Cairo is a huge, noisy, fascinating city of more than 20 million people, with 5,000 years of history layered into its streets. Most visitors come for the pyramids, but it pays to give the city at least two or three days. Here are the best things to do.
The essentials
Egyptian MuseumOld and Islamic Cairo
Experiences
- A dinner cruise or a sunset felucca ride on the Nile.
- The sound and light show at the pyramids.
- A camel or horse ride on the Giza plateau.
- Tanoura (whirling) dance at the Wikala of al-Ghuri.
- Coffee at El Fishawy café.
- The view from the Cairo Tower at sunset.
- Egyptian street food: koshari, ful, taameya and fresh juice.
Day trips
Alexandria on the Mediterranean is about three hours away. The pyramids of Dahshur and the Bent Pyramid fit into a day with Saqqara. Luxor is a one-hour flight. See our Cairo day tours and Cairo short breaks.
