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Cairo spreads along the Nile just south of the delta, the largest city in the Arab world and a capital layered with pharaonic, Coptic, Islamic and modern history. On the western edge, in Giza, the desert plateau holds the pyramids that have drawn travelers for thousands of years. The city itself is crowded, noisy and endlessly absorbing, and its historic Islamic core is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, with the Valley Temple beside it, are the obvious starting point, ideally reached early before the heat and crowds build. The Grand Egyptian Museum, near the plateau, displays treasures including the collection of Tutankhamun, while the older Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square still holds a vast trove of antiquities. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization houses the royal mummies. South of the city, Saqqara's Step Pyramid and the Bent and Red pyramids of Dahshur make a rewarding day trip.
Historic Cairo deserves equal attention. Al-Muizz Street is lined with medieval mosques and madrasas, leading toward the Khan el-Khalili bazaar and the Al-Azhar Mosque. The Citadel of Saladin overlooks the city, and the mosques of Sultan Hassan, Al-Rifai and Ibn Tulun show the range of Islamic architecture. Traffic is heavy, so plan days by area.
WiserMap travel guideCairo and Giza Egypt Pyramids Sphinx and Egyptian MuseumPlan Cairo and Giza: the Pyramids and Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili, the Citadel, Coptic Cairo and Saqqara, with tips for ea...Read the guide
The Great Pyramid of Khufu and the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure on the Giza Plateau, the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. Extra tickets allow visitors inside the Great Pyramid. Arrive at opening time to avoid heat and crowds, and agree on the price before any camel or horse ride.
The Great Sphinx, a giant limestone statue with a lion's body and a pharaoh's head, guards the Giza Plateau next to the granite Valley Temple of Khafre, where an ancient causeway led up to the pyramid. The viewing area is busy, so go early. The evening sound and light show uses this spot.
Medieval fortress on a hill above Cairo built by Saladin in the twelfth century, crowned by the Ottoman-style Mosque of Muhammad Ali with its tall minarets and alabaster interior. Terraces give views across the city to the Giza Pyramids on clear days. Several small museums are inside the walls.
Huge new museum near the Giza Pyramids displaying a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun and a giant statue of Ramses II in the atrium. A grand staircase lines up royal statues. Book tickets online, and plan at least half a day.
Historic pink museum on Tahrir Square, opened in 1902, packed with tens of thousands of ancient objects, including statues, coffins, the Yuya and Tuya treasures and jewelry. Some collections moved to newer museums, but it still holds many highlights. Hire a guide to navigate the dense displays.
Museum in Fustat covering Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to today. Its highlight is the Royal Mummies Hall, where the mummies of famous pharaohs such as Ramses II rest in a dim, quiet gallery. It is close to Coptic Cairo, so visit both on the same day. Photos are not allowed in the mummy hall.
Royal necropolis sites south of Giza. Saqqara has the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid, and richly carved tombs. Dahshur has the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, which visitors can climb inside. They are much quieter than Giza. Hire a driver for a half-day trip from Cairo.
Main street of medieval Islamic Cairo, lined with mosques, madrasas, mausoleums and grand houses from the Fatimid, Mamluk and Ottoman eras, such as the Qalawun complex and Bayt al-Suhaymi. It is partly pedestrian and is beautifully lit at night. Combine an evening stroll with Khan el-Khalili nearby.
Old Christian quarter inside the Roman fortress of Babylon, with the Hanging Church, the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus where tradition says the Holy Family sheltered, the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Coptic Museum. Lanes are narrow and calm. Dress modestly and bring your passport for security.
Khan el-Khalili is the old bazaar of Cairo, with lanes of shops selling lamps, spices, perfume, brass and souvenirs, and the famous El Fishawy cafe. Across the road, Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the oldest mosques and universities in the world. Bargain politely, and dress modestly for the mosque.
Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrasa is a massive fourteenth-century Mamluk masterpiece facing the later Al-Rifai Mosque, which holds royal tombs. A short walk away, the Ibn Tulun Mosque has a huge courtyard and a spiral minaret you can climb. The Gayer-Anderson Museum sits next to Ibn Tulun.
Large green park built on an old rubbish mound east of Islamic Cairo, with gardens, fountains, cafes and restaurants overlooking the Citadel and the minarets of the old city. The restored Ayyubid wall runs along its edge. It is a peaceful place for a walk at sunset. A small entrance fee applies.
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