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Cairo is Egypt’s capital and the largest metropolitan area in Africa and the Middle East. It has a population of over 10 million with another 9.5 million people living directly outside the city. It’s an interesting mix of old and new. Among the modern skyscrapers and trendy bars, you’ll find historic buildings and donkey carts.
Most people visit Cairo for its famous pyramids but there is so much more to Cairo. The massive, always-moving city can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. I suggest using a tour guide or following an itinerary to make the best use of your time. You won’t want to miss the following top places to visit in Cairo.
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Places to Visit in Cairo:
1. Pyramids of Giza & the Great Sphinx
The Pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza should top your list of places to visit in Cairo. The Giza Pyramid Complex contains the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx of Giza. They were all built during the fourth dynasty of the old kingdom between 2600 and 2500 BC and were thought to be constructed to house the remains of the deceased pharaohs. The Great Pyramid of Giza and the Pyramid of Khafre are the largest pyramids in ancient Egypt and the Great Pyramid is the last standing of the Seven Ancient Wonders.
The site was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979 and is one of Egypt’s most visited attractions. The famous pyramids are located in Giza, just 11 mi (18 km) southwest of downtown Cairo. However, in heavy traffic, it can 45 minutes to reach so make sure to plan ahead. I recommend visiting first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds as much as possible.
Please don’t ride the camels. Most of them are worked hard and often in extreme heat with little water. I carefully researched tour operators and expressed how important it was to me that the camels were treated properly before taking photos with them. I never at any time rode the camels and spent about 20 minutes hanging out with them. They’re really sweet animals. I’m aware that by giving the camel owner money, I still contributed to the problem but I like to think I saved it from one less ride that day.
Ticket Price
200 EGP/ Student: 120 EGP with a valid ID (additional 400 EGP to go inside the pyramid)
Site Hours
Summer: 8 am – 5 pm/ Winter: 8 am – 4 pm (last admission is one hour before closing)
2. Shop the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is the world’s oldest souk or open-air market. It has been an important economic and cultural center since the 14th century. The famous bazaar is located in Cairo’s historic district and is one of the most visited places in Cairo.
The market has all kinds of crafts, goods, and souvenirs. You’ll find antiques, beautiful brass and gold lanterns, clothing, spices, and more. Prices are negotiable, so don’t be afraid to haggle. There are also great restaurants nearby, serving traditional Egyptian food.
3. Explore Islamic Cairo
Islamic Cairo, also called historic Cairo is the area that existed before the city’s modern expansion. The area is large and there are literally hundreds of sites so narrowing it down before you go will be helpful and save time.
The most popular sites are the Mosques of Mohamed Ali, Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, Al-Azhar Mosque, and the Citadel of Salah Ed-Din. A guided tour is a great way to see many of these as well as the bazaar.
4. Tour the Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is currently in the process of being moved from Cairo to Giza and becoming the Grand Egyptian Museum. A massive new structure was recently built next to the Giza Pyramid Complex and is set to open in November 2022. When it opens, the Grand Egyptian Museum will be the largest archaeological museum in the world. It will have over 100,000 pieces that span 3,000 years. It will also house the complete Tutankhamun collection, which includes all 5,000 pieces that were found inside the king’s tomb. Many of these items will be on display for the first time.
The original Egyptian Museum in Cairo is open as of July 2022 and is still welcoming visitors. However, many of the pieces have already been moved to the new location. I visited in February of 2022 and it was still very much worth visiting. King Tut’s famous mask had yet to be moved and the museum has such a vast collection that I could have easily spent a day there, even with half of the items missing. I recommend visiting with a guide who can share some history on the pieces.
Ticket Price
200 EGP/ Student: 100 EGP with a valid ID
Site Hours
Daily: 9 am – 5 pm (ticket window closes at 4:15 pm)
5. Saqqara Archaeological Site
The pyramids of Saqqara (also spelled Sakkara) may not be as famous as those of Giza but I still consider the site one of the top places to visit in Cairo. The site is about 20 mi (32 km) south of Cairo and the drive is about 45 minutes from Giza. It has numerous pyramids and tombs; the most well-known being the Pyramid of Djoser, which is the world’s oldest complete stone structure. The pyramid is a step pyramid that stands 196 ft (60 m) high and is made out of sandstone.
The tombs contain kings from the first and second dynasties and the first king of the third dynasty. The kings of the fourth dynasty selected Giza for their tombs but the kings of the fifth and sixth dynasties returned to Saqarra.
Saqqara covers a large area so if you are short on time, I recommend visiting the Imhotep Museum, the Step Pyramid, the Serapeum, and the Tomb of Ti. Guides are available onsite and can give you the history of each structure. Just make sure to negotiate a rate beforehand. If you decide to Uber to the site, make sure the driver will wait for you. There aren’t many drivers or taxis available in the area. You can also book a tour that includes both the Great Pyramids and Saqqara.
Ticket Price
180 EGP/ Student: 90 EGP with a valid ID
Site Hours
Daily: 8 am – 5 pm
How to Get Around Cairo
Cairo has a Metro but I found it easiest to use rideshare apps such as Uber or Careem. If planning on using Uber at the airport, I would arrange a pickup on the app in advance. Taxis are widely available but I found that they overcharge and haggling got tiresome. Uber was hassle-free. It was easy, considerably less, and I was able to see the cost upfront.
The one downside to Uber is the language barrier. Most of the drivers do not speak English. This is a non-issue when traveling to well-known sites but for destinations that are off the beaten path, it can be a bit difficult. Be prepared to show the destination to the driver on a map.
Best Time to Visit Cairo
The best time to visit Cairo is between October and April. The spring and fall months see sunny days with temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s F (23-28° C). These months are perfect for sightseeing and spending time outdoors. The winter months of January and February are cooler and ideal as far as temperature goes but are considered the high season. You’ll find long lines at many attractions and higher prices at hotels. It’s not impossible to visit during the summer but temperatures can be extreme, making outdoor activities difficult.
I visited in early February. The majority of days were sunny with evenings being chilly. We did see a couple of days where there was a brief period of rain. I didn’t experience crowds but tourism had yet to return to pre-Covid levels. I’m very lucky to have experienced many of the attractions as empty as they were.
How Long in Cairo
Cairo is a large city and you could spend weeks touring it but I found two or three days to be ideal. Two days is enough time to see most of the major attractions at a somewhat relaxed pace. Three days is perfect if you wish to add a day trip.
Continue to my post, “The Ultimate 7 Day Egypt Itinerary“, to find out how to make the best use of your time in Cairo and the rest of Egypt, including Luxor and Aswan.
Where to Eat in Cairo
139 Pavilion
139 Pavilion is located in the Marriott Mena Hotel in Giza. The restaurant is known for its fantastic views of the pyramids. It’s a great spot for lunch since the pyramids aren’t always lit up at night. The restaurant serves international cuisine and offers both an a la carte menu and a buffet.
Le Pacha 1901
Le Pacha 1901 is home to some of Cairo’s best restaurants. Its signature restaurants are the Italian Piccolo Mondo and the French Le Steak. Additions have been made over the years that include Asian-inspired L’Asiatique, the Egyptian Le Tarbouche, and Indian Maharani. The collection consists of eight international restaurants and sits on the Nile in central Cairo.
Egyptian Pancake House
The Egyptian Pancake House is located near the entrance of Khan El-Khalili Bazaar and Hussein Square. The pancakes served are nothing like your traditional American pancakes but are flaky pastries stuffed with cheese, meats, or veggies. They’re delicious and super affordable. There’s also a patio area that is great for people-watching. The Pancake House is a must-do on this list of places to visit in Cairo.
Where to Stay in Cairo
Depending on what you want out of your visit to Cairo, you can either stay in central Cairo or Giza. Central Cairo is extremely busy but you will have access to many shops and restaurants. Giza is quieter and has less to do but staying there makes visiting the pyramids easy. I chose to stay in Giza because it is more my speed and found it perfect for two days.
Marriott Mena House is a beautiful hotel, located in Giza, It has great views of the pyramids and the Giza Pyramid Complex is just a 10-minute walk. The hotel has an on-site pool, fitness center, two restaurants, a bar, and two lounges.
The St. Regis Hotel is a luxurious hotel located in central Cairo. The hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, restaurant and bar, fitness center, and evening entertainment. It’s located on the Nile and offers beautiful views. The Egyptian Museum (current location) is 3 mi (4.8 km) from the hotel, while Khan Al Khalili Bazaar is 3.4 mi (5.5 km).
Guardian Guesthouse is a great choice in Giza. It’s super affordable and the family that runs it is very kind. It also has the best views of the pyramids and sphinx. The Giza Pyramid Complex is literally across the street. It was incredible to watch the sun rise and set over the pyramids from our room. The guesthouse also has rooftop access allowing you to watch the light and sound show for free.
Have you been to Egypt? What are your favorite places to visit in Cairo? If you’ve enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Looking for the perfect Egypt itinerary? Continue to my post, “The Ultimate 7 Day Egypt Itinerary“.
Planning a trip? Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance. I recommend World Nomads. For more of my travel favorites, click here.
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