Choose from 46 Fun Things to Do in Cairo
ShowingFilter 1-20 of 46 listings.
Al-Hakim Mosque
Often lost in Cairo's electrifying presence, Al-Hakim, one of Egypt's lesser-known mosques, was built under a ruler who could have changed the world. Completed in 1012 A.D., the second-largest Fatimid mosque in Cairo with the city's two oldest surviving minarets came into existence after Al-Hakim Be'amr Allah took the throne at age 11. Al-Hakim quickly became an arrogant and savage ruler, who, at age 15, had his tutor assassinated. He later ordered the burning of several buildings after his people rejected some of his more audacious laws, including the requirement that people use his name instead of Allah's in prayer and forbidding the manufacture of women’s shoes so that women could subsequently not leave their homes.
There were some merits to Al-Hakim's rule, however; the most profound being his attempt to make reality out of a dream that came to him one night, a dream of uniting the faiths of Islam and Christianity. Unfortunately, once Al-Hakim began spreading his message of tolerance and harmony through Egypt, his people rebelled, and he was soon murdered by a group of slaves. His body was never found, but his mosque lives on as a symbol of a violent character who tried to spread peace.
Practical Info
Al-Hakim Mosque is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., although it does close for prayers. It is located in the Al-Azhar area, also known as El Hussein Square, in Cairo's Islamic district near the famous Khan el-Khalili souk. Visitors can take a taxi directly to the mosque or the metro to the nearby Al Attaba stop before asking someone to point out the mosque. Men, women and children must dress modestly inside the mosque and on the grounds; women must cover their heads, and everyone must take off their shoes before entering.
Address: Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi, Qism El-Gamaleya, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Daily 8am-4pm (closed for prayers)
From $ 16
Church of St Barbara
One of Cairo’s most impressive and historic Coptic churches wows with ornate interior detail and relics including the remains of the church’s namesake Saint. It’s said that St. Barbara’s Pagan father murdered her after she attempted to convert him to Christianity—her remains, and the remains of several other Saints, can be found in a small alcove left of the main altar. Records of the ancient church have been scattered by time, but many believe the building could date back to the 4th century; an old iron gate connects the church to the Coptic cemetery along its side. Gold‐leafed icons adorn the walls and geometric ebony and ivory paneling serves as a backdrop to the main altar. A number of the church’s more interesting historical artifacts are housed at the off‐site Coptic Museum, including more icons, old manuscripts, textiles and more are just a short walk away—it’s worthwhile to visit both. Today the vaulted ceiling and marble pillared church still hosts mass, with services in both Arabic and Coptic languages—check the entrance placard or with on‐site attendants for dates and times.
Practical Info
The Church of St Barbara is located within the confines of the old Fortress of Babylon off Kasr Al Shama’e in the heart of old Cairo, about 1,000 feet east of the Nile. As this is a place of worship, it’s best to dress conservatively.
Address: Cairo, Egypt
From $ 43
Coptic Museum
Founded in 1908, this museum houses Coptic art from Greco-Roman times to the Islamic era drawn from Cairo, the desert monasteries and Nubia. If you are interested in Egyptian history and art post-pharaohs, this is the place for you.
In recent years it has undergone a major restoration, and has recently reopened. Exhibits include textiles, frescoes, stonework, woodwork, manuscripts, glass and ceramics. There's a pleasant enclosed garden and a small café.
Practical Info
The Coptic Museum is located in Old Cairo, where the easiest way to get around is by taxi.
Address: Sharia Mar Girgis, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 40 L.E.
From $ 22
Alexandria
Egypt's second-largest city, Alexandria, occupies 20 miles of the coast along the Mediterranean Sea. It's an understandably enormous and thriving port, but it's more than just a working city–there are tourist attractions aplenty here, too.
Although very few of the oldest parts of Alexandria are visible today, there are many ancient sights to see. You'll find ancient Roman ruins, including an amphitheater and baths, as well as catacombs beneath the city. There are also remains of a third-century B.C.E. temple that's believed to be Cleopatra's burial spot. The city was once home to what was believed to be the world's largest library, and a modern one is now meant to represent that ancient monument.
You can trace Alexandria's history right through to the present day through structures built during nearly every architectural age, and archaeologists continue to rediscover ancient pieces of the city's past. Alexandria is also a major tourist haven during the summer months, when visitors flock to its many beaches.
Practical Info
Alexandria is Egypt's largest port, roughly 136 miles from Cairo, with a population of more than 4 million people.
Address: Alexandria, Egypt
From $ 29
El Fayoum
El Fayoum is a city in Middle Egypt situated 100 kilometers southwest of Cairo. El Fayoum is Egypt's largest oasis, measuring in at around 60 kilometers long and 70 kilometers wide. Founded in around 4000 BC, it’s the oldest city in the country and is home to a number of important archaeological sites; the pharaohs built palaces here and the Greeks built temples.
Rich in nature as well as history, El Fayoum’s landscape extends to sand dunes, palm trees, lakes, and valleys. Home to an abundance of wildlife, Lake Qaroun is an important natural lake here, where locals and visitors gather for such activities as fishing, watersports, and birdwatching.
The Valley of Whales is another main attraction in the area. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this valley was once a vast ocean that was home to a variety of marine life. Today, it is the site of many fossils and skeletons of extinct whales, along with some fascinating rock formations.
Practical Info
A 4x4 vehicle is the best way to explore most of the attractions of El Fayoum. The best time for activities such as hiking and sandboarding on the dunes is October through April, when the weather is more mild.
Address: El Fayoum, Egypt
From $ 46
El Mokattam Mountain Cave Church (Monastery of St Simon)
El Mokattam Mountain Cave Church, also known as the Monastery of St Simon, is located in the Mokattam mountain in southeast Cairo. The area is known as ‘garbage city’ due to the
large number of garbage collectors or ‘Zabbaleen’ that live there and sort through the city’s waste, recycling up to 80% of it.
To reach El Mokattam Mountain Cave Church, visitors must weave through winding alleys before arriving at the entrance to what is believed to be one of the largest engraved monasteries in the world. The Zabbaleen are a minority Coptic Christian group and this gigantic church, which has been carved out of the mountainside and has a seating capacity of up to 20,000, is their place of worship.
The cave church is dedicated to Simon the Tanner, a craftsman saint who lived during the 10th century. The church as it exists today features various motives and sculptures depicting the life of Christ, and an amphitheater surrounding a central pulpit.
Practical Info
Reaching the monastery is relatively tricky due to the narrow, bustling alleys visitors must navigate before reaching the far end of the village. The best way to reach the cave is with a private guide or as part of an organized tour.
Address: Mokattam Mountain, Qism El-Khalifa, Cairo, Egypt
From $ 23
El Alamein War Cemetery
El Alamein, situated on the Mediterranean coast around four hours north of Cairo, is the site of where two battles were fought during World War II. The War Cemetery in the town houses the graves of allied soldiers who died during this time, particularly in the Battle of El Alamein of 1942. The cemetery contains over 7000 commonwealth burials from the war, of which 815 are unidentified. There are also more than a hundred war graves belonging to men of other nationalities.
The El Alamein War Cemetery also has an informative museum nearby, which covers the entire story of World War II in this part of the world, as seen from a number of perspectives. The museum serves as a memorial for the battles fought and displays a number of items from the war, including weapons, vehicles, uniforms, and war records.
Practical Info
The El Alamein War Cemetery is located at Marsa Matrouh Road, Markaz, Al Alamein.
Address: Alamein, Egypt
Hours: Open every day from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
From $ 100
Citadel of Saladin (Al-Qalaa)
Sprawling over a limestone spur on the eastern edge of the city, the Citadel of Saladin (or Al-Qalaa) was home to Egypt's rulers for some 700 years. Their legacy is a collection of three very different mosques, including the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, several palaces (housing some underwhelming museums such as the police and military museums) and a couple of terraces with city views.
The area was fortified around 1180 to protect it from the Crusaders. In the 1860s, ruler Khedive Ismail moved to newly built Abdin Palace, ending the citadel's role as the seat of government.
Practical Info
Catch bus 174 from Midan Ramses or 173 from Midan Falaki, or grab a taxi which is cheap in Cairo. Admission to the Citadel of Saladin includes entry to all the museums within the Citadel. Though this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cairo (particularly for Egyptians), it is relatively unimpressive and decidedly overpriced.
Address: Midan al-Qala'a, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Open daily 8am - 5pm
Admission: 35 L.E.
From $ 23
Cairo Tower
After five years of construction, the Cairo Tower was inaugurated in 1961. Towering 614 feet (187 meters) above Gezira Island, the communications tower is the tallest building in Egypt, 141 feet (43 meters) taller that the Great Pyramid of Giza. The building was designed to resemble a lotus plant with intricate latticework casing around its exterior.
An elevator takes visitors to an open-air observation deck at the top, and on a clear morning, the panoramic views are nothing short of breathtaking. It’s possible to see the pyramids of Giza, the Citadel, Sakkara and the entire city of Cairo laid out before you. Just below the observation deck, Sky Garden serves light snacks and drinks, while 360, a revolving restaurant, affords always changing views of the city below. The building also houses Villa Zamalek, a casual cafe serving snacks, drinks and shisha.
Insider’s Tip: The views from the top of Cairo Tower are best in late morning, after the early haze has burned off, or late afternoon as the sun begins to set.
Practical Info
If you’re visiting the Cairo Tower around sunset, be prepared to queue up for the elevator, as the tower is quite popular among locals at this time.
Address: Sharia Hadayek al-Zuhreya, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Open daily 8am-midnight
Admission: LE70
From $ 22
Egyptian Museum
From the Royal Mummy Room to a number of glittering galleries showcasing finery extracted from various ancient tombs, there's a ton to see at the Egyptian Museum, also known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Getting around to all 107 halls in one trip is tough, so you'll want to choose a few subjects or exhibits that are most important to you.
Although the entire museum is filled with artifacts from as far back as the prehistoric period, the most renowned exhibit is, without a doubt, the collection of treasures once belonging to King Tutankhamun—don't miss the astonishing solid gold death mask. Other highlights include the Amarna Room, devoted to Akhenaten; the Greco-Roman mummies; and the larger-than-life statue of Khafre, considered by many to be the museum's masterpiece.
Practical Info
By metro, get off at Sadat Station and follow signs to the Egyptian Museum. General museum admission costs LE 60 for foreigners, but entrance to the Royal Mummies Room costs LE 100 for foreigners. Entrance to the Centennial Gallery costs an additional LE 10. Exhibit labels are written in both Arabic and English, while audio guides are available in English, French, and Arabic for an additional fee of LE 20. Note that photography is not allowed inside the museum.
Address: Tahrir Square (Midan Tahrir), Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Daily 9am–7pm (open until 5pm during Ramadan)
Admission: LE 60
From $ 10
Alabaster Mosque (Mohammad Ali Mosque)
The citadel of Saladin - and indeed, the Cairo skyline - is dominated by the Alabaster Mosque, or Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Modelled along classic Turkish lines, it took 18 years to build (1830 - 1848) although later the domes had to be rebuilt. It was commissioned by Mohammad Ali, ruler of Egypt from 1805 - 1849, who lies in the marble tomb on the right as you enter.
Perhaps the most evocative description of it is in Olivia Manning's The Levant Trilogy: "Above them Mohammed Ali's alabaster mosque, uniquely white in this sand-coloured city, sat with minarets pricked, like a fat, white, watchful cat." It has never found much favor with writers, who have criticized it for being unimaginative, lacking in grace and resembling a great toad. Note the chintzy clock in the central courtyard, a gift from King Louis-Philippe of France in thanks for the Pharaonic obelisk that adorns the Place de la Concorde in Paris. It was damaged on delivery and has yet to be repaired.
Practical Info
The easiest way to travel around Cairo is by organized tour or private car and guide. If you choose a private car, just be firm that you do not want to visit all the perfume and carpet shops!
Address: The Citadel of Saladin, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Open daily 8am - 5pm. Closed Fridays
Admission: Citadel admission: 35 L.E.
From $ 11
Al-Rifa'i Mosque
Though not as old as many other Cairo mosques, Al-Rifa’i Mosque stands out among others for its elaborate cavernous ceilings and the fact that it serves as a mausoleum for the last Shah of Iran (who died in exile in Egypt), as well as the last reigning king of Egypt and several members of the Egyptian royal family.
Shortly after entering, visitors will find the tomb of Shaykh 'Ali al-Refa'i, a saint and the leader in an order of dervishes, and to the left beyond that are the tombs of the ‘last-in-line.’ The area is significant for burial because the building was built atop an ancient pilgrimage site said to have healing properties. Forty-four enormous columns support Mamluk-style inlaid marble walls decorated with gold-leaf Quran verses—they form a meditative cocoon from the honks and street noise outside while sung prayers echo off the tall ceilings. Al-Rifa’i Mosque was constructed between 1869 and 1912, and its exterior was designed to mimic the adjacent 14th-century Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan.
Practical Info
The mosque is located in Midan Al-Qalaa, the Citadel Square, and charges a 25 EGP ($3.20 USD) adult/15 EGP ($1.90 USD) student admission. You will be required to remove your shoes, so it’s best to wear socks. In order to respect the local culture, women entering the mosque should cover their ankles, knees and arms.
Address: El-Refaey, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo, Egypt
Admission: 25 EGP
From $ 23
City of the Dead (Qarafa)
Qarafa, or The City of the Dead, is two 4 mile (6 km) long cemeteries - a north and south cemetery - dating from Mamluk times (1200s - 1500s) and is still in use today. Traditionally all families kept a mausoleum and these days some families use them for living in as well as for burials. Some families have been inhabiting the tombs for generations, some arrived more recently after the 1967 war displaced them from the canal zone. The north cemetery has more people residing in it and estimates are up to half a million people live there. These days there are shops, cafes and even a post-office within the cemeteries.
Many of the tombs themselves are quite grand and beautiful dating back centuries and in the Mamluk style. The northern cemetery is home to some of Cairo's most beautiful Mamluk monuments, such as the Mausoleums of Sultan Qaitbay and Sultan Barquq.
Practical Info
The City of the Dead is located just east of Cairo, at the foot of the Moqattam Cliff. The easiest way to the Northern Cemetery is heading east from Midan al-Hussein along Sharia al-Azhar. As you crest the top of the hill, bear right, walk below the overpass and go straight along the road between the tombs. Follow this road to the left, then right. You'll pass by the crumbling, domed Tomb of Emir Tashtimur on your left. About 150m further on, a narrow lane goes left, passing under a stone archway. This is the gate to the former compound of Qaitbay, whose splendid mosque is immediately ahead.
It is a poor and conservative area so take care and be respectful when taking photographs. It is unsafe to go after dark.
Address: Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Open daily.
Admission: Free
From $ 11
Bahariya Oasis
Beckoning like — well, an oasis — in the middle of a harsh, expansive desert, Bahariya is a respite from the dry sands of Egypt. Natural springs dot the oasis floor, shaded by date palms and fruit trees overhead. The black hills surrounding it are filled with quartz, and the lands contain several impressive ruins — including the Temple of Alexander the Great.
Once an ancient center of agriculture and commerce (even wine was produced here and exported to the Nile Valley) known as the Northern Oasis, it remains part of an important route and hub for visitors. Excavations have revealed thousands of ancient Egyptian mummies here, with more to be discovered. Painted churches and tombs can also be viewed. Both the lands and the remains of the civilizations that once dwelled here give an incredible sense of time and history.
Practical Info
Bahariya is the closest oasis to Cairo in Egypt — a mere 230 miles (370 kilometers) from the city. There is a regular bus service from Cairo to Bahariyya that departs from Turgoman Square. Bahriya is a great base from which to explore both the Black and the White Deserts.
Address: Giza Governorate, Egypt
From $ 175
Cairo Opera House
The Cairo Opera House was first built in 1869 as the Khedivial (Royal) Opera House; it was the first on the African continent and staged a performance of Rigoletto by Verdi for its opening. While the original building burnt down in 1971, the structure that took its place continues the tradition.
The 1,200-seat Main Hall of the Cairo Opera House stages regular performances by the Cairo Opera, Cairo Symphony and a range of visiting musicians and performers. The Opera Museum, situated on the first floor of the Main Hall, displays a collection of rare photos, documents and concert brochures chronicling the history of the Royal Opera House, as well as jewelry, costumes and musical scores from the opera Aida, written in honor of the inauguration of the original building.
In addition to the Main Hall, performances are also hosted in an open-air theater, Roman-style amphitheater and a few smaller venues within the complex.
Practical Info
The Main Hall of the Cairo Opera House maintains a strict dress code. Find out what the requirements are for a particular performance ahead of time.
Did You Know? The Cairo Opera Company’s star soprano is Paris-trained Iman Mustafa, who studied under and performed with Caroline Dumas.
Address: El Borg Gezira, Cairo, Egypt
From $ 22
Church of St George (Mari Girgis)
Dedicated to one of the region’s most popular Christian saints, the current Church of St George (or Mari Girgis) was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century, although the original was established as far back as the 10th century.
This Coptic Christian church has a distinctive style, having been built on top of a round Roman tower; it is the only circular church in Egypt. Its dark interior is an atmospheric place, thick with incense and with sunbeams filtering in through stained glass windows. There’s a flight of steps leading down into the old Roman tower, although this is closed off to the public.
The Monastery of St. George next door is also closed to visitors. The Coptic Moulid (saints’ festival) of Mar Girgis is held here each year in April.
Practical Info
The Church of St George is located in Old Cairo just moments from the Mar Girgis metro station.
Address: Coptic Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Daily 8am-4pm
From $ 20
Babylon Fortress
The ancient Babylon Fortress was originally built by the Romans in the area now known as Coptic (or Old) Cairo. The fortress was built in a strong and strategic position – a canal ran through this area connecting the Nile with the Red Sea.
The persecution of Coptic Egyptians led them to take refuge within Babylon Fortress, and a stroll along the length of the walls will reveal a fascinating combination of Roman and Coptic architecture. The Coptic Egyptians built a monastery as well as several churches in the fortress grounds and embedded within its walls, including the El-Muallaqa (Hanging Church) and the Church of St George.
The towers of the fortress stand at almost 10 meters tall and are more than 30 meters in diameter. The fortifications have been altered and expanded upon by a number of emperors throughout the centuries.
Practical Info
The Babylon Fortress is located in the heart of Old Cairo. It’s a short walk from the Mar Girgis metro station.
Address: Coptic Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
From $ 21
Al-Azhar Mosque
Among the countless minarets punctuating the Cairo skyline, four of the most impressive belong to one of the city’s standout mosques, Al-Azhar. This mosque, situated in the Islamic district, is not only one of Cairo's largest sanctuaries but it is also home to the world's oldest university, where class was first held in 975 A.D.
Fatima al-Zahra, the revered daughter of Muslim prophet Mohammed, was the inspiration for the mosque's name, as her moniker of "the Resplendent One” was perfectly suited for this holy place. Originally a prayer hall with only five aisles and a small courtyard, the Al-Azhar Mosque has grown throughout the centuries under the Fatimids, Mamluks and Ottomans into one of the most impressive Islamic structures in Egypt and all of the Middle East.
Practical Info
The Al-Azhar Mosque is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., although it does close for prayers. The mosque is located in the Al-Azhar area, also known as El Hussein Square, in Cairo's Islamic district near the famous Khan el-Khalili souk. A taxi can be taken directly to the mosque, as can the metro to the Al Attaba stop. Men, women and children must dress modestly inside the mosque and on the grounds; women must cover their heads, and everyone must take off their shoes before entering.
Address: Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Daily 8am-4pm (closed for prayers)
From $ 23
Ben Ezra Synagogue
Ben Ezra Synagogue used to be a Christian place of worship by the name of El-Shamieen Church and according to a legend, the building was built on the exact spot where Moses was found as a baby in his basket. However, when the Coptic Christians owning it weren’t able to pay the annual taxes imposed by the Muslim rulers any longer, they had to sell the church. It was sold to Abraham Ben Ezra, who purchased the building in 882 AD for 20,000 dinars and turned it into a Jewish synagogue.
The synagogue became a place where North African Jews congregated for major festivals and famous rabbis came to worship on their visits to Cairo. Then, during a restoration in 1890, the most famous and diverse Geniza in the world was found. In an empty space below the roof, roughly 300,000 priceless manuscripts were hidden away, a collection that is now known as the Cairo Geniza. The manuscripts have long since been transferred to different libraries, but visitors to the synagogue will still be able to visit this place of historical importance and learn about Coptic and Jewish Cairo. In fact, the Ben Ezra Synagogue is the most visited Jewish site in the city and surprises visitors with the beautiful geometric and floral patterns in the Turkish style.
Practical Info
Ben Ezra Synagogue is located right behind the hanging church and next to the line 1 metro station Mar Girgis in the district of Old Cairo. The synagogue is open daily from 8am to 4pm.
Address: Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Open daily from 8am to 4pm
From $ 12
Dahshur
Think of Dahshur as pyramid-proving grounds: Although not nearly as famous at the pyramids of Giza, the structures here pre-date the Great Pyramids and highlight the engineering progress and understanding that took place on the way from a stepped structure to a true pyramid. The royal necropolis at Dahshur comprises a two-mile (3.5-kilometer) field of pyramids that date back between the fourth and 12th dynasties, and although 11 structures once dotted the landscape, only two remain: the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid. Nearly identical in size, these two pyramids are the third-largest in the country after the two biggest at Giza. The Red Pyramid is the older of the two and the only one that visitors can actually enter.
Archaeologists believe that Snofru, the first Pharoah of the fourth dynasty, commissioned Dahshur's most notable pyramids, and, as the Bent Pyramid with its crooked peak illustrates, not all takes were entirely successful. It towers above the sand not far from the Nile's fertile green band and is believed to have been the first try at a smooth-sided true pyramid.
It’s said thousands of people spent decades building the ultimately-flawed Bent Pyramid before trying again just over a mile to the north with the Red Pyramid, incorporating some lessons learned and a different type of stone, which shines red after the rains. Some Egyptologists think the Red Pyramid is where Sneferu was buried.
Practical Info
Dahshur is located 22 miles (35 kilometers) south of Cairo. Visitors hoping for pyramid photos free of tourist throngs and camel touts should consider a visit to Dahshur instead of Giza. Regular private and group tours from Cairo incorporate Dahshur with additional stops to visit the pyramids of Sakarra, Memphis City and sometimes Giza as well. It is possible to take in all of these sites in a half-day, but at least a full day tour is recommended if you plan to enjoy multiple sites. Entrance fees to Dahshur are around L$40 ($5 USD) and are often included in the price of package tours.
Address: Cairo, Dahshur, Egypt, Egypt
Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
Admission: LE 20
From $ 11