Cairo is a remarkable city that has many places to see and to do. Whether you are a history buff, a traveler or just looking to soak up the new vibe, there is something for everyone in this exciting destination.
Start your journey in the capital with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza. Then head to the Egyptian Museum and Salah El-Din Citadel, two of Cairo's most popular attractions.
Salah El-Din Citadel
The Salah El-Din Citadel is one of the best things to see in Cairo. It’s an incredible fortification that was built in 1176 by Sultan Salah El-Din who wanted to build a large citadel and fortress to protect Egypt from any enemy attacks.
The citadel is located on Mokattam hills which overlooks the whole city of Cairo and has a very strategic location. It’s not difficult to understand why Salah El-Din decided to build a citadel in this location as back then Egypt borders were very unprotected.
Inside the citadel you can visit many mosques, palaces, museums and historic public buildings. The most popular mosques inside the citadel include the Mohammed Ali Mosque and the Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque.
Another important place to visit inside the citadel is the Police Museum where you can learn about the history of Egyptian police officers. There’s also the Carriage Museum where you can see the carriages that used to transport kings and rulers in Egypt.
Islamic Cairo
The historic district of Islamic Cairo (Al-Qahira) is a living city filled with mosques, tombs and other sites that tell the story of Egypt. It's a fascinating area to visit.
In addition to mosques, tombs and other buildings, there are also a number of other attractions in Islamic Cairo. The best way to see these attractions is by taking a guided tour.
On a walking tour, your guide will take you through a labyrinth of narrow streets packed with monuments and ancient mosques. This is a great way to learn about the history of Cairo and discover new places you might not otherwise see.
One of the main highlights is El-Muizz Street, which is named for two Fatimid royal residences built here in 1284 by Sultan Qalawun. The complex is a beautiful mix of Mamluk and Ottoman architecture. It has exterior windows influenced by Gothic design, and is one of the most impressive buildings in the area.
Coptic Cairo
A fascinating area that reveals layers of history, Coptic Cairo is the heartland of Egypt’s indigenous Christian community. Here, churches, mosques, synagogues and an aqueduct are among the attractions you can visit.
One of the most important places of worship in Old Cairo is St. Sergius Church (Abu Serga), which is renowned for its history and the fact that many patriarchs of the Coptic Orthodox Church were erected there in the past centuries. It was also where the Holy Family rested when they came to Egypt, so it is a great place to visit and learn about their story.
Another interesting sight is the Hanging Church of Cairo, which has a very special design and is also known for its icons made of ebony and ivory. There are many iconic pictures of Jesus, Mary and John the Baptist. These are very beautiful and if you’re looking for something to take home from your trip, this is definitely the place to go!
Giza
The Giza Pyramid Complex is one of the most famous archaeological sights in Cairo and has captivated tourists from across the globe for centuries. The site consists of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Khafre pyramid and the Menkaure pyramid, all of which were built during the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt.
The Pyramids were used for the burial of kings and their family members and today, they still serve as an iconic symbol of ancient Egypt. They also offer visitors a chance to learn about the culture and history of Egypt.
The Giza Pyramids are a must-see for anyone visiting Cairo. The best way to visit them is to take a tour with an Egyptologist guide. They will make sure you don’t get scammed by local vendors and they usually include hotel pick-up and drop-off as part of the package.
