What to Do in Cairo: 7 Essential Sights and Experiences in Egypt’s Capital

Egypt boasts a wealth of historical landmarks that showcase some of mankind’s earliest civilisations. The finest of these attractions are found in and around Cairo, the nation’s vibrant capital.

From its proximity to the legendary pyramids or the Nile to stunning mosques in its old districts, this bustling cultural hub has plenty of historically and culturally significant sights that will excite any traveller.

Not sure what to do in Cairo? Here are seven essential experiences you can’t miss when heading to Egypt’s esteemed and intriguing capital.

Take a Side Trip to Giza to See the Ancient Pyramids

Cairo is very close to Giza, home of the 4,000-year-old pyramid complex where you can see the renowned, elaborate ancient pyramids of Egypt, including Pharaoh Khufu’s Great Pyramid. So, when you’re in the capital, make sure to carve out a day to see this exquisite site.

Adjacent to these limestone architectural wonders sits the Great Sphinx, an astonishing statue of a pharaoh with a lion’s body. It’s a must-see not just for anyone dropping by Cairo but all travellers heading to Egypt.

Visit Stunning Mosques in the Citadel of Cairo

To learn more about the mediaeval era of Egypt, head to the famed Citadel of Cairo, a city that sits atop the Mokattam Hills and is one of the best places to see in Egypt beyond the pyramids.

This city was walled and fortified at the command of Salah El Din as a military defence against the Crusaders. Then, it became the seat of Egypt’s powerful rulers, from the Ottomans to the Mohammed Ali era.

There are plenty of must-see mosques within the Citadel. Among the most popular are the Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hasan, which are both colossal and majestic. Or you can simply visit the elevated Citadel to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the city of Cairo below.

Experience Egypt’s Religious Diversity in Old Cairo

Although Cairo’s population is predominantly Muslim, it is historically known for its religious diversity. If you’re wondering where to go in Cairo to witness this variety firsthand, head to Old Cairo, home of the capital’s oldest settlement and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here, Christian, Islamic and even Jewish histories are intertwined—and you can see it in the many churches and synagogues in the area.

One of the most popular sites in Old Cairo is the Hanging Church of the Virgin Mary, a church with a nave suspended over a passageway in the Babylon Fortress. The historic district is also home to the 8,000-square-metre Coptic Museum, where you’ll find many marvellous art pieces and religious artefacts spanning from the Greco-Roman era to Cairo’s modern Islamic times.

Marvel at the Iconic Al-Azhar Mosque

One of the most beautiful mosques in all of Cairo is the Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the very first mosques in Cairo. It was the first mosque in what was then known as Fatimid City, which would later earn the endearing nickname “the City of a Thousand Minarets.”

What makes this mosque so exquisite is its unique blend of architectural styles, boasting everything from Fatimid to Ottoman elements in its beautiful domes, lavish courtyard and intricate geometric patterns all over its halls.

The Al-Azhar Mosque is also home to a century-old madrassa, which in the present day is now known as Al-Azhar University, one of the oldest educational institutions in the world.

Learn About the Country’s History at the Egyptian Museum

History and museum lovers alike will enjoy spending an afternoon at Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, which has the biggest collection of Egyptian artefacts anywhere in the world. Within its signature salmon-pink walls are over 170,000 pharaonic antiquities that weave together the story of Egypt’s rich history.

The museum houses pieces like papyri, jewellery from the pre-dynastic era all the way to the Roman period. The statues of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, from Khufu to Menkaure, are also on display at the museum.

You’ll even see the incredible Narmer Palette, an archaeological palette with hieroglyphics telling the story of the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt in the 31st century BC. It’s undoubtedly a must-visit for anyone who is fascinated with Egypt's history.

Shop at the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Looking to buy artisanal Egyptian souvenirs and traditional crafts? Look no further than the famed Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.

This shopping district has many winding streets, but any avid shopper will enjoy getting lost in its many shops. Here, you can buy anything from carpets and papyrus to ornate jewellery and leather goods.

You can even find lovely incense, shisha water pipes, Egyptian spices and local delicacies to munch on as you explore the different shops in the bazaar.

Go on a Serene Felucca Ride Along the Nile

Thinking about what to do in Cairo after a long day exploring the city’s many historic attractions? Relax and watch the sunset as you cruise along the historic Nile River in a breezy felucca—a traditional Egyptian sailboat. It’s the perfect way to cap off a busy day of excursions.

There are plenty of jump-off points for quick felucca rides along the Nile. You can either bask in the tranquil, serene waters as you admire the Cairo skyline or traverse down the river to see more of Egypt’s marvellous attractions along the banks of the Nile. The choice is entirely yours.

Visit These Cairo, Egypt Attractions on Your Next Holiday

Everywhere you turn in Cairo, you’ll see remnants of civilizations and empires past.

From the ancient pyramids that the world looks upon with awe to the mosques and churches that surround the Citadel, the many historical sights to see in Cairo will give you an idea of what life was like many centuries ago.

Want to curate the perfect itinerary for your Egyptian holiday? Allow us at Entire Travel Group to help you plan your perfect, excursion-filled getaway to Cairo. The trip of a lifetime awaits!