Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt, as well as one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in the world. It is home to a wealth of cultural and historical attractions that showcase the rich and diverse heritage of this ancient civilization. Whether you are looking for a cultural trip, an adventure tour, or a relaxing holiday, Cairo has something for everyone. Here are some of the top attractions to visit in Cairo that you should not miss on your Egypt tours.
1. Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are the most iconic and famous landmarks of Egypt, and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They are located about 20 kilometers southwest of Cairo, on the edge of the Sahara Desert. The pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs and their queens during the Old Kingdom period (around 2500 BC). The largest and oldest pyramid is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which stands at 146 meters high and covers an area of 13 acres. The other two main pyramids are those of Khafre and Menkaure, which are slightly smaller but still impressive. The pyramids are surrounded by several smaller pyramids, temples, mastabas (rectangular tombs), and the famous Sphinx statue.
A visit to the Pyramids of Giza is a must-do for any trip to Egypt, as it offers a glimpse into the ancient culture and engineering skills of this civilization. You can explore the complex on foot, by camel, by horse carriage, or by quad bike. You can also enter some of the pyramids (for an extra fee) and see how they were constructed from inside. In addition, you can enjoy a spectacular sound and light show at night that tells the story of the pyramids.
2. Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is one of the most important museums in Egypt and in the world. It houses more than 120,000 artifacts that span over 5,000 years of Egyptian history, from prehistoric times to Roman times. The museum is located in downtown Cairo near Tahrir Square (the site of many political events). It was founded in 1902 by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette.
The museum displays a vast collection of objects that reveal various aspects of ancient Egyptian life such as religion, art, literature, architecture, mummification, and royalty. Some of the most notable exhibits include the treasures of King Tutankhamun, the royal mummies, the Narmer Palette (the oldest historical document), and the Rosetta Stone (the key to deciphering hieroglyphs). The museum also has a library, a photography department, and a conservation laboratory.
A visit to the Egyptian Museum is a great way to learn more about the culture and history of Egypt and admire its artistic achievements. You can spend hours browsing through the different galleries and marveling at the ancient artifacts. You can also hire a guide or join a guided tour to get more insights into the exhibits.
3. Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest markets in Cairo and in Africa. It dates back to the 14th century when it was established by Emir Djaharks el-Khalili under Mamluk rule. It is located in Islamic Cairo near Al-Azhar Mosque (one of the oldest mosques in Egypt).It covers an area of about one square kilometer with hundreds of narrow alleys filled with shops selling all kinds of goods such as spices, perfumes, jewelry, clothing, carpets, antiques, souvenirs, and more.
A visit to Khan el-Khalili Bazaar is a fun and exciting experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and atmosphere. You can shop for unique items at bargain prices (don’t forget to haggle), enjoy delicious food and drinks at cafes and restaurants (try the mint tea), watch craftsmen at work making their products (such as copperware), listen to live music and storytellers (especially at night), or simply wander around and soak up the sights and sounds of this vibrant market. These are just some of the top attractions to visit in Cairo that you should not miss on your Egypt tours.
4. Al-Azhar Mosque
Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the oldest and most influential mosques in Egypt and in the Islamic world. It was founded in 970 AD by the Fatimid dynasty as a center of learning and religious authority. It is located in Islamic Cairo near Khan el-Khalili Bazaar (one of the largest markets in Africa). It has a distinctive architecture with five minarets, a large courtyard, and a spacious prayer hall decorated with marble, wood, and chandeliers.
A visit to Al-Azhar Mosque is a rewarding experience that allows you to admire its beauty and history, as well as learn more about the Islamic culture and faith.
You can enter the mosque (for free) and observe the daily prayers (five times a day), or join a guided tour (for a small fee) that explains the significance and features of the mosque. You can also visit Al-Azhar University (the oldest university in the world) and Al-Azhar Park (a green oasis with stunning views of Cairo).
5. Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo)
Old Cairo (also known as Coptic Cairo) is one of the oldest parts of Cairo that dates back to the 6th century BC when it was founded by Babylonian settlers. It is located south of downtown Cairo near the Nile River. It contains several ancient churches, monasteries, synagogues, and museums that reflect the diverse religious heritage of Egypt. Some of the most notable attractions include:
– The Hanging Church: A 7th-century church built on top of an old Roman fortress. It has a wooden roof that resembles Noah’s Ark, beautiful icons and paintings, and a crypt where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are said to have stayed during their flight to Egypt.
– The Ben Ezra Synagogue: A 9th-century synagogue that was originally a Christian church. It has a rich collection of Jewish manuscripts and artifacts dating back to medieval times.
– The Coptic Museum: A museum that showcases Coptic art and culture from various periods. It has over 16,000 objects such as textiles, metalwork, pottery, woodwork, manuscripts, and icons.
A visit to Old Cairo is a fascinating journey into the past and present of Cairo’s religious communities. You can walk around the narrow streets and alleys, admire the ancient architecture, and visit the museums and churches that house priceless treasures and relics.
6. The Citadel
The Citadel is a medieval fortress that was built by Salah al-Din (Saladin) in 1176 to protect Cairo from Crusader attacks. It is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers panoramic views of Cairo’s skyline. It also contains several mosques, palaces, museums, and gardens that showcase different eras of Egyptian history.
Some of the highlights include:
– The Mosque of Muhammad Ali: A 19th-century mosque that was modeled after the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. It has a domed roof, four minarets, a large courtyard, and an interior decorated with alabaster, marble, and gold.
– The Military Museum: A museum that displays weapons, uniforms, medals, and other artifacts related to Egypt’s military history from ancient times to modern day.
– The Al-Gawhara Palace: A palace that was built by Muhammad Ali as a residence for his family. It has lavish rooms with paintings, furniture, and chandeliers.
A visit to the Citadel is a must for anyone interested in Egypt’s history and culture. You can explore the different buildings and monuments, learn about the events and personalities that shaped Egypt’s destiny, and enjoy the views and atmosphere of this historic site.
7. Khan El-Khalili
Khan el-Khalili is one of the largest and oldest bazaars in Africa and the Middle East. It was established in the 14th century by the Mamluk sultans as a trading hub for merchants from all over the world. It is located in Islamic Cairo near Al-Azhar Mosque.
Khan el-Khalili is a shopper’s paradise that offers a wide range of goods such as spices, perfumes, jewelry, carpets, antiques, clothes, and souvenirs. You can also find cafes, restaurants, mosques, and workshops that add to the lively atmosphere of the market.
A visit to Khan el-Khalili is a fun and exciting experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. You can bargain with the vendors for the best prices, taste some delicious Egyptian food and drinks, and enjoy the sights and sounds of this vibrant place.
8. The Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are one of the most famous and iconic attractions in Cairo and in Egypt. They are also one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that still stand today. They were built by the pharaohs of the 4th dynasty (around 2500 BC) as tombs for themselves and their families.
The Pyramids of Giza consist of three main pyramids: The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), The Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren), and The Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus). They are surrounded by smaller pyramids, temples, mastabas (flat-roofed tombs), and the Great Sphinx (a colossal statue with a human head and a lion body).
A visit to The Pyramids of Giza is a must for anyone who wants to witness one of the greatest achievements of human civilization. You can marvel at their size, shape, and precision, learn about their history, purpose and secrets, and explore their interiors (if you dare). You can also enjoy a camel ride around them or watch a sound and light show at night.
These are some of top attractions to visit in Cairo that you should not miss on your Egypt tours. Cairo is a city that has something for everyone: history, culture, art, religion, shopping, entertainment, and more. You will never get bored or run out of things to do in this amazing city.