Cairo Guide – Tourist Attractions, Sights, Tips & Things to do

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Cairo is a fascinating city that offers a rich history, culture, and cuisine. If you are planning to visit Cairo, you might want to check out some of the top attractions and sights we recommend. Here is a list of 25 things to do in Cairo:

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza: The largest and oldest of the three pyramids in the Giza complex, and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
2. Egyptian Museum: A treasure trove of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the famous Tutankhamun collection and the royal mummies.
3. Khan Al-Khalili: A bustling bazaar that dates back to the 14th century, where you can find souvenirs, spices, antiques, and more.
4. Al-Azhar Mosque: A stunning mosque that is also one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 970 AD.
5. Cairo Citadel: A medieval fortress that was built by Saladin in the 12th century, and houses several museums and mosques.
6. Coptic Cairo: A historic area that showcases the Christian heritage of Egypt, with churches, monasteries, and museums.
7. Saqqara: An ancient necropolis that contains dozens of pyramids, tombs, and temples, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the first pyramid ever built.
8. Nile River Cruise: A relaxing way to enjoy the scenic views of Cairo and its surroundings, while listening to live music and enjoying a buffet dinner.
9. Cairo Tower: A 187-meter tall tower that offers panoramic views of the city and the Nile, especially at night.
10. Al-Muizz Street: A pedestrian street that features some of the most impressive Islamic architecture in Cairo, such as mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, and palaces.
11. Memphis: The ancient capital of Egypt that was founded by King Menes around 3100 BC, and contains ruins of temples, statues, and sphinxes.
12. Mosque of Muhammad Ali: A majestic mosque that was built by Muhammad Ali Pasha in the 19th century, and is also known as the Alabaster Mosque for its white marble exterior.
13. Solar Boat Museum: A museum that displays a reconstructed solar boat that was buried near the Great Pyramid of Giza, and was used to transport the pharaoh’s soul to the afterlife.
14. Hanging Church: A church that was built on top of a Roman gatehouse in the 7th century, and is one of the oldest churches in Egypt.
15. Ben Ezra Synagogue: A synagogue that was originally a Christian church, and is said to be located on the site where Moses was found in the Nile basket.
16. Dashur: A site that contains two of the oldest and best-preserved pyramids in Egypt, namely the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid.
17. Cairo Opera House: A modern cultural center that hosts various performances of opera, ballet, music, and theater.
18. Bab Zuweila: A medieval gate that is one of the few remaining parts of the old city walls of Cairo, and offers a view of the city from its minarets.
19. Gayer-Anderson Museum: A museum that consists of two 16th-century houses that were restored and decorated by a British collector named John Gayer-Anderson.
20. Nilometer: An ancient device that was used to measure the level of the Nile river and predict its annual flooding.
21. Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan: A massive mosque that was built by Sultan Hassan in the 14th century, and is considered one of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture.
22. City of the Dead: A vast cemetery that dates back to the 7th century, and is also home to many living people who reside among the tombs.
23. Abdeen Palace: A former royal palace that was built by Khedive Ismail in the 19th century, and now serves as a museum complex with various collections.
24. Manial Palace: Another former royal palace that was built by Prince Mohammed Ali Tewfik in the early 20th century, and showcases a mix of Ottoman, Moorish, Persian, and European styles.
25. Wadi El-Hitan (Whale Valley): A UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains fossilized remains of whales and other marine animals from millions of years ago.

These are some of the top attractions and sights in Cairo.