Things To Do In Cairo

Cairo is home to some of the oldest and most famous sights found anywhere in the world. You will find stunning mosques and enchanting churches next to each other and architecture that reflects all of the various styles that have influenced Cairo throughout its history. Today, Cairo is a bustling centre of commerce, but it is still possible to imagine what life would have been like hundreds of centuries ago. 

The Pyramids at Giza

These structures are the only ancient wonder of the world that still exists. They are probably the most famous sights in the world and certainly among the oldest. The site of Giza consists of The Great Pyramid, The Pyramid of Khafre and The Pyramid of Menkaure. There are also several smaller constructions known as ‘Queens’ and the famous Sphinx. The Great Pyramid is home to the Pharaoh Khufu’s tomb.  

Saqqara (Sakkara)

This area is located in Memphis, the capital of the Old Kingdom, and is where many kings of the first dynasty are buried. It is a vast archaeological site that consists of many pyramids and tombs. The site is most famous for the Step Pyramid, which is the oldest of the entire 97 pyramids in Egypt. It is also renowned for the famous Old Kingdom Tombs, with their ancient scenes.

Khan Al-Khalili

This area is located within the heart of Islamic Cairo, on one of Cairo’s oldest streets. It is a busy and fascinating market, full of character with stalls selling items ranging from local spices to exotic jewellery. The market has been operational since the Middle Ages and exists today mainly for tourists. You will find many bargains here, but be prepared to barter. Women should cover their arms, necks and legs while shopping, so as to show respect for the Muslim culture.

The Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan

This structure is one of the largest buildings in the world dedicated to Islam. It was built between 1356 and 1363, out of what is believed to be stone from the pyramids at Giza. Between each of the sitting rooms (liwan), you will find a religious school (madrassa). Visitors enter through a giant doorway that is a wonderful piece of art in itself. It is a fascinating site for both believers in Islam and non-believers.

The Old City (Coptic Cairo)

This is Cairo’s oldest section, which was the one-time centre of the Coptic Christian community. It is home to five original churches, the oldest synagogue found in the country and the first mosque ever built in Egypt. The area provides an insight into life during the transition from Roman to Arab rule.

City of the Dead (Northern Cemetery)

Despite the unnerving name, this site is very popular with tourists. The cemetery is divided into a northern and southern side on either side of The Citadel. The most impressive tombstones and monuments can be found on the northern side, which is the location of many Mamluk burials. Since the Middle Ages, the City of the Dead has been a home to many of Cairo’s poor. Even today, there are many people living among the tombs. When visiting, tourists are advised to stick to the purpose-built paths.

The Citadel (Al-Qalaa)

This site is very popular with tourists. It is an enormous stone fort and one of the greatest monuments dedicated to medieval combat. Encompassing several museums and ancient mosques, The Citadel offers visitors an insight into medieval Cairo. Originally constructed by Salah ad-Din to protect the city from attackers; however, most of what you see today was added to by later rulers including the British.

Museums

Cairo is renowned for its fascinating museums. It is home to numerous museums located throughout the city, which display artefacts and reveal stories dating back to the Pharaohs. Pharaonic Village takes you back to the times when Pharaohs ruled Egypt and leads you through dozens of canals on a motorised barge, where Cairo comes to life with re-created events. The Military Museum may also be of interest, with its exhibits of military equipment and medals dating back to the time of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian Antiquities Museum owns the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian relics, displaying more than 120,000 items. For art lovers, there are plenty of art galleries and art museums to visit including The Museum of Islamic Art, The Museum of Islamic Ceramics, The Coptic Museum and The Townhouse Gallery. Meanwhile, The Ethnological Museum exhibits Cairo traditions and gives insight into the city’s general day to day activities.