61 Top-Rated Attractions and Best Things to Do in Cairo

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This is a list of the top-rated attractions and things to do in Cairo. Cairo, Egypt’s huge capital city and home to some of the world’s greatest wonders, including the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and, of course, the mummies, is likely to be one of the first places you visit on your journey to Egypt.

Aside from the Pyramids, there are a variety of other top-rated attractions and things to do in Cairo. It’s a city of contrasts, where old and modern coexist, where the living and the dead coexist (in the so-called City of the Dead), and where opulent hotels coexist with crowded (but dynamic) souks.

Museums with rare artifacts, fashionable rooftop bars, old mosques, synagogues, cathedrals, and much more can be found here. Let’s dive into the top-rated attractions and things to do in Cairo.

Top-Rated Attractions in Cairo

Giza Pyramids

The most well-known tourist site in the entire globe is the Giza Pyramids. The great pyramid was the highest building in the world for a very long time. Nine pyramids from the fourth dynasty may be seen on the plateau; they were all built for royal funerals and to be the monarchs’ ultimate resting places. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one of the ancient seven wonders of the world that is still intact, making it stand out among the other 118 Egyptian pyramids. King Khufu, the second ruler of the fourth dynasty, is buried there. The Pyramid of King Mycarinus is the smallest of the three Giza Pyramids, whereas the Pyramid of King Khafra, his son, is

The Pharaonic Village

The Pharaonic Village Imagine going to a place a few miles from the center of Cairo where Egypt’s history and art come alive! At the Pharaonic Village, you’ll see faithful reproductions of buildings, clothing, and lifestyles, a complete replica of the tomb of Tutankhamun, and museums relating to different periods of Egyptian history. Dr. Hassan Ragab created this living museum from the beginnings of a papyrus plantation on Jacob Island. With a vision, he was able to recreate ancient life with unrivaled collections of endangered plants and species. Carrying on the tradition is Dr. Ragab’s son, Dr. Abdelsalam, who continues to improve and add to the village. Because of their meticulous attention to detail, the unique exhibits offer more than

Egyptian Antiquities Museum in Tahrir Square

The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, located in Cairo, Egypt, is a world-renowned institution that houses the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Established in 1901, the museum is an impressive building that exhibits over 120,000 artifacts that represent the various historical periods of ancient Egypt. The museum features numerous galleries that give visitors a glimpse into ancient Egyptian life and culture. The ground floor hosts an impressive collection of statues, sarcophagi, and papyri, while the first floor is home to the Royal Mummies Room, where mummies of ancient Egyptian Pharaohs are displayed. The museum’s collection includes a wide range of artifacts, from everyday household items to priceless treasures that belonged to influential figures in ancient Egyptian history. One

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Salah Ad-din Citadel in Cairo

Salah Ad-din citadel in Cairo was founded by Salah Ad-din in 1168, and it was completed by his nephew King Al-Aadel. It is located on a high hill named Moqqattam overlooks the old city of Cairo from the eastern side. Salah Ad-din was the ruler over Egypt for 24 years, he is very well known for his victory against the Crusaders who were defeated in the battle of Hattin. The citadel is a large fortified area, the enclosure wall supported with huge rounded and square archers’ towers. Salah Ad-Din Citadel in Cairo: Exploring an Iconic Monument of Egypt The Salah Ad-Din Citadel in Cairo, Egypt, is one of the most remarkable historical monuments in the country, steeped in profound cultural

Memphis

Memphis: The Ancient Capital of Egypt Memphis, known as “Ineb-Hedj” in ancient Egyptian, meaning “the white walls,” was the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom and one of the most significant cities in ancient history. Situated near the Nile River, just south of modern-day Cairo, Memphis served as a political, cultural, and religious center for thousands of years. Its rich history, archaeological significance, and monumental architecture make it a fascinating subject for exploration. Historical Background Founded around 3100 BCE by King Narmer (also known as Menes), who is credited with unifying Upper and Lower Egypt, the city quickly became a thriving metropolis. Its strategic location at the junction of major trade routes contributed to its growth as a hub

Giza Zoo

The Giza Zoo Khedive Ismail constructed the Giza zoo, which opened on March 1, 1891. On around 50 feddan (51 acres) that were formerly a part of the Harem gardens, it was constructed. A banyan tree that was planted in 1871 is one of the several plants that Ismail brought in from South America, Africa, and India. Originally acquired from Ismail’s personal menagerie, the zoo’s collection included 180 birds and 78 more species. The Giza zoo is still one of the most popular tourist attraction among Egyptians, with hundreds of school children visiting every day from outside the city, and schools in Cairo organizing weekly visits to the zoo. Animals, birds, and reptiles of all types are popular among visitors.

Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Khan El-Khalili Bazaar Khan el-Khalili Bazaar is a historic souq located in the heart of Cairo, Egypt, that was established as a center of trade during the Mamluk era. Establishment and Name Origin of Khan El-Khalili Bazaar The district is named after one of its caravanserais and has become a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. In the 10th and 12th centuries, the area was part of the Fatimid Caliphate and later developed into an economic center under Salah ad-Din. The name “Khan el-Khalili” historically referred to a single building in the area; today it refers to the entire shopping district. The Khan El-Khalili bazaar was founded in the 14th century and underwent several modifications and redevelopments over the

Amr Ibn El-Aas Mosque

Amr Ibn El-Aas Mosque Amr Ibn El-Aas Mosque is the very first mosque ever built in Egypt. Erected in 642 AD (21 AH) by the leader Amr Ibn Alas, the commander of the Muslim army in Egypt, the mosque is also known as Taj al-Jawamie (Crown of Mosques), al-Jamie’al-Ateeq (the Ancient Mosque), and Masjid Ahl ar-Rayah (Mosque of Banner Holders). Amr Ibn El-Aas Mosque is said to have been built on the site of Amr Ibn el-As’ tent at Fustat, which is the oldest existing mosque, not just in Cairo, but the entire African continent. Located north of the Roman Fortress of Babylon, it is actually on the edge of Fustat, the temporary city founded by Amr, and was an

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Church of Saint Sergius (Abu Serga)

Church of Saint Sergius (Abu Serga) Church of Saint Sergius (Abu Serga) is situated to the north of the Coptic Museum, down a narrow cobbled lane, and lies some three meters below street level. The church is dedicated to two Roman officers, Sergius and Bacchus, who were martyred in Syria in 303. The earliest part of the building dates from the fifth century and was built over the cave where, according to tradition, the Holy Family hid during their Flight into Egypt. The structure was burnt down and restored in the eighth century. Church of Saint Sergius (Abu Serga) Restoration The Church of Saint Sergius (Abu Serga) was again restored and partially rebuilt during the Fatimid era (tenth to twelfth

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Saqqara Pyramids (Djoser’s Complex)

Saqqara (or Sakkara) is the largest ancient site in Egypt and served as one of the cemeteries for Memphis, alongside Dahshur, Abu Rawash, Abu Sir, and Giza. It is home to the Step Pyramid of King Djoser and his complex, along with several other pyramids from the 5th and 6th dynasties, as well as numerous Mastabas from the Old Kingdom. Today, visitors can explore the Imhotep Museum, dedicated to the architect who designed Djoser’s Step Pyramid. 1. The step pyramid of king Djoser Constructed nearly 4,700 years ago from limestone, the Step Pyramid was designed as the northern tomb for King Djoser, the founder of the 3rd Dynasty. The king commissioned his brilliant architect Imhotep to initiate the construction of the northern cemetery. Imhotep envisioned

Sites of Islamic Medieval Cairo

Sites of Islamic Medieval Cairo There are 651 buildings from the sites of Islamic medieval Cairo listed in the index produced by the Survey of Egypt in 1951, including mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, khanqahs, Khans, Wikalas, and private homes. Today, it is estimated that some 450 remain, and it is probable that Cairo has more medieval buildings than just about any other city in the world. For those wishing to enjoy the riches of medieval Cairo, it is best to divide that area into manageable segments. Most of the sites can only be seen on walking tours, as most of them fall on small, tiny streets that are not accessible by tourist vans. The area is so vast that you can

Old Cairo

Old Cairo: A Journey Through Time Old Cairo, also known as Historic Cairo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This historic enclave, located just south of modern Cairo, is a treasure trove of cultural, religious, and architectural heritage, reflecting the rich tapestry of Egypt’s history. From ancient Roman fortresses to Islamic mosques and Coptic churches, Old Cairo offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the coexistence of different cultures and religions over millennia. Historical Background Old Cairo’s history dates back to the 6th century BC when the Persians built a fort on the Nile, north of Memphis. The area later became known as Babylon Fortress under Roman rule,

Top Things to do in Cairo

The vast metropolis of Cairo offers a diverse range of tours and things to do. Cairo is home to the Giza pyramids, which are the world’s most famous ancient landmarks.

Cairo, the city of wonders, will show you how some people live in cemeteries while others live in luxury along the Nile River.

Cairo is a must-see destination, with a radius of 90 kilometers and a population of roughly 20 million people. The tourist attractions are dispersed across the city. A selection of tours and things to do in Cairo is provided below.

Egypt World Heritage Sites Tours

Trips from Soma Bay

Pyramids Tour from Soma Bay By Plane

Royal Esadora Nile Cruise Egypt Fun Tours

Operating Nile Cruises

MS Royal Esadora Nile Cruise

MS Jaz Senator Luxury Nile Cruise Egypt Fun Tours

Operating Nile Cruises

MS Jaz Senator Nile Cruise

Attractions and things to do in Luxor

Check Egypt’s weather

How to do things and tours in Cairo

Cairo, as previously said, offers several tourist sites, museums, detours, and things to do. One of the mistakes that people make while organizing their trip to Cairo is booking excursions in the west and east on the same day, which is not a smart idea, especially in a bustling city like Cairo. Travelers do not conduct enough research to learn about the distances between sites and the dreadful traffic in Cairo.

Cairo Classic Tours are divided into two main day tours:

1 – Pyramids area day tour: travelers visit the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara Pyramids, and Memphis ancient city.

2: Cairo City Day Tour: Travelers visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Coptic Cairo, Islamic Cairo, Saladin’s Citadel, and the tourist bazaar at Khan ElKhalili.

The following is a list of attractions and things to do on the west and east of Cairo (the division line is the Nile River).

Attractions on the west side of Cairo (Giza side):

Giza pyramids
The Great Sphinx (Inside the pyramids area)
Giza Sound and light show
Saqqara Pyramids
Imhotep Museum (Inside Saqqara)
Abu Sir pyramids
Dahshur pyramids
Abu Rawash pyramids
Memphis, an ancient city
The Grand Egyptian Museum
Papyrus museums, hand-made carpets, and perfumeries.

Attractions on the east side of Cairo:

The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities
Coptic Cairo
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
Islamic Cairo
Citadel of Saladin
Fatimid Islamic Cairo
El Muez street
Nile Dinner Cruises
Belly dancer shows
Dervish show
Cairo’s Opera House
The Museum of Modern Arts
Cairo Tower
Downtown Cairo
Al Azhar Park
Baroon Palace