Choose from 103 Fun Things to Do in Egypt
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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
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
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
Abu Simbel Temples
Often referred to as the Temples of Ramses II, the two enormous sandstone structures at Abu Simbel were built in 1255 BC by Ramses II to commemorate himself and his favorite wife Nefertiti. The larger temple, dedicated to three major Egyptian deities, features four large statues of Ramses II on its facade, while the smaller temple is dedicated to the love goddess Hathor, with statues designed to embody Nefertari.
Set on the banks of the artificial Lake Nasser, the structures were once in danger of being flooded with the construction of the Aswan High Dam but were saved via an extensive project to cut the temples into pieces and move them to higher ground, where they are seen today.
Both Temples of Ramses II are open to the public and together form one of the greatest tourist attractions in Egypt as half of UNESCO's Nubian Monuments World Heritage site. An impressive light and sound show takes place daily.
Practical Info
The temples lie about 180 miles (290 km), or a three-hour drive, southwest of Aswan. The best way to visit is via an organized tour from the city. It is also possible to arrive via plane from either Cairo or Aswan (30 minutes).
Address: Aswan, Egypt
Hours: Open daily. Winter: 6am - 4pm; Summer: 6am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: 80 L.E., Children: 40 L.E.
From $ 55
Abydos
In a country that’s home to some of the most ancient structures on earth, the city of Abydos is a standout destination for lovers of history, hieroglyphs and architecture. That’s because this city is one of the nation’s most historic—and home to perhaps the most well-preserved temple in the country.
Travelers to this Middle Egypt destination can examine the exquisite reliefs of King List at the Temple of Seti. These finely-detailed carvings are some of the best kept in all of Egypt and the temple’s off-the-beaten-path vibe means it’s easy to explore without bumping into tons of other tourists.
Archeologists say the carvings on the temple’s exterior are worth checking out, but it’s the interior reliefs that really showcase the craftsmanship of early artists. Seti temple, which is dedicated to the god of the underworld and afterlife, is an essential stop for anyone traveling to Luxor.
Practical Info
Abydos is located about 90 kilometers north of Luxor and accessible via railway. Fare is about LE 52 per passenger between Luxor and Abydos. Travelers can access the Ramesside temples with the help of the tourist police or police-escorted taxis.
Address: Abydos, Egypt
From $ 35
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
Abdel Monaem Read Mosque (Big Mosque)
Once a small fishing village, Hurghada has grown into the most toured destination in Egypt. Though it sits beside the bright-blue waters that bring many visitors to the area, the Abdel Monaem Read Mosque stands tall on its own — offering visitors the chance to connect with the daily life and culture of the beach town.
The intricate design of the mosque’s classic Islamic architecture — combined with the scenic placement in the area between the main street and the ocean — makes this a unique mosque to visit. The minarets can be seen from long distances, and the call to prayer can be heard resonating from within its walls. Domes, arches and hallways are detailed with delicate carvings. Local citizens can be often seen heading to the mosque, with most visiting on Fridays for prayer.
Practical Info
The Abdel Monaem Read Mosque (Big Mosque) is located in the center of Hurghada off of El-Nasr Road. Out of respect, women may be asked to cover their heads before entering. Visiting hours depend on local religious services. Admission is free, though donations are accepted.
Address: Hurghada, Egypt
From $ 25
Aswan Botanic Garden
Designed by Lord Kitchener, the 16-acre Aswan Botanic Gardens is home to trees, flowers and plants from India, Africa and even the world beyond. Travelers can relax in the wide-open spaces of this garden’s breathtaking natural beauty or wind through the extensive exhibit hall of towering palm trees. More than 400 species of subtropical vegetation exist in this urban oasis that’s just a Nile cruise away.
Practical Info
The gardens are located west of Elephantine Island on Kitchener’s Island in Aswan, Egypt. They are open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. from October through April and from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. between May and September. Admission is EL15. Travelers can access the gardens on a felucca or motorboat.
Address: Kitchener's Island, Aswan, Egypt
Hours: Oct-Apr 8am-5pm, May-Sep 8am-6pm
Admission: 15 LE
From $ 15
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
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
Alexandria National Museum
With three floors of exhibitions and some 1,800 artifacts on display, the Alexandria National Museum offers a fascinating introduction to the city's rich history. Housed in the impressively restored Al-Saad Bassili Pasha Palace, the exhibitions present a chronological journey through time, with artifacts from Egypt's four ages: Ancient, Greco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic.
Highlights include a sphinx found at Aboukir, a large collection of antique coins, a dazzling array of royal jewels, and portraits of pharaohs Menkaure, Akhenaten, and Hatshepsut. In addition, another section is devoted to artifacts found underwater along Alexandria's coast, including statues of Venus and a Roman replica of the head of Alexander the Great.
Practical Info
The Alexandria National Museum is located on El Horreya Rd in central Alexandria and is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm. Adult admission costs E£40.
Address: 110 El Horreya Rd, Alexandria, Egypt
Hours: Daily 9am-4:30pm
Admission: Adult: E£40; Student: E£25
From $ 115
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
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
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
Aswan High Dam
Built in the 1960s as an engineering marvel, the Aswan High Dam changed the face of Egypt by increasing the cultivable land by 30% and doubling the country's available electricity supply. The dam also created what was then the world's largest artificial lake: Lake Nasser. This body of water would have covered the important Abu Simbel Temple monuments if not for support from UNESCO and a worldwide appeal for funds to move them to higher ground, a massive feat that was eventually successful.
The dam itself is massive, containing 18 times the material used to build the Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu). At 11,811 feet long (3,600 meters) and 364 feet tall (111 meters), the Aswan High Dam provides visitors with wonderful views up and down the Nile River.
Practical Info
The dam is near Aswan, at one end of Lake Nasser. It is best visited by organized tour that also allows for exploring other nearby sites.
Address: Aswan, Egypt
Hours: Open daily
Admission: 8 L.E.
From $ 30
Avenue of Sphinxes
The Avenue of Sphinxes was the site of ceremonial processions and originally connected the temples of Luxor and Karnak, although it is considerably more recent than either of those sites, dating to around 380 BC. It stretched some 1.5 miles (2.7 kilometers) and would once have had 1,350 sphinxes lining its sides. Around half of those have been uncovered, with many reworked by later civilizations or sitting in museums. Much of the avenue itself is covered by modern buildings.
There are dozens of examples in various states of preservation forming the immediate approach to each temple. Some of them bear the cat-like features of the famous Great Sphinx at Giza, others have rams’ heads. The entire avenue is the subject of a major ongoing excavation project.
Practical Info
The visible parts of the Avenue of Sphinxes form the main approaches to both the Karnak Temple and the more centrally located Luxor Temple.
Address: Luxor, Egypt
Admission: Free
From $ 28
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
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
Aqua Blu Aqua Park
Sharm el Sheikh's Aqua Blu Aqua Park sits within the Aqua Blu Sharm resort complex, which allows paid entry to the park for those not staying at the hotel. Nestled on the Ras Om El Seid Plateau, this sprawling park features a huge number of water slides (44 to be exact) and nine pools, making it a popular spot for a family excursion in Sharm el Sheikh.
The slides include twisting, high-speed rides for older kids and adults in addition to the more gentle rides for little ones. To illustrate the range, slide names range from Twister, Kamikaze and Black Hole to the Family Slide and Elephant Slide, the latter of which are notably more low-key. The pools and lagoons also include three that are specifically for small children, while an on-site spa offers a chance at relaxation and pampering for the adults. In addition, the park is home to a 1,475-foot (450-meter) promenade of cafes, restaurants, bars and bazaars.
Practical Info
Aqua Blu is located approximately 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Sharm el Sheikh Airport, and about six miles (10 kilometers) from the famous Naama Bay. There are various types of entrance fee packages, from all-inclusive hotel stays that include lockers, food and rides, to stand-alone entrance tickets that can be booked in advance.
Address: Ras Um El Sid, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
Admission: From 170LE
From $ 49
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