Tourism in Cairo... a list of the best things you can do

Arabia Weather - Whether you are looking for history or a relaxing beach holiday, Egypt suits all tastes, and Cairo, the original city that never sleeps, is in the heart of it all. It is a lively and busy city with plenty of places to occupy your time.

Plan all the things you want to see and do with this guide to the best Cairo experiences, and give yourself at least five days to properly enjoy everything.

Take a trip on the Nile River like the Pharaohs did

The Nile River has been the lifeline of Egypt since ancient times. The river extends for approximately 6,600 kilometers (4,100 mi) and connects almost all of Egypt's cities. A cruise on the Nile River is something you can't miss, especially if you go in a felucca - a wooden Egyptian sailing boat. Take a sunset ride for the ultimate relaxing experience. Some boats serve food, or you can bring your own food and have a picnic on the water.

Eat like Egyptians

Egyptians love to eat and this is a nation that values good food. There are some must-try dishes in Cairo. There is fava beans, a breakfast meal made from fava beans cooked with tahini and seasoned with garlic, cumin and lemon. Beans have been a staple food in Egypt since the fourth century, when beans were buried over embers for slow cooking.

There is also koshary, which is considered a national dish. It usually consists of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, fried onions, and a spicy tomato sauce. In Cairo, Abu Tarek is the place to eat koshary, although Koshary El Tahrir (Abbas El Akkad Street 7) is also popular.

As for other restaurants to consider, Khufu Restaurant has a stunning view of the pyramids as well as serving a variety of traditional Egyptian dishes in unique ways. Abou El Sid Restaurant has branches all over Cairo, but the one in Zamalek is the best choice thanks to its elegant decor in the style of an Arab palace. Cercasian chicken in walnut sauce is a favorite here, and this is the place to try an Egyptian specialty, hammam. Zooba Restaurant, which also has branches all over Cairo, is a good place for quick and delicious street food. Sachi is named the best restaurant in Egypt by the “50 Best Restaurants in the World” and is also ranked in the “50 Best Restaurants in the Middle East and North Africa”.

Browse Cairo weather conditions here

Look at the pyramids...and then more pyramids

It's clear. You can't go to Cairo and not see the Pyramids of Giza, the only remaining wonders of the ancient world and a stunning Egyptian symbol. But what many don't realize is that there are 118 different pyramids in Egypt, not just the big three - Khufu (Kheops), Khafre and Menkaure - at Giza.

There are a total of 11 pyramids in Saqqara, including the Pyramid of Steps, also known as the Pyramid of Djoser, which is the oldest pyramid in the world and well worth a visit. Some are open for exploration, including the pyramid of Teti, the sixth dynasty pharaoh, whose basalt coffin inscription still exists inside the tomb.

Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is the first museum in the Middle East that focuses exclusively on ancient Egyptian civilization, covering all the different historical periods that include the history of Egypt. It is also the home of the royal mummies which were transported by royal procession to the museum in 2021.

Shop in the historic Khan Al-Khalil market

Founded in the 14th century, Cairo's Khan Al-Khalil Souq has a rich and interesting history, making it an important area of cultural and economic activity.

This historic market has been a center of trade and commerce for centuries, showcasing the continuing traditions of Egyptian crafts and merchant culture. Entering Khan Al Khalili is like traveling through time, as you immerse yourself in the history of this vibrant market and explore its intricate alleys, lined with shops offering a wide range of goods, from detailed jewelery to colorful fabric and aromatic spices.

Visit the castle

Cairo Citadel, located on top of a hill, is the most emblematic mosque in Egypt and a Mediterranean fortress built by Saladin. Start by visiting the Muhammad Ali Ibn al-Abbas Mosque, which is the symbolic central element of the citadel. Known as the Alabaster Mosque, its walls are covered with alabaster and it has a bright white courtyard, which is beautifully illuminated.

Go to the Jewel Palace. Built in 1814, this Ottoman building was the residence of Sultan Mehmed Ali and now contains Mehmed Ali's throne. On the second floor, there is a gallery of portraits of Egypt's rulers from Muhammad Ali onwards.

Wander the streets of Old Cairo

Al-Muizz Street in Old Cairo - which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979 - is a 1 km (0.6 mi) pedestrian street that contains the greatest concentration of medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world. Look for a mix of mosques and medieval buildings alongside modern vendors and shops in the old Gamaleya district. The street begins at the northern Bab al-Futuh, one of only three remaining gates of the Old City of Cairo, built by the Fatimid Caliph.

It's free to wander along Al-Muizz Street, but you need a ticket to enter places like Al-Qalawun Complex and Beit Al-Suhaimi. Buy single tickets or a combination ticket that allows you to enter various places of interest on Al Mu'izz Street, including historic houses, palaces and cemeteries. Most mosques are free to enter. Women need something to cover their hair and all genders must take off their shoes when entering.

• Local tip: The street is long and has not been renovated in a long time - expect uneven surfaces and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Bring a water bottle too. It's worth getting a guide for Al Mu'izz Street because of the sheer amount of history there, but the patrons of each landmark can also provide a guided tour.

Look at the intricate tapestry created by Cairo craftsmen on Khayamiya Street

In the heart of old Islamic Cairo, beyond Bab Zuwaila, across the crowded square lies Al-Khayamiya Street or “Tent Makers Street,” one of the oldest streets in Cairo, dating back to 1200 AD. The word "Khaymiya" is derived from the Arabic word "Khaymah", which means "tent", and the previous craftsmen here were tent makers.

Historically, Egyptian tailors sewed intricate interiors for urban tents. Today, they use these skills to create textile artworks that resemble blankets, maintaining their skilled craft in light of economic and political changes. At one point, there were said to be over a thousand people working on the street, but now there are only about 20 shops and 30-40 tailors. This work was featured in the documentary The Tents Tailors of Cairo by director Kim Beamish, which provided unprecedented access to this small community of talented craftsmen.

Source: lonelyplanet