9 Best Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt

Are you looking for the best things to do in Cairo, Egypt? Cairo is the capital of Egypt, famous for its chaotic traffic, ancient Egyptian history, beautiful mosques, bustling markets, and delicious foods.

Cairo is the perfect place to start your Egypt Itinerary, from where you can easily reach Alexandria, Luxor, Hurghada, or Aswan.

Wondering what to do in Cairo?

Visit the famous Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, explore the Egyptian Museum, visit the Muhammad Ali Mosque, take day trips, and enjoy a Felucca Ride on the Nile.

This ultimate guide to visiting Cairo includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Cairo, Egypt.

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Where is Cairo?

Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt. Located on the banks of the Nile River in the northeast of Egypt, just a 30-minute drive from the Pyramids of Giza.

Best Time to Visit Cairo, Egypt

The best time to visit Cairo is between October and April when temperatures are cool and pleasant for sightseeing and exploring the beautiful sights.

The most visited months in Egypt are December and January. In Egypt, the weather can be extremely hot in the summer months, which run from May to September.

It’s good to know that the attractions have different opening hours in summer and winter. Save money, bring your valid student ID, and get a 50% discount off all admission fees.

Get an Egypt Visa.

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In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

How to Get to Cairo

Most travelers to Egypt arrive at Cairo International Airport (airport code CAI), as you can get cheap flights to Cairo.

Cairo is the best place to start your Egypt Itinerary.

If you are already in Egypt, you can also take a short domestic flight from Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, or Aswan to Cairo.

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Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights.

Cairo Airport to City Center

The journey time between Cairo Airport and the city center is 30-90 minutes, depending on traffic. You can get to the city center by taxi, shared minivan, bus, or private transfer.

Book a private transfer from Cairo Airport to the city, which starts from 33 USD, and 3 pax are allowed.

The pyramids are just a 1-hour drive from the airport. After arrival in Cairo, you can get to the Great Pyramids of Giza or your accommodation.

We have a detailed post about how to get from Cairo Airport to Giza Pyramids with all the information you need.

How to Get Around Cairo

The most popular modes of transport in Cairo are Uber, taxis, buses, and the metro. But the best way to see the highlights of Cairo is to join a group or private tour that includes transport.

Buy an eSIM and data package for Egypt.

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If you want to book bus tickets or transfers, use Bookaway.

Make the most of your visit to Cairo and join a private tour of the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.

Alternatively, explore the best wonders of Ancient Egypt on this fully guided tour with a female guide. This tour is ideal for solo female travelers, first-time travelers, or families.

Where to Stay in Cairo

Cairo has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Cairo

Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Mid-Range: Grand Nile Tower or Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo
Budget: Tahrir Plaza Suites

more hotels in Cairo

Recommended post → 10 Best Luxury 5-Star Hotels in Cairo

Photo credit: Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo

Best things to do in Cairo, Egypt

1. Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx is the best part of every Egypt Itinerary. The Giza Pyramid Plateau is located on the outskirts of Cairo, about a 30-minute drive from the center.

You can get to the pyramids of Giza by taxi, Uber, private shuttle, and public bus, or join a guided tour that includes transfers.

Read the full post → Cairo to Giza Pyramids

The Giza Necropolis is home to the Pyramids of Giza, several small pyramids, the Great Sphinx, tombs, funerary temples, and the Solar Boat Museum.

Did you know that of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid is the only wonder that still exists?

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Book this top-rated full-day private tour from Cairo to the Giza Pyramids, Memphis, and Saqqara through Viator or GetYourGuide.

Practical information about the Pyramids of Giza

The Giza Pyramids have 2 entrances. The first is the Great Pyramid of Khufu entrance, near the Marriott Mena House. The second is the Great Sphinx entrance near Pizza Hut.

The entrance fee to the Giza Pyramids Complex is 540 EGP (17.5 USD). Once you arrive, you can walk around the Giza Pyramids Complex.

Join a half-day tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a giant limestone sculpture, a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion protecting the pyramids. Spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the Giza Plateau, and enjoy the best views of the pyramids.

Are you looking for the best view of the Pyramids of Giza? You can find it here.

Recommended post → Best Hotels with Pyramids View

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Arrive as early as possible to avoid crowds.

You can also enjoy the sound and light show of the Giza Pyramids at night, which is a fantastic experience.

To visit the inside of the Great Pyramid of Giza (Pyramid of Khufu), you will need an extra ticket, which costs 900 EGP (29 USD). The entrance fee to the Khafre Pyramid or the Menkaure Pyramid is 220 EGP (7 USD).

The Pyramids of Giza’s opening hours are from 7 AM to 6 PM (from April to September) and 8 AM to 4 PM (from October to March).

See also → Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Hurghada

2. Take a Day Trip to Saqqara, Dahshur, Memphis

After the Giza Plateau, see the impressive and least visited pyramids of Egypt. Our favorite pyramids are the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Bent Pyramid, and the Red Pyramid. You can get to the historic sites by private driver or taxi.

The entrance fee to the Saqqara area is 450 EGP (14.5 USD).

Book a private or shared Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.

Saqqara is open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM in the winter.

Join a Saqqara, Memphis & Dahshur Private Day Trip, which includes lunch and entrance fees.

The entrance fee to Dahshur is 150 EGP (5 USD), and the Pyramid of Djoser is 220 EGP (7 USD).

Allow enough time to explore the historical sights and then visit Memphis. Memphis was the capital of ancient Egypt.

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Alternatively, take a day trip to Alexandria.

3. Visit Egyptian Museum

One of the best places to visit in Cairo is the Egyptian Museum. The Egyptian Museum is located in Tahrir Square, and you can easily get there by Uber or taxi. You can see one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts, with more than 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian history.

Plan at least 2-3 hours to explore.

At the Egyptian Museum, you can see King Tutankhamun’s golden death mask and learn more about the history and culture of ancient Egypt.

Join a private half-day guided tour.

The Egyptian Museum is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM.

The entrance fee to the Egyptian Museum is 450 EGP (14.5 USD).

Get Ticket Online.

Taking photos with your phone is free. The video ticket costs 300 EGP (10 USD).

We recommend you also visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The entrance fee to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is 500 EGP (16 USD), and it is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

4. See Grand Egyptian Museum

One of the best things to do in Cairo is to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, the city’s newest attraction. Explore the magnificent building, see the stunning statues, and enjoy the Tutankhamun Exhibition show.

The entrance fee to the Grand Egyptian Museum is 1200 EGP (39 USD).

Join a guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which includes admission.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is open from daily 9 AM to 6 PM.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t open when we were in Egypt, but if you’re in Cairo, you should visit it.

5. Walk Through Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Khan El-Khalili is one of the oldest and most famous markets in Egypt, located in the Islamic Cairo area. If you want to buy a souvenir, this is the best place to go in Cairo because you can get it cheaper than at the Pyramids of Giza.

The souvenir prices are often overpriced, so try to bargain!

Buy wonderful gifts, spices, lanterns, jewelry, or leather bags. There are also many restaurants and cafes where you can take a break, have a delicious Arabic coffee, try shisha, or talk to the locals.

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As the market is very crowded, beware of pickpockets and keep an eye on your valuables!

Make the most of your visit to Cairo and join a private tour of the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.

Book this excellent Cairo tour via Viator.

6. See Ibn Tulun Mosque

One of the best things to do in Cairo is to visit the stunning mosques. The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is just a 10-minute drive from Al Azhar Park. It is a less popular attraction but offers fantastic photo opportunities and is free to visit.

The Ibn Tulun Mosque is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. You can easily walk around the mosque and enjoy the stunning views of Cairo.

Good to know
Shoes are not allowed in mosques, and women must cover their shoulders!

Explore the beautiful historical landmarks of Cairo via Viator or GetYourGuide.

7. Felucca Ride on the Nile

Looking for more top things to do in Cairo? Get a fantastic experience and see Cairo from a new perspective. For the best view, take a felucca ride at sunrise or sunset.

Book a Felucca Ride on the Nile via Viator or GetYourGuide.

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Spend an evening cruising on the Nile with dinner and entertainment.

8. Visit Cairo Citadel

While sightseeing, don’t miss the Citadel of Saladin, which is located on Mokattam Hills. The main attraction is the beautiful Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Allow a few hours to explore it and enjoy the stunning views of Cairo’s bustling city.

The entrance fee to the Cairo Citadel is 450 EGP (14.5 USD), and it is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Book a guided tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.

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Discover the Coptic Cairo and Old Cairo historic area and see the beautiful Hanging Church.

9. Take a Day Trip to Luxor

Take a day trip to Luxor and explore the most beautiful sights. You can visit the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and Karnak Temple.

The tour price includes the hotel pick-up & drop-off, an English-speaking guide, a round-trip flight between Cairo and Luxor, lunch, bottled water, and all entrance fees.

Book your tour HERE.

Recommended post → Luxor Guide

Cairo to Luxor Nile Cruise

Are you spending limited time in Egypt but want to make the most of your visit? For the ultimate experience, book a 3-day or 4-day Nile Cruise to Luxor with a Hot Air Balloon Ride and Flights.

The tour price includes the pick-up, drop-off, flight tickets (departure & return), transportation, an English-speaking guide, an unforgettable hot air balloon ride in Luxor, horse carriage to the Temple of Horus in Edfu, and accommodation for 3 nights on a 5-star cruise with full board.

Alternatively, if you are spending more time in Egypt and don’t want to worry about how to get from one place to another, book this excellent 8-night tour with Nile Cruise, Hot Air Ballon Ride, all transport, and accommodations.

Where to Eat in Cairo

In Cairo, there are many restaurants to choose from to try local Egyptian foods and enjoy international dishes.

Best restaurants in Cairo

Abou El Sid Restaurant (A popular restaurant with Egyptian food)
Naguib Mahfouz Cafe (Near Khan El-Khalili Bazaar)
Al Khal Egyptian Restaurant (Delicious local food)

Join a Cairo Food Tour.

Best restaurants with Pyramids View

139 Pavilion
Khufu’s Restaurant
9 Pyramids Lounge
The Moghul Room
Cheristo Seafood Restaurant
Tree Lounge Pyramids Branch
Pizza Hut

Is it Safe to Travel to Cairo?

Yes, it is generally safe. But small thefts and pickpockets can happen everywhere. So always take care of your valuables!

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

How many Days do you Need in Cairo?

We recommend you spend 2-3 days and enjoy the best things to do in Cairo, then travel to Luxor.

Recommended post → How to Get from Cairo to Luxor

We hope our list of the best things to do in Cairo will inspire you to visit Egypt. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

9 Best Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt