Enter a world where ancient history meets vibrant modern life as you explore Cairo, the capital of Egypt and the beating heart of a civilization that has shaped humanity for thousands of years. Cool breezes, golden sunshine, and a city teeming with life and culture.
Whether you’re admiring the majesty of the Great Pyramids of Giza, wandering the bustling alleys of Khan El Khalili, or sipping tea on the tranquil banks of the Nile, Cairo promises an adventure filled with wonder, discovery, and unforgettable memories. Get ready to discover the Best Activities to Do in Cairo.
Explore the Wonders of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
The Pyramids of Giza, architectural marvels that stand tall on Egypt’s golden sands, tell stories that span the ages and continue to fascinate the world. Beside them stands the Great Sphinx, the faithful guardian of these pyramids, adding yet another mystery to the mysteries of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Marvel at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): Ancient History Reimagined
Located west of Cairo, near the Pyramids of Giza in the Giza district, the Grand Egyptian Museum was built to bear witness to the greatness of ancient Egypt. Designed to be the largest archaeological museum in the world, the museum is a testament to the greatness of ancient Egypt.
Covering an area of 500,000 square meters, it contains more than 100,000 artifacts from the ancient Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman eras. It is expected that more than five million visitors will visit the Grand Egyptian Museum annually.
The museum includes several commercial and entertainment service buildings, a center for ancient materials science and restoration, and a museum garden planted with trees grown during the Pharaonic and ancient Egyptian eras. The museum project costs approximately $550 million and will be constructed in three main phases.
Discover the Treasures of the Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is a museum located in the city of Fustat in Cairo, covering an area of 33.5 acres. The museum houses 50,000 artifacts that narrate the stages of Egyptian civilization’s development, as well as displays of Egyptian achievements in various areas of life from the dawn of history to the present day.
It also contains models, photographs, manuscripts, oil paintings, artistic masterpieces, and antiquities from the Stone Age, Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Arab, Sudanese, and modern civilizations. The museum overlooks a natural lake, Ain El Sira.
Wander Through Khan El Khalili Bazaar: Cairo’s Historic Marketplace
Khan El Khalili is considered one of the most important and vibrant markets in Egypt and the Middle East. It still retains its ancient architecture dating back to the Mamluk era. It is a major tourist attraction for visitors to the capital, Cairo, with its bazaars, shops, and popular restaurants, which tourists often visit. It is a long street flanked by sidewalks lined with designer shops that exude a sense of history. They sell everything from spices to jewelry, fabrics, and souvenirs.
For those who want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is early morning. By 9 a.m., most shops are open and ready for business. This is also a great time to take photos of the colorful stalls without people inside. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, late afternoon or early evening is your best bet.
Experience the Culture of Islamic Cairo and the Citadel of Saladin
The Citadel of Saladin is one of the most important landmarks in Islamic Cairo and one of the oldest military fortresses built in the Middle Ages. Its strategic location atop Mokattam Hill offered a magnificent view of all of Cairo’s historical landmarks. The fortified walls surrounding the capitals of Islamic Egypt, including the Citadel, provided additional protection against any attack.
Saladin began building this citadel on top of Mokattam Mountain in 572 AH / 1176 AD, in a location known as Qubbet el-Hawa. However, he did not complete it during his lifetime. Sultan al-Kamil ibn al-Adil (604 AH / 1207 AD) completed it. He was the first to inhabit it and used it as a royal residence. It remained the seat of Egyptian government until the reign of Khedive Ismail, who moved the seat of government to the palace.
Visit Coptic Cairo: The Hanging Church and Early Christian Heritage
The Hanging Church is located in the Old Cairo district, in the important Coptic archaeological area of Cairo. It is close to the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Church of Saint Mina next to the Babylon Fortress, the Church of St.
Mercurius (Abu Sefein), and numerous other churches. It is called the Hanging Church because it was built on two of the old towers of the Roman fortress (the Babylon Fortress), which was built by Emperor Trajan in the second century AD. The Hanging Church is considered the oldest surviving church in Egypt.
Take in Panoramic Views from the Cairo Tower
The Cairo Tower is a tower located in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. Built between 1956 and 1961, it was constructed of reinforced concrete in the shape of the Egyptian lotus flower.
Designed by engineer Naoum Shebib, it is located in the heart of Cairo on Zamalek Island on the Nile River. It reaches a height of 187 meters, approximately 43 meters higher than the Great Pyramid of Giza. At the top of the Cairo Tower is a tourist restaurant on a rotating platform that allows diners to view Cairo’s landmarks from all angles.
Relax at Al-Azhar Park: Green Retreat in the Heart of Cairo
Al-Azhar Park is one of the largest parks in Greater Cairo and one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the world. It covers an area of 80 acres and was previously used as a garbage dump for over a thousand years. The project was announced in 1984 and opened to visitors in 2005.
Construction took over seven years, at a total cost of more than 100 million Egyptian pounds, borne by the Aga Khan Trust for Islamic Architecture.
Snap Photos at the Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, is one of Cairo’s most famous historic mosques. It was built by Muhammad Ali Pasha between 1830 and 1848 in the Ottoman style, similar to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul. It is sometimes called the Alabaster Mosque due to the extensive use of this type of marble in its wall cladding.
Muhammad Ali Pasha’s successors took care of the mosque, completing its construction and adding some minor additions. They also made it a venue for annual religious celebrations. They were, in order: Abbas Hilmi Pasha I, Muhammad Said Pasha, Ismail Pasha, and Tawfiq Pasha.
However, the largest restoration project took place during the reign of Fuad I, who ordered the mosque restored to its former splendor after its walls had been damaged by engineering errors. His son, Farouk I, also took care of the mosque and reopened it for prayer after completing its restoration.
Try Egyptian Street Food and Local Cuisine
Egyptian cuisine is distinguished by its diverse dishes, dishes, and ingredients. It is the product of thousands of years of cultural and civilizational diversity that has characterized the land of Egypt. Egypt is considered a cultural nexus, and its rich history has influenced the culture of its society in various dimensions, including food and drink.
One of the factors that add variety to Egyptian cuisine is the types of spices and seasonings used. Each group of dishes is distinguished by a specific type of spice or seasoning. Chili pepper is also a common and popular ingredient in various Egyptian dishes, and is used for lunch, breakfast, and dinner.
Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Travel in Cairo as an American Visitor
- Enjoy the Pyramids at Night
- Avoid Visiting During Peak Season
- Book Tours with a Travel Agency
- Climb the Cairo Tower During Sunset
- Avoid Khan El-Khalili Market on Weekend