Cairo is one of the world’s biggest metropolises. There is much more to do in Cairo than just seeing mosques and museums. even if it is one of the top cities in the world for historical sightseeing.
Cairo frequently receives mixed reviews from visitors. since it is both beautiful and full of historic splendor, as well as confusing and overwhelming for first-timers.
Despite the fact that the Egyptian capital might be difficult to navigate. due to its sheer volume of noise, pollution, and traffic on your first visit. Cairo has a lot to offer those who can see past its problems. Here, are many places to visit in Cairo.
Cairo is without a doubt one of the world’s megacities. renowned for its extensive history and exquisite architectural designs that line the city’s streets. Beyond its smog and clamorous traffic, this contemporary center draws tourists interested in discovering historical remnants of Egypt. With all its vitality, a journey to Cairo could seem incomplete if you don’t also see the nearby paradises. These areas close to Cairo are well-known for their majestic pyramids, historic ruins, and other things that preserve the city’s past.
If you wish to travel to Cairo, you may purchase Aegean Airlines reservation tickets online. You may easily book your flight online using Aegean Airlines Reservation.
These top destinations in Cairo are a must-see if you’re planning to spend your vacation here:
1. Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are the most well-liked half-day trip in Cairo. The most important thing on everyone’s calendar. One of Egypt’s biggest tourist destinations. These fourth-dynasty burial structures are situated on the Giza Plateau, just outside the city. Despite the heat, the sand, and the crowds of people, you must go here.
The Pyramid of Cheops, sometimes referred to as the Great Pyramid or the Pyramid of Khufu, is the largest of the Giza complex. It’s inside, which consists of a number of narrow passageways. It can be explored, although there isn’t much to see besides a straightforward tomb room with an empty coffin. The Pyramid is commonly known as the Pyramid of Chephren.
2. Egyptian Museum
The truly incredible collection of artifacts is on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. It is one of the best museums in the world. To see everything on display in its entirety would take a lifetime.
The museum was established in 1857 by French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette. The museum moved to its current building, an eye-catching powder-pink palace in Downtown Cairo in 1897.
The collection is poorly labeled and disorganized. Because of space limitations (just a small part of its overall holdings are actually on display).
Even though it now has some empty cases from artifacts that have been transferred to the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). which has not yet opened, you can’t help but be in awe of the overpowering majesty of the exhibits.
3. Admire Al-Azhar Mosque
Al-Azhar Mosque, which was completed in 972 CE. It is the best Fatimid-era building and one of Cairo’s oldest and finest mosques still standing today. The most significant theological institution in the Islamic world is undoubtedly Al-Azhar University. Being granted university status by Caliph El-Aziz in 988 CE makes. It is one of the oldest colleges in the entire globe (the other university vying for the title of “oldest” is in Fes).
You should take off your shoes at the entrance and proceed into the central courtyard. A mihrab (prayer niche) in the El-Taibarsiya Medrese. Which is to your right, dates from 1309.
4. Coptic Cairo
Old Cairo (CopticThis tiny church-filled cluster of meandering passageways is within the walls of Old Babylon. where the Roman Emperor Trajan originally built a stronghold along the Nile.
Some of the Roman towers still stand vigil along the main thoroughfare. One of Egypt’s finest collections of Coptic art may be found in this city’s Coptic Museum. which also provides information on early Christian Egypt.
The Hanging Church, was built in the ninth century. It is right next door and features stunning specimens of Coptic architecture. The church had a large rebuilding project in the ninth century after being first built atop the Roman gate towers, hence its name.
But for many Christian pilgrims. A vacation to this place would not be complete without seeing the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus.
5. Spend Time Exploring Saqqara & Dahshur
The “other pyramids” can be seen in the sizable Saqqara necropolis and the close-by site of Dahshur. It seeing both in a single day is just as enjoyable as seeing the Giza pyramids. The areas are around 30 km south of Cairo.
The Step Pyramid is the most popular tourist attraction in Saqqara. But the entire area is littered with magnificently sculpted tombs that are well worth spending a few hours exploring.
Special mention should be made to the Serapeum. where the mummies of the revered Apis bulls were interred. The Mastaba of Ti, with its bright and artistically painted walls.
Because of Saqqara’s magnitude and lengthy history as a burial site. excavations there frequently produce findings that make headlines.
6. View the Royal Mummies at NMEC
In contrast to many of Cairo’s other well-known museums. which all concentrate their exhibitions on one specific era. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations (NMEC) is committed to telling the under one roof telling the story of Egypt’s human history.
The museum partially opened in 2017. since then its collection has continuously grown. The Royal Mummies Collection relocated into this space in April 2020 and took center stage.
Even though the most well-known Egyptian mummies from the Pharaonic period are on display here. right now, the museum’s full collection is still far from complete.
The 22 mummies are on display at the specially designed Royal Mummies Gallery feature. some incredibly well-known names, like Ramses II and III, Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I, and Seti I and II.
7. Khan el-Khalili
Khan el-Khalili is among the best markets on earth. The clanging of silversmiths and metalworkers can still be heard in this souq (bazaar), a maze-like network of tiny lanes constructed as a commercial center in 1400 CE.
If you want to find the best spots to purchase authentic Egyptian goods, take a diversion off the main road and into the nearby alleyways. There, you’ll find modest shops and untidy workshops. The main avenues have long since been fully taken over by the tourism industry (with many displays of plastic pyramids and inexpensive papyrus pictures).
8. Visiting the Cairo Citadel in Egypt
Cairo’s citadel was built by Saladin in 1176, providing it with a dominant location at the foot of the Mokattam Hills. The original structure he planned has long ago disappeared, save for the eastern outside walls, however, later kings have added their own embellishments.
The Muhammad Ali Mosque is the building with the most recognition and the main draw. The “Alabaster Mosque,” so named due to its white stone and imposing, unusually slender minarets, is one of Cairo’s most well-known structures.
Another significant reason to come up here is for the city views; for the best view in town, go to the Gawhara Terrace. Next to the Muhammad Ali Mosque is the El-Nasir Mosque, which Mohammed el-Nasir built between 1318 and 1335.
9. Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hasan
Sultan Hassan Mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic craftsmanship with a plethora of stalactite detailing and magnificent arabesque designs. making it one of the best Mamluk architectural examples in the world. It was built between 1356 and 1363 for Sultan Hassan el-Nasir. The tallest building is 81.5 meters in the south corner.
Following a narrow antechamber and a passage that leads to the magnificent open court that is constructed around a bathroom fountain, the main entrance opens into a domed vestibule.
The sultan’s mausoleum is accessed from here by an iron door. still contains the stalactitic pendentives of the original dome.
10. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo is home to one of the most important collections of Middle Eastern art in the entire world.
Due to the serious damage brought on by a car bomb attack in 2014. this museum was forced to keep its doors closed to the public for years. It has finally reopened.
Ayyubid ceramics, paintings, intricately patterned wood inlay, coins, sculpted marble tombstones, and jewel-toned carpets are among the items on display. Spend some time admiring the illuminated Qurans and the collections of elaborately decorated ceramics, glass, and metal items on show.
Then move to the astronomy and other discipline-specific halls. where you can see very complicated astrolabes and other equipment, to view the collection of breathtaking jewelry.
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