Egypt is the land of pharaohs and ancient history. Where many movie authors and directors were inspired to create epic fiction.

Although most of them pictured the country as a Bedouin Sahara, with camels roaming through the streets. However, that’s far from the truth. The country is full of life and way civilized than you might think. You can visit anywhere from Cairo to Aswan, and you will notice so in every aspect of their lives.

To begin with, you have to visit Cairo, the capital.

For many of us, visiting Cairo, Egypt is mainly for visiting the Giza Pyramids and sphinx, to catch a glimpse of pharaonic history. However, there is more places to visit in Cairo than that.

Away from the famous places in Cairo, there are some hidden gems you have to add to your list.

Let us start with the most famous tourist attractions in Cairo. We won’t forget to mention some interesting things to do at night as well.

Best places to visit in Cairo

1. Giza pyramids and the sphinx

Whether you added the pyramids complex on the top of your bucket list or not, you have to see it. Once you reach the complex, you will be completely amazed. It’s not considered one of the most popular tourist attractions without a reason.

The pyramids are located at the edge of Giza near Cairo, standing high after thousands of years, emphasizing on the greatness of the pharaohs, and how they managed to leave such a great monument for generations.

Places to visit in Cairo
pyramids

Going into the pyramid, you will have to have a guide with you, to show you the kings’ sarcophagus place. In case

Tyou are claustrophobic, don’t push your limits, it’s not worth the hassle.

Don’t forget to check the first representation of a royal sphinx in ancient Egypt, the Great Sphinx of Giza.

You can visit the complex anytime between 8 am to 4 pm from October to March, and from 7 am to 7 pm from April to September.

2. The Egyptian museum

Places to visit in Cairo
The Egyptian museum

It’s also known as the Cairo museum. The place is known for its huge collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, it’s considered one of the largest museums in Africa.

You can see the Gold Mask of Tutankhamun, the Grave Mask of king Amenemope and the Mummy mask of Psusennes I.

Nevertheless, the highlight of your tour will be the Royal Mummies Hall, where mummies of King Ramses II, Queen Hatshepsut, and others are displayed.

3. Salah El-Din al Ayoubi citadel

Moving forward in history to the medieval era, spare a day of your trip to go to Salah El-Din al Ayoubi citadel.

This citadel is considered one of the most remarkable landmarks from this era, which was featured prosperity and human development spread.

Inside the Citadel there is almost a whole city; mosques, palaces, war factories, and military and civilian schools were built inside it.

Places to visit in Cairo
Salah El-Din al Ayoubi citadel
 

4. Cairo Tower

Places to visit in Cairo
Cairo Tower

If you are not afraid of heights, take some time and explore Cairo from above.

Located in the middle of the city, 187 meters high, Cairo Tower is the best spot to watch a panorama of Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx, the Nile, and Citadel of Saladin.

You can enjoy a nice lunch or dinner in the restaurant that exists on 14 floors, with an amazing view.

5. Khan el-Khalili

Most of the tours mentioned above can be done in the daytime. However, you may ask, what is there to do in Cairo at night?
You can find a lot of places to go to at night, one of the most popular is Khan el-Khalili.
Khan el-Khalili, or the bazaar district, in other words, is a famous shopping area for antiques and souvenirs.

Places to visit in Cairo
Khan el-Khalili

Aside from that, the district has a distinctive architectural character. You can notice that in every inch of the buildings, the shops and al-Hussein Mosque.
Moreover, if you are into trying traditional food, you can also find restaurants, street food vendors and coffee shops scattered everywhere.

Those are the most famous places in the city, which you have to make sure not to miss.
Although, Egypt carries more than what was mentioned.
You can travel to Upper Egypt to go deeper in the pharaonic history, or you can jump to Alexandria for a day to visit Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Plan your trip ahead and set your priorities, so you don’t miss a moment.

If you choose to fulfil your dream and go on the trip of your dreams, we recommend that you check these tours: Giza Pyramids and Egyptian Museum Tour, Sakkara, Dahshur, and Memphis Day Trip, and Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo Tour.