Welcome to Cairo, the vibrant capital of Egypt, filled with ancient wonders, bustling markets, and a rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. From the Great Pyramids of Giza to bustling bazaars and sacred mosques, Cairo offers a fascinating blend of old and new. Here’s a complete guide to Cairo’s top 20 must-visit attractions, complete with travel tips, ticket details, dining recommendations, and more!
1. The Great Pyramids of Giza
Description: The Great Pyramids of Giza, including the Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, are Egypt’s most iconic monuments and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
History: Built around 4,500 years ago during Egypt’s Old Kingdom, these pyramids served as monumental tombs for Egyptian pharaohs.
Google Maps Link: The Great Pyramids of Giza
Tickets: General entry to the Giza complex is 200 EGP; tickets for individual pyramid interiors are extra.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *9 Pyramids Lounge* – Offers traditional Egyptian cuisine with incredible pyramid views.
Travel Tips: Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
2. The Sphinx
Description: The Great Sphinx of Giza is a limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, representing strength and wisdom.
History: Built around 2500 BC, the Sphinx is believed to depict Pharaoh Khafre.
Google Maps Link: The Sphinx
Tickets: Entry included with the Giza complex ticket.
Nearby Restaurant: *Felfela Village* – Serves classic Egyptian dishes like falafel and koshari.
Travel Tips: Best photographed in the early morning for softer light.
3. Egyptian Museum
Description: The Egyptian Museum houses over 120,000 artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.
History: Established in 1902, the museum is a key institution for ancient Egyptian archaeology.
Google Maps Link: Egyptian Museum
Tickets: General admission is 200 EGP.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Felfela* – Famous for Egyptian dishes like molokhia and grilled meats.
Travel Tips: Allocate 2-3 hours for a full tour; hire a guide for insights into major artifacts.
4. Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Description: This bustling market is known for its colorful stalls selling spices, jewelry, souvenirs, and traditional handicrafts.
History: Established in the 14th century, Khan El Khalili is one of the oldest markets in Cairo.
Google Maps Link: Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Tickets: Free to enter.
Nearby Restaurant: *El Fishawy Café* – Known for its traditional Egyptian mint tea.
Travel Tips: Bargain respectfully with vendors; evenings are lively but more crowded.
5. Coptic Cairo
Description: Home to historic churches, the Coptic Museum, and Roman ruins, Coptic Cairo is a significant religious area.
History: This area traces its roots back to early Christianity in Egypt.
Google Maps Link: Coptic Cairo
Tickets: Free to enter; Coptic Museum is 100 EGP.
Nearby Restaurant: *Tabali* – A popular spot for Egyptian breakfast and mezze.
Travel Tips: Dress modestly when visiting churches.
6. Al-Azhar Mosque
Description: One of the oldest mosques in Egypt, Al-Azhar Mosque is also a prestigious center of Islamic learning.
History: Founded in 970 AD, it remains a significant Islamic institution.
Google Maps Link: Al-Azhar Mosque
Tickets: Free entry.
Nearby Restaurant: *Naguib Mahfouz Café* – Serves classic Egyptian dishes in a charming setting.
Travel Tips: Dress conservatively; entry is free, but donations are appreciated.
7. Cairo Citadel
Description: A historic fortress that includes the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, providing panoramic views of Cairo.
History: Built in the 12th century by Saladin to protect Cairo from invaders.
Google Maps Link: Cairo Citadel
Tickets: 180 EGP.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Al-Azhar Park Café* – Offers traditional Egyptian dishes with stunning city views.
Travel Tips: Visit in the late afternoon for a sunset view over the city.
8. Mosque of Ibn Tulun
Description: Known for its vast courtyard and spiral minaret, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
History: Built in the 9th century, it’s one of Cairo’s oldest mosques.
Google Maps Link: Mosque of Ibn Tulun
Tickets: Free entry.
Nearby Restaurant: *Zooba* – Known for modern Egyptian street food.
Travel Tips: Climb the minaret for beautiful views of Cairo.
9. Saqqara Necropolis
Description: Home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, Saqqara is one of Egypt’s oldest burial grounds.
History: Built around 2700 BC, it is the earliest large-scale cut-stone construction.
Google Maps Link: Saqqara Necropolis
Tickets: 180 EGP.
Nearby Restaurant: *Andrea Mariouteya* – Known for grilled meats and mezze.
Travel Tips: Hire a guide to explore the complex tombs.
10. Al-Azhar Park
Description: A green oasis in Cairo with landscaped gardens and views of the city.
History: Opened in 2005, Al-Azhar Park was developed on a former landfill.
Google Maps Link: Al-Azhar Park
Tickets: 25 EGP.
Nearby Restaurant: *Lakeside Café* – Enjoy traditional dishes with panoramic views.
Travel Tips: Visit in the evening for a relaxing ambiance and beautiful sunset views.
11. Manial Palace
Description: The Manial Palace is a luxurious royal residence blending Ottoman, Persian, and Moorish architectural styles, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
History: Built by Prince Mohammed Ali Tewfik in the early 20th century, it served as his private residence and showcases exquisite art and antiques.
Google Maps Link: Manial Palace Location
Tickets: Entry is 100 EGP.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Kazouza* – Known for Egyptian street food with dishes like liver sandwiches and falafel.
Travel Tips: Plan for at least an hour to explore the palace rooms and gardens.
12. Nilometer
Description: The Nilometer is an ancient structure used to measure the Nile River’s water levels, critical for understanding floods and planning agriculture.
History: Built in 861 AD, the Nilometer is located on Rhoda Island and offers insights into ancient Nile-based farming practices.
Google Maps Link: Nilometer Location
Tickets: 20 EGP.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Nile Lily Café* – Known for its riverside views and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Travel Tips: A knowledgeable guide can provide historical context, making the visit more meaningful.
13. Pharaonic Village
Description: The Pharaonic Village is a living museum where actors recreate the life and culture of ancient Egyptians, making it a family-friendly attraction.
History: Established to offer a glimpse into ancient Egypt, this village includes replicas of famous monuments and live reenactments.
Google Maps Link: Pharaonic Village Location
Tickets: Tickets start at 300 EGP.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Abou El Sid* – Offers traditional Egyptian dishes like molokhia and koshari.
Travel Tips: Plan to spend a few hours here, as the guided boat tour and interactive exhibits are extensive.
14. Bab Zuweila
Description: Bab Zuweila is a medieval gate and one of the remaining entrances of Cairo’s historic walls, with minarets you can climb for great city views.
History: Built in the 11th century, this gate played a critical defensive role and was once used as a site for public executions.
Google Maps Link: Bab Zuweila Location
Tickets: 40 EGP.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Zööba* – A modern spot for Egyptian street food favorites like taameya (Egyptian falafel) and lentil soup.
Travel Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, as the climb up the minaret steps can be steep.
15. El Moez Street
Description: El Moez Street is a historic road in Cairo, lined with beautifully restored medieval buildings, mosques, and ancient homes.
History: Dating back to the Fatimid era, El Moez Street is one of Cairo’s oldest streets, embodying the architectural styles of various Islamic dynasties.
Google Maps Link: El Moez Street Location
Tickets: Free to explore, though some buildings have small entry fees.
Nearby Restaurant: *Naguib Mahfouz Café* – Serves classic Egyptian dishes in a historic setting.
Travel Tips: Visit at dusk when the buildings are illuminated, adding to the historic atmosphere.
16. Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center
Description: Wekalet El Ghouri is a cultural arts center that hosts traditional tanoura (whirling dervish) dance performances.
History: Originally a caravanserai from the Mamluk era, it’s now a popular venue for cultural performances.
Google Maps Link: Wekalet El Ghouri Location
Tickets: Entry is 50 EGP.
Opening Hours: Shows are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Abou Tarek* – Famous for koshari, Egypt’s national dish made with rice, pasta, and lentils.
Travel Tips: Arrive early to get a good seat, as the performances are very popular.
17. Gezira Island and Cairo Tower
Description: Gezira Island, located in the Nile, is home to the Cairo Tower, offering panoramic views of the city.
History: The Cairo Tower, built in 1961, is a modern landmark that stands at 187 meters tall.
Google Maps Link: Cairo Tower Location
Tickets: Entry to Cairo Tower is 200 EGP.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – Midnight.
Nearby Restaurant: *The Revolving Restaurant* inside Cairo Tower – Offers a 360-degree view of the city along with international cuisine.
Travel Tips: Visit at sunset for spectacular views of Cairo as day turns to night.
18. Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
Description: This massive mosque-madrassa complex, built in the 14th century, is one of Cairo’s most beautiful Islamic structures.
History: Commissioned by Sultan Hassan in 1356, the mosque is known for its grand design and intricate details.
Google Maps Link: Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
Tickets: Free entry, though donations are appreciated.
Nearby Restaurant: *El Prince* – Known for Egyptian kebabs and other traditional dishes.
Travel Tips: Dress modestly and consider visiting with a guide to appreciate the complex’s historical significance.
19. Museum of Islamic Art
Description: This museum holds one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Islamic art, from textiles to metalwork.
History: Established in 1881, the Museum of Islamic Art showcases artifacts from across the Islamic world.
Google Maps Link: Museum of Islamic Art Location
Tickets: Entry is 120 EGP.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Fasahet Somaya* – A cozy spot serving authentic Egyptian home-cooked dishes.
Travel Tips: Allocate at least an hour to explore the vast collection, and check for temporary exhibitions.
20. House of Gayer-Anderson
Description: This 16th-century house, preserved as a museum, features a mix of Islamic, Persian, and European decor, along with a unique collection of antiques.
History: The house was restored by Major Gayer-Anderson, a British officer and collector, who lived here in the 1930s.
Google Maps Link: House of Gayer-Anderson Location
Tickets: Entry is 50 EGP.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Nearby Restaurant: *Sobhy Kaber* – Known for its hearty Egyptian dishes like grilled meats and molokhia.
Travel Tips: A guide is recommended to understand the unique history of each room and artifact.
Conclusion
Cairo offers an endless array of experiences, from iconic pyramids and historic mosques to vibrant markets and authentic Egyptian cuisine. With this guide to the top 20 attractions, you’re all set for an unforgettable journey through Egypt’s bustling capital. Whether you’re here for the ancient monuments or the lively culture, Cairo has something special for everyone.
