15 Best Things to do in Cairo, Egypt

Looking for the best things to do in Cairo? You’ve come to the experts!

The Egyptian capital is known for its ancient wonders, but what not everyone realizes is that it’s also a very modern city, with way more to see than the pyramids. Don’t get me wrong, they’re epic, but with day trips, desert safaris, and sailing cruises on offer, there’s also a lot more to enjoy. 

When we visited Cairo, we were super keen to see and do as much as possible! By the end of our time here, I think we had ticked off as much as humanly possible, and now, we’ve rounded up our top 15 choices. This list will help you to plan an unforgettable adventure, so stay tuned. 

Things to do in Cairo, Egypt

1. See the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and the Great Sphinx with a private guide 

Of course, seeing the Pyramids of Giza is the number one thing to do in Cairo! We just could not go all the way to Cairo and not see one of the most famous landmarks in the entire world, and neither should you. 

We booked this guided tour not only because it was the top-rated option in Cairo, but also because we knew that visiting the pyramids on your own can be pretty tricky. This is one of the most iconic ancient sites on the planet, so it’s also very busy and rife with scams if you’re not careful. The hassle of navigating the city on your own, haggling prices, and figuring out tickets can be overwhelming, but this tour took care of everything for us. 

And believe me when I say that the pyramids themselves are absolutely breathtaking! Standing in front of them – plus the magnificent Great Sphinx – was an experience that neither of us will ever forget. 

After exploring the pyramids, we continued to the Egyptian Museum, which houses the largest collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world. We were blown away by it all, and having a guide to share insights on all of the exhibits made all the difference. We especially loved the Tutankhamun exhibit, where we got to see his world-famous mask. It was surreal! 

We loved this tour because it made it so easy to see Egypt’s most iconic sights! In fact, the entire day was surprisingly relaxed. This is hands down the best way to visit the pyramids from Cairo, so do yourself a favor and book it ASAP! 

2. Cruise down the Nile River on a private sailboat 

Sailing down the Nile on this private luxury felucca cruise is one of the most relaxing and memorable ways to experience Cairo. The boat is elegantly decorated, with comfortable seating and plenty of space to stretch out, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the ride as the city drifts by.

Timing this experience around sunset is especially rewarding. As the sun sinks over the Nile, the skyline takes on a warm glow, and the busy energy of Cairo feels worlds away. From the water, you’ll see the city from a completely different perspective—calmer, quieter, and far removed from the traffic and crowds on shore.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared Egyptian meal served onboard, with a range of classic dishes to choose from. Dining as you glide along the river adds to the atmosphere and makes the experience feel slow, unhurried, and indulgent.

Because the felucca is private, this is also a great option for something a little more special. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or romantic evening, the setting feels intimate and personal, with the option to arrange thoughtful extras like flowers or a cake. It’s an easy way to turn a simple evening on the Nile into a truly memorable one.

3. Visit the Citadel of Saladin & the Muhammad Ali Mosque

Perched high above the rest of the city, the Citadel of Saladin is one of Cairo’s most iconic and unforgettable landmarks—and for good reason. Built in the Middle Ages as a mighty military fortress, the Citadel once protected the city from invaders and today offers sweeping panoramic views of Cairo’s sprawling skyline and the Nile beyond. 

Wandering through its ancient stone walls feels like stepping back in time, with layers of history around every corner and plenty of spots to pause and take in the scenery. Inside the Citadel, you’ll find the breathtaking Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali—easily one of the most visually striking religious sites in Cairo. Its elegant silhouette, soaring domes, and gleaming alabaster walls make for an unforgettable sight against the backdrop of the city. 

Visiting the mosque isn’t just about ticking off a must-see: it’s about soaking up the atmosphere, appreciating Ottoman-era architecture, and understanding the cultural heartbeat of Cairo. Entry to the Citadel costs around $12 USD, which includes access to the mosque, and for the views, history, and beauty packed into one place, it’s well worth it.

4. See Alexandria’s historic sights on a day trip from Cairo

It’s no secret that it gets pretty hot in Cairo, so we couldn’t wait to visit the coastal city of Alexandria and feel that Mediterranean breeze on our faces! Well, that was one reason – we also were keen to dive deep into the history of a city that has helped shape the course of human civilization. 

We wanted a stress-free experience, so we booked this tour. There is the option to just book a private driver for the day, but we went for the VIP option so that we benefited from an expert guide, entry fees, and lunch. It meant that we had nothing to worry about throughout the day!

We began at the Bibliotheca, which is a modern architectural masterpiece that houses an ancient library – how cool is that?

From there, we went on to explore the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, an underground labyrinth that’s actually one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. We’re so glad that we had our guide, Yasir, to teach us about the history of this eerie site.

We loved visiting Saint Mark’s Cathedral, which is the oldest church in Africa, as well as the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria – so that’s two World Wonders that we ticked off! We’d be here all day if we told you everything that we saw, but I think it’s safe to say that we had our fill of ancient and medieval history. If you don’t have time to stay overnight in Alexandria, then booking this tour is a must! 

Related Read: The good hotels book up fast, so look at our where to stay in Cairo guide to get a great one – especially if you want views of the pyramids!

5. Explore the Khan El-Khalili Market with a local guide

A visit to Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is an absolute must when you’re in Cairo, and experiencing it on this guided tour takes it to another level. This historic market is loud, colorful, and full of energy, with narrow lanes packed with spice sellers, lantern shops, jewelry stalls, and souvenir stands all competing for your attention.

Going with a guided tour helps you cut through the chaos and actually understand what you’re seeing. They’ll show you how to haggle confidently, navigate the maze-like streets, and shop the way locals do. Instead of wandering aimlessly, you’re taken straight to some of the best stalls and shown where to find authentic, high-quality souvenirs rather than touristy knockoffs.

Because the tour is private, it can be tailored to what interests you most, whether that’s spices, jewelry, textiles, or handmade crafts. There’s also flexibility to add extra experiences, like a relaxing felucca ride on the Nile or visits to other Old Cairo highlights if you want to see more in one go.

If you’re short on time but want a deeper, more meaningful look at Cairo’s culture, booking the guided, all-inclusive version of this tour is a fun and stress-free way to experience one of the city’s most iconic spots.

6. Explore Al Moez Street

After soaking up the energy of Khan el-Khalili, it’s an easy transition to head just down the road to Al Moez Street, one of the oldest and most fascinating streets in Cairo. Stretching between the gates of the old walled city, this historic thoroughfare dates back to the 10th century and is often described as an open-air museum thanks to the sheer number of mosques, madrasas, and historic Islamic buildings packed along it.

It’s definitely a bit hectic here—expect crowds of locals shopping, kids running around, and vendors calling out to sell everything from spices and sweets to colorful clothing. That’s all part of the charm. We loved grabbing a quick falafel snack from one of the stalls and just soaking up the atmosphere.

If you’re up for sightseeing, make sure to check out Bab al-Futuh, one of the original entrances into the city, or step inside the Mosque of Al-Muayyad, which towers dramatically at the southern end of the street. But honestly, the best part of Al Moez Street is simply wandering. The narrow alleyways twist and turn, each one filled with architectural details and hidden corners that make you feel like you’ve stepped back centuries.

Plan to spend a couple of hours here—enough time to explore at your own pace without rushing. It’s a lively contrast to the more structured morning sightseeing and gives you a real taste of Cairo’s everyday street life.

7. Get off the beaten path and see the pyramids of Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur

We love getting off the beaten tourist track, and as much as the Pyramids of Giza are a must-see, we couldn’t resist the chance to explore some quieter attractions. This half-day tour proved to be a perfect escape from crowded tourist spots, and one of the most fascinating parts of our trip! 

We were picked up right on time by our guide, Hazem, and driver, Mohammed, who were both so friendly and professional. Hazem’s deep knowledge of Egyptian history brought each site that we visited to life, beginning with our first stop, Saqqara. It’s home to the pyramid of Djoser, aka the oldest one in Egypt. 

Then, we visited Memphis, Egypt’s ancient capital. We loved seeing the enormous statue of Ramses II up close, as well as the Alabaster Sphinx.

But for me, the highlight of the day was Dahshur, where we got to see the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. Both of them were incredibly cool, especially the Bent Pyramid, whose asymmetry proves how the Egyptians perfected the art of construction through trial and error. These sites were so much quieter than the Pyramids of Giza, which made visiting them so enjoyable.

We opted to include lunch, and the meal that we got was absolutely delicious. This tour was so much fun, and we’re really glad we got to experience some quieter ancient sites.

8. Explore museums

Cairo has no shortage of museums, and even visiting just one or two adds a lot of context to everything you see around the city. Most of these museums cost around $6–$12 USD and are open daily from about 9 am to 5 or 6 pm. The main exception is the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is pricier but also a full experience on its own, and stays open a little later (9 pm) on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

• The Egyptian Museum in Cairo – If you didn’t visit this on a guided tour, this is the big one and a must-see in Cairo. It’s packed with iconic artifacts and gives a broad, unforgettable overview of ancient Egyptian history.

• The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization – Best known for the Royal Mummies Hall, this museum offers a more modern, easy-to-follow look at Egypt’s history. Seeing the mummies up close is both fascinating and surprisingly impactful.

• The Grand Egyptian Museum – Home to the complete collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures, this massive, state-of-the-art museum uses immersive and interactive exhibits to bring ancient Egypt to life. Entry costs around $30 USD and is worth it if you have the time.

• Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo – One of the most important Islamic art collections in the world, this museum highlights beautiful calligraphy, textiles, and architectural pieces. It’s a great way to understand Cairo’s deep Islamic heritage.

• Coptic Museum – Located in Old Cairo, this museum focuses on Egypt’s early Christian history. It’s quieter and more relaxed, making it a nice contrast to Cairo’s busier attractions.

9. See waterfalls and go sandboarding on a private day trip

Cairo is packed with incredible ancient sites, but one of the best things about Egypt is how quickly the landscape changes once you leave the city behind. Just a couple of hours from the capital, El Fayoum Oasis feels like a completely different world, with desert valleys, sparkling lakes, waterfalls, and even fossils that date back millions of years. If you’re looking to experience more than just pyramids and museums, this private day trip is a fantastic choice.

Rather than focusing on a single attraction, this day trip combines some of Egypt’s most unique natural wonders into one well-paced adventure. One of the highlights is Wadi Al-Hitan, or the Valley of the Whales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where ancient whale fossils lie scattered across the desert floor. It’s a fascinating place that offers a glimpse into a time when this entire region was covered by a prehistoric sea.

You’ll also visit Wadi El Rayan, famous for its beautiful waterfalls and scenic lakes, before heading into the desert by 4×4. The rugged landscapes, rolling dunes, and wide-open views provide a side of Egypt that many visitors never get to see. You also get to sandboard here!

For anyone wanting to escape the crowds and discover Egypt’s natural beauty, this tour offers something completely different from the usual Cairo sightseeing experience!

10. Fly to Luxor for the day

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Luxor’s ancient sites, this private tour is a must! It allowed us to fly to Luxor and back in just one day, and since we booked the all-inclusive option, we didn’t have to organize anything ourselves.

We were picked up from our hotel and whisked off to the airport by a super-friendly driver, then before we knew it, we were on our way to Luxor!

Our guide, Remon, met us at the airport with a warm smile, and we headed off to explore the Valley of the Kings. We loved seeing all of the carvings inside this fascinating site, which are still colorful after thousands of years. While King Tut’s tomb required an extra ticket, it was totally worth it! 

Next, we visited the Temple of Hatshepsut, a majestic ancient structure that was built by Queen Hatshepsut during her reign. We were fascinated as Remon taught us all about this female pharaoh, who was one of the most prolific builders in Ancient Egypt. Then, we had a simple but delicious lunch – I mean, you really can’t go wrong with falafel, can you? 

We then headed to Karnak Temple, which was the largest one ever built. Its sheer size was mind-blowing! The day ended at the iconic Luxor Temple, which was the perfect place to wrap up the tour before flying back to Cairo. 

This tour was a dream come true for anyone with an interest in ancient history. And since it was a private tour, it felt so personal. Be sure to book the option with flights, admission tickets, and a guide included, because then everything will be sorted for you, and all you need to do is enjoy the day! 

Related Read: If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all there is to do, we narrow it down to all the best activities in our 3-day Cairo itinerary!

11. Relax at Al-Azhar Park

After a busy day of exploring Cairo’s streets and historic sites, Al-Azhar Park is the perfect place to slow things down. As one of the largest and most important green spaces in the city, it offers a rare chance to escape the traffic and noise and just breathe for a bit. Locals come here to walk, picnic, and catch up with friends, which makes it a great spot to see everyday Cairo in a more relaxed setting.

The real highlight is the view. From the park, you’ll get one of the most iconic skylines in Cairo, with domes, minarets, and historic neighborhoods stretching out in every direction. Try to time your visit for sunset, when the light turns warm and golden, and the call to prayer begins to echo across the city. 

It’s one of the most atmospheric moments you can experience in Cairo and a reminder of just how special this city is. Whether you’re strolling the paths or sitting on a bench, taking it all in, Al-Azhar Park is a simple but unforgettable stop.

7. Go on a desert safari – sandboarding, camel riding, dune bashing, and waterfalls 

You really can’t visit Cairo without spending some time out in the desert, and a desert safari to Wadi El Rayan is a great way to do it. This full-day adventure blends adrenaline, wide-open landscapes, and local flavors into one action-packed experience.

The day starts with hotel pickup and a scenic drive out of the city, including a photo stop at Qarun Lake, before heading deeper into the desert. Once you arrive, the pace picks up with dune bashing in a 4×4, followed by sandboarding down the golden dunes. It’s fast, fun, and a serious leg workout on the way back up.

You’ll also visit the Wadi El Rayan waterfalls, a surprising natural oasis in the middle of the desert, and learn more about the surrounding landscape and wildlife from a knowledgeable guide. A camel ride along the lakeshore adds that classic, bucket-list desert moment you can’t help but smile about. 

Lunch is a barbecue meal at a Bedouin-style camp, a well-earned pause before the fun continues. Then, the day wraps up with stops at Magic Lake, known for its shifting colors, and the Mudawara Mountains, perfect for snapping a few final photos.

It’s a fun, varied way to experience Egypt’s desert beyond the city—and an easy choice if you’re looking to add a little adventure to your Cairo itinerary.

13. Eat your way through Cairo 

For foodies like us, this Cairo food tour is an absolute must! I have to admit that we had some trouble deciding whether to go for the street food option or the specialty restaurants, but ultimately we chose the former because we wanted to eat as the locals do. 

It paid off – we loved every dish we got to try, from sizzling kebabs and fresh falafel to sweet treats like basbousa and knafeh!

Honestly, everything we tried was seriously delicious, and we loved exploring the city on foot with our local guide, Sarah, who took us to many local hotspots we would have totally missed otherwise. We couldn’t have gone further off the beaten tourist track, so we really felt as though we got to see the real Cairo. 

While we loved the street food, we would like to try the specialty restaurant option in the future. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking a more refined experience or who want to delve into the flavors and nuances of Egyptian cuisine. 

Cairo is known as “the Culinary Capital of the Middle East”, so you can’t miss the opportunity to do a food tour while you’re in town, and we loved every second of this one. Whichever option you choose, you can’t go wrong by booking this tour!

14. See the views from Cairo Tower

For the best views in the city, head to Cairo Tower, a 187-meter-tall (614-foot) observation tower that rises above the Nile. It’s the only place in Cairo where you can get a true 360-degree view of the city, which really helps put Cairo’s massive size into perspective. From the top, you’ll see everything from the Nile winding through the city to mosques, bridges, and neighborhoods stretching out as far as the eye can see.

Visiting in the evening is especially memorable. Once the sun goes down, Cairo lights up, and the reflections dancing across the Nile make the view even more impressive. It’s a great spot for photos, but also one of those places where you just want to pause and take it all in.

There can sometimes be a decent wait to get up the tower, especially around sunset. So, to keep things simple, you can also do this skip-the-line tour that includes transportation and faster entry, making the whole experience much easier and more relaxed if you don’t want to deal with logistics on your own.

15. Learn about Cairo’s historic churches

Visiting Cairo is a chance to dive into Egypt’s rich religious heritage, and this church tour through Coptic Cairo offers a fascinating window into the country’s ancient Christian roots. This historic area feels calm and timeless, with centuries-old churches, quiet courtyards, and stories that add an entirely new layer to Cairo’s past.

The churches in Old Cairo are steeped in history, starting with the iconic Hanging Church, one of the oldest churches in the city. From there, the tour continues to the Church of Saint Sergius, believed to stand on the spot where the Holy Family sheltered during their flight into Egypt. There’s also a stop at a historic synagogue, which helps show how Judaism and Christianity have long been intertwined in Cairo.

The undisputed highlight is the remarkable Cave Church of Saint Simon. Built directly into the rock, it’s enormous and easily one of the most unique religious sites in the Middle East. Stepping inside feels both peaceful and powerful, with carved stone walls and an atmosphere that’s surprisingly serene.

Even if religious sites aren’t usually at the top of your list, this church tour reveals a totally different side of Cairo. It’s an eye-opening experience for anyone curious about history, culture, or the many layers that make this city so fascinating.

Related Read: Planning to see more than just Cairo? Our seven-to-ten-day Egypt itinerary maps out the next stops.

Where to Stay in Cairo, Egypt

Cairo may be a bustling city, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a tranquil stay! There are lots of great options, whether you want to be right downtown, have a Nile River view, or be a little outside the city but wake up looking at the pyramids – my personal preference! Here are three fantastic accommodation options for those with a luxury, mid-range, or budget taste.

Luxury – $$$

If you’re looking for an upscale stay, the Fairmont Nile City is an easy choice. You can choose between city or Nile River views, enjoy the Art Deco decor, relax in the rooftop pool, or dine at one of the restaurants onsite. The rooms are exquisite, ranging from standard hotel rooms up to a Presidential Suite. 

Prices can get as low as $170 USD but average around $250-$400 per night. You can check out all the options and book this stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Hilton Cairo Grand Nile is an excellent hotel option at a moderate price point! Located along the Nile River, you can enjoy views from your room, whether you have a twin or king room. The rooms are comfortable and modern, and you can dine at one of the seven onsite restaurants or relax at the spa.

Rooms are well priced, starting around $150 USD. You can book this stay on Booking.com!

Budget – $

You don’t have to break the bank to get Pyramid views from your hotel! Pyramids Height Hotel is a budget friendly hotel, offering an outdoor pool, sauna, garden, terrace, and restaurant. The rooms are quaint and simple, but clean and provide everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Prices start at $50 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.

For more options, check out all of the hotels in Cairo here!

Thanks for reading!

While the great pyramids might have initially drawn you to Cairo, I hope this list has shed some light on all the other amazing things you can do here! We were amazed by this city in so many different ways that I can see why it’s on so many travelers’ bucket lists. So get out there and explore Cairo!

If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other travel guides! We’ve been all over the world and have put together lots of resources to help fellow travelers plan their perfect getaway. Here are a few related blogs that might be helpful:

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