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
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 6th 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.
Enjoy Sailing In Felucca
Enjoy a fantastic sailing experience. Settle a board a comfortable, white-sailed (Felucca) and bask in the pleasant breezes as you drift Cairo’s skyscrapers, watch the sun set over Egypt’s capital.
Cairo Tower
For the best view over Cairo, visit the Cairo Tower. Located on Gezira Island Zamelek, you have 360 views over the city. On a clear day, you can see the pyramids of Giza.
From its 187 meters, the Cairo tower offers the most amazing panoramic views of the Egyptian capital. It is advised to go up to the tower’s circular observation deck in the late morning or late afternoon for the clearest views of the city. You’ll also find a restaurant at the top of the tower. Occasionally, the restaurant revolves around the tower’s main axis. The tower was designed by the Egyptian architect, Naoum Chebib. Its completion took 5 years, from 1956 to 1961.
Baron Empain Palace
The Baron Empain Palace, better known as Le Palais Hindou, which literally means the Hindu Palace, is a distinctive and historic Indian-inspired mansion in Heliopolis that was owned by Belgian millionaire Baron Edouard Empain, who is also the founder of Heliopolis district.
The palace, which was built between 1907 and 1911, was designed for Baron Emain by French architect Alexandre Marcel and decorated by Georges-Louis Claude. It was inspired by the Hindu temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
The facade of the two-storey piece of art is richly decorated with sculptures of snakes, dragons and other figures. The construction is completely made of concrete which was a new building material at the time.
Important Note: You will be asked to leave any food or snacks in the guardhouse at the base of the tower.
Ticket Cost: 200 EGP Per person
Opening Hours: 9am to Midnight
Important Note:
Ticket cost: 100 EGP per adult,50 EGP Per student(vaild ID)
Ticket cost for Rood: 50 EGP per adult, 20EGP per student
Camera Ticket: 50 EGP
https://www.egyptkeytours.com/tours/half-day-tour-tour-to-the-baron-palace-in-cairo/
Witness The Pyramids Sound & Light Show
The Sound and Light Show is a multimedia, technicolor spectacular that bedazzles the Sphinx, the Great Pyramid, and the smaller foreground temples in laser-light each night, turning the monochromatic stone walls into vivid canvases. Seated at the feet of the Great Sphinx—or perhaps in the comfort of your hotel balcony.
After the sun sets on the bustling city of Cairo, the famous pyramids on the Giza plateau come to life in a magical sound and light setting. A not to be missed experience: the show narrates Ancient Egypt in an enchanting atmosphere and the history of these mysteriously built gigantic structures.
Important Note:
Ticket cost: 350 EGP per Person
Opening Hours: 07:00 pm
Show Duration: 1 hour
https://www.egyptkeytours.com/tours/sound-and-light-show-at-giza-pyramids/
How Much Time Do You Need In Cairo?
To visit everything on this list, you need tree days.
Do You Need To Hire A Guide For Cairo?
“Do I need a guide in Cairo?” The short answer is “Yes, you need a guide in Cairo” You need a guide if you want to get the most from your time in Cairo. If you are staying in Cairo and have lots of time to go exploring then you will probably find your way around but you will also need lots of information, time, energy, heat tolerance and patience.
Learn more: why you should hire a guide for your trip
Entrance Fees For Saqqara Archaeological Sites
Sites to visit | Foreigner Adult / Foreigner Student |
Standard Tickets for Saqqara & Imhotep Museum | 180/90 |
Nobels Tombs &New Kingdom Tombs in Hormoheb Necropolis & The Bubastieion | 140/70 |
Serapum | 150/75 |
Mereruka Tomb or Mastaba | 80/40 |
Inclusive Ticket | 440/220 |
Entry into the Step Pyramid Through Southern passage | 100/50 |
Southern Tomb | 100/50 |
Camera Photography inside the Tombs | 300 |
Note: Grants access to the Imhotep Museum and the archeological site of Saqqara , including the Step Pyramid complex of Djoser , the Pyramid of Teti and Unas , and
The tomb of agemni,Nikauisesi,Ankhumahor,Neferseshemptah,Ptahotep,Ty,Idut,Unasankh, and Iynefert.
*Monuments not Listed Here are not open for visit.
* The prices by Egyptian Pounds(EGP or LE)
*All the entrance fees could be purchases only by Egyptian Pounds in Cash…The Tickets Boots don’t accept either foreign currency or credit card.
Where To Stay In Cairo
Four Seasons Nile Plaza. : A five stars luxury high-rise tower overlooking the Nile, this sophisticated hotel is 2 k from the Egyptian Museum and 3 km from the Cairo Opera House.
The Nile Ritz-Carlton. : If you have dreams of staying in a Ritz-Carlton without spending a small fortune, Cairo is the place to do it.This hotel is located right on Tahrir Square so it is just walk to the Egyptian Museum and opposite the Nile River.
Marriott Mena House. : Located in Giza, close to the Great Pyramids, the Marriott Mena House is a picturesque palatial hotel with a royal history, starting in 1869. It is surrounded by gardens of jasmine, and you will be swept into another time by the luxurious and traditional decor. The hotel offers many modern amenities to facilitate your stay such as a golf course. Actually being renovated where you can tee under the pyramids, a pool, a fitness center, internet access, and a wide range of upscale restaurants offering both local and international dishes.
Le Meriden Pyramids Hotel & Spa. : Offering pyramid views, this high-end hotel is one km from The Great Pyramid at Giza, The Grand Egyptian Museum and the Great Sphinx of Giza.
Note: The Hotel under renovation 2021
Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel is poised at a prime location with only 3 km away from the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The hotel is ideally located directly facing the New Egyptian Grand Museum with only 25 km away from both Sphinx International Airport and 53 km from Cairo International Airport.
Pyramids View Inn.: This small hotel offers views of the Sphinx and the Pyramids. The view from the rooftop terrace is amazing and this is a great place to watch the Sound & Light Show.
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