Introduction
The Egyptian capital combines ancient monuments, medieval mosques, churches dating to the Coptic period, and a modern mix of museums with its own history. The Cairo attractions group themselves into areas in close proximity. This guide introduces the most interesting places to visit in Cairo and explores their significance within the history of Egypt.
Select the most interesting places to visit in Cairo to create your personal itinerary and complete the rest of your journey around Egypt. OFT travel can help you combine these Cairo attractions into a multi-country tour.
Table of content:
What can you see on the Giza Plateau and at Saqqara?
The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
Three pyramids have been erected on the Giza Plateau for the Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. Of the three, the largest is attributed to Khufu, and the Great Sphinx is located near the valley temple of Khafre’s complex.
A walk on the plateau reveals the relationships between the pyramids, as well as the temples and causeways that connected them. It is not uncommon for travelers to combine a tour of the pyramids with excursions to other archaeological sites. One of the Egypt travel packages from OFT Travel combines Cairo with Luxor, Aswan, and other Egyptian destinations.
Saqqara and the Step Pyramid
South of Memphis, on the edge of the desert, is the most ancient of Egypt’s large stone pyramids - the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Imhotep, the vizier of Pharaoh Djoser, is believed to have designed this monument. Viewing this pyramid before visiting the Giza Plateau makes it possible to see how the evolution of design had taken place.
Which museums are notable Cairo attractions?
Monuments speak of ancient Egypt; museums interpret and preserve its history. Three of these cultural institutions present different aspects of Egypt’s past.
The Grand Egyptian Museum
This collection, located near the Giza Plateau, includes the Tutankhamun collection, as well as statues and monumental complexes of different eras of Egyptian history.
The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square
The second famous museum was founded in 1902 and contains some of the most valuable exhibits from ancient Egypt. The Egyptian Museum is part of the rich collection of artifacts housed in the heart of the capital of Egypt. It is always a good idea to include both museums in Egypt tour packages.
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
This museum in the Fustat district is famous for its Royal Mummies Hall and a large exhibition hall, in which the history of Egypt is presented in chronological order. Our detailed guide to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization provides a closer look at these two wonders. Few other Cairo attractions present the country’s chronology so completely. Travelers heading to Upper Egypt to see the monuments of Luxor can compare the exhibits with those in the Luxor Museum, which houses a collection of statues, mummies of ancient Egyptian kings, and the famous wall of Akhenaten.
What can be seen in Islamic and Coptic Cairo?
The Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali
The Citadel is a medieval fortress erected by the Ayyubid leader Saladin. On the territory of the Citadel is the Alabaster Mosque, which is another symbol of Egypt, representing the country’s Ottoman architectural traditions and framing broad views of the capital.
Coptic Cairo
A little further south, three Coptic landmarks - the Hanging Church, the Church of St Sergius, and the Ben Ezra synagogue - are grouped around the ancient Roman fortress.
Khan El-Khalili
A stroll through the narrow alleys of this merchant suburb, Khan El Khalili, will become a highlight of exploring Islamic Cairo. This market is an ideal setting for a break between visiting mosques and museums. Our guide to Khan El Khalili bazaar tells you what to see here and where to sit in a traditional coffeehouse, which is typical for this district.
Putting it all together, the Citadel, ancient churches, and Khan El Khalili demonstrate that Cairo attractions extend far beyond the monuments of the pharaohs.
Which mosques and streets are interesting to see in Islamic Cairo?
Outside the Citadel, Cairo’s old town is a complex of medieval buildings. Al-Azhar Mosque, founded in the Fatimid period, is another symbol of Islamic Cairo. This is a living monument, as it is still a center of religious and intellectual life.
Al-Muizz Street leads from the Citadel to Khan El Khalili and is decorated with mosques, madrasas, and ancient gates of the Fatimids, Ayyubids, and Mamluks. Some of the most famous Egyptian mosques are also located near the Citadel, including the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa, which is a great example of Mamluk architecture. The guided tour of Islamic Cairo can be varied with excursions around these objects.
What goes well with the sights in Cairo?
Many travelers like to explore more than just the monuments in the city. The White Desert, located near the Bahariya Oasis, is an excellent place to see unique rock formations and go stargazing. Our White Desert Egypt guide gives more information about this unusual region.
Some travelers prefer to go to Upper Egypt, which is rich in ancient temples and modern attractions. Nile River cruises from Luxor to Aswan is a great option because it includes the Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, and other wonders of ancient Egypt.
FAQs
What are the main Cairo attractions for first-time visitors?
The most popular places to see on a first-time visit to Cairo are the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Citadel, and Khan el-Khalili. Saqqara and Coptic Cairo are also included in an itinerary for Egypt’s ancient history.
Which are the key places to visit in Cairo for ancient history?
The Giza Plateau and Saqqara are home to the largest pyramids, and the Grand Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization contain the most impressive collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Pyramids?
Yes, this museum is strategically located near the Giza Plateau and contains the collection of King Tutankhamen and many other exhibits of ancient Egypt.
Where can you see royal mummies in Cairo?
Travellers should note the Royal Mummies Hall in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which is also found in the Fustat district. Besides, the National Museum has a central exhibition hall, which provides more information on the history of Egypt.
What is Khan El-Khalili?
The bazaar of Khan El-Khalili is the heart of Islamic Cairo, full of narrow alleys, shops, and cafes. A visit to these places is usually combined with a trip to the mosques and streets of Old Cairo.
