Tourist Places to Visit in Cairo
Egypt

Incredible Tourist Places to Go and Fun Things to Do in Cairo

Mustafa Natalwala 4943 Views

Cairo is the national capital city of Egypt and the second largest city in Africa. The city is home to a Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The best places to visit in Cairo are also some of the most famous historical spots in the world. The city and its highlight attractions have been featured in several films, television shows, music videos, video games and so on. Most famously Cairo tourist attractions are featured in the Mummy series. It is one of the most historically significant cities in the world. It is also associated with several mysteries and conspiracies as well. But, these make it all the more fun to visit Cairo. The city has several great cultural spots for fun things to do in Cairo as well.

The monuments of ancient Egypt are among the top things to see in Cairo. But there are many more monuments spread across the city from different time periods and different empires. Cairo tourist attractions also include forts, mosques, museums, mausoleums, tombs, archaeological sites, art museums, art galleries, cultural centers and more. You can explore Cairo attractions for several days and you still might not be able to cover all of them. If you want to get a panoramic view of the city before embarking on Cairo sightseeing, you should head towards the hill.

Aside from history and art, if you are looking to go for shopping among activities in Cairo, you can choose between malls and ancient Arab style markets known as souqs. You can enjoy both as well. But the real fun of shopping is at these markets. You will find several unique items which you can take home as souvenirs. Many of these markets are home to fun activities to do in Cairo as well. They are also the places to go in Cairo for some of the best street food.

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A Complete 4 Days Trip Itinerary To See Cairo Tourist Attractions

The list of top things to do in Cairo is quite exhaustive and it might even seem unmanageable. But, the following itinerary of things to see in Cairo will help you navigate the city much better during your vacation.

Day 1

1. The Giza Pyramids

These pyramids are among the 7 wonders of the world. They don’t need an introduction. For many people, these are the only Cairo attractions they know of when they arrive in the city. These pyramids are estimated to have been built between 2560 to 2540 BCE. These pyramids are the biggest highlight of Cairo sightseeing. They are parts of history, fables, conspiracy theories, films, music videos, television programs and what not. You should keep 3 to 4 hours of time aside to explore these marvels.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of Giza Pyramids and The Sphinx with Camel Ride.

The Giza Pyramids

2. The Sphinx

This monumental sculpture is a part of the Great Pyramids area in a way, but is also a separate identity by itself. The Great Sphinx, as it is referred to by some people, is also a great mystery, more so than the pyramids. This makes it even more fun to explore during Cairo travel. Just do one things, read up or watch videos on all the history, theories, legends, fables and conspiracy theories about the Sphinx before visiting it. The knowledge will make this monument the most fun places to go in Cairo. You would again need an hour or two to explore this monument.

You should book a guided tour of the Sphinx and the Giza Pyramids with Camel Ride.

The Sphinx

3. Saqqara Pyramids (Pyramid of Djoser or Step Pyramid)

This archaeological site may not be as well known as the Giza Pyramids, but are actually older and equally significant. The Step Pyramid is the oldest pyramid in Egypt dating all the way back to 2700 BCE. It is among the most historical significant places to go in Cairo. You will need 2 to 3 hours of time to explore the entire archaeological site.

I suggest you should book your guided tour to Saqqara Pyramids with The Giza, The Sphinx and Memphis.

Saqqara Pyramids

4. Memphis

This city was the capital of Old Kingdom and it dates back to 3100 BCE. The city is now an archaeological site, but at one time was one of the most prominent and flourishing cities in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and much of the archaeological activities in Cairo takes place at this site. You will need about 2 hours to explore this ancient city.

You should combine your visit of Memphis with The Giza, The Sphinx and Saqqara Pyramids.

Memphis

Day 2

1. Cairo Tower

One of the most favorite activities to do in Cairo for the tourists is taking in the view of the city and beyond from this tower. The tower itself is a gorgeous sight to behold due to its decorative architecture. You should keep 20 to 30 minutes to enjoy to climb up and spot different places to see in Cairo from atop this tower.

Cairo Tower

2. Egyptian Museum

There are more than 100 halls of exhibition in this museum. It will take you almost an entire day if plan to explore this museum thoroughly, maybe even that might not be enough. It is among the best places to visit in Cairo to understand ancient Egypt as well as the history and culture of the country. Many of the fascinating things to see in Cairo can be found in this museum. If you are in a hurry to explore more when you visit Cairo, you should limit your time in this museum to about 3 hours.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of Egyptian Museum in advance.

Egyptian Museum

3. Tahrir Square

Also known as Martyr Square, this square has been the spot for numerous social and political movements in Egypt. It is also among the most popular tourist places in Cairo. You would need 15 to 20 minutes for this historic square.

Tahrir Square

4. Church of St. George

This Greek Orthodox Church was built in the 10th century and was part of the Fortress of Babylon. Despite being a church, the architecture sees several Islamic elements as well as Roman architecture elements. You would need about 30 minutes to explore this church.

Church of St. George

5. Ben Ezra Synagogue

This Synagogue was first built in 882 on a sport where there used to be a Coptic Church. The structure you see today is a reconstruction of the original synagogue, though it retains several parts of the original structure. It is among the most famous places to in Cairo for its association with Cairo Geniza Collection of Manuscripts. You will need about an hour to explore it.

Ben Ezra Synagogue

6. Hanging Church

This church is among Cairo top attractions for its architecture. It gets its name from its suspended nave over the passage of a former Roman Fortress. It also goes by the name of St. Mary’s Church, Sitt Mariam, the Suspended Church and El Muallaqa. You would need about 30 to 45 minutes for this church.

Hanging Church

7. Coptic Museum

This museum is among the most fun places to visit in Cairo if you are interested in ancient Egypt and history of Christianity. This museum has the largest collection of Egyptian Christian items in the entire world. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this museum entirely.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of old Coptic Cairo and it covers visit of Coptic Museum and some other attractions as well.

Coptic Museum

Day 3

1. Mosque of Ibn Tulun

This is the oldest mosque of Egypt which is still in use for offering prayers. The mosque is named after Ibn Tulun, who established the Tulunid Dynasty of Egypt. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore various aspects of this mosque.

Mosque of Ibn Tulun

2. Mosque of Muhammad Ali

This mosque is also known as the Alabaster Mosque because the forecourt walls as well as a certain lower portions of the mosque are faced with alabaster. The best time to go to  Cairo mosques would be the holy month of Ramadan. You will get to see the mosque in a completely new light during this month. It will take you one hour to explore this mosque.

Mosque of Muhammad Ali

3. The Citadel

Also known as the Saladin Citadel, this grand fortress sits on the Mokattam Hill. This fortress was built in 1176 under the rule of Salah al Din. The fortress is a huge complex and consists of several famous places in Cairo. The fortress was used by several dynasties and kings who ruled over the region. Many of these residents added to the fortress in their own ways. You will need about 2 hours to explore it.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of the Citadel in advance.

The Citadel

4. Mosque Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

The construction of this complex completed in 1361 and named after Al Nasir Hassan. The mosque as well as the madrassa (Islamic school) are known among Cairo top attractions for their decorative architectural and interior features. You would need about 30 minutes to explore it.

Mosque Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

5. Al-Rifa’i Mosque

Also known as the Royal Mosque, it is one of the finest examples of Mamluke architecture. It is among the most popular places to visit in Cairo for religious pilgrims. The shrine of saint Ahmed al Rafai in the mosque is believed to have healing power. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this mosque.

Al-Rifa'i Mosque

6. Aqsunqur Mosque

Also known as the Blue Mosque and Mosque of of Ibrahi Agha, is of one of the most beautiful things to see in Cairo. The construction of this mosque was completed in 1347 and it was designed in Syrian style. It will take 30 to 45 minutes to explore this museum.

Aqsunqur Mosque

7. Al Azhar Park

This park sits atop the hill and is one of the best spots for Cairo sightseeing. It is one of the few patches of green in the city and it is quite blissful to explore. You will be able to see several Cairo tourist attraction from the edges of the garden. You should keep 30 to 45 minutes for this garden.

Al Azhar Park

8. Northern Cemetery (City of the Dead)

More popularly known as the City of the Dead, this is the site of ancient tombs. Those of important people are beautifully designed. You will see tombs of several kings and other well known figures in Egypt’s history in the Northern Cemetery, hence it is included among Cairo attractions. You will need about an hour for this place.

Northern Cemetery

Day 4

1. Bab Zuweila

It is one of the few places to go in Cairo to see remnants of old city wall. It is one of the 3 gates which were part of old city’s fortification. You will need about half an hour for this ancient gate.

Bab Zuweila

2. Mosque of Sultan al Muayyad

This complex was originally built for the purpose of religious studies in 1421. This mosque is one of the most beautiful places to see in Cairo owing to its intricate design. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes to explore this mosque.

Mosque of Sultan al Muayyad

3. Museum of Islamic Arts

This museum has the largest collection of Islamic arts in the entire world. With more than 100,000 artifacts, these museum is one of the best places to visit in Cairo to understand and admire incredible works of art. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.

Museum of Islamic Arts

4. Muizz Street (Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi)

This is one of the oldest streets in the city and one of the most popular tourist places in Cairo. If shopping is among the most fun things to do in Cairo and this street has some of the best stores. You should keep aside about an hour to explore Muizz Street.

Muizz Street

5. Al Azhar Mosque

The mosque was built in 972 A.D. and is one of the finest architectural works in the city. It is one of the most famous places in Cairo. You will need about an hour to explore this mosque.

Al Azhar Mosque

6. Khan el Khalili

This market or souq is among Cairo top attractions for being an elaborate labyrinth of shops, stores, stalls and street food joints. Shopping in this market is among the top things to do in Cairo. You will need an hour or more to explore this market.

If you are interested in shopping and want to know more about Egyptian Products then I suggest you should book a guided tour of Khan el Khalili.

Khan el Khalili

7. Al Hussein Mosque

This mosque was built in 1154 is among popular places to visit in Cairo for its beautiful architecture and interior art work. You will need about an hour to explore this mosque.

Al Hussein Mosque

8. Al Hakim Mosque

This mosque built in 990 A.D. and is known for the oldest minaret in the city. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this mosque.

Al Hakim Mosque

If you plan to visit Cairo for more than 4 days check out the section below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of the best places to visit and top things to do in Cairo.

Things to do in Cairo

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Cairo

  1. The Great Pyramids
  2. The Sphinx
  3. Giza Necropolis
  4. Memphis
  5. Egyptian Museum
  6. Pyramid of Djoser
  7. Salah al Din Al Ayoubi Castle
  8. Mosque of Mohammad Ali
  9. Cairo Tower
  10. The Hanging Church
  11. Coptic Museum
  12. Mosque of Ibn Tulun
  13. Red Pyramid
  14. Abdeen Palace Museum
  15. City of the Dead
  16. Al Azhar Mosque
  17. Fortress of Babylon
  18. Museum of Islamic Art
  19. Prince Mohamed Ali Palace / Al Manial Palace
  20. Mosque of Sultan Hassan
  21. Baron Empain Palace
  22. Cairo Opera House
  23. St Sergius & St Bacchus Church
  24. Gayer Anderson Museum
  25. Synagogue Ben Ezra
  26. Pharaonic Village
  27. Al Hussain Mosque
  28. A’mr bin Al A’as Mosque
  29. National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
  30. Bayt al Suhaymi
  31. Wekalet el Ghoury
  32. Masjid al Hakim
  33. Al Rifa’i Mosque
  34. Museum of Modern Egyptian Art
  35. Qalawun Complex
  36. Mohamed Mahmoud Khali Museum
  37. St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral
  38. St. George’s Church
  39. Masjid al Aqmar
  40. Manasterly Palace
  41. Ittihadia Palace
  42. Egyptian Textiles Museum
  43. Aisha Fahmy Palace
  44. Al Gawhara Palace
  45. The Royal Mummies Hall
  46. Bab al Futuh Fortress
  47. Beshtak Palace
  48. Aqsunqur Mosque
  49. Umm Kulthum Museum
  50. Bab El Nasr
  51. National Military Museum
  52. St. Simon “The Tanner” Monastery
  53. Townhouse Gallery
  54. El Sakakini Pasha Palace
  55. Panorama October Museum
  56. Jazirat Warraq al Hadar
  57. Royal Chariots Museum
  58. Sabil Kuttab of Abdel Katkhuda
  59. Mahmoud Mukhtar Museum
  60. Egyptian Geology Museum
  61. Mustafa Mahmoud Mosque
  62. Saint Barphara Church
  63. Karmet Ibn Hanie Cultural Center
  64. Ahmed Shawky Museum
  65. El Kobba Palace
  66. Islamic Ceramics Museum
  67. Sha’ar Hashamayim Synagogue
  68. Imam Shafi Mosque
  69. Sultan al Mu’ayyad Mosque
  70. Al Sayeda Zainab Mosque
  71. Masjid Al Sayyida Nafeesah
  72. Saint Mary Church
  73. Al Nasser Mohammed Ibn Kalawoun
  74. Safar Khan Gallery

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Cairo

  1. Mokattam Hills

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Cairo

  1. Al Azhar Park
  2. Gezira Island
  3. Giza Zoo
  4. Rhoda Island
  5. Aquarium Grotto Garden
  6. Orman Botanical Garden
  7. Children Civilication & Creativity Center
  8. The International Park
  9. El Andolas Park
  10. Safari Park
  11. Darb 1718
  12. Wonderland Amusement Park

Shopping in Cairo

  1. Khan el Khalili
  2. El Tahrir Square
  3. Mall of Arabia
  4. Street of Tentmakers
  5. Souq al Ataba
  6. Muizz Street
  7. Souq al Fustat
  8. Downtown Mall
  9. City Stars Mall

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Cairo

  1. Desert Safari
  2. Dune Buggy Ride
  3. Camel Ride
  4. Desert Camp
  5. Desert Hike
  6. Nile Boat Cruise
  7. Felucca boat Ride

Sightseeing in Cairo

  1. Giza Plateau
  2. Al Moez Ldin Allah al Fatmi Street
  3. Kasr al nil Bridge
  4. 6th October Bridge
  5. Mogamma el Tahrir
  6. Merryland Park
  7. Maspero Television Building
  8. Giza Square
  9. Maadi Island
  10. Rod El Farag Axis Bridge

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Cairo

  1. Koshary Abou Tarek
  2. Sobhy
  3. Maison Thomas
  4. Lucille’s
  5. Fasahet Somaya
  6. Oldish
  7. Birdcage
  8. Makani
  9. Bab al Qasr
  10. Indira Indian
  11. The Grill Restaurant
  12. Zitouni
  13. Zooba

Where to Stay in Cairo?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Cairo. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Cairo.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo
  2. Fairmont Nile City
  3. Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
  4. Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo
  5. InterContinental Cairo Semiramis, an IHG Hotel
  6. Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino
  7. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
  8. JW Marriott Hotel Cairo
  9. Hilton Cairo Heliopolis
  10. The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo
  11. Conrad Cairo
  12. Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski Cairo

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir
  2. Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino Cairo
  3. Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis
  4. Ramses Hilton
  5. Novotel Cairo El Borg
  6. Concorde El Salam Hotel Cairo by Royal Tulip
  7. Holiday Inn Cairo – Citystars, an IHG Hotel
  8. Horizon Nile Plaza Hotel
  9. Le Meridien Cairo Airport
  10. Grand Nile Tower
  11. Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences
  12. The St. Regis Almasa Hotel, Cairo

Budget Hotels

  1. Al Masa Hotel
  2. Le Passage Cairo Hotel & Casino
  3. Triumph Plaza Hotel
  4. Novotel Cairo Airport
  5. Baron Hotel Heliopolis
  6. Dahab Hostel
  7. Tolip Golden Plaza Hotel
  8. Cairo Paradise Hotel
  9. Golden Tulip Flamenco Hotel Flamenco Cairo
  10. New Grand Royal Hotel Cairo
  11. Maadi Hotel
  12. Hotel Longchamps

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Cairo

How to Reach Cairo?

By Air

Cairo International Airport is the easiest option for Cairo travel. You can get direct flights from several European, Asian and North American cities to visit Cairo. Once you are at the airport, you can use public busses, private tour busses, shuttle busses or cabs to get to various places to visit in Cairo. App based abc services like Uber and Careem are also available at the airport.

By Road

Buses and Trains can help you get around in Egypt but not abroad. Both networks are great to travel from other cities of Egypt to visit Cairo. If you plan to travel by road, there are numerous options for you to pick to reach there. Route 50 and 75 are the biggest roads going into the city. Many of the things to see in Cairo are situated along these routes.

By Water

There are no water routes for Cairo travel. Although you can enjoy boat rides in the Nile river, it is among the most fun things to do in Cairo.

Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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