The city of Cairo is a haven of a destination for tourists. Home to countless remnants of civilizations and a mix of incredible cultures, Cairo is a dream place for many travelers and offers a wealth of experiences. Whether taking a brief history lesson about Egyptian history at the mesmerizing Egyptian Museum or strolling through the ancient Khan-El-Khalili Bazaar to see the everyday life of normal Egyptians, a night in Cairo will feel different than what you’ve never experienced before.
Situated near the Nile River, which flows through the city partitioning the city into two, Cairo has a whole lot to offer for every kind of traveler, whether it’s those who love history or those who prefer to go on love adventures through the desert or those who wish to mix into the local culture. For this blog, we’ve made a helpful guide for travelers who want to go on a trip to Cairo and help them experience and know firsthand what the “Jewel of the Nile” has to offer.
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Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt: A Helpful Guide on How to Experience the City Better
The first thing that comes to mind about Egypt is the Pyramids in Giza which fascinate travelers the moment they lay eyes upon them, but what if we told you that Cairo is even more important and fun to explore? Here are some places you should visit for your Cairo trip:
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Places to Visit in Cairo, Egypt
History and Cairo go hand in hand and you’ll likely agree with us whenever you step foot there. Meanwhile here are some places you should visit when exploring Egypt’s capital:
1. Learn Ancient History at The Egyptian Museum
Home to over 120,000 artifacts all belonging to the era of the pharaohs, the Egyptian Museum is one of the first places in Cairo you should visit for a quick rundown of ancient Egypt’s history. Here, all kinds of artifacts on exhibit belonging to the era of the New Kingdom of Egypt, in 2100 BC, and artifacts before the New Kingdom.
Known as the largest museum in Africa, both in terms of the number of artifacts and importance, visiting the Egyptian Museum will easily quench your thirst for ancient Egyptian history.
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2. Embrace Local Culture in the Khan-El-Khalili Bazaar
The Khan-el-Khalili Bazaar is Cairo’s largest bazaar and was originally started in 1382 AD during the time of the Mamluk Sultanate. Here you’ll find goods of all kinds and nature from traditional crafts, clothing, local Egyptian food and cuisine, and much more.
The bazaar started as a traveler’s inn for people from Syria and Palestine and more from other parts of Africa, this bustling bazaar is now the main commercial hub of Cairo which makes visiting this Bazaar one of the top things to do in Cairo, Egypt.
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3. Delve into Islamic History at the Sultan Salah-el Din Citadel
A main landmark of the city, the Cairo Citadel was built in the late 12th century to protect it from attacks by the Crusaders of the 12th century and others on the orders of Sultan Salah-el-Din. Today the historic Citadel is one of the city’s most recognisable features and contains other landmarks such as the Muhammad Ali and Al-Nasir mosques and the Egyptian Military Museum.
The Cairo Citadel was one of the most fortified and strongest citadels, with much of the citadel still intact from the 12th century.
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4. Admire the Architecture of the Sultan Hassan Mosque
The Sultan Hassan Mosque is one of the best examples of Mamluk architecture, highly visible in Egypt’s cities. Another one of Egypt and Cairo’s most prominent landmarks, it was built in 1363 as one of the largest mosques at that time compared to others in the Islamic world.
One of the mosque’s most prominent features is the beautiful courtyard that enchants travelers with its unique build and architecture along with a simple water fountain. A heavily visited place for worship in the city, the Sultan Hassan Mosque provides a wonderful look into the fascinating Mamluk architecture of the time.
5. Embark on a Nile River Cruise
Another top thing to do in Cairo, Egypt in our guide is going on a spectacular 2 to 4-hour Nile Cruise in the Nile River that flows through the city. You can enjoy traditional Egyptian meals complete with entertainment from musicians, folk shows, and oriental shows to complete your Cairo trip and give it a more traditional and fun sparkle.
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6. Enjoy Local Street Food and Food Culture in Cairo
The capital of Egypt has a ridiculously amazing food culture, with traditional Egyptian cuisine rocking visitors with one bite and European, and Indian cuisine supplementing the main Egyptian cuisine for some picky travelers. You can try the traditional camel liver at Sheikh Mohamed Restaurant or Koshary at Khufu’s or falafel, hummus, and many more amazing dishes at the countless stalls and restaurants in the heart of Egypt or Cairo.
7. Visit Egypt’s Most Recognizable Landmark, the Pyramids of Giza
You might have seen them countless times on your phone but it still does not end the awe one can feel while looking at the Pyramids of Giza. The majestic Pyramids of Giza are located fairly close to Cairo and are one of the most fascinating objects known to man.
Just how the Egyptians managed to build them remains somewhat a mystery till today, with thousands of travelers visiting every year to see this wonder of the Ancient World in Egypt.
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Where to Stay in Cairo, Egypt
Being a popular tourist city, Cairo has a wonderfully diverse array of options when it comes to looking for accommodation. Whether you’re looking for accommodation in the heart of the city or close to tourist attractions, or you’re looking for budget or luxury options, Cairo has it all. Here are some hotels you should take a look at:
Triumph Luxury Hotel
Starting off with luxury accommodations, the Triumph Hotel has all the amenities you can expect from a luxury hotel in Cairo. Located in the New Cairo district, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and many more in its rooms and its property.
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Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences
The Hilton Zamalek Residences are a premium and less expensive option for accommodation in Cairo, albeit with the same amenities and luxury as a luxury hotel. The hotel is built on Zamalek Island in the Nile River and offers tons of amenities such as a fitness center, an outdoor pool, an ATM on its site, a spa, and a salon, along with close proximity to the city’s main attractions.
Havana Hotel
A budget-friendly option for travelers, the Havana Hotel offers high-quality accommodation with low prices to up the deal. The Havana Hotel is situated right in the heart of Cairo close to the main tourist attractions and offers amenities such as free WI-Fi, complimentary breakfast, an ATM on site, and family-friendly rooms all with low prices to save you from spending a lot on accommodation.
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Tips for Traveling in Cairo, Egypt
Here are some tips you should have a look at when visiting Cairo.
- Always drink purified water during your trip. The drinking water in Cairo has an increased level of chlorine with its taste being deemed unsuitable by many.
- Try to tip as much as possible. Cairo and Egypt overall have a tipping culture for nearly everything.
- Make sure to always stay hydrated during your trip. Egypt and Cairo overall have an extreme climate, so make sure that you aren’t dehydrated by a heat wave.
- Take care of your valuables as much as you can to avoid any unnecessary loss.
- As Egypt is a predominantly Islamic country, try to wear modest clothes such as long skirts and covering pants.
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Best Time of the Year to Visit Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is a place that‘s active and bustling all times of the year, but there are times when you should travel specifically to encounter more helpful conditions. The best times to visit Cairo are during the so-called shoulder seasons (from the months of March to May and September to November).
During these months the overall weather of Cairo is relatively comfortable with the Celsius scale ranging from 12 C to 26 C and 14 C to 27 C in springtime and autumn respectively in Cairo. These temperatures are ideal for exploring Cairo’s attractions and taking part in the many activities you can find there as a traveler.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
Q. What are some of the best things to see on a Cairo trip?
A. Here are some of the best things to see in Cairo: the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, the Citadel of Saladin, Sultan Hassan Mosque, and many more.
Q. What are some must-do things in Cairo?
A. Some of the must-do things in Cairo include a felucca ride on the Nile River, a stroll through the Islamic Cairo district, a desert safari, and learning about Egyptian history and culture at a local museum or cultural center.
Q. What is the best time of year to visit Cairo?
A. The best time is during the spring or March to May or in the fall or September to November when the weather in Cairo is mild and pleasant and perfect to visit.
Q. How can a traveler easily get around and about in Cairo?
A. The easiest way to get around Cairo is by flagging a taxi or hiring an Uber. However, you can also use the Cairo Metro or its public bus system.
Q. What is the currency used in Cairo, Egypt?
A. The Egyptian pound (EGP) is used in Cairo.(1 USD = 49.59 EGP) (As of 29 Nov 2024)
Q. What are some considerations when visiting Cairo, Egypt?
A. Generally, Cairo is a safe city for tourists and travelers. Meanwhile, you can still take some precautions such as: Always being aware of your surroundings and take precautions, such as not walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, etc.,
Q. What is the language used in Cairo, Egypt?
A. The official language of Egypt and Cairo is Arabic. However, you will find many people in the tourism industry speaking English.
Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt: iLinkTurkey’s Ultimate Guide for Traveling in Cairo
Cairo is Egypt’s pride and joy when it comes to tourism and it especially becomes true when you look at what it has to offer for all kinds of travelers. One of the largest cities in North Africa, you will never run out of things to do in Cairo, Egypt. Whether it’s visiting places that offer a raw look into the wonderful Egyptian culture, or delving into historical places offering an unfettered insight into ancient Egyptian culture, Cairo is a place where both ancient and modern Egypt meet, creating a marvelous sight for all to see.
So are you ready for a history-filled journey to Egypt? Where you’ll experience amazing cultures, have a bite of various wonderful culinary delicacies, and marvel at the achievements of previous civilizations. All with pre-booked accommodations, and guided tours? iLinkTurkey offers a diverse range of guided tour packages for destinations in Egypt. Head over to our packages and book one of our top-rated Egypt packages now.
