years, their population has grown.