10 Things to Do in Cairo: Experience the Magic of Egypt's Capital

Cairo, known as "Mother of the World," is a majestic metropolis where ancient history and modern life coexist. As the largest city in the Middle East and Africa, it is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, with iconic sites like the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum. The city's multi-layered history, from Coptic churches to Islamic architecture, and its timeless markets like Khan el-Khalili, reveal a rich tapestry of civilizations.

Iconic Cairo: Pyramids and the Sphinx

The Great Pyramid of Giza commands respect as the last intact ancient Wonder of the World, an architectural achievement that defies the passage of millennia. These colossal monuments emerge from the desert sands with an authority that has drawn countless visitors across centuries, each seeking to witness firsthand the pinnacle of human ambition carved in stone. The Giza Plateau houses these extraordinary structures, constructed more than 4,500 years ago, representing humanity's earliest attempts to touch eternity through engineering prowess unmatched in the ancient world.

Why they're a must-see

The Pyramids of Giza, including the monumental tombs of pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, were built as eternal resting places to safeguard their mummified remains. The Great Sphinx, a statue with a lion's body and human head, adds to the complex's historical significance. The sheer scale of these ancient structures, which were designed to ensure the pharaoh's successful journey to the afterlife, continues to captivate visitors.

Tips for visiting without a guide

Independent exploration of the pyramids rewards visitors with intimate encounters at their own rhythm. Self-guided visits eliminate the constraints of group schedules while allowing deeper personal connections with these ancient marvels.

Essential strategies for successful independent visits include:

• Arrive early - Entrance at opening time (around 8am) ensures cooler temperatures and fewer crowds

• Stay in Giza the night before - Accommodation just 50 meters from the entrance guarantees first access

• Start with the Sphinx - Most visitors rush to the Great Pyramid, leaving the Sphinx area relatively peaceful for early arrivals

• Bring essentials - Water, sunscreen, protective headwear, and sturdy footwear prove indispensable for extensive walking across the complex

• Be prepared to say no - Vendors will approach with camel rides and souvenirs, but courteous declination maintains your planned itinerary
  Contrary to common assumptions, neither professional guides nor camel rides are mandatory for pyramid visits. A thorough walking exploration typically requires 4-5 hours when allowing adequate time for photography.

Hidden tombs and viewpoints nearby

Strategic vantage points around the Giza Plateau offer unique perspectives on the pyramids, including the classic alignments from Panoramic Point and "the Money Shot" favored by photographers. Visitors can also view all nine pyramids simultaneously from the southern dunes.

Recent archaeological discoveries continue to add to the site's mystique, with the identification of a mysterious L-shaped structure buried beneath the royal cemetery. Exploring the interior of the pyramids is a worthwhile experience, offering an unparalleled glimpse into these ancient wonders.

Cultural Cairo: Museums and History

The museums of Cairo serve as repositories of human achievement, where the weight of five millennia settles upon visitors with quiet authority. This city safeguards the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world, each artifact bearing witness to a civilization whose influence continues to shape our understanding of ancient societies. These institutions function not merely as exhibition halls, but as scholarly sanctuaries where Egypt's most precious cultural heritage finds proper stewardship and interpretation.

Egyptian Museum vs. Grand Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum, a cornerstone of Egyptian archaeology since 1902, holds over 170,000 artifacts, including the Narmer Palette and the burials of Yuya and Thuya. This is complemented by the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a monumental, over $1 billion project near the Giza Pyramids. The GEM is set to become the world's largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization, housing more than 50,000 artifacts, many of which have never been publicly displayed before.

Royal Mummies Hall and King Tut's treasures

The Royal Mummies, including those of renowned pharaohs such as Thutmose III and Ramesses II, are now housed at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The Mummies Hall is designed to evoke the atmosphere of the Valley of the Kings with advanced, climate-controlled displays to ensure the remains are perfectly preserved. King Tutankhamun's vast collection of treasures, including his famous golden mask, continues to captivate visitors at the Egyptian Museum, although these items are slated for a future transfer to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

What to expect at each location

The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, a historic landmark in itself, organizes its vast collection into sections covering the Predynastic, Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms. It's open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) offers a modern experience with strategic lighting and multimedia presentations.

• The main atrium features a massive 40-foot statue of Ramesses II.
• The GEM's galleries are arranged both chronologically and thematically.

Despite the transfer of some collections to newer facilities, the original Egyptian Museum remains a fundamental part of Cairo's cultural identity.

Spiritual Cairo: Mosques and Churches

Cairo's spiritual heritage rises from its streets like incense, where sacred architecture tells stories of faith that span more than a millennium. The city's silhouette, punctuated by over 1,000 mosques, earned it the poetic title "City of Minarets"—a testament to centuries of Islamic devotion carved into stone and marble. These hallowed spaces, alongside ancient Christian sanctuaries, form an essential chapter in understanding Cairo's soul.

Top mosques to visit in Islamic Cairo

Cairo is home to some of the world's most significant Islamic monuments, each with its own unique history and architectural style.

• Al-Azhar Mosque, founded in the 10th century, is a place of worship and one of the world's oldest universities. It is home to over 100,000 rare Islamic manuscripts.
• Ibn Tulun Mosque, built in the 9th century, is known for its unique spiral minaret, which visitors can climb for panoramic views of Old Cairo.
• The grand Sultan Hassan Mosque showcases the magnificent architecture of the 14th century with its four massive domes and towering minarets.
• Located within the Citadel complex, the Muhammad Ali Mosque, or Alabaster Mosque, stands out for its distinctive Ottoman-style architecture.

Coptic Cairo's religious landmarks

Coptic Cairo, within the ancient Babylon Fortress, is the historic heart of Egypt's oldest Christian community. The area's sacred sites include the Hanging Church, named for its position suspended above a Roman gatehouse and known for its ark-like wooden ceiling. Additionally, the Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church is believed to be built over a cave where the Holy Family took refuge during their flight into Egypt, and it features an underground crypt that still serves as a healing shrine.

Dress code and etiquette tips

Visiting sacred sites in Cairo requires respectful attire. For mosque visits, women must cover their shoulders, knees, and hair, while men should wear long pants and no sleeveless shirts. Both men and women must remove their shoes before entering a mosque, so slip-on footwear is recommended.
For church visits, modest dress is appreciated, but head coverings for women are generally not required. At all religious sites, visitors should be mindful of prayer times, maintain quiet conversations, and adhere to photography rules to show cultural sensitivity.

Local Cairo: Markets and Bazaars

Cairo's ancient trading soul reveals itself most authentically within the maze-like passages of its traditional markets. These commercial quarters pulse with the same energy that has animated Middle Eastern commerce for over a millennium. The intoxicating blend of aromatic spices, haggling voices, and artisan craftsmanship creates an atmosphere that connects visitors directly to Egypt's mercantile heritage. Exploring these bustling bazaars provides cultural insights that extend far beyond simple souvenir hunting.

Khan El Khalili: what to buy

Khan el-Khalili, a historic marketplace in Islamic Cairo since the 14th century, is a premier commercial destination for traditional Egyptian goods. Visitors can find an impressive array of items, including:

• Traditional Crafts: Intricate glassware, brassware, ceramics, and alabaster items.
• Jewelry: Silver pieces with turquoise and lapis lazuli, as well as gold cartouches with names in hieroglyphics.
• Textiles: High-quality Egyptian cotton scarves and traditional galabeyas.
• Spices and Perfumes: Colorful spice displays and essential oils in ornate bottles.

The best time to shop is on weekday mornings, before 11 a.m., when the market is less crowded and merchants are more receptive.

How to haggle like a local

Bargaining in Cairo's markets is a cultural exchange. To succeed, begin by offering about half the vendor's asking price and negotiate with respectful firmness. Using humor, knowing when to walk away, and negotiating high-value items by weight are effective strategies. Essential phrases like "Bikam dah?" (how much is this?) can aid negotiations, and strategic silence often shifts the momentum in your favor.

Other lesser-known markets

Cairo's market culture extends well beyond Khan El-Khalili's tourist-friendly confines. Souq Al-Gomaa (Friday Market) attracts serious collectors seeking antiques and vintage treasures at remarkably reasonable prices. El Ataba Market creates a more intense commercial environment where vendors energetically promote everything from clothing to electronics.

The Tentmakers' Bazaar, situated near Bab Zuweila, specializes in khayamiya—traditional Egyptian appliqué textile art featuring vibrant geometric and floral designs. Old Cairo's tanneries offer glimpses into leather-working methods that have changed little over centuries, producing distinctive souvenirs for discerning visitors.

Tasty Cairo: Food You Can't Miss

Egyptian cuisine carries the weight of five millennia, each dish bearing flavors that have sustained pharaohs, merchants, and countless generations who called this ancient land home. Cairo's food scene represents far more than mere sustenance—it embodies cultural heritage served on plates that connect diners to Egypt's agricultural bounty and trading legacy. The aromatic spices wafting from street corners and the careful preparation techniques passed between generations create a culinary narrative that rivals the city's archaeological treasures.

Top street foods to try

Cairo's street food scene is vibrant and offers a variety of delicious dishes. Koshari, the national dish, is a masterful vegetarian mix of lentils, rice, pasta, and spicy tomato sauce. Other popular foods include ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel) made from fava beans, hawawshi—spiced minced meat baked in bread—and feteer meshaltet, a flaky pastry that can be served either sweet or savory.

Best restaurants for local cuisine

In Cairo, several renowned restaurants offer unique dining experiences. Abou El Sid in Zamalek transports diners back to the 1940s with traditional dishes like molokhia. Downtown, Koshary Abou Tarek is a multi-story institution dedicated to perfecting the national dish, koshary. For seafood, Fish Market in Giza offers fresh catches with panoramic views of the Nile.

Food tours worth booking

Structured food tours in Cairo offer a guided experience that combines cultural commentary with generous tastings. Companies like Cairo Culinary Tours and Bellies En-Route provide walking tours through historic or working-class neighborhoods, allowing visitors to sample authentic dishes and learn the stories behind them. Many of these tours also include market visits where participants can learn to identify essential Egyptian spices like dukkah and baharat.

Romantic Cairo: Nile Cruises and Nightlife

Cairo's twilight hours reveal an entirely different character, where the ancient Nile assumes its role as the city's most enchanting stage. The transition from day to night awakens a romantic essence that has captivated visitors for centuries. Traditional wooden sailboats drift silently past illuminated monuments, while elegant dinner vessels offer glimpses into an Egypt where timeless beauty meets contemporary sophistication.

Best time for a felucca ride

Sailing the Nile on a felucca, a traditional wooden sailboat, offers a serene and intimate experience. These graceful vessels, with their white sails and colorful cushions, are a timeless way to experience Egypt's lifeline. The best times to sail are at sunset, when the sky's colors create a magical atmosphere for photography, and in the early morning, when gentle breezes offer a peaceful experience. It is best to avoid the midday sun, especially in the summer.

Dinner cruises with entertainment

Cairo's dinner cruises offer an elevated Nile experience, combining authentic Egyptian cuisine with cultural performances like belly dancing and traditional folk music. These three-hour cruises, which typically depart around 6:00 PM, allow guests to enjoy a meal while drifting past Cairo's beautifully illuminated landmarks. Most operators provide convenient hotel transportation, ensuring a seamless and culturally rich evening.

Where to go after dark

Cairo's nightlife is centered on community gatherings, primarily in traditional coffeehouses called ahwas, where locals enjoy shisha and Arabic coffee. Zamalek Island is the main destination for evening entertainment, with licensed restaurants and venues that often feature cultural performances and offer stunning panoramic views of the Nile at night.

FAQs

Q1. What are the must-see attractions in Cairo beyond the pyramids?

Beyond the pyramids, I’d highly recommend exploring the incredible Egyptian Museum and the modern Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which is home to an astonishing collection of ancient artifacts. You also can’t miss Islamic Cairo's magnificent mosques and the vibrant Khan El Khalili bazaar. For a unique experience, take a sunset felucca ride on the Nile or wander through the green oasis of Al-Azhar Park.

Q2. How can I make the most of a short stay in Cairo?

For a short visit, I suggest you start your day at the Giza Pyramids to beat the crowds and heat. Then, spend your midday exploring either the historic Egyptian Museum or the new GEM. In the afternoon, dive into Islamic Cairo to see the beautiful Sultan Hassan Mosque and haggle for souvenirs at Khan El Khalili. I always recommend ending the day with a relaxing dinner cruise on the Nile.

Q3. What are some unique cultural experiences to have in Cairo?

For a truly immersive experience, I love visiting a traditional ahwa (coffeehouse) for some strong Arabic coffee and shisha. I also think a street food tour is a fantastic way to sample authentic dishes like koshari and ta'ameya. Exploring the art galleries in the upscale Zamalek district or just wandering the ancient streets of Coptic Cairo is a great way to discover the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

Q4. How should I dress and behave to respect local customs in Cairo?

To respect local customs, I always dress modestly by covering my shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites. I always carry a scarf with me to cover my hair before entering a mosque. It's also a good idea to remove your shoes before entering a mosque. When I want to take a photo of someone, I always ask for permission first.