24 ULTIMATE Things to Do in Cairo • 2025 Edition
Welcome to Cairo, Egypt’s vibrant capital, where history, culture, and the stunning Nile River come together to create an unforgettable experience. With so much to see and do, it can feel overwhelming—but don’t worry, I’m here to help with a list of the 24 best things to do in Cairo.
I visited Cairo on my honeymoon, and the city completely amazed me! From exploring ancient landmarks to soaking in the local culture, I’ve included all the highlights from my trip, plus a few experiences I didn’t get the chance to try but would love to.
One tip while planning: book your tours and activities early. Cairo is a hugely popular destination, and the best experiences fill up fast—securing your spot ahead of time will save you the hassle.
Let’s get started!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Don’t wait to book your guided activities in Cairo and risk missing some essential experiences!
Here are the main things to book in advance:
And here are the best hotels: Steigenberger Hotel($$$), Almadiafa($$), Tahrir Plaza Suites($)
1. Admire the stunning collections at the Egyptian Museum
The first spot I visited on my visit to Cairo was the Egyptian Museum, and I can tell you that it’s one of the must-visit places to visit in Cairo. The museum hosts the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world, so you can easily spend the entire day admiring the exhibits and still not manage to see everything.
TIP: Plan your museum visit earlier in the morning; unfortunately, the museum doesn’t have air conditioning, so it gets pretty hot and uncomfortable. Also, visiting early in the morning means you’ll escape the bigger crowds that usually arrive in the afternoon.
I recommend setting aside at least 3 to 4 hours for your museum visit, which should be enough time to see the main highlights. And if there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss, it’s the Tutankhamun Hall. This is where you’ll see the funerary golden mask of Tutankhamun, as well as many other treasures from his tomb.
P.S. You can take photos of everything in the museum – except the Tutankhamun Hall! And even though this is unfortunate, it made me appreciate what I was looking at much more – it really is (for most of us) a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
PRICE: EGP 550 (US$10)
2. Visit the pyramids & the Great Sphinx in Giza
The Great Pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza are Egypt’s most well-known landmarks, and Cairo is a super convenient base for visiting them. I highly recommend visiting the Giza plateau on a guided tour from Cairo – that’s what I did, and it was definitely money well spent.
TIP: if you’re feeling adventurous (and you’re not claustrophobic), you can also go inside one of the pyramids. I ventured into the smallest of the 3 pyramids, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and it was an amazing experience. However, this is not included in the general entry ticket, so before you enter the plateau, talk to your guide about getting a ticket from the front desk.
During the tour, you’ll see the 3 Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, have plenty of time to take photos, and even go on a 15-min camel ride – it’s fun and not as scary as it looks. Your guide will provide invaluable information on the history of these monuments, which will add a whole new perspective to your visit.
PRO TIP: Don’t accept a camel ride that’s not part of the tour you paid for! The camel owners will try to scam you – you’ll settle on the price, and once they get you to the agreed destination, they will request more money to bring you back. I know it sounds crazy, but many people have fallen victim to these scams – be extra careful around here.
PRICE: US$22
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3. Embark on a cruise along the Nile River
The Nile River runs right through Cairo, and it’s one of the city’s (and the country’s) most notable natural attractions. While in Cairo, a cruise on the Nile is an absolute must; I recommend booking a spot on this dinner cruise, which, besides an open buffet dinner, includes a traditional dance show and is an excellent opportunity for sightseeing.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time for a dinner cruise, but I did go on a felucca sailing trip along the Nile, and it was an amazing experience! The felucca is a traditional wooden boat that takes you along the river so you can admire the majestic Nile riverfront – I highly recommend it if you’re short on time!
PRICE: Dinner cruise: US$51; Felluca sailing trip: US$10
4. Shop at the stalls of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar
One of the most iconic Cairo landmarks is Khan el-Khalili (map), a bustling bazaar in the city center. This bazaar dates back to the 14th century and has been the center of trade in Cairo for centuries. In Khan el-Khalili, you’ll find what seem to be countless stalls selling souvenirs, traditional handicrafts, spices, jewelry, and plenty of other cool things.
If there’s only one place you go shopping in Cairo, it has to be Khan el-Khalili. It’s the ultimate place to get some unique souvenirs from your trip, but be sure to haggle until you feel like you’re getting a fair price. Unfortunately, vendors in Cairo (and Egypt in general) try to overcharge tourists, and it doesn’t feel good to be scammed.
NOTE: When exploring the bazaar, keep your valuables out of sight and make sure they’re safe. This is such a crowded place, and theft is always a risk, so it is better to be safe than sorry.
5. Check out the exhibitions at The Grand Egyptian Museum
The next stop on your Cairo explorations will take you to Giza once again and to The Grand Egyptian Museum. This is a newly built museum, and even though it’s still under construction, some exhibits have become available to the public.
Please don’t mix it up with the Egyptian Museum (#1 in my list), these are 2 different places!
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is located near the Giza Pyramids and it definitely more modern. It includes the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s artifacts. The older Egyptian Museum located in Tahrir Square on the other hand, houses a vast yet traditional display of artifacts, while GEM is more immersive in my opinion.
Once the museum is fully completed, it will become one of the largest and most modern in the world, as well as the largest archeological museum in the world. Here, you’ll see artifacts that have never been displayed before – that’s super cool!
Currently, only a couple of expositions are open to the public, so you should check on the official website what is available by the time you visit.
PRICE: EGP 1270 (US$25)
6. Visit the iconic Citadel of Saladin
The Citadel of Saladin (map), also known as the Cairo Citadel, is one of the most impressive Cairo landmarks. Dating back to the 12th century, this fortress played an important role in protecting the city from the Crusaders. Today, it provides the best panoramic views over Cairo.
Within the walls of the Citadel, you’ll come across the Mosque of Muhammad Ali (map), as well as the towers of the Citadel and the Citadel prison. Tickets are available for purchase on-site, and the Citadel welcomes visitors every day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
NOTE: Tickets for Cairo attractions are rarely available online, meaning that you’ll have to join a queue and buy them directly at the location. That’s another reason why I recommend taking guided tours whenever possible – guides get the tickets in bulk for the entire group, and they have an advantage over people queuing up – this saves precious time!
PRICE: EGP 550 (US$12)
7. Go up the Cairo Tower to enjoy the best views of the city
One of the first things I spotted in the Cairo city center was the Cairo Tower (map) – you cannot miss it! This imposing tower is not only tall – and it’s the tallest building in the city – but it also has a very intricate and eye-catching design.
Even though you can just admire the building from the ground, I highly recommend going up to the observation deck and enjoying the best view of Cairo. Besides taking in the views, you can also have a meal at the revolving restaurant, but keep in mind that it’s a bit pricier, and you need to make a reservation in advance – there’s more info on their Facebook page.
PRICE: EGP 250 (US$5)
8. Pay a visit to The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
I hope you’re a museum buff because there’s another spot you absolutely need to visit in Cairo – The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. This museum covers the entire history of the Egyptian civilization, from ancient times to the present day, and displays more than 50,000 artifacts.
I suggest taking several hours to explore all of the galleries in the museum, but you should pay special attention to the Royal Mummies Gallery, which contains the mummies of 20 Egyptian kings and Queens. This is one of the few Cairo attractions that offers online ticket purchases – you can get your ticket here.
PRICE: EGP 500 (US$10)
9. Spend a relaxing day at Al-Azhar Park
Cairo is hectic – there’s no doubt about that! So, if you need an escape from the crowds and all the noise, head to Al-Azhar Park (map) and immerse yourself in its peaceful atmosphere. This is a huge park with many walking paths, so even if there are other people there, you can still enjoy your peace and quiet.
You can stroll around, sit and admire the views of the city, or even have a drink at one of the cafes and restaurants within the park. There’s also a dedicated kids’ area, so the whole family will have fun on this park visit!
NOTE: If a local offers to take your picture, don’t accept it unless you’re willing to pay them. Remember that they will request money, and some might not be willing to give you your phone back unless you pay them.
10. Explore Old Cairo on a guided tour
If you don’t like to roam the streets of Cairo by yourself (and it’s better if you don’t – you might get lost) or if you’re short on time, I suggest booking a guided tour that will take you through Old Cairo.
The tour will cover sites from both Islamic and Coptic Cairo, including the Citadel of Saladin and El Moez Street, famous for its gorgeous Islamic architecture, as well as the Christian churches, Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church. A traditional lunch is also included in the tour, so you’re set for the whole day.
NOTE: Cairo is a huge and bustling city, and unfortunately, it’s full of tourist scams. For example, our guide warned us that instead of change in euros, locals might provide the change in Egyptian pounds – the 1 Euro coin and the 1 pound coin are extremely similar. That’s just one of the many reasons I recommend exploring Cairo on a guided tour.
P.S. Here is a good free walking tour as well (a tour based on tips) – they are always super informative and fun, I try to take one in each city I go to!
PRICE: US$55
11. Stop by Al-Azhar Mosque to admire the architecture
There are plenty of mosques in Cairo, so you might be unsure which ones you should visit. Well, if that’s the case, I recommend visiting Al-Azhar Mosque (map), Cairo’s oldest mosque and one of the most impressive architectural landmarks.
Take some time to admire the intricate details on the facade before you proceed inside. Entrance is free for everyone, but you should be dressed modestly to enter (shoulders and knees covered), and you’ll need to take off your shoes.
12. Visit the Abdeen Palace Museum
Off to the museum again, I know! But this time, it’s a bit of a different museum than the ones mentioned above. The Abdeen Palace Museum (map) is a luxurious, ornate palace that used to be the home to the Egyptian royal family and now serves as one of the presidential palaces.
The museum collection contains many silver and gold artifacts, as well as weapons and armor that give you a glimpse into newer Egyptian history. You should also take some time to walk around the gardens and snap some photos. If possible, visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
PRICE: EGP 100 (US$2)
13. Have fun on a desert safari from Cairo
Ready to have some fun? Well, get ready to embark on a full-day desert safari from Cairo! This safari includes a 4×4 ride through the sand dunes, a camel ride, sandboarding, and horse riding. You’ll also get to enjoy the scenic views all day long and stop for lunch at the Magic Lake camp – you won’t be bored for a minute.
I took a tour myself and it was the most fun I had on the entire trip! Just make sure you wear comfortable clothes (long pants and a long-sleeve shirt) and get a dessert scarf and a pair of goggles (or at least a good pair of sunglasses) and you’ll be all ready to go.
PRICE: US$130
14. Explore the Zamalek neighborhood
Regardless of where you’re staying in Cairo, you have to take some time to explore Zamalek (map), a large and cosmopolitan neighborhood that’s situated on a man-made island on the Nile River.
TIP: Before your visit to Zamalek, you should read The Lady of Zamalek (available for purchase here), a novel that combines real-life events with fiction. The novel will provide an insight into the Zamalek neighborhood, as well as a glimpse into 20th-century Egyptian history – it’s a really good and informative read.
You can easily reach Zamalek from Cairo’s city center via the 6 October Bridge (map) – you can walk or take a taxi. Once there, go for a walk around the neighborhood (don’t worry, it’s safe), and keep your eyes peeled for the Cairo Opera House and the Aisha Fahmy Palace.
15. Take a guided private tour to Luxor
Luxor was possibly my favorite place in Egypt (I still can’t decide between that and the pyramids). So, if you have time on your Cairo trip, I highly recommend that you book a full-day guided tour of Luxor.
Since Luxor is quite far from Cairo (660 km or 410 miles), you’ll need to go by plane – the flights are included in the tour. During this tour, you’ll visit the majestic Luxor and Karnak temples, the Valley of the Kings, and the Hatshepsut Temple, plus go on a felucca ride on the Nile – it’ll be a day packed with activities, but definitely worth the time and energy.
PRICE: US$300
16. Visit Egypt’s first pyramid in Djoser, Memphis, & the Bent Pyramid
The Great Pyramids of Giza are Egypt’s most famous monuments, but that doesn’t mean that they are the only pyramids in the country. On this guided tour from Cairo, you can visit the first pyramid ever built in Egypt, the Djoser pyramid in Saqqara, the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid of Dahshur, as well as Memphis, the ancient Egyptian capital.
The tour lasts between 6 and 7 hours, offers hotel pick-up (and drop-off, of course), and will take you to some lesser-known but equally fascinating Egyptian monuments. Your tour guide will tell you about the rich history of all the places you visit, so this will also be a great learning opportunity.
PRICE: US$40
17. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the People of Egypt Walkway
If you’re wondering what to do in Cairo in the evenings, I recommend a nice walk along the People of Egypt Walkway (map). This long promenade stretches along the East bank of the Nile River and provides a great opportunity to see a different picture of the city.
Although you can take this walk during the day, it’s better if you do it at night, and the reason for that is twofold – firstly, you don’t need to worry about the heat, and secondly, the walkaway is nicely illuminated in the evenings. You can just stroll around and admire the views or stop in one of the numerous cafes and restaurants along the way.
18. Go on a guided day trip to Alexandria
One of the most popular things to do in Egypt and Cairo is to take day trips to other parts of the country (you’ve probably guessed that based on my recommendations so far). Well, I have another excellent recommendation – a guided day trip to Alexandria!
Alexandria has a very important place in Egyptian history. During this tour, you’ll get to see some of its most important landmarks, including the site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Lunch and hotel pick-up/drop-off are included in the price – you just need to ensure you have some comfy shoes.
PRICE: US$39
19. Visit The Hanging Church
When you’re not going on day trips and still looking for things, you should visit another one of the most celebrated Cairo tourist attractions – The Hanging Church (map). This Coptic Orthodox church traces its origins back to the 5th century and is recognizable for its unique architectural style.
Don’t forget to look out for the church’s most striking feature – the wooden roof shaped like Noah’s ark – and take some time to admire the beautifully decorated interior. Entrance is completely free of charge, but be mindful of how you’re dressed; always dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
20. Spend a relaxing beach day on a trip to the Red Sea
Besides its rich historical and cultural legacy, Egypt is also an incredible beach destination. The Red Sea is famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs, so you shouldn’t miss a chance to experience it on this day trip from Cairo.
This tour will take you to El Ain Sokhna, a resort town on the coast of the Red Town, where you can spend the day swimming and relaxing under the sun. And if you have the chance to go snorkeling, do it! Snorkeling in the Red Sea is a truly magical experience; the coral reefs here are one of the most beautiful natural wonders I’ve ever seen – don’t miss out!
PRICE: US$100
21. Learn about ancient Egypt at the Pharaonic Village
The Pharaonic Village is one of the coolest things you can do around Cairo! The purpose of this attraction is to show how the ancient Egyptians lived their everyday lives. This is unlike anything else you’ll see in Egypt, and the best way to experience it is by booking a private guided tour.
On the tour, they will take you sailing among the network of canals in the village, and you will see replicas of many important Egyptian monuments. You can also watch how traditional papyrus is made (this is super cool!) and even visit replicas of Egyptian homes to get a glimpse of life in Ancient Egypt – it’s the ultimate experience!
PRICE: US$82
22. Try traditional Egyptian food
Your visit to Cairo would be incomplete without trying some traditional Egyptian food. I’ll be honest – I was not a huge fan of Egyptian cuisine, but there were a few dishes I really enjoyed, like koshary, the country’s national dish.
Koshary is a very diverse dish – it’s made with rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, fried onions, and tomato sauce, and it’s a real explosion of flavor. I really like that it was fresh yet filling, so definitely try it! There are a few great places to have koshary in Cairo, such as Koshary Abou Tarek (map) and Koshary El Tahrir (map).
P.S. The fact that I personally was not a fan of certain Egyptian dishes shouldn’t turn you away from trying – you might have a completely different taste, and you could end up enjoying it a lot.
23. Go on a shopping spree at the Citystars Mall
Sightseeing is fun, but it can also get a bit much. Well, if that happens, you can always spend a day shopping and relaxing, and there’s no better spot for it in Cairo than the Citystars Mall (map).
This is a huge mall featuring numerous designer stores, as well as other shops, eateries, and cafes. You can spend an entire day here without getting bored, and it’s also a great opportunity to get some things to remember from your trip – it’s a win-win!
24. Walk around El-Tahrir Square
Last, and by no means the least, I recommend a visit to El-Tahrir Square (map). The square is one of the focal points of the city, and you’ll definitely pass it by when exploring. But you should also take the time to roam around the square and check out the imposing obelisk in its very center.
Nearby, you’ll find some cool shops and cafes, so when you get tired of walking around the area, you can do some impulse shopping or just kick back and relax with a coffee in hand. It’ll be time well spent, trust me!
Where to stay in Cairo
If you want to find out what Cairo is known for and check off all (or most) of the things on this list, you’ll need to stay in the city. Below, you’ll find my handpicked hotel recommendations in each price category, but if you need some extra suggestions, consult our complete guide on the best places to stay in Cairo.
Luxury (US$150 and up)
- Steigenberger Hotel ($$$) – situated in Downtown Cairo and overlooking El-Tahrir Square, this upscale hotel is one of the ultimate places to stay in the city, offering access to a pool, a restaurant, a gym, and room service
- Kempinski Nile Hotel ($$$) – a 5-star hotel located on the bank of the Nile River, featuring a rooftop swimming pool and a wellness center, as well as amenities like butler services and professional massages
Mid-range (US$60 – US$150)
- Almadiafa ($$) – this hotel is in a central location and offers air-conditioned rooms, each equipped with a fridge and a minibar, laundry services, and an airport shuttle at an additional charge
- New President Hotel ($$) – guests at this 3-star hotel will enjoy a stay in nicely decorated rooms, an a la carte restaurant and bar, a delicious breakfast, and complimentary Wi-Fi
Budget (up to US$60)
- Tahrir Plaza Suites ($) – this affordable hotel is in an ideal location for exploring the city and has comfortable rooms, a shared lounge, and a 24-hour desk ready to help you with any aspect of your trip
- Garden City Plaza Hotel ($) – a budget-friendly hotel that offers an on-site currency exchange, room service, and compact rooms that feature private bathrooms stocked with free toiletries
Practical information
Before we wrap up this post, I wanted to provide some practical tips that will make your Cairo easier and more pleasant – read through the sections below!
How to get around
Getting around Cairo is not as difficult as it may seem at first – if you approach it right! The first thing you should know – driving is out of the question! Cairo has such hectic traffic that getting behind the wheel is a terrible idea. Luckily, there are other modes of transport you can rely on, so no need to worry.
Public transport
Cairo does have an extensive public transport network, but I wouldn’t recommend using it, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. The buses and the metro are extremely crowded, and tourists are often the target of theft; also, there’s the risk of harassment of women, so it’s best to steer clear.
However, if you have no other choice or you’re willing to take your chances, you can find more info on the public transport network here.
Taxis/Ride Sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in Cairo – and they’re the best way to get around the city. If you prefer ride-sharing, Uber is available in Cairo, and it’s a great way to get around at a fair price.
If you want to order a an airport transfer, I’d recommend WelcomePickups, a trusted service that offers fair prices and trained drivers, so you don’t have to worry about your safety at any given moment.
TIP: Whenever possible, opt for guided tours. All of these tours include transfers, and most of them offer hotel pick-up and drop-off, so you won’t have to worry about getting from point A to point B. Plus, they’re safe, and you are accompanied by a local guide that can help you navigate the city.
As I mentioned, Cairo is teeming with tourist scams, and when you’re part of a group, you’re less likely to be targeted. Plus, your guide can warn you about some of the most common scams, as well as protect you from the pushy vendors who are trying to sell you something. Also, the guide can tell you the fair price of certain items and even negotiate for you.
All about SIM cards
As soon as you land in Cairo, you should get back online. The way to do that is either by activating an eSIM on your phone or by getting a physical SIM card with a data plan.
The list below features the best eSIM and SIM providers in Egypt:
Whenever I travel, I use an Airalo eSIM, and I am very happy with their service. It’s easy to use and great value for money. Unfortunately, on my trip to Egypt, I didn’t bother to purchase an eSIM beforehand, so I had to get a physical SIM at the airport. I got an Orange SIM card, and it worked well for me – it was inexpensive and provided great coverage.
FAQs about the best things to do in Cairo
⏲️ Is 3 days in Cairo enough?
Yes, 3 days are enough to see the main highlights of Cairo, including visits to the Egyptian Museum, the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, and Khan el Khalil bazaar, as well as going on a guided tour of Old Cairo and trying some traditional food.
🏛️ What do tourists typically do when visiting Cairo?
Some of the most popular tourist activities in Cairo are a dinner cruise on the Nile River, shopping at Khan el-Khalili bazaar, visiting the Citadel of Saladin, and going up the Cairo Tower.
💰 Is Cairo a cheap city?
Yes, Cairo is a very affordable city compared to other tourist destinations around the world. A week-long trip to Cairo will cost you about US$300 to US$400 per person (without flights), and your money will go a long way here.
👖 How should I dress in Cairo?
While in Cairo, you should dress modestly, especially if you’re planning on visiting any religious buildings. You should cover your shoulders and your knees and avoid short skirts and shorts.
🚶 Is Cairo a walkable city?
📅 What is the best month to visit Cairo, Egypt?
The best months to visit Cairo are from October to April when the weather is not as hot, and you can comfortably explore the city.
Final words on the top things to do in Cairo
We’re at the end of this guide on the best things to do in Cairo. By now, you should be all set with activities for your trip!
Don’t forget to book all the organized activities in advance; Cairo is a super popular destination, and if you wait too long, the best experiences may not be available for your travel dates.
If you have any other questions about Cairo or things to do, drop me a comment below. I’m happy to get back to you and help you plan your trip!
Enjoy your time in Cairo,
Hristina
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