Cairo Attractions → 33 Breathtaking Must-See Tourist Sites

Cairo Attractions draw more tourists to Egypt than any other part of the country. With the mind numbing Giza pyramids on its doorstep, and the pyramids of Saqqara a stone throw away, it’s easy to see why. Scroll down and click the images to explore the Egyptian Museum; see mummies; visit the Hanging Church; experience the Cairo Citadel, shop in Khan El Khalili Bazaar, and so much more…

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Top 10 Attractions in Cairo

Meet the pharaohs face to face in their pyramids and explore their ancient tombs and temples – Discover the best Cairo tourist attractions.

Giza Pyramids – The Famous Face Of An Ancient Civilization

Listed as one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, the Giza Pyramids Complex and Necropolis in Egypt are well and truly the face of an Ancient Civilization.

Djoser Step Pyramid – One Of Egypt’s Most Famous Tombs

Built during the 27th century BC, Djoser Step Pyramid stands in the Saqqara necropolis which is located in Memphis, the capital of the Old Kingdom.

The Egyptian Museum – The Amazing Museum of Antiquities

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, usually just called the “Egyptian Museum”, houses the world’s biggest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.

Dahshur Pyramids – An Amazing Ancient Egyptian Royal Necropolis

The Dahshur Pyramids make up an ancient royal necropolis, located approximately 40 kilometers south of Cairo - the pyramids were built from 2613 – 2589 BC.

The Khan El Khalili Bazaar – There’s No Other Market Like It

Khan El Khalili bazaar is located in the Islamic district of Cairo. It is said to be the oldest open air market in the Middle East, and a must see attraction.

The Grand Egyptian Museum

Welcome to Cairo’s all-new Grand Egyptian Museum and enjoy never before seen artifacts, and for the first time ever, the complete Tutankhamen collection.

Tahrir Square – The Brief Guide to Cairo’s Infamous Square

Relive a part of Egypt’s history when you visit Cairo’s infamous Tahrir Square, the epicenter of protests and demonstration - and a vibrant city.

Coptic Museum – The World’s Biggest Collection of Coptic Artifacts

Enjoy a magnificent journey through time at the Coptic Museum in Cairo as you marvel at the world’s largest collection of Egyptian Christian artifacts.

Museum of Modern Egyptian Art (aka Gezira Center for Modern Art)

Enjoy a peaceful and blissfully quiet stroll though the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art in Cairo, and marvel at more than 10,000 modern works of art.

Pharaonic Village – An Epic Journey through Egypt’s Pharaonic Past

Discover how the ancient Egyptians went about their daily lives; visit the Pharaonic Village on Ya'aqoub Island, a stone throw away from downtown Cairo.

Manial Palace – A Look at Royal Life in the 19th and 20th Centuries

Enjoy an unforgettable taste of how royalty lived during the 19th and early 20th century when you visit the splendid yet modest Manial Palace in Cairo.

Cairo Citadel – An Islamic Medieval Fortification in Cairo, Egypt

The Cairo Citadel in Egypt is a medieval Islamic fortification constructed in 1183 CE around the ancient city to protect against the invading Crusaders.

Al Azhar Park – A Sea of Tranquility in the Midst of Bustling Cairo

Escape from all the madness in Cairo and visit the phenomenal Al-Azhar Park; a vast, lush and tranquil oasis in the heart of an urbanized desert.

Cairo Opera House – A Perfect Venue for Performing Arts

Enjoy operas, orchestral musicals, and world-class ballet performances at the 1,200 seat Cairo Opera House, the best such venue on the African continent.

Giza Pyramids Sound And Light Show – The Best Of Both Worlds

Everyone who visits Egypt wants to see the pyramids, and the good news is, now you can visit them at night as well, thanks to the Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show.

Hanging Church Of Cairo – Coptic Church Of St. Virgin Mary

The Hanging Church of Cairo is one of Egypt’s oldest churches, believed to have been built in 690 AD. It’s also Egypt’s most famous Basilica style churches.

Rock at the southern lake in the Wadi El Rayan - Photo by Roland Unger

Wadi El Rayan – An Oasis Complete With Lakes And Waterfalls

The desert regions of Cairo can be unforgiving places, but they can also be wonderfully accommodating, as is the case with the beautiful Wadi El Rayan oasis.

Wadi Degla – The Perfect Place To Escape The Chaos Of Cairo

Cairo has countless fascinating attractions, but it is also a very densely, populated city that never sleeps. Fortunately, places like Wadi Degla are not far away.

Abusir Complex - Pyramid complex of Sahure, view to the west, Abusir Complex - Photo by Roland Unger

Abusir Pyramids Complex – An Ancient And Noble Burial Ground

The Abusir Complex is often left out of tour brochures, but it’s an ancient site of interesting historical significance.

Mosque Of Muhammad Ali – The Alabaster Mosque

The Mosque of Mohammad Ali in Cairo is also fondly referred to as the Alabaster Mosque, and thanks to its outstanding beauty, it’s the most visited mosque in Egypt.

Mosque Of Ibn Tulun – Unexpected Survivor Of Ancient Egypt

The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is by no means Cairo’s most splendid mosque, but it certainly is worth a visit if you have an interest in historical religious sites.

Mosque of Amr Ibn al-As in Cairo is the oldest mosque in Africa

Mosque Of Amr Ibn Al-As – The First Mosque Ever Built In Africa

The Mosque of Amr Ibn El-As might not be the grandest mosque or most famous mosque, but it’s the first mosque ever built in Africa, and certainly worth a visit.

Mosque Of Al Azhar – A Sight Of Splendor In Cairo

Cairo is home to so many mosques that it’s sometimes referred to as the City of Minarets, but even so, the Mosque of Al Azhar still manages to stand out.

Rock carving in the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner - Photo by Roland Unger

Monastery Of St. Simon The Tanner – A Haven In The Urban Sprawl

Hidden amongst the vast urban sprawl of modern day Cairo, lies a very unique religious site known as the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner (Monastery complex of St. Sama'an), and it’s a real gem.

Memphis, Egypt – The Ancient Capital Of The Old Kingdom

Memphis in Egypt served as the country’s capital during the Old Kingdom. For this reason, many tourists see it as a great starting point of their vacation.

Architectural fragment of basilica in Al-Matariyyah (Heliopolis), Cairo

Al-Matariyyah – Once A Great City Of Grandeur, Now Forgotten

The city of Al-Matariyyah which lies in the northern region of Cairo is one of the country’s oldest cities, and was once renowned for its unrivalled beauty and grandeur.

Meidum Pyramid – An Example Of Engineering Gone Wrong

The Meidum Pyramid is believed to have been built for Pharaoh Huni. However, the pyramid was never completed due to a design fault which caused it to collapse.

Islamic Cairo – Discover The True Charm Of Medieval Cairo

Islamic Cairo, also known as Medieval Cairo, is home to the region’s most historically significant mosques and Islamic monument, but it has even more to offer.

The Church Of St. George – A Gem In The Heart Of Old Cairo

Located right in the very heart of Old Cairo, In the Coptic Compound, one will find the delightful old Church of St. George, and it really is well worth a visit.

Church Of St. Barbara - A Resting Place For The Holy Family

With so many sites to visit in Egypt, one would be forgiven for overlooking places like the Church of St. Barbara, but it honestly is a little gem worth seeing.

Cairo Tower – A Classic Landmark And Must See Attraction

Reaching 187 meters into the sky, Cairo Tower is undeniably one of Cairo’s most distinguishable landmarks, and one which is definitely worth a visit.

Visiting Ben Ezra Synagogue in Old Coptic Cairo

Considering that Egypt has been home to so many different cultures and religions, it’s not surprising to see the ancient Ben Ezra Synagogue at the heart of Cairo City.

Abdeen Palace – Is This the World’s Most Lavish Palace?

Prepare to be mesmerized when you visit 500-suite Abdeen Palace in Cairo, an extravagant palace which is now host to multiple fascinating museums.

The Monastery of Saint Pishoy at Wadi Natrun - Photo by Einsamer Schütze

Wadi Natrun – A Forgotten Village Of Hermits And Monasteries

Wadi Natrun is a valley in Egypt, not far from Cairo, that has served many purposes throughout history, including being home to many hermits and many monasteries.

History of Cairo, Egypt - Panorama of The Mosque of Muhammad Ali and Azhar Park

History of Cairo, Egypt - The City Victorious

The recorded history of Cairo goes way back in time. It is an ancient city, occupying a site that has been continuously inhabited for more than 3,500 years.

Click here for a brief guide to the finest attractions in Cairo

A Brief Guide to the Finest Cairo Egypt Attractions & Points of Interest

The majority of travelers visiting Egypt for its many historic sites will begin their stay in the city of Cairo. The largest city on the entire continent of Africa, it is home to millions of people, and is an extremely diverse location. Home to ancient, medieval, and modern attractions, it is more than just a historic spot. You can enjoy wonderful scenery, excellent food, a dizzying array of shopping, and more.

Because there are so many Cairo, Egypt attractions and destinations, we’ll provide you with a brief guide to some of the top sites to see when you want to get a full and rich experience of this remarkable city.

The Ancient Attractions In Cairo, Egypt

Because the Cairo, Egypt attractions are some of the most popular, we’ll take a look at those first. If there is a #1 location where all travelers go during even a brief visit to the city, it would have to be the Giza Necropolis. Most people refer to this spot as “the pyramids” because of their worldwide fame and familiarity. There are the three great pyramids, several smaller ones, the Sphinx, and more to see here.

Though not an actual “historic” site, the Egyptian Museum is also among the best Cairo, Egypt attractions thanks to its immense collection of antiquities and historical objects. With a great gallery of the mummies of famous kings and pharaohs, as well as housing some of the most recognizable collections, it is a must.

Old Cairo is also a popular spot and home to the historic Hanging Church of Cairo, as well as the Church of Saint George and so much more. The city is also where you will find the first mosque built in Africa, the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As, and the oldest original mosque in city is the Ibn Tulun Mosque.

Though it too is not ancient, the Cairo Citadel overlooks Old Cairo and numbers as one of the most scenic and impressive spots to get a glimpse of the entire city.

The Modern Cairo Attractions

Though it has long been one of the top Cairo, Egypt attractions, the Alabaster Mosque dates only to the 1800s. Staggeringly beautiful, it is another must-see destination for someone hoping to enjoy the best Cairo has to offer.

Naturally, few visitors to Egypt arrive without dreams of the “souk” or classic Middle Eastern marketplace, and Cairo is home to one of the most impressive of them all. The Khan El Khalili bazaar is straight out of a fairy tale with its spice vendors, coffee stalls, and persistent haggling between buyers and sellers.

Finally, if you want to explore one of the most romantic of all Cairo, Egypt attractions, it would have to be the Nile, and one of the loveliest ways to do that is to book a dinner cruise aboard the lovely ships that give you a chance to enjoy excellent food and remarkable scenery.

With so many places to see in Cairo, it can be a bit overwhelming. Rather than risk missing a must see attraction, get in touch with www.EgyptToursPlus.com to discover their amazing Cairo tour package options. See it all in relaxed comfort when you arrange your visit with experienced guides.

Click Here To Tailor Your Dream Trip Now

A Brief Guide to the Finest Cairo Egypt Attractions & Points of Interest

The Ancient Attractions In Cairo, Egypt

The Modern Cairo Attractions

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