Places to Visit in Cairo

The vibrant capital of Egypt, Cairo is a beautiful and chaotic adventure buzzing with 22 million locals and tourists exploring its Fatimid Caliphate and Mamluk Sultanate era monuments, colourful markets that still relive their medieval past and flavourful Egyptian food.

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Things To See & Do

Aisha Fahmy Palace

Aisha Fahmy Palace

Renamed after Princess Aisha Fahmy
Located in Aziz Abaza area at St. Zamalek, this ancient mansion belonging to Ali Fahmy, an Egyptian aristocrat and the army chief of King Farouk was built in 1907 and restored as an arts centre in 2017.

2-3 hours

Suggested Time

Citadel

Citadel

The seat of Egypt government from 13th to 19th centuries
Located atop the Mokattam hills in Cairo’s centre, this fortification pertaining to the medieval Islamic era was built by Saladin, the first sultan of Egypt during 1176-1183 and modified twice in 14th and 19th centuries.

3-4 hours

Suggested Time

Al Azhar Mosque

Al Azhar Mosque

Houses World’s 2nd Oldest Continuously-run University
This grand mosque was built in 970 AD and has since then seen many other architectural enlargements over a period of more than 1000 years, making it a unique amalgamation of various Egyptian styles and eras.

1-2 hours

Suggested Time

Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

Locally known as Cairo Museum or Egyptian Museum
Located in Downtown Cairo, near Midan Tahrir, this structure built in 1901 is one of the largest museums in the region and houses the world's biggest collection of Pharaonic antiquities.

3-4 hours

Suggested Time

Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

Storehouse of Innovative Architecture
Located near the Citadel in Historic Cairo, this mosque and madrassa was constructed from 1356 to 1363 after being commissioned by Sultan an-Nasir Hasan during the Bahri Mamluk dynasty reign.

1-2 hours

Suggested Time

Cairo Tower

Cairo Tower

Locally known as ‘Nasser's Pineapple’
Located on Gezira Island across Nile River, this 187 metres high concrete tower built during 1954-1961 was designed by an Egyptian architect called Naoum Shebib. Oh, it is also the tallest structure in Egypt.

3-4 hours

Suggested Time

Manial Palace and Museum

Manial Palace and Museum

Also known as Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Al Manial Palace)
Located on Rhoda Island in the Sharia Al-Saray area in Southern Cairo, this grand museum and palace was built by Prince Mohammed Ali (King Farouk’s uncle) in the early 20th century.

2-3 hours

Suggested Time

Museum of Islamic Art

Museum of Islamic Art

Reservoir of Cairo’s Islamic History
Overlooking Cairo, this two-storeyed museum designed by an Italian architect called Alfonso Manescalo in neo-Mamluk style, was completed in the year 1902. It was partially demolished in the 1970s and again in 2014 but has subsequently been renovated.

3-4 hours

Suggested Time

Qalawun Complex

Qalawun Complex

Highlight of Historic Cairo
Located at the Bayn al-Qasrayn district plaza, this sprawling complex consisting of a madrassa, mausoleum, and a hospital (destroyed in 1910) was built during 1284-1285 by the 7th Bahri Mamluk Sultan called Al-Mansur Qalawun.

3-4 hours

Suggested Time

Coptic Museum

Coptic Museum

Witness the Finest of the Coptic Art
Founded in the year 1908 by an Egyptian Coptic leader called Marcus Simaika, this museum sprawls over an area of 8,000 square meters and houses the world’s largest-ever collection of Egyptian Christian artefacts.

2-3 hours

Suggested Time

Best Time To Visit Cairo

Best during winters, spring and fall

  • DEC-FEB

    Peak Season

  • SEP-OCT

    Moderate Season

  • MAR-AUG

    Off-season

  • What To Expect:Pleasant days with bearable heat and crowded tourist spots.
  • Things You'll Love:Embarking on cruise and pyramid tours, visiting the art fair and restaurant hopping.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Cairo Art FairDecember-February

RamadanAs per calendar

Coptic ChristmasJanuary

Book Your Trip to Cairo

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Flight to Cairo Airport

9h 45m . One way

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₹19,952

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Flight to Dubai Airport, then Flight to Cairo Airport

11h 40m . One way

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Most Popular Places to Visit in Cairo - An Egyptian Tourism Extravaganza


Cairo is known as the cultural capital of Egypt and is located on the west bank of the River Nile. It is best known for the numerous pyramids of Giza, ancient Egyptian ruins, and various well-preserved museums displaying unique artefacts and treasures collected from remains of the ancient Egyptian civilization. You can also explore fun activities like camel rides amidst the Middle Eastern Arabian desert surrounding the city. Here's an itinerary of the top places to visit in Cairo for 2 days or more.


Best Places to Visit in Cairo for a Cultural Exploration


Check out some of the best tourist places in Cairo for an elaborate Egyptian exploration.

  1. Pyramids of Giza
    The pyramids of Giza are collectively located in Greater Cairo and are known to be among the oldest historic structures portraying architectural genius. Visit iconic landmarks like the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx for their ancient architecture and beauty.
  2. Memphis Ruins
    This ancient Egyptian capital today houses a lively and thriving culture. It has two of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites worth exploring and photographing.
  3. Coptic Cairo
    This part of Cairo is the oldest in the city and houses attractions like the Hanging Church, Coptic Museum, etc. Take a trip to this place to explore the magnificent beauty of ancient Egypt.
  4. The Citadel
    This vast fortress complex houses the magnificent Mosque of Mohammad Ali and is popularly visited to get a glimpse of the city of Cairo from an elevation.

Exciting Tourist Activities and Places to Explore in Cairo


There are also various fun and entertaining places to visit in Cairo with friends worth exploring.

  • Felucca Boat Ride
    If you want a serene escape away from the city's hustle and bustle, these boat rides and cruises are the best things to explore against a magnetic Cairo skyline.
  • Manial Palace and Museum Exploration
    On the Manial Island is this enchanting palace and museum visited for its collection of artefacts and decorative art on the walls and ceilings.
  • Zamalek Visit
    Zamalek is a European extravaganza in the heart of the city where you can explore various city exhibits and delectable local cuisine. It is also one of the best places to visit in Cairo at night.

Tourist Places in Cairo

Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, Al Azhar Mosque, Aisha Fahmy Palace, Qalawun Complex, Citadel

Country

Egypt

Best Time to Visit in Cairo

December to February

Things to Do in Cairo

Cairo Tower, Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, Manial Palace and Museum, Coptic Museum, Museum of Islamic Art

Places to visit in Cairo with Family

Heliopolis Towers Hotel, The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo, Conrad Cairo, InterContinental Cairo Citystars, Le Passage Cairo Hotel & Casino

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Cairo

For which type of travelling is Cairo a perfect destination?

Cairo is a perfect destination for International themed holidays.

What are the activities you can explore during the peak season and moderate season in Cairo?

In the peak season months December, January and February you will experience pleasant days with bearable heat and crowded tourist spots wherein around moderate season i.e. March, April, October and November you will enjoy moderately hot days with slightly cool nights. Whatever that suits your calendar, Cairo awaits you for a good time.

What is the best time to visit Cairo?

Ideally the best time to visit any place is considered when the weather conditions are delightful. For Cairo, you can choose to go in December, January and February which is the peak season and March, April, October and November which is the moderate season. Both will serve you well to unwind from your tedious routine.