Cairo is the sprawling capital of Egypt and one of the largest cities in Africa and the Arab world, home to roughly 21 million people. Straddling the Nile River, Cairo is a city of overwhelming contrasts — ancient pharaonic monuments stand alongside medieval Islamic architecture, Coptic Christian churches, and a bustling modern metropolis. The city serves as the gateway to the Giza Pyramids, the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, and houses world-class museums including the Egyptian Museum and the new Grand Egyptian Museum. From the labyrinthine alleyways of Khan el-Khalili to the elegant Nile-side Corniche, Cairo overwhelms and enchants in equal measure.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Cairo.
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1
Pyramids of Giza
The last surviving wonder of the ancient world, the Giza Pyramid Complex includes the Great Pyramid of Khufu (built c. 2560 BCE), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with the Great Sphinx. The Great Pyramid stood as the tallest man-made structure on Earth for over 3,800 years.
Tip: Book camel/horse rides in advance to avoid touts · Bring water and sunscreen · Hire a licensed guide for context · The Sound & Light Show runs nightly
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2
Egyptian Museum (Museum of Egyptian Antiquities)
Founded in 1902, the Egyptian Museum houses the world's most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, with over 120,000 items. Highlights include the treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb (over 5,000 objects), royal mummies, and millennia of pharaonic artifacts.
Tip: Audio guides available at entrance · Allow extra time for the mummy room · Photography permit required
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3
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
The world's largest archaeological museum, opened in 2023. The Grand Egyptian Museum houses over 100,000 artifacts including the complete collection of Tutankhamun's treasures across 21 display units. The 480,000 sq metre complex also features restaurants, a cinema, and panoramic pyramid views.
Tip: Book tickets online to avoid queues · Combined Giza + GEM day possible · Guided tours highly recommended
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4
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Cairo's most famous medieval bazaar, founded in 1382. A maze of alleyways selling spices, gold and silver jewellery, papyrus, perfume, lamps, carpets, and souvenirs. The area is also home to El-Fishawy Café, one of the oldest coffeehouses in the Islamic world.
Tip: Haggling is expected and part of the experience · Watch for pickpockets in crowded lanes · Try koshary at nearby Abu Tarek
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5
Citadel of Saladin (Cairo Citadel)
Built by Saladin (Salah al-Din) between 1176 and 1183 CE, the Citadel dominated Cairo's skyline for 700 years and served as Egypt's seat of government until the 1870s. The complex includes several mosques, museums, and sweeping panoramic views over Cairo.
Tip: Combined entry covers multiple museums · Friday prayers draw large crowds to Muhammad Ali Mosque · Photography allowed except in some museum areas
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6
Al-Muizz Street (Al-Muizz li-Din Allah al-Fatimid Street)
Once the main artery of Fatimid Cairo, Al-Muizz Street is one of the world's greatest concentrations of medieval Islamic architecture. Walking its length reveals mosques, madrasas, caravanserais, and fountains dating from the 10th to 19th centuries.
Tip: Free walking; pay small fees to enter individual monuments · Guided tours deepen understanding of Fatimid history · Avoid Friday midday due to prayer closures
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7
Coptic Museum
Founded in 1910, the Coptic Museum holds the world's largest collection of Coptic Christian art and artefacts, covering the period from the 3rd to the 14th century CE. The collection includes textiles, manuscripts, woodwork, metalwork, and icons in two wings spanning a beautiful garden.
Tip: Combine with nearby Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue · The garden is a peaceful respite from the city
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8
Hanging Church (Al-Moallaqa)
One of the oldest and most famous Coptic churches in Egypt, the Hanging Church (so named because it is built atop the gatehouse of the Roman fortress of Babylon) dates to the 3rd–4th century CE. It features stunning inlaid wooden screens and is a pilgrimage site for Coptic Christians worldwide.
Tip: Dress modestly; shoulders and knees covered · Arrive outside service times for free exploration · Combine with Coptic Museum and Ben Ezra Synagogue
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9
Ben Ezra Synagogue
The oldest and most important synagogue in Egypt, the Ben Ezra Synagogue dates to 882 CE and was built on the site where, according to tradition, baby Moses was found in the bulrushes. The Cairo Geniza, a trove of medieval Jewish manuscripts, was discovered here in the 1890s.
Tip: Combine with Hanging Church and Coptic Museum · Small admission fee; well worth it for the interior
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10
Cairo Tower (Borg al-Qahira)
At 187 metres tall, the Cairo Tower was the tallest structure in Africa and the Arab world when completed in 1961. Built in a lotus-blossom lattice design, the tower offers 360-degree panoramic views of Cairo, the Nile, and on clear days, the distant Pyramids of Giza.
Tip: Evening visits offer the best views · Revolving restaurant serves food and drinks at the top · Book dinner reservations in advance
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.