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Cairo, Egypt

Destination Guide

Cairo

Egypt

Best things to do in Cairo

38 curated attractions in Cairo, Egypt. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

March - May, September - November

Average temp

21°C/70°F

Budget

Budget-friendly

Safety

Take care

About Cairo

Cairo, a sprawling metropolis along the Nile, is shaped by its historical depth, which is most evident in the Islamic architecture that fills the cityscape. The long history of successive dynasties has left a footprint of mosques, palaces, and markets, all competing for your attention, with the Salah El-Din Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali as prominent examples. The streets buzz with life, especially in places like Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where traders hawk their wares alongside the constant chatter of locals. While it has a modern public transport system, navigating Cairo can feel chaotic. People visit primarily for the ancient sites and culture, with the pyramids at Giza just a short trip away, reminding everyone that history is never far from the present.

Who it's for

History buffs and those eager to experience a city where the past is ever-present will thrive here. It can be overwhelming for visitors seeking tranquility or modern comforts, as the crowds and chaos can interfere with the sightseeing experience. If you prefer a quiet walk in the park, Cairo will challenge those preferences.

Getting around

Public transport: Moderate

  • Walking through downtown can take around thirty minutes, but be prepared for busy streets
  • The metro is moderate and covers key areas, but expect some delays
  • Taxis are abundant, but negotiate your fare or ensure the meter is running
  • Giza is about an hour away by car, depending on traffic
Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Manial Palace) and Egyptian Museum of Musical Instruments

Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Manial Palace) and Egyptian Museum of Musical Instruments

Castles & palaces
Zamalek District

Zamalek District

Streets & neighbourhoods
Al-Muizz Street

Al-Muizz Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Al Haram Street

Al Haram Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Abdeen Palace

Abdeen Palace

Castles & palaces
Bab Zuweila

Bab Zuweila

Forts & citadels
Nile Corniche Walk

Nile Corniche Walk

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Zamalek Art Gallery

Zamalek Art Gallery

Art museums & galleries
Islamic Cairo Exploration

Islamic Cairo Exploration

Old towns & historic quarters
Gold Bazaar

Gold Bazaar

Shopping streets & districts
Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo)

Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo)

Old towns & historic quarters
Downtown Cairo

Downtown Cairo

Urban Attractions
Cairo Opera Square

Cairo Opera Square

Squares & plazas
Mohamed Mahmoud Street Graffiti

Mohamed Mahmoud Street Graffiti

Street art districts
Tahrir Square

Tahrir Square

Squares & plazas
Coptic Cairo

Coptic Cairo

Old towns & historic quarters
Al-Azhar Mosque

Al-Azhar Mosque

Mosques
Cairo Opera House

Cairo Opera House

Theatres & opera houses
Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church

Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church

Churches & cathedrals
Ibn Tulun Mosque

Ibn Tulun Mosque

Mosques
Mosque of Sultan Hassan

Mosque of Sultan Hassan

Mosques
Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Mosques
Museum of Islamic Art

Museum of Islamic Art

Art museums & galleries
Western Cemetery

Western Cemetery

Cemeteries & tombs
Salah El-Din Citadel

Salah El-Din Citadel

Forts & citadels
Al-Azhar Park

Al-Azhar Park

City parks
Townhouse Gallery

Townhouse Gallery

Art museums & galleries
The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum

History museums
Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Local & craft markets
Sequoia

Sequoia

City parks
Gezira Island

Gezira Island

Islands
Pharaonic Village

Pharaonic Village

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Cairo Tower

Cairo Tower

Observation decks & city views
Traditional Felucca Ride on the Nile

Traditional Felucca Ride on the Nile

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Attaba Market

Attaba Market

Local & craft markets
Cairo Jazz Club

Cairo Jazz Club

Live music venues & clubs
Giza Zoo

Giza Zoo

Zoos
Papyrus Museum

Papyrus Museum

Specialty & quirky museums

Where to eat in Cairo

The places worth planning a meal around.

Koshary Abou Tarek

Koshary Abou Tarek

Egyptian · $$

★ 4.3 · 43,708 reviews

Azhar Park Cafe

Azhar Park Cafe

Egyptian, Mediterranean, International · $$

★ 4.5 · 40,995 reviews

Cairo Tower Lounge

Cairo Tower Lounge

Mediterranean, Egyptian, International · $$$

★ 4.3 · 30,533 reviews

Abu El Sid

Abu El Sid

Egyptian · $$$

★ 3.8 · 7,366 reviews

El Fishawy Cafe

El Fishawy Cafe

Egyptian · $

★ 3.9 · 6,025 reviews

The Tap East

The Tap East

International Pub Food · $$

★ 4.1 · 3,390 reviews

Things to do in Cairo

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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