20 Best Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
It is the ”City of a Thousand Minarets” as it is called. Cairo is a unique city in Egypt, one of the world’s largest cities in terms of population and development. This city is a 21st-century one, which also accommodates thousands of years of history. One will see the buildings and places of worship resplendent in the golden light, marvel at those magnificent pyramidal monuments, and crane one’s neck to look at the tips of minarets shimmering in the sun.
What the best part of Cairo does is give one an opportunity to experience the full variety. An Egyptologist might, for instance, find themselves at the Egyptian Museum, strolling through marketplaces in Islamic Cairo, or even discovering unique churches within Coptic Cairo, illustrating the city’s truly rich and culturally diverse tapestry. The shopping might go on for days as one winds through the insufficiently streets of the renowned Khan El Khalili Bazaar, and one doesn’t have to forget to taste the exclusive dishes like Koshari and taamiya, which can be had in daring eateries or better yet in a relaxing cruise aboard a Nile Dinner boat.
A visit to Cairo promises enchanting excursions to Saqqara, Dahshur, and the Fayoum Oasis, leaving you with some tantalizing tastes in Egypt’s heritage for off-the-road tourists. All the excitement, such as Cairo Tower, Al-Azhar Park, and Zamalek Island, spills onto the surrounding landscape.
This guide seeks only the 20 most thrilling things to be done in Cairo, Egypt, that ensure pure excitement to immerse someone, whether one is average to Cairo or back on another trip to explore meringues filled with memories, culture, and history.
1. Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx – Top Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
When these remain to be the most iconic landmarks in Egypt, nothing can stand equal to this triune. For the last 4500 years, these manmade wonders have been the foremost thoughts of Egyptian grandeur, and the very mention of must-see things in Cairo, Egypt.
The three main pyramids in the Giza Plateau are the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. The largest is the Great Pyramid of Khufu. It is the only remaining monument out of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and stands as testimony to the brilliance of the Egyptian engineers of his time. Smaller queens’ pyramids, temples, and tombs stand next to the big pyramids and offer further insight into the methods of burial employed by the Pharaohs.
🏜️ Visit the Pyramids of Giza & The Great Sphinx
No trip to Cairo is complete without exploring the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Walk in the footsteps of the pharaohs, marvel at the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, and capture unforgettable moments in the desert sands.
Standing as the guardian of the necropolis, the Great Sphinx of Giza is a great, gigantic statue carved out of limestone with the body of a lion and the head of a king, usually identified as that of Khafre. The sheer size and inscrutable expression of the Sphinx have held tourists and scholars captive for centuries.
Pyramids usually offer climbing opportunities; one can also enter some chambers and ride across the sand of the desert on either a camel or a horse while admiring panoramic views. To imprint deeply on one’s mind is watching a Sound and Light Show in the evening, which lights up history with a dazzling backdrop. A visit to Cairo wouldn’t be considered complete without gaping at these world-famous monuments; thus, the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx stand as the most important stops for any traveler in Egypt’s capital.
2. Explore the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square – Must-See Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
If one wishes to savor some moments to live in the pharaonic time, then to start off the tour, the Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square stands as an excellent place to visit. This historic institution was established in 1902 and ranks as one of the iconic landmarks of Cairo. It has the world’s largest private collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, with over 120,000 items displayed in various exhibitions. Gigantic halls stand like caverns from time out of mind, showing awe, mystery, and the everyday life of the abode & glory of ancient Egypt.
The museum is well known for the treasures and the Royal Burial Equipment of King Tutankhamun. These treasures, comprising the splendid golden funerary mask, jewelry, and complicated burial implements, have been arousing interest in archaeologists and travelers for ages. Then the Royal Mummy Hall, which presented an unusual opportunity to see mummies of slight magnificence: Ramses II, Hatshepsut, and Seti I, could be an attraction to great kings. The bodies of another great Pharaoh could rarely bring him to an almost personal level.
🏺 Explore the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square
Step inside Cairo’s world-famous Egyptian Museum and journey through over 5,000 years of history. Home to treasures of Tutankhamun, royal mummies, and countless ancient artifacts, this museum is truly one of the must-see things to do in Cairo, Egypt.
Other displays include colossal statues, sarcophagi, papyrus scrolls, pottery, and items pertinent to the daily life of Egypt, thereby providing the visiting audience with a glimpse of this great civilization.
The museum is situated around the world-famous Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo. It lies amongst many other iconic buildings and is usually part of most guided city tours. Another three to four hours will comfortably be spent there, studying and observing the exhibits. For any history and culture buff, this one would probably rank highest amongst those must-do activities when in Cairo, Egypt.
3. Discover the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) – New Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is an exciting new tourist attraction in the capital and a modern cultural institution beside the Pyramids of Giza. The newly constructed complex aims to be the largest archaeological museum in the world, where the ancient Egyptian treasures are exhibited in an architecture that gloriously welds history to a dash of modernity. Thus, a visit to the GEM becomes one of the fresh attractions for an adventure-seeker in Cairo, Egypt.
The whole Tutankhamun collection is, perhaps, the biggest attraction of the entire museum, being kept together for the first time since its discovery for reassembly purposes. One can see 5,000+ objects discovered in this boy king’s tomb: the elegant gold mask, chariots, clothes, and seemingly mundane goods that speak volumes about the royal lifestyle in the New Kingdom. Apart from the artifacts of Tutankhamun, the museum also exhibits colossal statues, mummies, papyrus manuscripts, etc, across the vast continuum of Egyptian civilization.
The Grand Staircase is particularly interesting and welcomes visitors with enormous statues and architectural fragments from the Pharaonic era. The Museum is also home to research divisions, conservation laboratories, and multimodal exhibitions that breathe life into history for scholars and tourists alike.
Since it is around the Giza Plateau, most would combine the GEM visit to see the pyramids, leaving an adventurous day in between. Fulfilling one’s curiosity for history or tempted by Egyptian heritage, the Grand Egyptian Museum will always remain one of those cultural highlights you forever cherish in Cairo.
4. Wander the Citadel of Saladin and Muhammad Ali Mosque – Historic Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
From the pinnacle of a city hill, one can appreciate the grandeur of the Citadel of Saladin, commanding the admiration of Cairo’s citizens and visitors alike. The edifice was constructed in the 12th century under the instruction of the famous leader and Muslim warrior, Salah al-Din, popularly known as Saladin. It was a strategy that combated the entry of Crusader forces in Egypt and served as the royal residence of the Egyptian monarchs for over 700 years. If one is seeking historical and cultural experiences on a tour of Cairo, the citadel is the best site embodying the power and resilience of Islamic Cairo.
The compound within the walls has quite a few palaces in addition to museums and mosques, chief among the mosques being the exquisite Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Built around the 19th century, the mosque is one of the tallest landmarks in the city with its towering Ottoman-style domes and double-towering minarets. Next comes a huge prayer room with golden-decked chandeliers, beautifully inlaid marble, and delicately painted ceilings, all meant to inspire awe and peace.
It is such a pity that in our time almost all the mosques serve as IV rooms and the second line of defense against the inroads of Islam and Muslims into the Western civilization, that the fields of both our and their Cultural Foundation establishment by the Truth have been forgotten about, that the Councils of Religious Affairs and Moslem Women’s Organizations have been created and proclaimed even on the international levels, with the World Islam to become the first professional and social organization of the Moslems.
5. Stroll Along Al-Muizz Street – Cultural Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
Exploring Islamic Cairo comes with an unforgettable experience. If you happen to visit Maadi, it’s one of the best cultural activities to do. Expect to view artifacts that go back to the biblical era of Egypt, including the pyramids. Some 200 pieces of the collection are the original artifacts.
Walking through Al Moez Street is like being inside a conundrum where finely crafted wooden balconies with heavy roof cover resting on pilasters are alongside grandiose entrances and sprawling minarets at every alternate corner. There are many sites to be seen in this street, such as the Qalawun Minaret, the Qaytbay’s Sunbuliyyah, and the Barquq Mask: Morocco, decorations on the layers of the wall after each layer.
The city takes on a whole new character when the darkness settles and the Ancient Egypt attractions are lit, to the accompaniment of music, entertainment, and the rich scent of street food. It’s a good place for taking pictures, for the undulating pattern of black and white makes every corner look transfixing.
One can also come down to Al-Muizz without hesitation, as it meets Khan el Khalili Market so conveniently. Be it admiring the beauty of buildings, shopping for local handicrafts, or just enjoying the historic ambiance, coming to the Al-Muizz Street is an overwhelming cultural event. This street can also be referred to as one of the destinations…for those who want to feel the true essence of Cairo and go beyond pharaonic monuments.
6. Shop at Khan El Khalili Bazaar – Traditional Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
To delve deep into the reality of one of the most ancient and iconic countries in the Middle East, one needs to visit the framework structure of the civilization known as the Khan Al Khalili Bazaar, which is located in Cairo. The market was built during the 14th century and has been around for quite some time. It has been a commercial and handicraft centre for ages, and hence, some things are way too traditional to overlook, and one of them is not to miss doing a Cairo tour, Egypt.
Upon entering, and on the right of, the Khan al Khalili market through one of the seven portals, visitors will be greeted with a myriad of stalls displaying handmade jewelry including gold and silver crafted with various shapes; brass and copper lamps; a variety of incenses; spices and attic oils; all kinds of printed and embroidered textiles; awelagh leather and other Egyptian costumes for theatre or playing; and plenty of other mementos.
At Khan El Khalili, shopping is not the only thing that matters. It is about the idea as well. The market is blessed to have some old coffee shops like El Fishawi Café, the oldest of them all in Cairo. You can sit with some friends or family members to drink mojito cocktails and a shisha. Hitting the bazaar on these attractions, which adds to the bazaar, makes it to worthwhile destination.
Khan El Khalili is a must-see in the center of Islamic Cairo and can be explored within a day after visiting several mosques or Al-Muizz Street. Khan El Khalili, whether you are buying some junk for people or eating some chain bagels, or people watching. Sighting places are places to remember. Living traditions of Cairo, this bazaar Khan El Khalili, any which way, will never disappoint.
7. Visit the Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo – Religious Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
One of the many landmarks of Coptic Cairo is no other but the Hanging Church or the Church of the Virgin Mary. Egypt, a land of numerous Christian churches, has a church built back in the third or fourth centuries AD that stands out as one of the oldest and most revered in the country. It is an unusual prayer because it is in an uncovered church. This is certainly one of the top things to do in Cairo that can only be performed by the religiously oriented.
This church was given its title ‘Hanging’ owing to the construction of the church on top of the entrance of a Roman fortress. This gives the church the impression of hovering over the ground. Stepping inside the church, one will see the appealing wooden doors, pure white marble pulpit, carefully drawn icons, and the ornate wooden ceiling shaped as a dome like Noah’s Ark. The walls of the church are adorned with more than 100 icons, with some of them having been painted as early as the 8th century. These have scenes of the Virgin Mary, Christ, and some other saints as well.
Besides, we talked about the Hanging Church, which is another fundamental church in the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church, as for very many years it was also the official seat for the Coptic Patriarch. And further from this, it is also a quiet kind of an environment, one where each person can sit and wander off into the Christian roots of ancient Egypt.
⛪ Visit the Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo
Discover one of the oldest and most significant churches in Egypt, the Hanging Church of Coptic Cairo. Famous for its unique design, religious icons, and spiritual atmosphere, it stands as a timeless symbol of Egypt’s Christian heritage. A truly sacred stop among the religious things to do in Cairo, Egypt.
This cathedral is also situated in the Coptic Quarter and, therefore, there are numerous tourist attractions around it, including the Church of St. Sergio and Bacchus, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Coptic Museum, which are perfect to see on a foot tour to Old Cairo. Whether you have come for religion, history, or arts and styles, you will get a few insights into Cairo this way, because any visit to the Hanging Church pays respect to the multicultural culture and religious diversity.
8. Explore the Coptic Museum and Ben Ezra Synagogue – Heritage Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
One of the attractions that attracts people to such a place is visiting Old Cairo worth it? It is the region where two famous historical halls, both the Coptic Museum and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, are situated side by side. They are places full of historical heritage, and that, too, in a multi-religious country such as Egypt, is a testament to its cultural diversity.
This museum originally belongs to a date of sixteen years down the road since its foundation in 1908 and is the best-kept and highest sharing collection of Coptic religious objects in the world. There are collected inside icons, textiles, manuscripts, and architectural remains, and lots more that explain how Christianity reached Egypt a few years after Christ‘s post-resurrection period. One point to note when visiting this place is that architecturally, this location may be described as a mix of traditional and modern architecture, which makes it unique. It is just amazing for anyone who craves to discover the hidden wonders of Egypt.
Introduction of the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the most ancient Jewish temples of Cairo, is an ancient one. According to the opinion of some scholars, this structure is to be located near a place where, according to a legend, the baby prophet Moses Aronovich floated safely on a reed flowering on the river Nilus. There is also an exciting detail given to this synagogue by a marvelous finding, which is the “Geniza archives” held within its walls.
All these apprehensions and many others have put such a grieving status on the territory where the people were venerating and loving their culture, and it seems that such is the city of Cairo, Egypt, in its better parts.
9. Take a Felucca Ride on the Nile – Relaxing Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
A sublime way of enjoying Cairo that one can count on ever remembering is taking a Felucca cruise on the Nile River. The archaic, wooden yet exquisite boats used in Egypt for generations have their appeal as they permit the locals and tourists to feel and appreciate the offering of the city. Furthermore, the felucca wandering in the calm water presents you with panoramic views of the city skyline, the bridges, and other riverside structures, all of which are bathed in the glorious rays of the Sun.
The most interesting thing is that the color of the sky in such an evening is that of pure gold, hues of pink and violet up the sky, and the dance of colors finishes somewhere in the calm waters, giving away a beautiful image. No wonder it can be deemed a romantic getaway in name as well as in deed. This is a relaxing activity, so even the most active tourists or kids can highly recommend it. Very often, tea and also fruits or something else people brought from the hotel or bought in the numerous snack shops along the street shore will be used as a floating picnic, and they will enjoy the scenic beauty of the Nile.
Even while basking in the sunlight or appreciating the twinkling stars in the clear sky at night, the felucca ride on the Nile will help them realize how the river has been the main source of nourishment through the ages in Egypt. It is no doubt a great place of indulgence and relaxation for any tourist in Cairo, carrying out some serene activities.
10. Relax in Al-Azhar Park – Outdoor Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
Those who are getting sick and tired of Cairo’s lively environs will appreciate the chance of getting into fresh air while visiting Al-Azhar Park. The park, known as Al-Azhar Garden, was established in 2005 on a 74-acre area. This stunning expanse of green bordering on the perfectly manicured lawns and ornate fountains is worth every inch covered. It has not failed to gain popularity even faster, given the devastation of the area centuries ago.
However, what sets Al-Azhar Park apart is the way it has been created in a particular context. The unique settings of an elevated area at the heart of Islamic Cairo are maximally utilized by the park in such a way that numerous buildings and distinct components inside the city, such as minarets, the iconic onion roofs, and even the ancient Saladin Citadel, can be seen. That is specifically why you will find that Al-Azhar Park in Cairo is one of the most serene places you can walk, take a nap, or watch the most perfect sunset illuminating the most ancient Ethiopian capital.
The park holds the distinction of not just being the home of natural beauty, but it also embraces restaurants and cafes that serve exotic food as well as cold drinks with a view of the city and the water body. The land in the place is a beautiful public space, and relatives who have come with their children are given a lot of room. In many societies, young men and women go here in groups, and many couples regard it as an ‘away from it all’ place where they enjoy each other’s company.
One of the best outdoor activities in Cairo is taking a stroll at Al-Azhar Park for individuals who love the outdoor experience.
11. See the Views from Cairo Tower – Panoramic Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo Tower stands as one of the places where someone can access a bird’s-eye view of Cairo. Tourists can see Cairo’s lively capital, Egypt. The tower, which traces its roots back to its construction in 1961, is located on the Nile River on the Gezira Island, soars seamlessly to an altitude of 610 feet, and projects an almost 360-degree view of the sprawling city of Cairo. From the roof of the building, you can see the pyramids of Giza, the river Nile winding through the city, and the different lively centers in Cairo that lend it life.
The tower’s revolving restaurant can give not only a great meal but also a fantastic view from above – one can never bother looking outward rather than reading a menu. The view does not alter whether it is from during the day, where a steel bath-tub city seems as if it has no end in sight, or from the night, where the city is aglow in lights from the thousands of skyscrapers; day or night, it does not matter; the effect is subliminally eternal in both periods.
The observation deck is a must-see for photographers and offers some of the best photos, specifically of the city. It is a favorite romantic stop for couples, while children will have a lot of fun running around in a attempt to point out certain landmarks. Also, unlike many of Cairo’s other landmarks before, there are many other structures, activities, and other things that are different from the other activities.
You will find a small change in the behavior of the City of Cairo with a view of Charter Hall and other specially considered venues like the Citadel.
12. Taste Authentic Egyptian Street Food – Foodie Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
One of the most riveting ways to explore the culture of Cairo is through its rich street food offerings. There is a gamut of traditional Egyptian cuisines, the preparation and presentation of which dates back for a millennium or several. The capital’s hustle and bustle are filled with local vendors offering delicious treats and satisfying meals at pocket-friendly prices.
Koshari introduction is inevitable as it is the national dish of Egypt, which consists of rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, and crispy onions topped with a spicy tomato sauce. Taking a breather, one can have taameya (felafel made from broad beans) or order baladi bread (meaning the native or the country’s bread pattern) and stuff it with every alternative grilled meat or liquid hummus. Shawarma wraps, fragrant kofta, or even sizzling meat pie (hawawshi) are a good place to start, too. Lastly, there are sweet treats such as basbousa, kunafa, or the well-known sugarcane juice popular in Egypt.
Some of the best places to find such flavors are local food markets like Khan El Khalili and crowded and vibrant main streets. Street food in Cairo is more than satisfying in that it introduces one into the heart of the city and its locals after tasting the food.
For visiting tourists who are anxious to be pleased and eat in an Egyptian way, the exploration of street food is, without any doubt, one of the best ways of food tourism in Cairo, Egypt.
13. Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) – Educational Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
One of the most popular and outstanding museums in Cairo is the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (Fustat), which stands today. It is the ideal choice for people who want to know more about the chronological past of this country, due to the fact that it is accessible at all times.
This museum does not concentrate on ancient Egyptian artifacts like all other similar institutions around the world. Rather, it gives a broader view on how civilization and life regions of these people are situated concerning each other from the prehistoric era to the Coptic, Islamic, and Modern era.
If you want to see some of the pharaohs of Egypt, such as Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut, then you have to go to the Royal Mummies Hall of the museum, which is also an art hub. The lighting within the space is dim and respectful so that individuals can appreciate the historical monuments and the old elites of Egypt.
Beyond the exhibited mummies, NMEC is where you also find the artifacts that provide insights into the advancement of Egyptian art, culture, and traditions. Exciting, interactive, and contemporary displays make learning so much fun and enlightening to every visitor, which includes people of all ages, families, as well as students and history enthusiasts.
Combining state-of-the-art practices in the field of museum presentation and content, as well as exceptional exhibits, NMEC provides an educational experience that very few can compare with. It is more about learning when one comes to the museum, because also, choosing an activity apart from arrival, right before departure, and venturing outside the hotel, feels as fun and beneficial. There are so many educational things you can do in Egypt while in Cairo.
14. Explore Zamalek Island – Modern Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
In the Egyptian Mother of all civilizations, Cairo, amongst the widest populated cities in the world, the River Nile, between the vast extents of the East and West banks, buried entirely in the heart of the country, they are united on-edge is also known as Zamalek. Zamalek is one of the most aspirational places to live in the city. This particular region is full of tall flamingo trees and public parks, and quite a large number of stone buildings, some centuries old. What makes this place so special and attractive to the afilados as well as the travelers is that it is an artist’s paradise.
This is not all there is to it. Fine art aficionados are also accorded a utopia with a plethora of art galleries featuring exclusive construction to, say, the Cairo Opera House, Zamalek Art Gallery, and quite a few other small boutique spaces devoted to the art of Egyptian and non-Egyptian big artists. In addition to this, some secluded areas of the island are adorned with nice cafes, good restaurants, and stunning rooftop bars exposing the beauty of Egyptian and world cuisine in a modern way, with tourists crossing the Nile for tourists.
As for Zamalek, those guests eager to learn more about the history of any places should, in this case, head straight to the local souks, especially those which can be found in the old part of Cairo.
Visitors to the modern city are in for a nightmare since the new segment of Cairo is not convenient for them. Besides famous areas, including the Academic College, a special taste of modern Cairo is marked with an unprecedented scale. The enjoyment of every inch of this area with its ultra-modern constructions is within most of the visitors in Cairo.
15. Take a Day Trip to Saqqara and Dahshur – Ancient Things to Do in Cairo Egypt
A trip to Saqqara and Dahshur can be an enriching addition to the day’s itinerary, besides the Pyramids of Giza, which is one of the things to do in Cairo, Egypt. Few activities are available in Cairo that transport to a further away place, but on the other hand, suitable for a day trip.
It is important then that these centers comprise the evolution of the construction of pyramids, or in other words, provide information on how pyramids were built over time. There is a bit of peace in these pyramids since this location is not as busy as Giza, yet it holds great importance in world history.
Close by are the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, two of the most amazing pyramids of Egypt, both of which were built by Pharaoh Sneferu. Geometrically, the second one, known as the Red Pyramid, is considered the first ‘true’ pyramid built on the globe and is open for the public to venture into and experience from the inside!
Unlike at the peak of the tourist season, you can now get to feel Egypt in its original form, especially while in Saqqara or Dahshur. During the visit to these two places, it is possible to explore the custom of constructing that is still ‘work in progress.’ This custom is the precursor of building the Great Pyramids.
16. Admire the Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa’i Mosques – Architectural Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
Opposite one another and near the Citadel, the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan and the Al-Rifa’i Mosque make up one of the most alluring architectural complexes in Cairo. These two monuments offer one of the most breathtaking architectural tours in Cairo, Egypt, since they are a testament to the city’s Islamic and monumental outlook.
As a building from the 14th century, the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan is a splendid representation of the Mamluk style of architecture. The walls of the mosque, its huge gateway, its large open spaces… each one of these features renders any visitor breathless, filled with admiration. Inside the mosque, the mosque’s stonework, specific pattern designs, and high iwans exhibit the brilliance of Cairene art from the Middle Ages. In the early years, it belonged to the Mamluks; the Mamluk period started with the fall of the Ayyubid dynasty. “One of the tower foundations has a relic of drooping Mamluk stables from there to where the famous throbbing school was established, known across the Islamic world”.
Directly across, you can see the Al-Rifa’i Mosque, which was built in the mid-19th century as a royal sarcophagus. Inside, which is enclosed by the western loft of the royal sarcophagi of Egyptian kings and queens, as well as the greatest monument of the last ruler, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, i.e., the Last Shah of Iran. The blend of Ottoman and Mamluk architectural phases that went into the design of these royal monuments thus explains much of how history and aesthetics were ordered in the capital of Egypt.
17. Experience a Nile Dinner Cruise – Romantic Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
The Nile dinner cruise is one of the topmost romantic and pleasurable things to do in Cairo, Egypt, as a couple or tourist. Sliding down the Nile River in the background of the glowing, vibrant city, there is a mix of calmness, exploration, and fun available for everyone.
In the audio of most dinner cruises, you can view swanky boats or feluccas, which are usually simple. The full-sized vessels come with vast interior spaces hosting anything from an international buffet to dance and music to local entertainment. Including the twirling Tanora performers and oriental belly dancers, all creating an exhilarating ambiance. Otherwise, if you are looking to spend a quiet time with your partner, there are the less crowded traditional feluccas far from the busy river area.
The further you go suggests the the lights draw attention to the fascinating views of Cairo, with the beautiful bridges, the enormous and attractive Cairo Tower, and the dazzling lights from the city below reflecting beautifully on the water surface. One can confidently count on wine, food, weather, music, and most of all, the views.
If someone wants to spend quality time on the Nile, watching the sunset, or to celebrate a romantic occasion, a dinner cruise will be in line with every desire. It is the only opportunity for an individual to witness Cairo during the night and understand its relentless association with the river that has nurtured the Egyptian people for centuries.
18. Tour Abdeen Palace Museum – Royal Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
Indeed, embarking on a tour of Abdeen Palace Museum counts as one of the upper crust and absorbing royal things to do in Cairo, Egypt. This luxurious building, which was in the geographical heart of the city, was the official royal, or rather the king’s, home in the past, and even in the present day, it remains one of the most magnificent palaces in Cairo. The late 19th century, however, witnessed its construction when Khedive Ismail built it to liven the glory of royal Egypt.
Nowadays, Abdeen Palace stands as a massive museum estate consisting of many individual collections. The weapons and chambers of the museum show that exotic weapons and gifts from all over the world have been presented to Egypt, while the awards given to any ruler of Egypt, including the medals and ribbons, are displayed. And if you’re not in the mood for that, the hallways showcase fine metal wares, a royal lounge, and other silks that belonged to kings and queens.
The architecture in its purity is exquisite and caters to a number of tastes due to its impregnation of the Neoclassical and Baroque principles, the abundance of marble, golden details, and a large number of chandeliers. Such a fit-for-kings-and-queens sort of treatment, as people will discover, in the architecturally magisterial edifice in place.
For the lovers of history, seekers of culture, and really anyone wanting to know about the ancient kings of Egypt, the Abdeen Palace Museum presents itself as a journey of a lifetime. Previous heads of state of the country have lived here, but it also uncovers how powerful the heads of Egypt were and how their actions were followed during such times.
19. Explore Manial Palace Museum – Unique Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
If you are interested in learning about historical places enriched with art and buildings, then visiting the Manial Palace Museum is one of the best things to do in Cairo, Egypt. Found at Rhoda Island, this small structure was constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Prince Mohammed Ali Tewfik, a relative of King Farouk within the same period. What distinguishes it from other royal sites in the city is how all these other components have been combined into one palace, so that some of the features found here include Ottoman, Moorish, Persian, as well as European designs, just to mention a few.
The Manial Palace was further renovated in the previous pushes and now features perfectly preserved interiors, courts, and beautifully maintained gardens. The visitors inside are comfortable when they look at different types of precious things, such as antiques and carpets in an Islamic style. One such gem is the Ceremonial Hall with its stupendous decorations and wood carvings. More so important is the Clock Tower and His Excellency’s collection of artifacts that mirror his refined collection and strong passion for history and culture.
The gardens surrounding the palace are impressive as well, filled with various exotic plants from all over the world, creating an atmosphere where you can spend calm time away from the hustle and bustle of Cairo, making it an ideal place to enjoy culture and nature at the same time.
Along with this, the Manial Palace Museum is quite a unique museum which offers a closer view of such luxurious and artistic elements of Egypt’s recent history, about which many people might not even have had a clue.
20. Visit Wadi Degla Protectorate – Adventure Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
Egypt offers many beautiful sights and exotic activities that every nature and adventure enthusiast can try. And Wadi Degla Nature Reserve is definitely among the top things to do in Cairo, Egypt. It is only around an hour away from the city boundaries and occupies up to 10 miles, providing an offbeat chance for the greenery to escape urbanization. The rugged desert, with its vast mountains and meandering pathways, makes it a useful location for walking, cycling, running, or even basking in the wilderness.
Wadi Degla is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Cairo” for reasons of its severe topography, occupied by built-in bed scales as tall as a skyscraper. The abundance of fauna in the area, some of which includes jackals, hares, watershews, pestalists, bats, and a whole lot of birds that migrate from the south in the winter, makes it a fantastic area for wildlife sighting and photography. A lot of tourists do find pleasure in bringing a picnic or even sleeping under the stars and experiencing a different Egypt, which is beyond the temples and the museums.
Visitors who can be classified under adventurous purposes come to learn about the natural caves and the gorges.
Families and groups frequently use the park for recreational activities in the outdoors. The park is visited quite often, especially by those coming from Cairo because of the geographical positioning and the proximity to the city, which is also convenient.
The park is not far from Cairo since, in terms of spots availing direction, it is as close as behind those golden pyramids.