Exploring Cairo, Egypt’s Chaotic Capital City
Cairo is the largest city in Egypt, as well as the African continent. It’s a wonderful city where multiple religious cultures converge and ancient history can be seen anywhere you look. The city can also be very hectic at times, with everything in a constant chaotic motion. I think 3 or 4 full days is enough to experience most of what the city has to offer without getting too overwhelmed. If it’s your first time visiting Egypt, start preparing for your journey here. Here’s the top 10 most unforgettable things to do in Cairo.
10. Islamic Cairo
Islamic Cairo is a huge area that contains many of the historic landmarks and mosques. Its easy to see why they call Cairo the city of a thousand minarets. The main language in Egypt is Arabic, but many touristy spots and restaurants will also have someone who speaks English. I would recommend booking a guided tour, since it makes it easier to get around the chaotic roads.
9. Khan El Khalili Bazaar
While you’re in Islamic Cairo, stop by the famous Khan El Khalili to immerse yourself in an authentic Egyptian market. In this bustling marketplace, you can buy anything imaginable. From scarfs, to rugs, jewelry, food, and tons of souvenirs. Get ready to use your haggling skills since the vendors always charge foreigners exorbitant prices. The hustlers can be very persistent, so avoid eye contact or any verbal response so you don’t get harassed.
8. Salah El-din Citadel
This medieval fortress overlooks the entire city and has some of the best views of the Cairo skyline. It also has one of the coolest mosques in the city, the enigmatic Mosque of Muhammed Ali (no relation to the boxer). You can head inside to admire some of the unique architecture , just remember to dress appropriately and take off your shoes!
7. Eat Koshary
As a distinguished connoisseur (self proclaimed), I was pleasantly surprised to find Egypt’s food scene was better than expected. Koshary is Egypt’s national food, and one of my favorites. This street food consists of a huge bowl of rice, macaroni, pasta, and lentils topped off with chickpeas and fried onions in a spiced tomato and vinegar sauce. Order from Abou Tarek for a super cheap and amazing dinner. We asked the hotel concierge to help us order and have it delivered right to our hotel.
6. Coptic Cairo
Another religiously distinct neighborhood in the city is Coptic Cairo, aka old Cairo. This hub for Christianity has tons of uniquely designed churches including the Abu Serga (an underground church where Jesus supposedly stayed), the Church of St. George, and the oldest church in Egypt, the Hanging church. The Hanging Church is built upon an old Babylonian fortress so has a very cool architecture. The entire city tends to participate in Friday prayers starting around 12pm, so plan to visit places of worship on a different day. Even if you’re not religious, Coptic Cairo is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Egypt.
5. Saqqara Day Trip
Although the pyramids in Giza are Egypt’s main attraction, there are many other complexes that are just as incredible. This ancient necropolis is located in the former Egyptian capital of Memphis, just 17 miles south of Cairo. The vast burial ground of Saqqara holds the interesting step pyramid of Djoser, which was the precursor to the ones in Giza. If you have an extra day in the city, I would recommend booking a tour to see it.
4. Cairo Tower
Head to Gezira Island near the center of the city to find the tallest building in North Africa; Cairo Tower. This elegant spire was modeled after the symbolic lotus flower, and reaches 187m (614 ft) into the sky. The tower sits directly on the Nile River, and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. Of course they will charge you tourist prices, but you’ll get a free dessert at the café with your express ticket.
3. Egyptian Museum
No place in the world holds more pharaonic artifacts than the Egyptian Museum. Also known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, it’s the best place in Cairo to learn all about ancient Egypt (at least until the GEM opens…). Their extensive collection includes tombs, statues, mummies, and the legendary King Tutankhamun Gold Mask. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours here so give yourself some time. Having a tour guide is beneficial so the depth of the history can be grasped. Tickets are half priced if you have a university ID.
2. Ride a camel around the pyramids
No experience encompasses the culmination of traveling to Egypt more than a camel ride. And the most scenic place to do it is the Giza Pyramid complex. Take the route from the Pyramid of Menkaure to the sphinx and you’ll have the best views of the ancient wonder. Our tour included a 30min camel ride, but paying extra for the hour ride to the scenic spot was definitely worth it. Just don’t feel pressured to tip anything more than 20 EGP after its done. Especially not in USD.
1. The Great Pyramids of Giza
Of course the number 1 reason for coming to Egypt is the Great Pyramids of Giza. The final wonder of the ancient world definitely lives up to the hype. The pyramids are absolutely massive and probably one of the greatest structures ever built. I highly recommend booking a tour since you’ll get a plethora of interesting history and easy transportation from your hotel. You can climb up the first dozen steps to get a feel of the magnitude of these massive tombs. Pay an extra fee and you can go inside and explore the inner sanctums. I recommend going inside the 2nd biggest Khafre, since it is cheaper and less crowded than the largest Khufu. While the pyramids are an incredible sight to behold, be aware of all the hustlers trying to take your picture for you or give you souvenirs.
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Cairo is an unforgettable city with some of the best sightseeing in the world. The great pyramids alone are worth the trip, but there’s even more rich culture and history to discover downtown. Due to the pandemic, the crowds of tourists have cleared and it feels like an exclusive tour. Although I usually explore landmarks on my own, I found it incredibly useful in Cairo to book a guide for everything. As long as you’re prudent of the hustlers and scammers, your trip to Cairo should be a smooth one. And no matter how obligated you feel to buy something, you do not need essential oils or papyrus papers! For getting between the biggest cities in Egypt, check out this post. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Check out part 1 of our Cairo travel vlog series, Exploring the Great Pyramids of Giza! Probably one of the best times to ever visit, with virtually no crowds in sight.
And here’s part 2 of our Cairo bucket list tour, where we explore the most iconic parts of the city!
And here’s our final Cairo travel vlog, where we climb to the top of Cairo Tower!
