Cairo is best known for the Great Pyramids of Giza, which are its standout attraction. However, beyond these ancient wonders, there’s a lot more to experience in the city.
While many tourists come to see the pyramids and visit a museum or two, trust us there’s a wide range of other Cairo attractions and activities that are worth exploring.
We cannot wait to share all the lesser-known gems and unique experiences this incredible city has to offer.
Before we get into all the unique Cairo attractions to be experienced, let’s address the elephant in the room and answer the most asked question when it comes to discussing Egypt “Is Cairo safe?”
Is Cairo Safe?
Before we headed to Egypt we read endless articles condemning Cairo. Tales that warn you about visiting this “dreadful city” and even worse, advise you to avoid visiting altogether.
We have read so much unfair criticism of Cairo as seen in the extract below, so we are here to write our experiences to challenge the rest!
“The area is filthy and packed with people, cars and motor bikes. I felt uneasy and unsafe. I can only feel awful for the beautiful monuments and cultural artefacts that are surrounded by slums”
One of many articles we read about Cairo!
To put it simply, we LOVED Egypt, and even more so we absolutely adored Cairo.
If truth be told, it is now on our list of favorite cities. We encountered nothing but warmth, friendliness, and welcome from start to finish and had only positive things to say about Egypt and Egyptian people.
Embrace the Wonderful Chaos
Cairo is the second largest city in Africa with a population of nearly 22 million.
The famous capital of Egypt is massive and visiting here can be a shock at first to some tourists.
However, we feel we are traveled enough to know what to expect and it would take a lot to surprise us.
We simply wandered around to soak up and embrace the much-anticipated but wonderful chaos.
So let’s find out what unique Cairo Attractions there are to truly discover this hectic, yet brilliant city.
Those who are visiting Cairo for the first time may see chaos, mayhem, and non-stop hustle and bustle.
But another way of viewing it is – a new culture, curious people, and unusual but fun experiences!
Whatever way you choose to view it, it is all here in Cairo and we personally couldn’t get enough of it.
*All prices mentioned in this article refer to Egyptian pounds. At the time of publication, 100 Egyptian Pounds are worth around 3 euros.
Cairo Attractions: Outside of Cairo!
Before we discover some of the famous Cairo sightseeing places inside the city, let’s check out what main attractions lay outside of the capital city.
Being budget travelers we only take tours when necessary. After doing our research to find ways of visiting the following two complexes, it was concluded that a tour would be our best option.
This was especially the case when a driver/private car for the day (9-5 pm) would cost us a mere £800 not including entry fees – that is just under 25 Euro.
The other option is local transport of all kinds, Ubers between complexes, and really just a load of hassle. Needless to say, we happily handed over the cash.
We may be budget travelers but we also have common sense!
*For this same tour we also got a quote for $90 US Dollars PER PERSON!! That is why it is so important to shop around, or just go straight to Farrah Tours and skip the torture!
Now that we have the comfort of a private driver and zero stress let’s start the tour of the most unique things to do in Cairo…
1. Cairo Attractions: Pyramid of Djoser
Our first Cairo Attraction of the day was the oldest complete stone building complex known in history – The Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid.
Did you know that the Step Pyramid is the oldest in Egypt?? Not many people know this and even worse still not many people visit here even though it is only 32km outside of Cairo.
The fee to visit this beauty was £200/person plus a £10 parking fee for our driver ($4.50 altogether).
Once we caught a glimpse of the 60m high ancient wonder, which was once the centerpiece of the entire Saqqara complex, we were brought to silence and yes that means a lot.
What a surreal moment when witnessing your first Pyramid!!
Best of all there were hardly any crowds, definitely no cruise ship crowds!
2. Cairo Attractions: Dahshur Complex
The Dahshur Pyramids were an extremely important learning experience for the Egyptians.
It provided them with the knowledge and know-how to transition from step-sided pyramids to smooth-sided pyramids.
Ultimately their experience would allow them to build the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The fee to visit this age-old complex is only £60/person plus a £10 parking fee ($1.50 altogether).
We felt this price was amazing given that we got to see these unbelievable pyramids outside of Cairo.
For this price, you can also go INSIDE both pyramids!
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3. Cairo Attractions: The Red Pyramid
Our first visit of the two was to The Red Pyramid. Unaware we could enter this pyramid, we walked up to what we assumed was a viewing platform.
Climbing down into a pyramid in a squat stress position in steep decline for over 60 meters in roasting hot temperatures was….ah….great craic!!
4. Cairo Attractions: The Bent Pyramid
Located right behind the Red Pyramid is the Bent Pyramid and our favorite!
Seeing the crumbling rubble of this majestic pyramid in its rugged and jagged form was simply humbling – even if it was just a big mess up!
We arrived at yet another entrance and opportunity to climb down into the pyramid but opted to give this one a miss.
Luckily we made that decision though as Kate’s legs were like jelly for the following two days just from the one climb!
5. Cairo Attractions: Walking in Memphis
Memphis was the capital of Ancient Egypt for more than eight consecutive dynasties.
Unfortunately, there is not much to see there now – some stalls, a few granite statues and coffins, an enormous Rameses II monument, and the Sphinx of Memphis.
The entry fee is £80 per person plus a £10 parking fee.
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6. Cairo Attractions: Walk the Maze of Khan el-Khalili
Now that we have visited the unique Cairo attractions outside of the city, let’s see what there is to do within the city of Cairo.
If you want to experience the true heart and soul of a Cairo attraction then a “stroll” through these narrow streets is a must.
However, If you have an issue with personal space or claustrophobia maybe this place isn’t for you!
Walking around here is what you could call a game of “human bumper cars” or what we also refer to it as (if you are in the right generation?!) the Bitter Sweet Symphony music video from The Verve.
Complete chaos is an understatement for this part of the city. It is an ant nest of people, colors, smells, noises, and so much more.
Oh, how we loved it. So much in fact that we returned for one more visit on our last day!
* Just keep walking, you will come to an opening at some stage!
7. Cairo Attractions: Bab al Futuh
Once you have gathered yourself from the Khan el-Khalili experience all else will be a breeze!
So now let’s take a real stroll to Bab al-Futuh – one of three remaining gates in the city wall of the old city of Cairo, Egypt.
Located at the northern end of the historic Al-Mu’izz Street which leads to Bab Zuwayla (we’ll get to that one later).
*Muizz Street is located in Cairo’s ancient Fahhamin Quarter and is home to many prominent Cairo tourist attractions.
This makes it one of Cairo’s most fascinating neighborhoods, especially for those intrigued by Islamic history and architecture.
Bab al-Futuh is one of the main gates through which to enter the Islamic Cairo historic area. It is free to enter this fantastic Cairo attraction.
8. Cairo Attractions: Climb a Minaret at the Sultan Al-Ghuri Complex
The exquisite Sultan Al-Ghuri Complex crosses at Muizz Street.
A mausoleum, a mosque, and an educational institution (a Madrasa) are all part of the Sultan Al-Ghuri Complex.
The mosque and madrasa are on one side of the road that runs through the complex. The two sides are connected by a humongous wooden roof that provides shade to the street beneath.
Did we get scammed?!
Approached on the street by a man telling us about a city view from where you could also catch a glimpse of the Giza Pyramids.
The view this man was referring to was obtained by climbing the minaret in the Sultan Al-Ghuri Complex.
The entry fee was bargained down to 50 EGP each from 200 EGP! We were the only people around which was both suspicious and excellent!
We were only discussing where to get a rooftop view of the city and this surpassed what we had expected – 360 views of an ancient skyline of minarets, domes, and pillars never mind the millions of stories and lives playing out beneath us.
And yes we could see the Great Pyramids!
The place was empty when we arrived back down and had us both wondering if we just gotten scammed.
At the same time, we were also quite content with this prospect and buzzing at the experience we so luckily came across.
So thank you “scammer” (FYI this is as much as we got “scammed” during our month in Egypt!)
9. Cairo Attractions: Bab Zuweila
Once we left the Sultan Al-Ghuri Complex it wasn’t long before Bab Zuweila appeared before us.
One of the other three remaining gates in the city wall of the Old City of Cairo – this one is on the southern side.
With its impressive dimensions, perfect stone masonry, and graceful twin minarets rising from its round-fronted towers, Bab Zuweila is one of Cairo’s most iconic monuments and is not to be missed.
But this historic landmark is not all to see around these parts of the old city.
It leads you into a bazaar quarter that feels it is as full of life today as it was in the Middle Ages.
10. Cairo Attractions: Take in the Views at the Citadel
Overlooking the city in a strategic position and dominating the skyline is the gigantic Citadel of Cairo.
One of the best photo spots in Cairo, there’s a bit of everything here – The Muhammad Ali Mosque, an ancient fort, museums, and stunning views over Cairo.
This massive fortress was built in the 12th century as protection against the Crusaders.
At the time it was among the most impressive and strategic military fortification projects ever built. These days it is a preserved historic site. Tickets cost 160EGP/$3.
If you visit around sunset you can see the magnificent mosque silhouette as the enormous sun turns the city a golden hue.
11. Cairo Attractions: City of the Dead
Next up is a macabre Cairo attraction. A massive cemetery with 500,000 citizens living among ancient tombs.
Many of the “houses” are actually tombs with people living in them. Although poverty is on the rise here and living conditions aren’t that great, the City of the Dead is an interesting place to visit.
We were unsure as to how we would be received at first (more than likely letting more fear-inducing articles seep in).
Nonetheless, we were greeted with smiles and waves and the heartwarming “Welcome to Egypt” that you will hear tens of times a day!
Wandering around the tombs can provide a somewhat morbid yet irreplaceable experience you will never forget.
*As with anywhere else in the world, use your own judgement regarding safety and as always remain respectful to those around you.
12. Cairo Attractions: The Egyptian Museum
If you love history, then the next attraction is for you. Home to the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world – The Egyptian Museum.
This is another must-see in Cairo with a very impressive 120,000 items on display. It is currently the largest museum in Africa.
The cost of entry to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is 200EGP/$4 per person.
Among its masterpieces are Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s treasures, including its iconic gold burial mask. It is widely considered one of the best-known works of art in the world and a prominent symbol of ancient Egypt.
Sadly though, photography is not allowed in this section of the museum.
A vast amount of famous tombs, statues, and hieroglyphics are all on display.
Our favorite was the mummy section although a bit freaky seeing mummified people. It also includes mummified animals such as monkeys, cats, dogs, and an imposing 5-meter crocodile!
13. Cairo Attractions: Sunset at the Nile
Arriving in Cairo without viewing the Nile would be like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower.
If you are going to see the Nile you may as well see it in its best light – sunset!
There is a nice buzz around at this time with many other people also out enjoying the views.
We opted for views at the Qasr El Nil Bridge but sunset boat cruises also run daily and can be booked here.
14. Cairo Attractions: Down Town Cairo
Once the sun has set over the Nile make your way from Qasr El Nil Bridge to El Tahrir Square, only a 5 minute stroll away.
Looking for quality and large quantity meals at amazing value?! Then this is the place for you.
Sit out on the street and watch the world go by. Heads up, there will be lots of cats!
15. Cairo Attractions: The Great Pyramids of Giza
Last but not least – The Great Pyramids of Giza.
The reason why many people visit Egypt in the first place, and they certainly do not disappoint.
Having already mentioned numerous pyramids in this article you may ask – have you not seen enough? Simple answer – No, absolutely not!
Built over 4,500 years ago as tombs for the Pharaohs and their Queens The Giza Pyramids are the largest of the ancient Egyptian pyramids.
The Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest of the three is the only one of the original seven wonders of the world still standing today.
If this isn’t reason enough to visit I don’t know what is!
The Pyramids of Giza are part of a larger necropolis that includes the Sphinx – a colossal statue of a lion with a human head, and several smaller pyramids and temples.
We would recommend having Cairo as your base but if you opt to stay in Giza we would suggest staying a MAXIMUM of two days as there’s not much else to see besides the pyramids.
One day of visiting the Pyramid complex, and the other day chilling in your hotel room with an outstanding view!
Enjoy Our Unique Cairo Attractions!
So there you have it, 15 reasons to visit Cairo, a city we instantly fell in love with.
Let us know if you have visited this amazing city.
Would you visit some or all of these unique things to do in Cairo?
Hopefully, you are now planning to visit this brilliant country, and if you discover any other unique things to do in Cairo please let us know for our next Cairo trip.
We would love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to leave us a message below or contact us through our socials.
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