Cairo, the largest city in Africa and the Middle East, is a vibrant metropolis with a history that dates back to antiquity. It's also known as the cultural capital of the Arab world. From visiting Cairo's historical landmarks to exploring its bustling markets, there are many things to do in this incredible city.
Whether you want to spend your time exploring museums or shopping at local bazaars, here are 11 things you should definitely do during your next trip to Egypt's capital city.
1. Visit the Pyramids and Great Sphinx
You can't visit Egypt without seeing the pyramids. They're one of the seven wonders of the world, so it would be a shame to miss them.
The Great Sphinx is another must-see, as it's a symbol of ancient Egypt and was originally carved out of limestone rock. You can get there via metro or taxi from Cairo (about 20 minutes away).
Once you arrive at Giza plateau, don't forget to stop by nearby Khan el-Khalili bazaar where you can shop for souvenirs and eat at local restaurants.
Don’t leave without purchasing some sweets like dates or halawa (a sweet made from sesame paste), which are very popular in the region.
2. Explore Cairo Museum
The Cairo Museum is the largest museum in the Arab world. It houses the world’s largest collection of antiquities and spans over 200,000 square feet. The museum provides a great introduction to Egypt’s history and culture.
It offers free entry every day of the year and it is open from 9am until 6pm (last admission 5:30pm).
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3. Shop at Khan El Khalili Bazaar
With its winding streets and maze-like market, Khan El Khalili is a great place to shop. The market is full of souvenirs, traditional crafts and beautiful carpets, but you can also find great deals on gold and silver in the souk.
Try some Egyptian sweets at one of the local bakeries or restaurants.
4. Visit Al Azhar Park
Al-Azhar Park is a public park in the Nasr City district of Cairo, Egypt. It is located on the east bank of the River Nile, opposite Zamalek, and south of downtown Cairo.
5. Eat at Abou El Sid
Abou el Sid is located on the first floor of 19 Mahmoud Bassiouny Street, off Qasr al-Nil Street. It’s an Egyptian restaurant with a classic menu of chicken and lamb dishes served with rice, as well as some vegetarian options.
The service is friendly, and the food will definitely hit the spot if you’re looking for a delicious meal that won't break your budget.
One dish to order at Abou el Sid is their kofta (meatballs) made from ground beef or chicken — the kofta are popular because they come in multiple sizes: small ($7), medium ($10), and large ($12).
They also have a variety of other meat dishes like shish tawouk (chicken kebab) or foul makarun (beef tripe).
Vegetarians should try bamia bel khodra (mushrooms and eggplant stew) for $11 or any one of the vegetable tagines on offer for $6-$10 per portion. The prices range from $7-$15 per person depending how much food you want to eat.
6. Take a boat ride through the Nile River
The Nile River is the longest river in the world, and there are many tour options available to see everything from historic sites to ancient temples along its banks. You can also enjoy some delicious Egyptian food while exploring the city by boat. For a more intimate experience, you can rent your own boat and go on an exploration of your own.
7. Go shopping at Citystars
This mall has over 400 shops and restaurants, as well as a luxury hotel. It's located in the city center, so it'll be easy to get there from most of your accommodations.
It's open 24 hours a day, so if you're looking for a place to shop at 3AM, this is the one for you!
8. Check out the Egyptian Antiquities Museum
The Egyptian Antiquities Museum is the oldest museum in the world and it houses some of Egypt’s most precious artifacts. It is located on Tahrir Square, which was previously known as Midan Ismail Pasha.
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9. Cruise on a traditional felucca ship
The felucca boat is a traditional wooden boat with a sail, and it's used for leisure activities, such as fishing and sightseeing. They're often rented for the day by tourists looking for an adventure on the Nile River.
10. Head to the Citadel of Saladin
The Citadel of Saladin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest medieval Islamic fortification in the world.
This citadel is open to the public and has several museums, monuments and palaces that you can explore. It also houses an impressive collection of armor, gold coins and manuscripts dating back to ancient Egypt.
11. Grab a bite at Falafel El Sheikh Zayed
Located in the Citadel, this restaurant is famous for its falafel. It has been serving shawarma, kebab and other Egyptian foods ever since.
Takeaway
If you're looking for a vibrant city, Cairo is it. Cairo has a lot to offer, including the pyramids and sphinx, shopping at Khan El-Khalili Market and Zamalek, or just relaxing on one of Cairo's beaches.
If you're planning on visiting Egypt anytime soon (or perhaps even checking out this article), you might be wondering what things to do in Cairo that are the best for first-time tourists? Well it all depends on what kind of experience you want from your trip.
Conclusion
Cairo is a city that’s full of life and activity. Whether you want to spend your time exploring ancient ruins or just relaxing in the sun, there are plenty of things to do. From visiting the pyramids at Giza to learning about ancient history at the Egyptian Museum, Cairo has plenty of things for tourists to enjoy.
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