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trippybug
9 months ago

Top 20 things to do in Cairo

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Steeped into the history of the world so deep that every monument and place exudes historical importance and relevance. Such is the capital of Egypt, Cairo. It is one of the must-visit cities of the world and there are a plethora of things to do in Cairo. Although, the offerings here are in such abundance that a single visit will only let you taste a morsel of this fun-filled diet called Cairo. But there is nothing to worry about as we have curated a list of top 20 things to do in Cairo so that you only bask in their greatness and we get to do the choosing.

Stay tuned to know about the impeccable things to do in Cairo.

Gaze at the Pyramids of Giza

The most important and probably world-renowned monument in Egypt is the Pyramids of Giza,

Cairo. It is one of the must-do things to do in Cairo as you sit atop camel backs and explore the great

yet simple construction of the past. Owing to the heat and hustle, the trip is a bit tough but what you

experience and witness is far more than just worth it. The Cheops Pyramid is the largest of the group

and has intricate narrow passages underneath it. One can also visit the solar boat museum, which

has priceless antiquities. Don’t miss the Lion-shaped Sphinx at the entry guard point of the tombs.

So, prepare your visa and head here to Giza!

pyramids of giza,
Camels strolling through the Giza pyramids.

Marvel at the collections in the Egyptian Museum.

Even if you live in Cairo, you won’t be able to explore everything and artifact that this museum has

to offer, let alone one trip. Cairo’s Egyptian museum is one of the most exhilarating and

knowledgeable experiences one can go for. Founded in 1857, by August Mariette, the collection and

the importance that the collection holds, will leave you dumbfounded. If you’re short on time,

Tutankhamen galleries and the jewelry collection room are must visits. It is located in Midan-al

Tahrir and is nearest by Sadat metro station. If you’re looking for things to do in Cairo, visit this

museum and relive history.

artefact at museum, egypt
Artefact at the Egypt ian Museum, Cairo

Indulge in the Khan el-Khalili market

For all the shopping enthusiasts, this is one of the best things to do in Cairo. The bazaar, also known

as ‘Souq’ locally is a maze of small and big street shops and kiosks that have the most wonderful

collections of all kinds of paraphernalia. Silversmiths, ring and metal workers are still found here, in

the prime of activity. From quirky and antique lampshades to uncanny pieces of decorative items,

this bazaar has it all for any kind of shopaholic out there. After a long stroll through the labyrinthine

market streets, stop at Fishawis, the famous coffee shop for a decadent beverage experience. In the

list of things to do in Cairo, the Khan el-khalili warrants a top spot.

khan bazaar,
A stuffed store at the Khan Bazaar

Sightseeing at the citadel

citedel of cairo
The imposing Citadel of Cairo

Built by Saidin in 1176, the citadel in Cairo is a long standing wonder. With sightseeing from its

terraces among the best things to do in Cairo, the location of the citadel is also a power one at the

foot of the Mokattam hills. Mohd. Ali’s mosque is the prime tourist attraction here, with millions of

travelers flocking it in herds. Other than that, the citadel is one of the best things to do in Cairo

because of the Gawhara terrace, which provides stupefying and panoramic views of the entire town,

laden with mosques and tombs with their slender minarets towering above the rest of the

monuments.

Stroll about in Al- azhar park

Take a break from the brown monuments and beat the heat by visiting the Al-azhar park. It is one of

the most relaxing things to do in Cairo as the other activities can be a bit tedious and hard on the

knees. Lie in the shade of trees and gaze at the views of the city that are visible form the park. The

sunset views of the city call for a great Instagram moment as the sun signs out, leaving a beautiful

silhouette effect for you to bask in and bring out your best pose. Amidst all the chaos, this serves as

a great checkpoint for you gather your itinerary and take a breather, as you set sail on your ‘things to

do in Cairo’ list.

things to do in cairo
Sterling views from the Al- azhar park

Go terrace scouting on Bab Zuweila

Going to the top of the roof of Bab Zuweila is one of the most interesting things to do in Cairo. This

medieval era relic was built in the 11th century and offers stunning views of the Cairo city. After you

are done sightseeing, hop skip and jump into Sheikh Al Muayyad Mosque just beside Bab zuweila

and also check out famous artisan stalls in the way. Culture and traditions are replete in Cairo,

everywhere you see.

rooftop of bab zuweila
Rooftop of Bab Zuweila

Amble in Al-Muizz li-Din Allah street

Shopping and supping are the most staple things to do in Cairo and this street is resplendent with

options of just that. The northern section is rimmed with Mamluk architecture, now revived to its

anachronistic glory. To embrace and witness the simple Islamic architecture, one can visit the

Madarasa of as-Salih Ayyub for a peaceful and tranquil time. Just across the street from here is the

legendary Madrassa of Qalaun, considered to be the doyen of Mamluk architecture. After a day of

exploration, give in to delectable food offered right on the street and live the real Cairo life. Things

to do in Cairo never end, do they?

madrassa of qalaun,
Madrassa of Qalaun, Mamluk period

Check out the coveted Nilometer

nilometer, egypt,
The 861 AD Nilometer

The monastirli palace, situated on the beautiful Roda Island has one of the most interesting things to

do in Cairo. Just in the interior of the palace gardens, is the famous Nilometer, which was used to

measure the flow of the Nile, which helped in the prediction of the flood heights, so that people can

be prepared. There are many Nilometers in Cairo but this once dates back to 861 AD. There is Umm

Khaltum Museum too in the premises which can be explored for fun. On your quest of interesting

things to do in Cairo, don’t forget the exemplary Nilometer.

Marvel at the ornate Manyal palace

Beauty has a new address and it’s the very intricately built, manyal palace. Of all the things to do in

Cairo, this probably involves the most picture perfect locations which need to go on your Instagram,

like right now. There was a long wait as restoration was underway, but now it has been opened to

public. The perfect amalgamation of Arabic and European designs, this palace is the quintessential

example of architectural and aesthetic beauty. Don’t forget to visit the throne palace here, it’s a

delight. If the list was named as beautiful things to do in Cairo, this would probably be at the top.

manyal palace, egypt, cairo
The Manyal palace peremises

An entire day at Al-Fayoum

The al-fayoum is a depression, 112 km south of Cairo and is a wonderful option for things to do in

Cairo. This historic natural monument is just in the proximity of Cairo and offers great value for the trip. The main attractions here are the Wadi Rayyan and lake Qarun which are perfect spots for

adventure and wilderness enthusiasts. Also, the ruins of Medinet Madi is a world renowned site

here. So, do remember to add Al-fayoum to your itinerary of things to do in Cairo.

al-fayoum , things to do in cairo
The Al-fayoum depression

Visit the Mosque of Al-Hakim

Al-Hakim was one of the most influential rulers of Egypt and was the most tyrannous Fatimid leader

of his time but this mosque, built during his reign is absolutely stunning and is a staple in the list of

things to do in Cairo. The minarets here are the most intriguing building components. They were

initially round, and their current square packaging and domed top segments (looking like an Arab

incense burner) date from their revamping after Cairo’s 1303 seismic tremor.

al-hakim mosque,
The Al-hakim mosque

Visit the Al-Azhar mosque

things to do in cairo

One of the earliest surviving mosques, completed in 972 A.D., the Al-Azhar mosque is one of the

most indulging things to do in Cairo. It’s one of the world’s oldest colleges – Caliph El-Aziz gave it with

the situation with college in AD 988 (the other college competing for “most established” status is in

Fes) and today, Al-Azhar University is as yet the main philosophical focus of the Islamic world. The

principal entrance is the Gate of the Barbers on the northwest side of the structure, connecting the

neo-Arab exterior worked by Abbas II. To experience such history, this has to be in your list of things

to do in Cairo

The duo of Saqqara and Dahshur

If you visited Gaza pyramids and were fascinated, then the greatness doesn’t end there. The vast

regions of Saqqara and Dashur, 30 kms south of Cairo, are as rewarding and steeped in history as the

pyramids of gaza. Saqqara is so huge, and its set of experiences as an entombment site so

tremendous, that excavations here, keep on uncovering finds that make the hot news around the

world. Right in the distance is Dahshur’s Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid, which ought not be missed.

Anticipate that even the briefest schedule here should require a portion of a day. These sites make

for the grandest of pictures for Instagram, so keep this on your list of things to do in Cairo.

saqqara landscape,
Saqqara landscape.

Experience the Mummies

The NMEC of the national museum of Egyptian civilizations is all dedicated to just the human history

of Egypt and all of it, under one umbrella. The museum is gradually building up its exhibitions from

2017 and has now come a long way. If you’re into mummies and scary things, this is among the best

things to do in Cairo. It has Egypt ’s most famous Pharaonic mummies. A nearby visit can also be

planned to Coptic Cairo as it is in close vicinity. Witness these two greats at the trip of one and do

one of the most interesting things to do in Cairo.

pharonic mummy,
Pharaonic Mummy

Take a snap with the Sphinx

On the west bank of river Nile, just a short distance from the city side of Gaza plateau, lies the

magnanimous sphinx, waiting for you to marvel at this historic construction. The sphinx is the

insignia of ancient Egypt with a lion’s body and a human head. It still is the most quintessential thing

to do in Cairo under the ambit of historical exploration as this monument has inspired a lot of

musicians, artists and poets of its times.

legendary sphinx, egypt,
The legendary sphinx

Dabble in old Cairo

things to do in cairo ,

This 1.6km stretch of Cairo is the most established settlement in the district, and joins Islamic,

Christian and Jewish chronicles. Take in the warren of thin roads to end up at a social and strict

junction. Find the Amr Mosque, the principal mosque worked in Cairo; the Ben Ezra Synagogue,

tracing all the way back to the ancient times and one of the most holy things to do in Cairo, the

fourth-century Church of St Sergius or the third-century Hanging Church of the Virgin Mary. Old

Cairo has that timeless and anachronistic charm and rustic ambience which makes you think of

simpler times. To diversify your list, do keep a visit her for things to do in Cairo.

Get humbled by the Church of the Virgin Mary

Of all the things to do in Cairo, this will appeal to all the pacifists and the elderly. Gracing the fortress

of Babylon, the hanging church of virgin Mary is a spectacle in itself. With hefty iron doors laden in

the shades of black and white and marble pillars, the interiors of this place are a testament to true

and brilliant craftsmanship. Keep the phones in your pockets as pictures are prohibited here.

Instead, you can pray for a healthy and joyous trip and bless your list of things to do in Cairo.

hanging church of virgin mary, cairo, cheap flights, cheap hotels,
The hanging church of virgin Mary

A cruise on the Nile

Probably, one of the most sought-after things to do in Cairo is a luxury cruise on the legendary Nile

river. The boats are equipped with decadent restaurants and nightclubs which make the experience

even more enjoyable and pleasurable. The most exhilarating thing about this experience is that you’re sailing on the same path as Cleopatra did once with her contemporaries. This is a must-do for

all lists of things to do in Cairo. In you’re in Egypt, Nile please!

cruise on the nile river,
Cruise on the Nile

Ride atop the Cairo tower

things to do in cairo

Tame your acrophobia with this high-rise, humdinger of a building, the Cairo tower. Established in

1961 and shaped like a lotus plant, stands the 187m long and splendid Cairo tower. Reaching the

terrace of Cairo tower, is one of the interesting things to do in Cairo as it offers stunning views of

Cairo from 600ft above. Enjoy a succulent meal at sky garden café and gaze at the panoramas

offered by the observation deck. Needless to say, it deserves a spot in the list of top 20 things to do

in Cairo.

The Coptic museum

Owing to a concoction of cultures and religions, Cairo has a lot to offer tradition-wise and vis-s-vis

museums. The Coptic museum is a beautiful testimony to the above stated fact. Founded in 1908, it

consists of the famous Coptic art and culture, from Christianity to the Islamic transition. The well

crafted galleries exhibit sculptures of the Ptolemaic period and other paraphernalia. It is among the

more intellectual things to do in Cairo but is a must-feature in any list of things to do in Cairo.

things to do in cairo
The Coptic museum

 

 

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