Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Cairo
When you hear Cairo, you automatically think of the Sphinx and the pyramids of Giza. But there is a lot more to explore in this very vibrant city of Cairo’s attractions.
The three pyramids of Giza stand on the plateau of the pyramids and are the tombs of Cheops, Mykerinos and Khafre. They are considered one of the seven wonders of the world. The Sphinx with a broken nose, lying in the sand about 500 meters away, is still a big mystery to the scientific community.
Next to the Sphinx is a temple in the valley, which of course should not be missing from the list of Cairo attractions.
In addition to the three great pyramids, there is another pyramid, the step pyramid of Sakkara or the pyramid of Djoser, as one of the landmarks of Cairo. It was made around 2700 BC. Built in British Columbia, it does not have a square base like other pyramids and rises with 6 steps to a height of 62.5 meters.
Early Islamic Cairo or Fustat with the Amr ibn el-As Mosque and the Coptic Quarter with the Hanging Church, the Church of St. Mary, are other places to go. Saint Mary was named the “Hanging Church” because of its location above the southwestern Roman gate towers.
Memphis or the former capital of Ancient Egypt should not be missed either. These ruins have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Memphis was later replaced by the more glamorous Thebes, which became the capital of Luxor.
Do not forget about the center of Cairo among the attractions. There is an ancient citadel complex built by Sultan Saladin. It was put on display just a few years ago. Here is the Muhammad Ali Mosque with golden domes. Also called the Alabaster Mosque, it was built in the typical Ottoman style.
Further in the center is Khan El-Khalili, a famous bazaar with vibrant life in narrow streets. Here you will find handicrafts next to butchers, jewelry merchants next to spice counters. Let yourself be carried away by the unique flair and thousands of scents of Arabia.
The Egyptian Museum is another attraction in Cairo. It houses 120,000 exhibits. Among other things, the tomb of Tutankhamun’s treasures, which tells the story of the life of a young pharaoh.
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, another museum, is the State Museum of Cultural History, where you can admire exhibits from all stages of human culture in Egypt to the present day. It was partially opened in 2017 and is located near the archaeological site of the former capital, Al Fustat.
Another attraction of Cairo is Gezira Island, which was built as a separate city with museums, shops, opera and parks, with a landmark of Cairo – the Cairo Tower. Once you reach the observation deck, you will have an incredible view of this vibrant city. The island can be accessed via the Qasr al-Nil bridge.
These are most of the attractions in Cairo. However, there are other mosques, districts and churches worth visiting.
