There are so many things that make Egypt one of the world’s most well-known tourist destinations. Egypt can be found in the backdrop of iconic movies and is an enigmatic yet intriguing land.

Although Cairo does not have the best reputation for being the most secure and easy-going place to visit, our journey through Egypt’s capital was nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Check out our recommendations (and experiences) of places to visit in Cairo, Egypt.

The Pyramids of Giza

Although Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt does, the most famous pyramids in the world are located in Egypt, in Cairo’s outskirts. No matter how much one may know about Egypt, almost everyone certainly associates this stunning country with the Pyramids of Giza.

Built around 4,500 years ago, this complex was built to be royal tombs for four different pharaohs, Ancient Egypt’s leaders. The size, shape, and composition of these structures make this attraction impressive given the era they were built.

Before visiting the pyramids, Anna has always pictured them standing alone in a vast and remote landscape. Though we knew it was almost impossible even to get a decent view, it was to our surprise that most tourists were Egyptians, as there were few Westerners present.

 Our favorite part of this attraction was undoubtedly the panoramic view, which shows the entire complex in a scene worthy of taking photos, located just 15 minutes away from the complex’s second largest pyramid. Camel rides were offered from the complex to the panoramic view.

While it is a breathtaking experience, aspiring visitors should note that we witnessed the local kids harassing people to give them money. The Pyramids of Giza will stay very memorable to us as we found ourselves in front of one of the most remarkable structures the world has to offer.

The Sphinx

We’ve all seen pictures of The Sphinx. Half human, half animal, with the tip of its nose missing. This famous limestone structure of a sphinx, a mythical creature containing the head of a man and a lion’s body is the oldest known monumental sculpture in Egypt. 

The Sphinx is undoubtedly photogenic. How could you not take a photo of such an impressive relic? Since we waited to see this landmark until the end of the day, we hung out in a local cafe until we could have a little quiet viewing time to ourselves. Like the pyramids, tourists flock to The Sphinx and it can be challenging to get a good view, a good photo, or even a comfortable spot to just stop and look in awe.

Despite the crowds, the wait is worth being able to stand there and witness an epic, cinematic feeling into the history of Ancient Egypt. 

Ibn Tulun Mosque

The Ibn Tulun mosque is the oldest active mosque in Egypt. Built during the 37 years of the Tulunid Dynasty, this mosque contains many unique features. These include crenellations that look similar to paper cutouts of human figures and a tall, spiral minaret that allows for both a great view of the courtyard and Cairo. The decorative details in this mosque, such as the geometric design on the outside arches, are stunning.

Fun fact for film buffs. The James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me was partially filmed here. As we were visiting during Ramadan, we visited this attraction with no other tourists present, allowing for a more intimate experience. While Cairo is known as the City of a Thousand Minarets, due to the many mosques located in the city, Ibn Tulun is truly a stunning sight.

Al-Azhar Mosque

This mosque, established in 972 A.D., is highly revered among Egyptians and Sunni Muslims. Not only is it a mosque, but it is also home to the second-longest active university in the world, regarded highly in the studies of Sunni theology and sharia.

We managed to convince the workers to let us into the mosque despite it being closed, once again allowing for a closer experience. This mosque is an architectural masterclass as it contains influences throughout the history of Ancient Egypt, as it has been modified through several periods of history.

The Citadel (Mosque of Muhammad Ali)

One of Cairo’s most visible mosques, The Citadel departs from typical architecture by having a design more reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire. Built between 1830 and 1848, its massive dome and surrounding minarets are a great addition to Cairo’s skyline while also providing a great and vast view of the city from 270 feet above.

The Hanging Church of the Virgin Mary

Located in Coptic Cairo, where many historical Christian churches and sites in Cairo are located, this church gets its name from the fact that it was built atop the tall walls of the Roman Fortress of Babylon. Sadly, the elevated position is no longer visible due to the ground level rising. It is also one of the oldest churches in Cairo and Christianity overall. Our experience was amazing, as visiting shortly after sunrise allowed us to appreciate its aesthetic beauty truly.

The Khan el Khalili Bazaar

The Khan el Khalili Bazaar is located in Cairo’s historic center, featuring shops for souvenirs, antiques, jewelry, and much more. Anyone wishing to take something special home to remember their trip to Cairo should visit this marketplace. The stained glass lamps, alone, are worth the trip to the marketplace.

We were lucky enough to get a tour of the place from a local, who showed us some lovely places in the bazaar. While the bazaar is a must-see, we advise avoiding the narrow streets and back alleys, as we didn’t feel completely comfortable navigating them.

Climb Bab Zuwayla Minaret

This minaret is located in one of the three remaining gates in the walls of the Old City of Cairo, and it provides another great view of the city. Built in 1092 A.D and used as a viewing area for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, this is perhaps a place best enjoyed during the sunset. 

This was the first spot we visited in Cairo. The minaret features a unique design of different materials added since its initial completion, allowing for a very detailed and intriguing design.

Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street

This street is one of Cairo’s oldest, with its origins dating back to the city’s foundation. Featuring antique shops, medieval palaces, ancient mosques, and mausoleums, this is the stretch of Cairo, featuring all eras of its history. 

We love that this area is closed to commercial traffic, allowing large numbers of people to visit the street. Anyone wishing to see Cairo throughout its storied history will enjoy this street.

The street also features Bayn Al-Qasryan, Cairo’s central public square during medieval times, which stands out for its innovative and beautiful architecture. The most impressive palace found in this street is Bayt Al-Suhayami, which features an impressive design from the 17th century that allows it to be comfortable for occupants even during the harsh weather conditions.

Dive into the Bustle and Chaos of Islamic Cairo

With Cairo having a population of over 20 million people, making it Africas largest city, crowds and noise are impossible to ignore. If you can just focus on being in the moment, the noise and crowds don’t seem quite as overwhelming.

Getting Around Cairo

The best and safest way to get around Cairo was via Uber or any modern taxi system available. Egypt has the cheapest prices for Uber globally, as going around the city can cost as little as $2-$4, while tourist buses allow for rides to all the main attractions. We do not recommend using forms of public transportation given the current pandemic.

Suppose you are unsure where to begin your sightseeing of this massive city. In that case, we highly recommend this perfect 7 day Egypt itinerary which is an amazing guide for an entire week in the city of Cairo.