Top Things to Do and See in Cairo

It is very easy for tourists and visitors to fall in love with a city when its history is as unique as Cairo's.

This city is visited by large crowds of visitors, who come to see the capital. Egypt And discover its magical landmarks.

Here is a list of the most important landmarks and destinations that you can enjoy in this ancient city.

The most beautiful landmarks you can visit in Cairo

Pyramids of Giza, Cairo

No other city in the world houses such a magnificent 4,000-year-old complex of royal pyramids. And the temples And bridges.

Any trip to the Egyptian capital should start with these wonderful creations.

Menkaure is the smallest pyramid, Khafre the second largest, and Khufu is known as the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Pyramids of Giza

Sphinx, Cairo

A short drive to the outskirts of the city takes you from the Giza Plateau to the feet of the Sphinx, another mysterious symbol of ancient Egypt.

A marvel of a lifetime, a reclining lion with a human head sits proudly on the west bank of the Nile.

For thousands of years, the mysterious Sphinx has towered over the horizon above Giza, guarding what remains of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

It has also greatly inspired the imagination of emperors, poets, artists, scientists and travelers for centuries, and remains a truly mysterious feature of the city of Cairo.

Sphinx statue

Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

Back in downtown Cairo, just outside Tahrir Square, visitors will find the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities.

It is one of the city's many museums that invite people to explore Egypt's glorious past.

A must-see while you're in town, the museum houses a unique collection of over 160,000 pieces of ancient Egyptian history.

Take your time exploring the museum rooms dedicated to some of Egypt's most prosperous dynasties, and discover what life was like during the time of the Pharaohs.

Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

Old Cairo

This side of Cairo stretches for a mile, and is the oldest place of settlement and religious worship in the region, combining Islamic, Christian and Jewish history.

In the narrow alleys of the streets, you will find yourself at a cultural and religious crossroads.

Discover the Amr Mosque, the first mosque to be built in Cairo, as well as some of the oldest churches in the world, such as the Church of St. George or the Hanging Church of the Virgin Mary, built in the 4th century.

Old Cairo

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Take a fantasy oriental journey to the land of spices, luxurious fabrics and perfumes in Cairo.

Khan El Khalili Bazaar is a hidden gem in this historic part of the city.

Founded in the 14th century, it is one of the first markets in the world, as well as containing a maze of winding, narrow alleys.

Almost anything can be purchased here, and if one merchant doesn't have what you're looking for, they'll find someone else who does.

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Al-Azhar Mosque

Built in 970 AD, Al-Azhar is one of Cairo's newest mosques, and its sheikh is considered the highest religious authority among Egyptian Muslims.

The building has undergone major expansions over a thousand years, thus becoming a harmonious blend of architectural styles.

The mosque has three minarets dating back to the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, while the central courtyard is the oldest part built.

The building also houses the second oldest university in the world, dating back to 988 AD, with its large modern campus.

Al-Azhar Mosque

Coptic Museum

Cairo derives its charm largely from its mix of different religions and cultures.

This museum is a testament to the cultural diversity of Cairo.

Founded in 1908, the museum houses Coptic art, from the early days of Christianity in Egypt to early Islam. 

It also displays an elaborate wood carving section, and the galleries contain sculptures showing antiquities from the Ptolemaic period, rich textiles, and complete wall paintings.

In addition, the first floor houses the oldest book of psalms in the world, the Psalms of David, with two original wooden covers.

Coptic Museum

Cairo Tower

This 187-metre-high tower is... The second most famous landmark in Cairo after the pyramids. 

Built in 1961, the views of the city from the tower are best enjoyed late at night.

Cairo Tower