Top Attractions in Cairo (That Tourists Actually Love)

Tourists Google “things to do in Cairo” for a reason, there’s a lot. Like, thousands of years’ worth of “a lot.” Here’s the must-see list:

1. The Pyramids of Giza & The Sphinx

You didn’t come all this way to not see the Great Pyramid, right? It's the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, and yes, it’s just as epic in real life.

• Pro tip: Go early to avoid crowds and heat. Consider booking a private tour of the Pyramids and Sphinx with an Egyptologist. Your Instagram will thank you.

2. The Egyptian Museum

Located in Tahrir Square, this legendary museum houses King Tutankhamun’s treasures and about 100,000 other artifacts. It’s dusty, chaotic, and glorious — just like Cairo.

3. Khan El Khalili Bazaar

If you love shopping in Cairo (or collecting spices and lamps you don’t need), this historic market is your paradise. Haggling is expected. Humor is encouraged.

4. Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo)

See ancient churches like the Hanging Church and the Cave Church, carved into a mountainside. It’s peaceful, deeply spiritual, and wildly underrated.

5. Islamic Cairo

Visit Al-Azhar Mosque, Sultan Hassan Mosque, and the Citadel of Saladin. You’ll see why Cairo is called “The City of a Thousand Minarets.”

Cairo Tip: Have Egyptian pounds on hand for SIM cards, taxis, and snacks. ATMs are everywhere, but airport kiosks are easiest for first-timers.

Best Time to Visit Cairo

Tourists often ask: “When is the best time to travel to Cairo?” Spoiler: Summer is hot enough to cook your falafel on the sidewalk. The best time is:

• October to April: Pleasant weather, especially for pyramid tours and Nile cruises in Egypt.

• Ramadan (dates vary): A unique cultural experience, but some sites and restaurants may have reduced hours.

Top Tours in Cairo:

Let’s be real: tours can be hit or miss. But in Cairo, a good guide is a chef’s kiss. Here are popular ones that tourists actually recommend:

• Private Tour to the Pyramids, Sphinx & Saqqara

• Sunset Felucca Ride on the Nile River

• Food Tour in Cairo with a Local Guide

• Day Trip to Alexandria from Cairo

• Cairo to Luxor Day Trip by Flight (if you want to flex your “I saw the whole of Egypt in 5 days” skills)

What to Eat in Cairo (And Where to Try It)

Food in Cairo isn’t just delicious ..it’s practically a sport. Expect carb overload and zero regrets.

Must-Try Egyptian Foods in Cairo:

• Koshari: A glorious carb bomb of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, fried onions, and spicy sauce.

• Ful Medames: Mashed fava beans, olive oil, lemon, garlic. Breakfast staple.

• Ta’ameya: Egyptian falafel, green and herby.

• Molokhia: Slimy green stew. Divisive. Delicious.

• Stuffed Pigeons: Yes, it’s a thing. No, it’s not weird here.

• Sugarcane Juice (Asab): Nature’s Red Bull.

Where to Eat Like a Local:

• Abou Tarek: For koshari that slaps.

• Felfela: Tourist-friendly but tasty.

• Zooba: Egyptian street food with a hipster twist.

• Naguib Mahfouz Café (in Khan El Khalili): Great for ambiance and mint tea.

Funny Facts Tourists Learn the Hard Way:

1. Cairo traffic has no rules. Only suggestions. Crossing the street? Say a prayer and walk confidently.

2. The concept of personal space is... flexible.

3. Everyone is your “friend.” Especially if they’re selling papyrus.

4. Egyptian time is its own dimension. “Five minutes” could mean twenty. Or an hour.

5. Tourists are always hot. Locals are never cold. Egyptians wear jackets in 75°F (24°C) weather. It’s adorable.

Nile Cruise? Cairo to Luxor? Here's the Scoop

If you're dreaming of a Nile River Cruise from Cairo,  Most Nile cruises operate between Luxor and Aswan, not Cairo. However… You can take a luxury boat or book a Nile dinner cruise in Cairo, complete with belly dancing, live music, and views of the lit-up skyline. Want to see Luxor and Aswan? Fly from Cairo in under an hour. It’s worth it for the temples alone.

How to Get Around Cairo:

Let’s talk logistics. Cairo has 22+ million people, and all of them seem to be on the road at the same time.

Best Transportation Options in Cairo:

• Uber / Careem: Reliable, air-conditioned, and app-based. Bless the algorithm.

• Cairo Metro: Super cheap (like 20 cents cheap) and efficient,  just avoid rush hour.

• Taxis: Always agree on a price first.

• Walking: Possible in some neighborhoods like Zamalek or Downtown. Dangerous in others. Sidewalks are optional.

Cultural Etiquette in Egypt: 

Cairo is modern but conservative. A little cultural savvy goes a long way.

• Dress modestly, especially in mosques or traditional neighborhoods.

• Remove your shoes when entering mosques.

• Greet people with a warm “Salam Alaikum” .

• Friday is a holy day, some shops close, some get really busy after prayers.

Best Day Trips from Cairo 

1. Saqqara & Dahshur

The Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara is Egypt’s first pyramid. Dahshur’s Bent Pyramid is what happens when you try to DIY your own pyramid.

2. Fayoum Oasis

Just two hours from Cairo, Fayoum is all sand dunes, ancient ruins, and tranquil lakes. Go sandboarding, visit Tunis Village.

3. Alexandria

Hop a train or book a private transfer for this Mediterranean city. Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and eat enough seafood to question your loyalty to Cairo’s street food.

Egypt Travel Tips 

1. SIM Card: Get one at the airport. Vodafone or Orange are tourist favorites.

2. Money: Small bills go far. Most places don’t take cards.

3. Language: Learn a few words!

-Hello = Salam alaikum

-Thank you = Shukran

-No = La’ 

4. Tipping: It’s expected, for drivers, guides, restroom attendants, and even people who take your photo.

5. Clothing: Modest is best. Especially at religious sites.

Cairo for the Soul: Spiritual & Sacred Vibes

Cairo is fast and full of fumes. But it’s also deeply spiritual. Visit Al-Azhar Mosque, and walk barefoot on centuries-old stone floors. Light a candle at a Coptic church. Hear the call to prayer echo across the city at sunset. Even the Pyramids feel like they hold ancient energy. Maybe it’s the alignment with Orion’s Belt. Maybe it’s just really good vibes. Who’s to say?

What to Buy in Cairo: Souvenirs with Style

• Handcrafted silver jewelry

• Essential oils and perfumes

• Papyrus art (from an actual papyrus gallery)

• Handmade leather sandals

• Spices

 Where to Stay in Cairo (And Why It Matters)

Cairo is HUGE. Choosing the right area is everything.

Best Areas to Stay in Cairo for Tourists:

• Zamalek: Leafy, central, expat-friendly.

• Downtown Cairo: Gritty charm, walkable, historic buildings.

• Giza: For waking up to Pyramid views.

 Final Words: Why Cairo Stays With You

You might come to Cairo for the pyramids, the food, or that dreamy Nile cruise in Egypt, but what you leave with is something else:

You leave with stories, laughter, a new appreciation for car horns, and maybe a bit of sand in your socks. Cairo is loud, layered, alive, and deeply unforgettable. So yes, it’s chaotic. But it’s also sacred. It’s hot and dusty, and absolutely magical.

And once you visit Cairo, you’ll never look at another city the same way again.