Because there is so much to see and the best things to do in Cairo Egypt, I have chosen to focus on the top 23 places that no one should miss. Cairo, which is the capital of Egypt, is not only one of the biggest cities in the world, but it is also the biggest city on the whole continent of Africa. Keep in mind that the allure of Cairo has led more than a few tourists to lose their minds to enjoy the unique treasures the city offers fully.

If you want to spend such an amazing trip to Cairo check out our Cairo day tours from our Egypt Excursions with qualified guides with us from Egypt Travel Guide.

What to do in Cairo?

If you want to learn about real Egyptian culture, the best place to go in Cairo. With its rich history and lively culture, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this city. Egyptians and Arabs often call the city Umm ad-Dunya, which literally means “Mother of the World.” No trip to Egypt is considered complete without at least one stop there. Find out about the best places to go and things to do in Cairo so you can feel the energy of this busy city.

23 Best things to do in Cairo Egypt:

If you’re not sure what to do in Cairo or where to go in Cairo and what to see in Cairo, our suggestions for the best places to go and the things to do at night in Cairo might help you make the right choice.

1- See Cairo from above Cairo tower

The Cairo Tower on Gezira Island is 187 meters tall and has a beautiful observation deck with breathtaking views of the city and the Nile below. The place can be reached between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. The morning is the best time to go because there is more light and it is easier to see. From this fantastic vantage point, you can see the best of Cairo. The view of Cairo from above is beautiful, and it helps you understand how big the city is. From the 187-meter-tall tower of Cairo, shaped like a lotus flower, you can see a good view of the whole city. On the floor below the observation deck, there is a restaurant that spins around on its axis. There is a cafe and a restaurant, and you can make a reservation at either one for the night.

2- In the evening, Feluccas go down the Nile

You can spend an hour on the river in a private felucca ride, which gives you a great view of the city and a chance to relax after sightseeing along the world’s longest river. During your time on the river, you will see the city and the world’s longest river. Another option to think about is just setting sail, and you can take the public waterbus to El Anater with the other people going there. This is one of the places to go in Cairo with friends and activities in Cairo Egypt.

3- There are live music shows in the evening

The Egyptian Ministry of Culture often puts on evening performances and cultural events in Cairo’s historic buildings, such as the famous palaces of Amir Taz, Bashtak Palace, Waqal El-Guri, and Manesterli Palace. The Citadel of Saladin and the Egyptian Museum are two other old buildings in Cairo that have been used for evening shows and cultural events. One of the top things to do in Cairo Egypt is you can spend your free time watching great Egyptian artists like Omar Khairat perform in the evening, and then the next day, you can watch a traditional folklore group or a Nubian dance show. Most of the time, Manesterly Palace has performances by classical orchestras.

4-  A nighttime cruise along the Nile with live entertainment

Fun activities in Cairo for adults and a great way to pack a lot of fun into one trip or activity In addition to a nighttime cruise on the Nile in a boat decorated just for you, you will see an authentic Middle Eastern show that includes belly dancing and a Tanura show. During your time on the Nile, you will also get a buffet and a gourmet lunch. A two-hour cruise on the Nile is a fun activity that could be done on a date.

Don’t forget to see our private Dinner Cruise on the Nile River at Cairo

5- Light and sound performance at the pyramids 

What to do in Cairo at night? The light and Sound show at the pyramids was terrific, and it even had sound effects to go with it. This evening, a laser light and music show will be at the base of the pyramids. Anyone interested in ancient Egypt will learn a lot and have a great time and it is one of the unique things to do in Cairo. Evening performances are always in English, and people who speak languages other than English can use headphones. The show begins at 7:00 and goes on for an hour.

Don’t forget to look at our Sound and Light Show at the Giza Pyramids

6- Explore the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

Ancient Egyptian artifacts can be found worldwide, but the Egyptian Museum has most of them. It can be located in Tahrir Square, right downtown (also known as Liberation Square). Egyptian Museum is one of the best things to do in Cairo is discover the antiquities of ancient Egypt. People often think that the mask of Tutankhamun and the events surrounding the discovery of his tomb and the treasure it held are some of the most important works of art, things, or discoveries ever made or found. The royal mummies are kept in a separate part of the museum set up just for them.

Don’t fail to have a look at our Trip to the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum

7- We highly recommend shopping at the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

The old Khan El Khalili market in Old Cairo is excellent for learning about the city’s rich culture and meeting locals. The market is located in the heart of Old Cairo. It would be too small of a description to call this place a market, and it’s more like a city within a city. Khan El Khalili is the best of the best Cairo Egypt tourist attractions for buying souvenirs.

Whether you’re in the Khan el-Khalili neighborhood for a specific reason or just for a stroll, you’ll be blown away by its unique character. This exciting spot is in the middle of the medieval city walls surrounding Al Qahira. Khan el-Khalili is one of the largest oriental bazaars in the world, and it has a long and exciting history and a lively atmosphere. Many tourists come to see this. You can buy accurate ebony copies of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, ancient Egyptian treasures, or even cheap tourist trinkets here.

Unlike most other markets in the Middle East, this one has been a meeting place for secular, religious, and domestic issues for a long time. During your time there, you might experience Cairo’s nightlife, eat local food, and watch people while eating or drinking tea at a local cafe. After dark, take a walk through some of Cairo’s historic neighborhoods for a truly unique experience. 

8- Historical Cairo and Al-Muizz Street

The best way to get a feel for the city’s energy is to walk through the old walled city. Al Muizz Street is right in the middle of Cairo, and it’s in a part of the city that’s often called “historic Cairo” these days. In the history of our city, there has never been an easier time to combine old and new traditions.

This street was the primary way to get between the city’s northern and southern gates. Now, it’s an open-air museum that everyone should visit at least once. Along this path are so many places to visit in Cairo and important buildings, like palaces, mosques, and mansions, that it would be nearly impossible to give a complete account. Along this street, the guide talks about more than 75 examples of Islamic architecture, such as mosques, madrasahs, houses, and other buildings.

9- Discover the Ibn Tulun Mosque

There are more than fifty different mosques in the city of Cairo alone. The Ibn Tulun Mosque in the Fustate region was built in 879 and is widely thought to be Africa’s oldest still-standing mosque. It was the mosque that was built first. When the mosque was built, the capital of the Egyptian state was Fustat, which is now one of the neighborhoods in the ancient city. This is a strange fact since Cairo had not yet been founded. Sultan Ahmed ibn Tulun gets credit for both starting the construction project and finishing it successfully after it had started. Because the Sultan grew up in Samarra, there is a lot of stucco and wood decoration in the buildings. The mosque is open to the public in the times between prayers.

10- Visit the Cairo Fortress

The Saladin Citadel, also called the Cairo Citadel, was first built in 1176. Until the turn of the last century, it was renovated. It is in Cairo and looks at how Egypt’s military has changed. After being used by the Mamluk Sultanate, Muhammad Ali, and the British while Egypt was under their control, the Egyptian army used the fortress until 1983. It wasn’t open to tourists until then, but it had already been on the UNESCO World Heritage List for seven years. The complex has four historical mosques and museums, as well as the well of Saladdin, the Mamluk aqueduct, and the cistern of Shah Al-Mihmandar, which were all built in the early days of Islam.

Remember to look at our Tour of the Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Mohamed Ali Mosque

11-  Visit Mohammed Ali Manial palace

Between 1899 and 1929, Prince Mohammed Ali Tawfik built this extravagant house on the island of Roda. He followed all of the times’ rules regarding architecture and politics. The palace’s outside and inside are a mix of Ottoman, Moorish, and Persian architecture with European Art Nouveau and Rococo styles. This property has a unique collection of works of art, clothes, antique furniture, silver, and old manuscripts, among other things, in addition to its luxurious furnishings.

12- Explore the Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramids of Giza is one of the most famous images of Egypt, and it’s hard to think of anything else that makes you think of the country more quickly. More than 14 million people visit each year. The most famous pyramids, such as those of Menkaure, Khafre, and Cheops, as well as the famous Sphinx, can be found on Cairo Giza’s left bank. The Great Sphinx is also found in this area and Valley Temple. The Great Pyramid, also called the Pyramid of Cheops, is the only one of the ancient “Seven Wonders of the World” still standing. It is thought to be about 4,500 years old. The height of the Pyramid of Cheops is 138.75 meters. But the oldest pyramid is not in Cairo itself. Instead, it is in the Sakar suburbs, about 30 kilometers south of the city center. This impressive building was built about 170 years ago and stood 62 meters tall. Pyramids Complex is one of the favorite tourist Cairo attractions.

Also What to do in Cairo besides the pyramids? Near the pyramids, you can take a ride on a camel or a horse, and you can also buy souvenirs. The best time to see them is in the afternoon after the morning fog has burned off when fewer people will be around and the area will be beautifully lit by the setting sun.

Check out our Full-Day Tour to the Giza Pyramids, Memphis, and Saqqara, and our Private Half Day Tour to the Pyramids of Giza with Lunch

13- Discover Saqqara and Memphis Necropolis

Saqqara is one of the most exciting day trips you can take from Cairo. This is where you can find the necropolis of Memphis, which was the nation’s capital for a while. For a long time, Memphis was the capital of the country. The Stepped Pyramid of Djoser is one of the most well-known buildings in Egypt, and it was built after the pharaoh died to be his tomb.

There are several different tombs and buildings inside the enclosure. The reliefs and paintings that have stayed in good shape over the years are the most impressive things about Saqqara.

Ensure that you Check Out Full-Day Tour to Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur

14- Find out Fortress of Babylon  

Christians used to live in a part of the Old City of Cairo called the Coptic Quarter. Even though Cairo wasn’t officially founded until 969, people had lived there for hundreds of years before that. In this part of the city, you can still see the old fortress of Babylon of Egypt. This fortress of Babylon can be found in Old Cairo, close to the Coptic Museum. Between the reigns of the Roman emperors Trajan and Arcadius, the building was built (98 A.D.–395 A.D.)

The historian Diodorus Siculus says that this fortification was built in the nineteenth century B.C., when the 12th dynasty pharaoh Sesostris, who had just won a particularly bloody battle against the Babylonians, sent their prisoners to Egypt to work. The Babylonians were forced to build the fortification. On the other hand, the prisoners rose up and built walls around their village, which was called Babylon, to protect it.

Do not forget to see our Private Full-Day Tour of Islamic & Coptic Cairo

15- Visit Saint George’s Church

Saint George Church historical records say that the first Christian colony in central Egypt was in the area of Old Cairo called Coptic Cairo. This colony may have been started as early as the 10th century. Al-Maqrizi and the History of the Patriarchs of the Coptic Church both say that Athanasius built the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George when Ibn Marwan was Governor of Egypt. This church is also discussed in the History of the Patriarchs of the Coptic Church. The original domes were lost in a fire in the middle of the last century, so the church had to be rebuilt without them.

16- Detect Coptic Museum

The Coptic Museum has the largest collection of Coptic Christian art and artifacts in the world. When it opened in 1910, the museum had a lot of art from Egypt, Greece, Rome, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire. This is done to tell the story of the Coptic people from the time of the first Christians in Egypt to the end of the Ottoman Empire.

17- Take a look at Hanging Church

An ancient church in Egypt is the Holy Virgin Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, and it was built in the third century in the Coptic Cairo neighborhood. The Holy Virgin Mary Coptic Orthodox Church is also known as the Hanging Church.

18- Explore the Ben Ezra Synagogue

In the year 882, the Ben Ezra synagogue opened for Jewish people to worship. In the sixth century AD, Nebuchadnezzar tore down the Temple in Jerusalem. At that time, all Jewish people went to the synagogue to meet with the prophet Jeremiah. Every tourist who goes to Cairo should make it one of their top priorities. It is in a great spot, close to the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum.

19- Visit the Al Azhar Mosque

The Al-Azhar Mosque, also called “Al-Azhar,” is an Egyptian mosque in the Islamic Cairo neighborhood of Cairo. Al-Muizz li-Din Allah, the leader of the Fatimid dynasty, started building this building in 970 CE.

20- It is essential to see Bab Zuweila

Bab Zuweila is the city’s historic entrance. As you walk through the arch, try to picture the town as it was a thousand years ago when the gate was first built.

21- The Sultan Hassan Mosque

Sultan Hassan Mosque is a beautiful example of an Egyptian building well-made. Even though the last time it was fixed up was in 1363, this important landmark still fascinates and amazes people who come to see it. During the rule of the Mamluk empire, Sultan Hassan el-Nasir built this huge mosque for his palace. It has some fascinating examples of Islamic architecture.

22- Have a hibiscus tea at El Fishawy

A place in Cairo that has been around for a long time and has a lot of history. You are in Khan el Khalili, where the Mirror Cafe is. The terrace provides a unique perspective point. People who live in the area and people who are just visiting often use shisha pipes.

23- Eating is one of the top things to do in Cairo

 

There are many kinds of food carts on the busy streets of Cairo. Some of the most famous is the ful and taameya cart and the liver and sausage sandwich cart. Some of the best street food in the city can be found in both of these carts. Koshary is another kind of food that is considered to be quite strange. Koshary is a dish of rice, spaghetti, lentils, chickpeas, tomato sauce, and fried onions. Along the Nile, there are a lot of places to get barbecue and food from around the world. Cairo also has a lot of restaurants that are known for being good.

Don’t miss to check out our article about traditional Food and drinks in Egypt

When is the best time to go to Cairo?

If you plan a trip, remember that fall is the best time to visit Cairo and the rest of Egypt. During the summer, it gets boiling on the mainland of Egypt, making traveling in the dusty cities and scorching desert between June and August difficult and uncomfortable. Spring is another great time to go to Cairo. Only in March and April are there likely to be dust storms. If you want to visit the capital of Egypt in the winter, you should know that the temperature can drop to as low as -3 degrees Celsius at night. Check out our article about the Best time to visit Egypt.

Summary 

If you’re planning a trip to Cairo, the capital of Egypt, this guide will help you make sure you get everything necessary. As you learn more about Cairo and its people, you’ll find that you like it more and more. Choose from our best All Inclusive Egypt Vacation Packages to make your journey to Egypt memorable.