12 Best things to see & do in Cairo

The last survivor of the seven ancient wonders of the world: the remarkable 147m-high tomb of Pharaoh Khufu dates from 2,500 BC. The Sphinx sits alongside.

One of the world’s great archaeological museums, home to the world’s greatest Egyptian collection, including the famous treasures of the boy king Tutankhamun.

Just 20 miles of Cairo, a complex of incredibly well-preserved pyramids even older than those in Giza and without the crowds. Highlights include the Bent and Red Pyramids, and the Step Pyramid of Djoser – the oldest stone building in the world.

Cairo’s fascinating and original medieval main street, a mile-long road between the city’s two medieval gates. It cuts through medieval Cairo along a street still referred to as ‘Between the Palaces’, home to lively souks, and fine Islamic monuments.

Home to one of the world’s richest collections of Islamic art, this treasure trove displays over 100,000 artefacts spanning 1,400 years, encompassing ceramics, textiles, manuscripts, woodwork, and metalwork. Exhibits range from the early Islamic period to the Ottoman era, each telling a part of a story of artistic mastery and cultural exchange.

A small complex/enclave in Old Cairo, founded in the 6th century, that was a stronghold for Christianity in Egypt both before and during the Islamic era. Today it remains a treasure house of historic buildings and museums filled with artefacts.

Egypt has long been famous for exceptional textiles (think Egyptian cotton sheets). This small museum weaves together the intricate narrative of the country’s textile history, through an array of artefacts dating from the Pharaonic to the Islamic era. Exquisite pieces on show include ancient linen, Coptic tunics, and Islamic-era textiles with intricate designs.

One Cairo’s earliest mosques, the Al-Azhar is a stunning representation of Islamic architecture and a beacon of Islamic learning. Its enchanting courtyards, ornate minarets, and expansive prayer halls echo with the rich history of the Fatimid Caliphate. The mosque’s interior dazzles with intricately carved woodwork and marble.

This labyrinthine bazaar teems with vendors peddling an array of goods from handcrafted jewellery, textiles, spices to antiques and souvenirs. Navigating its narrow, bustling alleys, lined with historic Islamic architecture, feels like stepping back in time. Amidst the crowds and the chaos, you’ll find traditional coffeehouses and eateries serving local delights.

Constructed in the 12th century by Salah El-Din, this magnificent medieval Islamic fortification served as the seat of government for nearly 700 years. It’s home to a number of significant historical monuments, including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, known for its beautiful alabaster structure, and several interesting museums like the Military Museum and the Police Museum.

The only museum in Egypt to chronicle Egypt’s rich history in its entirety, from prehistoric times to the present. The highlight is the Royal Mummies Hall, where 22 mummies of the kings and queens of Egypt are displayed, including are displayed Ramses II and III, Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I, Seti I and Seti II.

For lovers of religious art, this endearing museum in the Coptic Cairo complex houses Coptic art from the earliest days of Christianity in Egypt right through to early Islam. Wander rooms filled with 1200 frescoes, textiles, manuscripts, embroidery and sculptures.