Top 12 things to see in Cairo Now!

Cairo is among the largest cities in the globe and has a population of over 20 million people, it has vitality, tradition, and heritage that is present in the city. Since ancient Egyptian times, Cairo has been known to be a city that is among the oldest to have been inhabited continuously to the present day, with evidence of human habitation of the area going back as far as 6000 BC. From pyramid-shaped tombs to steep-towered cathedrals, and galleries of artifacts, Cairo has something for every traveler to see. 

1. The Pyramids of Giza

One cannot imagine visiting Cairo without first seeing the old world at the foot of the Giza Plateau to marvel at the only wonder of the ancient world still existing today unaltered. Emphasizing that these massive buildings are as ancient as 4,500 years and that their size of construction and alignment accuracy cannot be duplicated is highly worth doing. Follow the biggest pyramid and don't miss the Great Sphinx while you're at it too.

2. Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum is another attraction that you should visit in Cairo; it holds a record of being home to the largest number of Pharaonic antiquities. Stroll through galleries teeming with colossal statues, bedrooms of pharaohs, intricate treasures, and the king tuts golden burial mask.

3. Coptic Cairo

This is a neighborhood of ancient Cairo that is home to most of the Coptic Christian community. Admire ancient Roman fortifications, the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul, located in a grotto, and the Hanging Church dating from the 4th century AD.

4. Khan el-Khalili

One of the Middle East’s most vibrant and famous bazaars that has several departments for purchasing handmade items, fabrics, spices, and other products as you browse between the old markets and the noise of the trading post.

5. Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

Built during the 14th Century, this is one of the oldest examples of medieval mosques and Islamic schools that have been constructed with a large and detailed architecture. Fascinating motifs cover high ceilings and the building’s crowning jewel: a vertical minaret with stunningly detailed engravings.

6. Saladin Citadel & Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Most tourists visiting Cairo should make a trip to the Citadel of Saladin which sits on top of a hill with stunning views of the city and its surroundings It holds lavish mosques and museums that capture the essence of Egypt’s Islamic history including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali also known as the Alabaster Mosque.

7. Egyptian Textile Museum

While the Egyptian Textile Museum is a rather small one, it is a specialized museum located in a restored Ottoman palace. It contains fabrics of Pharaonic culture up to the modern era featuring medieval tapestries, Bedouin hand-woven rugs, and Coptic fabrics.

8. Museum of Islamic Art

After a short visit, you’ll understand the meaning of Islamic art from different Muslim countries at this museum. See stony carvings of local woods, bright mosaics, calligraphy, and even rooms created by carving the marble.

9. Al-Azhar Mosque

The oldest and the most renowned mosque of Cairo, The Al-Azhar Mosque construction began in 970 and continues serving as a university and a center of learning for Sunni Muslims. Tall towers provide an opportunity to look at new construction or ancient curved roads from the above centuries.

10. Old Cairo Market

Cairo has many open-air markets, but the old Cairo market is unique and offers a glimpse of daily Egyptian life as you navigate through the market. Try local food sold in kerbside stalls or markets and select fruits, vegetables, or other groceries as people of this region have been doing for years.

11. Nilometer & Rawda Island

Feel like a real Egyptian and take a felucca sailboat ride to visit your unique landmarks. Visit the Nilometer; this ancient device dates back to the Pharaonic era and is used to measure the water level of the Nile and also enjoy the beautiful botanical gardens at Rawda Island.

12. Sound & Light Shows at the Pyramids & Citadel

Before you go for the trip, it’s important to know that a sound and light show at the Pyramids or Citadel is great to attend on your last days in Cairo. Quite possibly one of the most thought-provoking experiences one can encounter while exploring the civilizations of different epochs.

In terms of history, Cairo has been around for over three millennia, which means that you never run out of things to see in Egypt’s busiest city. Here is the list you can rely on to create the most memorable Cairo itinerary you ever dreamt of! Just make sure to come ready to deal with the energy and the general craziness and everything in between that is a part and parcel of being a traveler in one of the world’s most important crossroads cities.

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