7 x Things To Do in Cairo, Egypt (First-Timer’s Travel Guide)

Cairo, the chaotic capital of Egypt, rich in world-famous history, a city that feels stuck between timelines. Donkey carts are driving down a dusty road where on the other side honking cars are polluting the city. Accept Cairo’s fascinating chaos, and you suddenly hear a friendly Egyptian shout “Welcome to Egypt!”. This guide explains the best things to do in Cairo.

Places to visit in Cairo
How to get around in Cairo
Restaurants in Cairo
Best Hotels in Cairo

7 x Things to do in Cairo

Cairo has to be part of your Egypt travel route. Plan spending two full days in the city. Ignore everyone’s opinion about the city and discover it your way!

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1. The Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza

The Giza Pyramid complex is located at the outskirts of Cairo. With a height of 139 meters, the Great Pyramid can easily be spotted from the city. Pyramids are royal tombs, and Egypt counts 138 of them! Discoveries, like mummies, are still done in this area.

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things to do Cairo Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a giant limestone statue showing a mythical creature with the head of a human and body of a lion. The iconic symbol of Egypt and a real must-see while visiting Egypt.

Please: Do not support the use of camels. It is easy to get around by foot via the pavement.

2. Wander at the world’s oldest open-air market

Experience the sounds and smells at one of the world’s oldest open-air markets. The Khan El-Khalili souk is a maze filled with spices, food, clothing, leather bags, jewelry, and antiques. This Souk (Arabic for open-air market) is the place to go souvenir shopping but get ready to bargain. You should pay around 50% of the original price. Do not follow a vendor to the back of his shop; this usually is a trick.

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Several restaurants, street food vendors and coffeehouses around the market serve Arabic coffee and shisha.

Tip: Beware for pickpockets who encounter you with scarves. The scarves are used to cover your bag which gives them the opportunity to steal something.

things to do Cairo Khan El-Khalili souk market

3. Get a real Egyptian meal on Gezira Island

Gezira island is the coolest neighborhood in Cairo. Young, creative Egyptians occupy the area. The authentic buildings with galleries surrounded by the water of the Nile River is a calm escape from the busy city life on the mainland. Visiting Gezira is one of the best things to do in Cairo.

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Abou El Sid Restaurant is a fantastic spot to have a delicious Egyptian meal. We highly recommend the Lentil soup, Baba Ganoush, Hummus and if you’re interested: try the delicacy ‘Stuffed Pigeon’.

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4. Mosque of Ibn Tulun – surprising thing to do in Cairo

In the middle of a non-touristy neighborhood surrounded by dusty roads is one of the most beautiful mosques of Cairo, the Ibn Tulun Mosque. A large mosque still having all its old details. Get an aerial view from the nearby tower or walk around on the second level.
Good to know: It is appropriate for women to wear a scarf.

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things to do in Cairo Mosque of Ibn Tulun

5. Back in time at the Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum is home to the world’s greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. You can even see real preserved mummies in the mummy. It is a highly recommended thing to do in Cairo. Plan about spending 2 – 4 hours in the museum.

An entrance tickets cost 120 EL (~ $6 USD). Get your tickets here. To visit the mummy rooms, a separate ticket can be purchased inside at the mummy rooms.

Pro tip: Visit in the afternoon, tickets are cheaper and it is less crowded.

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6. The Hanging Church

Built on top of an ancient Roman fortress is the reason why it is named ‘The Hanging Church’. The Roman church with beautiful ornaments and mosaic paintings is still in use. In fact, 10% of the population in Egypt is Christian. Cairo has a Roman quarter where churches are mixed with mosques.

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7. The Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Located on a hilltop inside the Cairo Citadel is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. The impressive limestone mosque is a beautiful site to visit for a couple of hours and has a view overlooking the entire city.

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How to get around Cairo

Taxi services like Uber or Careem are available throughout the whole city. Easily hop from sight to sight using this service.

Best restaurants in Cairo

Cairo offers some delicious places to have lunch or dinner.

Abou El Sid (Best Egyptian Cuisine)
Cake Cafe (Dessert)
Naguib Mahfouz (near Khan el Khalili Souk)
Crimson Bar & Grill (view over the Nile river)