Headlined by the spectacular World Wonder, the architectural marvel that is the Great Pyramid of Giza, Cairo is chaotic, rich in world-famous history, and one of the most fascinating cities on Earth. This is a place of contrasts, where old and new stand side by side offering great things to do in Cairo!
You are looking for hidden gems in Cairo? I got you covered! Here are 31 Best & Unmissable Things To Do In Cairo, a perfect balance between iconic sites, culture, history, and vibrant nightlife.
The city feels stuck between timelines. Old Cairo, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an impressive cultural heritage and many historic buildings well preserved and open for visitors.
This modern metropolis, a buzzing city, with donkey carts driving down dusty roads will redefine the term “chaotic” for you.
Cairo is home to museums with priceless treasures, chic rooftop bars, ancient mosques, synagogues and churches, and many more things and places to discover.
While you are crossing things off this list when planning out your next holiday, use Expedia’s Price Tracking tool to check the best flight prices for your 2023 trips!
Read More
Iconic Sights in Cairo
Cairo is an extremely popular destination with a very long list of sites to visit. Crossed by the longest river in the world and defined by a fascinating history with some of the most iconic sights, Cairo is a city like no other.
Visit a world wonder: the Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are top of the list for obvious reasons. Visiting the most ancient of the Seven Wonders of the World definitely should be on anyone’s bucket list! Just imagine yourself standing in front of those 5,500 years old gigantic piles of stone!
Stare in wonder at Mohamed Ali Mosque
Chances are this impressive mosque is one of the first landmarks you’ll notice when arriving in Cairo. Because of its size and location on the highest point of the Citadel, the Mosque of Mohamed Ali is the most visible mosque in the city.
Step back in time at Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is home to more than 120,000 ancient Egyptian pieces from the artifacts found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb to treasures of Tanis, the statues of the great kings Khufu, Khafre, and the royal mummy room. An unmissable attraction for history and archeology buffs alike!
Breath in the view at Cairo Tower
The Cairo Tower is not only one of the major attractions for tourists but also one of the most recognizable modern monuments in Cairo. The tallest structure in Egypt and in the whole of North Africa it’s in fact considered by some people to be the second most famous site in Cairo after the Pyramids of Giza.
Explore the massive Saladin Citadel
Cairo Citadel was created in 1176 by Saladin to show the power and glory of the Ayyubid Dynasty. Named by UNESCO as “the new center of the Islamic world”, this stunning site located on a hill, houses multiple mosques, museums, and the Al-Gawhara Palace. It’s also a great place to take in some spectacular views of Cairo.
Snap a selfie with the Great Sphinx of Giza
Within walking distance of the pyramids, you’ll find the most famous of Egypt’s statues, the enigmatic Sphinx, another ancient wonder worthy of postcards and endless travel selfies.
Get lost in Islamic Cairo
Islamic Cairo is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, where the history of Egypt unfolds through mosques, mausoleums, markets, fountains, and palaces. This spectacular labyrinth of streets and alleys is teeming with life, history, and Egyptian culture.
Hidden Gems in Cairo
Cairo…this sprawling, historic, ancient city is extremely famous for many reasons, but there is a lot more to see and do in this city, and some places are off the radar. Nonetheless, the hidden gems in Cairo are worth discovering!
Stroll through Muizz Street
Islamic Cairo Muizz Street, a pedestrian alley located in Islamic Cairo it’s the oldest street in the country. It has some remarkable medieval mosques and palaces along the way. It’s a great place to explore the cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful intricate details of every building.
Witness history come to life at the Pharaonic Village
Get a glimpse of Egypt’s Pharaonic past by visiting the Pharaonic village. This is definitely a great place to take a memory lane of what village life was like in ancient Egypt.
Marvel at Nilometer
Nilometer is one of the oldest surviving Islamic buildings in Egypt. From ancient times this was used to measure the waters of the Nile so Egyptian farmers would know whether to expect famine or flood. Definitely pay a visit!
History and Culture in Cairo
For historical sightseeing, there are few cities that can compete with Cairo, but Egypt’s capital offers much more. This capital city displays a charming blend between Egyptian tradition and Islamic culture you definitely want to explore.
Admire the artifacts at the Museum Of Islamic Art
With an impressive collection of exceptional woodwork and plaster artifacts from all over the Islamic world, the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo is considered to be one of the greatest Islamic Art Museums on the whole.
Dive into history at Memphis Open Air Museum
Although currently sits in ruins of ancient artifacts, Memphis was the capital of Egypt in the Old Kingdom era. This stunning place is now registered Unesco World Heritage site and officially recognized as an Open-air museum.
Explore the Hanging Church
The hanging church, also known as the Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church is a spectacular Coptic Christian church and also the oldest and biggest church in Egypt. The wooden ceiling does not only represent ancient craftsmanship but is also appealing to look at.
Day Trips from Cairo
For countless generations, the awe-inspiring pyramids and famous waters of the Nile have inspired wanderlust. From the shores of the Mediterranean and the sun-soaked desert towns to epic day trips outside the city, this North African gem has so much to offer.
Take a day trip to Alexandria
Far away from the chaotic city of Cairo, you’ll discover a slightly quieter city that simply takes your breath away. Home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Library of Alexandria, makes it a truly magical day trip.
Spend a day in Luxor
Famous for the Valley of the Kings, where history buffs can lay eyes on the tombs of Tutankhamun and Nefertari, and great for its Nile cruises, Luxor is a top travel destination for countless travelers looking to explore the beauty of Egypt.
Dive into the beach vibe in Hurghada
While Egypt is best known for its desert safari and dusty pyramids, it is also home to some outstanding beach resorts. Hurghada is one of the prime spots on the Red Sea for a spectacular beach getaway. From the traditional atmosphere to vibrant nightclubs, Hurghada has something for anyone.
Shopping in Cairo
Definitely no holiday without shopping! At least a bit! But Cairo is a wonderland of shopping. Whether you want endless street shops with traditional arts, crafts, and glassware or luxury brands, this place has it all.
Practice your haggling at the Khan el Khalili Bazaar
Khan El Khalili was a major commercial trading market in the 14th century and today still keeps the spirit of the historical souk. So, step back in time and spend a few hours wandering the shops, picking up a few souvenirs, and definitely trying out your haggling skills. Remember that is part of the culture so, have fun!
Shop your way through Zamalek
Known for its extravagance, Zamalek gives you a posh European vibe with its stylishly decorated boutiques and restaurants well located along the gleaming Nile.
Buy handicrafts at Tentmakers Market
Tentmakers Market is a must-visit place if you are looking for beautiful handwoven textile designs, embroidery techniques, blankets, cushions, or hand-made intricate appliqué wall hangings.
Food and Sweets in Cairo
With recipes dating back thousands of years Egyptian cuisine has one of the most unique and fascinating dishes which will open your palate to a wide range of diverse and mind-blowing flavors. For those who love savory and well-spiced dishes, Egyptian food is a blessing!
Spoil your appetite at Kebdet El Prince
Kebdet el Prince is the local’s favorite place for good reasons. With extremely traditional and totally delicious dishes from the famous kibda, to Molokheya and sugu, this is the place to taste the local food!
Devour Koshary at Abou Tarek
A visit to Egypt isn’t complete without trying koshary, a classic Egyptian traditional food. Abou Tarek was founded in the 1950s and is the most well-known and famous place in Cairo to get this classic dish.
Taste the local cuisine on a food tour
Aside from history and shopping, Cairo is heaven on earth for foodies! With a range of delicious Egyptian dishes, it’s hard to know where to begin when exploring the capital’s culinary scene. Here come the food tours with local experts to help you taste your way across Cairo while sampling the most famous delights and even getting some great tips on how these are made!
Relax in Cairo
Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of chaotic Cairo, there are plenty of options for those looking to relax. Waterfalls, resorts, spas, parks, and idyllic tours are just a few of the things to can enjoy.
Take a Felucca Ride on the Nile River
Spend a relaxing afternoon sailing on the Nile in a Felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat! You can rent a private felucca, bring a snake and drinks and enjoy while riding down the longest river in the world.
Breathe in the fresh air at Al Azhar Park
Looking to escape the craziness of Cairo for a couple of hours? Spend a relaxing day strolling the grounds and breathing in the peaceful vibe at the lake.
Swim under waterfalls at Wadi El Rayan
Wadi El Rayan is a magical slice of nature nestled in a dry region with golden sand dunes and blue waters. Home to two flowing lakes connected by a beautiful waterfall this place is a popular thrill for adventure-loving tourists.
Top Fun Activities in Cairo
As much as you adore the Egyptian capital city, there are many more adventure junkie activities to explore while in Cairo, from sandboarding down the dunes and driving a quad bike to river cruises, and exploring surprising oases.
Zoom down dunes on a desert jeep tour!
Desert jeep tour is a great choice for adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts. The tours take you up and down golden sand dunes, through the desert, making it a great option for those looking for more than just an average sightseeing experience.
Ride a quad bike
A quad bike tour is a great way to explore the vast Egyptian landscape taking in spectacular views along the way.
Marvel at the out-of-place White Desert
The White Desert is a bizarre and yet magnificent natural wonder, home to some of Egypt’s most stunning rock formations and natural chasms making this mesmerizing landscape look almost like a snow globe. Definitely is part of the essential things to do in Cairo for travelers wanting to get off the beaten path!
Things to Do at Night in Cairo
The nights in Cairo are the ideal time to explore the centuries-old bazaars, well-lit buildings, and ultra-modern malls while enjoying the local delicacies or exploring the vibrant nightclubs. The city lives up to the high-class expectation of being a modern metropolis with many entertainment options after sunset.
Be dazzled by the Pyramids' sound & light show
What can be more spectacular than a world wonder? A magical lit-up world wonder at night! The Pyramids Sound and Light Show is a quintessential experience in Cairo you certainly don’t want to miss.
Catch a show at the Cairo Opera House
If you are looking to change the views, The Cairo Opera House is easily one of the world’s most visually impressive music halls, combining Eastern, Western, and traditional sounds within its acoustic shell.
Party it up on world-class rooftop bars!
Cairo isn’t exactly best known for its rooftop bars, but there are many options to choose from! Anyone who adds this to the list of night things to do in Cairo will attest, they’re a heck of a good time!
Overall
So, if you’re on the hunt for unique things to do in Cairo, whether you’re a history buff, thrill-seeker, nature lover, or art aficionado, you’ll be spoiled for choice in the modern Egyptian capital city.
