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!
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.
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.
Sightseeing at the citadel
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.
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.
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?
Check out the coveted 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.
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.
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.
Visit the Al-Azhar mosque
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.
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.
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.
Dabble in old 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.
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!
Ride atop the Cairo tower
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.
