I’ve always wanted to have a Cairo tour one day and this has been my dream since I was a kid. Cairo is the capital of Egypt and one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the Middle East. It’s home to some of the world’s greatest ancient monuments, a fascinating cultural scene, and a bustling nightlife packed with restaurants, markets, Nile tours, and art venues.

For tourists visiting Cairo, there is no shortage of attractions to keep you entertained. From the iconic Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza to the ancient Churches of Coptic Cairo and Mosques of Islamic Cairo and Khan Al Khalili, there is a plethora of historic treasures here. The Egyptian Museum showcases some incredible artifacts, while Islamic Cairo offers insight into Egypt’s past with its narrow winding alleyways filled with antique stores and bazaars with so many things to explore and try during your Cairo tour.

Cairo Tours can vary between day tours to four days tours which provide an excellent way to explore the city and its many attractions. There are plenty of tours on offer, from organized tours to private charters, so you can tailor your experience to suit your interests and budget. On a Cairo Tour, you’ll visit some of the best museums, bazaars, and monuments, as well as get to experience a range of cultural activities such as traditional Egyptian food tasting and music. You can also take a Nile River cruise or explore the desert by booking a one-day safari.

No matter what you’re looking for, there is something special to do in Cairo. Whether it’s an adventure of exploration and discovery or just some time to relax and soak up the atmosphere, a Cairo tour is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience while you visit Egypt. Make sure you organize your tour package with one of the best travel agencies in Egypt to get the most of your journey.

So if you’re looking for a unique holiday destination packed full of things to do and see, then put Cairo at the top of your list! From exploring ancient ruins to relaxing on the banks of the Nile, there is something here for everyone. Book a Cairo Tour today to experience the city like never before!

Top Things to Do in Cairo

Cairo is a city of culture, history, and beauty. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic monuments and structures. Here are some of the top sightseeings in Cairo that you must visit:

The Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are some of the most iconic structures in all of Egypt and the number one thing to visit during your Cairo tour. These massive monuments were built over 4,500 years ago and remain one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The three main pyramids at Giza include Khufu (the Great Pyramid), Khafre (Chephren or Pyramid of Khafre), and Menkaure (Mycerinus or Pyramid of Menkaure). In addition to the three pyramids, there are several smaller pyramids in the area as well.

Just south of Giza lies another important pyramid complex – Djour. This site includes two of the largest pyramids in all of Egypt, known as the Pyramid of Djoser and the Step Pyramid. The Djoser pyramid is the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt, built around 2700 BC.

In addition to these two sites, there are several other smaller pyramids scattered around Cairo. These include some from the Middle Kingdom period such as the Bent Pyramid of Dahshur and the Red Pyramid of Dahshur. There are also some from the New Kingdom period such as the Pyramid of Khufu at Abu Rawash and the Pyramid of Amenemhat III at Dashur.

These pyramids provide a fascinating look into Egypt’s rich history and culture and offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore these ancient monuments in person. It’s a must-see for any traveler visiting Cairo.

The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum is a must-see for anyone planning their Cairo tour. Located in Tahrir Square, it houses the world’s largest and most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, including treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Explore more than 120,000 artifacts from pre-dynastic times through the Greco-Roman era, including mummies, statues, and other artifacts. See documents of ancient Egyptian medicine, jewelry, weapons, and animal remains. The museum also contains a library with books, photographs, and manuscripts detailing Egypt’s history.

The contents of the museum are sure to amaze you! Visitors can get an audio guide from the ticket desk to learn more about each exhibit as they go. Don’t forget to stop in the gift shop on your way out to pick up a souvenir from your visit. Experience Egypt’s history like never before at the Egyptian Museum!

Khan el-Khalili and Moez Street

Khan el-Khalili is one of Cairo’s oldest and most famous bazaars, located in the heart of Islamic Cairo. It has been a popular shopping destination since the 14th century and offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. The winding alleyways are filled with tiny shops selling traditional Egyptian handicrafts, jewelry, spices, and even perfumes. A visit to Khan el-Khalili is an essential part of any Cairo tour, as it offers a glimpse into the fascinating history of this ancient city. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or just want to explore the unique atmosphere of this historic bazaar, Khan el-Khalili is sure to be an unforgettable experience. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit this iconic part of Cairo’s heritage!

Moez Street, which runs parallel to Khan el-Khalili, is also worth a visit. This famous street is lined with traditional restaurants and cafes that offer delicious local cuisine. After shopping amongst the hustle and bustle of the bazaar, strolling down this tranquil avenue is the perfect way to end your day.

So why not put Khan el-Khalili at the top of your must-see list when visiting Cairo? From its bustling shops to its tranquil streets, this iconic bazaar is sure to be one of the most enjoyable and memorable stops on your tour.

Islamic Cairo

Islamic Cairo is a historic part of the city and home to some of the most famous mosques in Egypt. The Al-Azhar Mosque, built in 972 AD, is one of the oldest mosques in Egypt and houses four breathtaking minarets. The Sultan Hassan Mosque nearby was built in 1356 and features an impressive collection of Islamic artwork. The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is the oldest mosque in Cairo, built in 876 AD.

The Islamic Museum is located just south of Islamic Cairo and holds an impressive collection of artifacts from the early days of Islam. It features artworks, manuscripts, coins, and pottery from many different periods in Islamic history. Visitors can also explore a large outdoor garden full of Islamic-style architecture. There are many interactive displays, such as the Virtual Reality Tour, which takes visitors through a 3D experience of the history and culture of Islam. The museum also hosts lectures and workshops for adults and children.

The Islamic Cairo area is one of the most important tourist attractions in Cairo and is a great place to learn about the culture and history of Islam. Visitors can marvel at the breathtaking architecture, explore the rich Islamic artifacts in the museum, and enjoy learning about one of Egypt’s most important religions.

The Citadel

The Citadel of Cairo is a large medieval fortification located in the heart of Egypt’s capital city. It is well known for its imposing presence and stunning views, as it sits atop a hill overlooking Cairo. With its thick stone walls, towers, and gates, the Citadel provides an impressive backdrop to the bustling city below. The immense structure was originally built in the 12th century by Salah ad-Din, and expanded greatly during the reign of Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad.

Today, it houses several museums, mosques, and palaces that are open to visitors. The most notable of these is the Mosque of Mohammed Ali, which features an ornate dome and four towering minarets. Other attractions include the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, Qalawun Complex, and the Gayer-Anderson Museum. There is also a military museum located within the walls which contains artifacts from Egypt’s long history of warfare. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning views, the Citadel is an essential stop for visitors to Cairo!

Coptic Cairo

This district is filled with ancient churches, monasteries, mosques, and Roman ruins. Here you can explore some of the oldest Christian sites in the world as well as Jewish monuments. Coptic Cairo is a fascinating area in which to explore and discover the history of Christianity in Egypt. Here are some of the top sights to see:

1. Hanging Church (Al-Mu’allaqah): The Hanging Church is one of the oldest churches in Egypt, having been built over 1,400 years ago. The exterior of the church is decorated with fascinating Coptic art, while the interior is full of beautiful frescos and icons.
2. Saint George Monastery (Deir Mar Girgis): This monastery dates back to the 4th century and contains some incredible artifacts, including a library that was built in 325 AD and a bell tower that was built in the 10th century.
3. Ben Ezra Synagogue: This synagogue is one of the oldest Jewish houses of worship in Cairo, having been constructed during the Babylonian Exile (586-538 BCE). It contains a fascinating collection of historical artifacts, including an ancient Torah scroll and ancient Hebrew manuscripts.
4. Abu Serga Church: This ancient church was built in the 4th century and is believed to be the spot where Jesus and his family stayed when they visited Egypt. The interior of the church is decorated with colorful frescos depicting biblical scenes.

Coptic Museum

As one of the most important cultural sites in Cairo, the Coptic Museum contains a wealth of artifacts from ancient Egypt, including artwork, textiles, and religious relics. The museum is also home to one of the world’s largest collections of Coptic art and manuscripts. This museum is one of the off-the-beaten tracks in traditional Cairo tour programs.

These are just a few of the incredible sites to discover in Coptic Cairo. With so much history and culture to explore, it’s no wonder why this area is a must-visit for any traveler.  If you are looking for even more things to do in Coptic Cairo, you can also visit the Virgin Mary Church, Saint Menas Basilica, and several other ancient sites.

Saqqara Necropolis

Located near Memphis, this ancient burial site is home to some of the oldest pyramids in Egypt, including the Step Pyramid. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Saqqara Necropolis is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and featured in a Netflix documentary as well as several egyptology books and documentaries. It contains a vast array of ancient Egyptian monuments, including some of the earliest pyramids in history.

The necropolis features various tombs from the Old Kingdom and Middle Kingdom periods, as well as an impressive array of temples and shrines from the New Kingdom. Notable sites include the Step Pyramid of Djoser, Serapeum, Tomb of Ti, Teti Pyramid Complex, Mastaba of Mereruka, Tomb of Horemheb, Pyramid of Unas, and many more. Saqqara Necropolis offers a unique insight into ancient Egyptian culture and is an essential destination for anyone interested in the country’s rich past. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Egypt!

No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Cairo. From the ancient monuments and sites to the bustling bazaars and lively theaters, you’ll never run out of things to do here. So make sure to add these top sightseeings of a Cairo tour and enjoy all the city has to offer!

Cairo Tour Journals

Once upon a time, there was a traveler who wanted to explore the vibrant city of Cairo. He had heard so much about the ancient wonders and exciting culture of the city and wanted to experience it for himself. The journey started with searching online, reading reviews, and following the YouTube bloggers where they go with their cameras. The amount of information about the city was overwhelming. It is hard to understand a clear picture of the city. There are always contradictions and reviews would vary rapidly. Lover, hate, inspiration, chaos, night or morning tours? arranged or going with the flow? to eat everything or to be careful? to mingle with people or to be super cautious? There was no real conclusion for this tourist.

Once upon a time, the tourist decided to go and his inner voice had glimpses of pyramids, the river Nile, and the minarets.

Travel Journal – Day 1

The tourist began their exploration of Cairo by visiting the Great Sphinx of Giza, the famous statue of a lion with a human head. As the tourist was awestruck by its size and grandeur he had to describe his feelings in his journals.

He wrote: “As you approach the pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza, the enormity of the structures takes your breath away. The sun is setting, casting a golden light over the desert, and the sand glitters in the fading light. You can feel the ancient power radiating from the monuments, and you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and reverence. You can almost feel the presence of the ancient Egyptians that created these monuments, and you can’t help but be in awe of their ingenuity and skill. You can almost hear the whispers of the past, and you can almost feel the energy of the people who once lived and worked here. The experience is one you’ll never forget.”

Travel Journal – Day 2

Next, the traveler decided to explore the mysterious old Cairo. He strolled through the narrow streets, lined with mosques, shops, and cafes. and he wrote what he felt as he was spending the late night at a local cafe facing the monuments. 

“One might experience a range of emotions while journeying to Old Cairo. The journey may be filled with anticipation and excitement as they approach the ancient city. Once there, one might feel a sense of awe and wonder at the incredible architecture and history. There may be a feeling of nostalgia and reverence for the past as one takes in the sights and sounds of the old city. There could also be a sense of curiosity and exploration as one discovers the many hidden gems and secrets of Old Cairo. Lastly, one might feel a deep connection and appreciation for the culture and people of Cairo.

Visiting Islamic Cairo and Khan El Khalili can be an exciting and enlightening experience. As you make your way through winding alleyways and narrow streets, you will be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city. The smells of spices, perfumes, and incense will fill the air, while the sounds of street vendors and merchants hawking their wares will echo in your ears. You may also catch glimpses of ancient mosques, minarets, and other historic sites throughout your journey. The vibrant colors, the intricate architecture, and the friendly locals will make you feel right at home.

You will be captivated by the sights and sounds of these ancient and sacred places, and you will be filled with a sense of awe and wonder. As you explore the winding streets and alleys, you will also have the opportunity to try some of the delicious local cuisines and shop for souvenirs. Your journey to Islamic Cairo and Khan El Khalili will leave you with a feeling of peace and contentment, as well as a deep appreciation for the history and culture of these two amazing places.”

Travel Journal – Day 3

The. next morning, the wandering traveler decided to walk from his hotel in Cairo, Down Town and went to the National Museum to be face-to-face with the Egyptian ancient civilization for as long as he can. After his tour, he wrote his feelings in the journal.

“The feeling of visiting the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is one of awe and amazement. As you enter the museum, you will be surrounded by a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, sculptures, and hieroglyphs. You will be able to explore the many galleries of artifacts, including the King Tutankhamun gallery, where the famous golden mask and a treasure trove of artifacts are housed. You will also be able to view the many artifacts that help to tell the story of the ancient Egyptians. The feeling of being in the presence of these ancient artifacts is one of reverence and wonder.”

This Journal is By Mark Leino after a Cairo Tour in the summer of 2022.