The pyramids and sphinx are magnificent at any time of the day, but if you want to see something really special, go after dark to catch the cool light and sound show. The only Cairo attractions they may see might be the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum. Xunantunich. _g1 = document.getElementById('g1-logo-mobile-inverted-source'); Once you get to know Egyptian food, I think youll come to love it. Nothing makes you experience the hidden depths of a culture and nation quite like exploring its religious and culturally significant sites and structures.Youll find a mosaic of history and architectural splendours to marvel at and enjoy within its confines. Theres no obvious tourist zone, with Cairos main attractions spread out across the city, and a public transport system that can be difficult to use if you dont speak the local language (although taxis and Ubers are easier). Indeed. The site, also known as the Saladin Citadel, is quite large and has several things to see. Start your day by 8 am to avoid the crowds and the midday heat. The Pyramids of Giza. Nadia Farha Mubin Egypt Tipping in 2023 Jul 13, 2023. ), and guides usually impart a whole lot more local knowledge than just where to eat and drink. Best Things to Do at the Pyramids of Giza See the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure Go inside one of the pyramids Visit Panoramic Point Take a selfie with the Sphinx Visit the Valley Temple Watch the Sound and Light Show Map of the Giza Plateau The Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure The remainder of the wall that surrounded the old city is another important part of the Islamic Cairo site and one of the most iconic parts of it is the western gate called Bab Zuweila. Cairo is a fantastic place to explore though. I always liked the atmosphere of wandering through what felt like a bit of a warehouse, as if you were an explorer or an archaeologist yourself, having to find your way through the various rooms and never knowing what may be in the next. #1 Egyptian Museum (Museum of Egyptian Antiquities) 23,017 A centerpiece of Tahrir Square, the Egyptian Museum (Museum of Egyptian Antiquities) has been a mecca for Egyptologists since it opened and houses some of the world's greatest ancient relics. Its one of Cairos largest and most famous museums, with its primary focus on Islamic artistry and artefacts.Besides providing a wonderful collection of creative works for visitors to peruse and enjoy, the museum also provides extensive education programs. Cairo Citadel Map (Historical) 9. But some of the highlights worth mentioning are the Fortress of Babylon, the Hanging Church, Abu Serga (the oldest church in Egypt, built in the 4th century), and the Coptic Museum. Admittedly, I didnt do much research prior to my trip since I knew Intrepid would handle all the logistics, but once I started exploring all the interesting places around Egypt, I was hooked. Popular things to do Bus Tours Day Trips Historic Sites Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Sacred & Religious Sites Multi-day Tours Full-day Tours Points of Interest & Landmarks Half-day Tours Photography Tours History Museums City Tours Night Tours Shopping Malls Horse Carriage Rides Private Day Trips Speciality Museums Rail Tours To help you plan, we offer hotel and restaurant reviews, articles, and advice from seasoned travelers. All Rights Reserved. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the city with a historical walking tour of Cairo. From the Cairo airport, it's a 1 hour drive to Giza. For more niche souks, Al Azbakeya sells books (both new and used), while Wekalet Al Balah is known for its imported clothes. Magnolia Manor. Although its easy enough to visit independently, youll get so much more from a guide who can give you all the stories about these ancient wonders. Nadia Farha Mubin The spiral minaret is also a really important element. One of the best things to do in Cairo like in many North African cities is head to some of its souks (markets). Full description Embark on a tour of Giza from Cairo or Giza in an air-conditioned vehicle. 18 Views. As well as offering trips all over Egypt, they have a number of excursions in Cairo available. At the end of a causeway running down from the second-largest, the Pyramid of Khafre, stands the Sphinx, another of the sites icons and a highlight in itself. I would definitely never drive in Cairo. The area also features some cool gardens that add to the lush and tranquil feel. Eat Street Food 10. This is one of the citys most fashionable neighbourhoods, with plenty of things to do showcasing the modern cosmopolitan side of Cairo. Some great tips! But of everything in that area, the most important sight is the Citadel of Cairo, a large fortified complex on a hill that was the seat of government in Egypt for nearly 700 years. Love your photos, the contrasts and perspectives. For some unique goods, head to the Zamalek district to go through the antique stores and cute boutiques that line the streets and alleys. Plus, that gives you time for some trips out of the city itself, into the desert or nearby archaeological sites. A good option to see the highlights is this excellent guided tour that includes the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, and Khan el-Khalili souq. Understanding the value of its history, the government commissioned archaeologists to move the sites, one of which was Philae Temple. Catch the projections of the fascinating tales of ancient Egypt, featuring the history of the pharaohs. I saw many of the things on your list and had a really nice time there. These bustling shopping centres are full of sounds and smells, with vibrant displays where you can find some souvenirs or taste the local food. Like most cities, Cairo feels like a different place at night, when the streets are filled with evening diners, markets are bustling, and businesses closed during the heat open up to visitors. The Great Pyramids are located on the outskirts of Giza, a suburb of Cairo, Egypt. Theres also lots of other historical sights, including the fortress, catacombs, and Roman archaeological sites. I see prices are dropping due to the weaker currency. I would recommend this tour of Saqqara and Giza, or there are some more similar options here: This is not what you expect to find in Egypt. Theres a small museum which is vaguely interesting but the real attraction is the view from the top, which offers a fantastic perspective of the old city which would have had a very similar layout to what you still see today. Giza Things to Do in Giza Things to Do in Giza, Egypt - Giza Attractions Things to Do in Giza Popular things to do Bus Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Ancient Ruins Cultural Tours Day Trips Historic Sites Full-day Tours Half-day Tours Photography Tours City Tours Historical Tours Rail Tours Private Day Trips Culinary Tour Nature and Wildlife Tours The advantage of using a guide to go to multiple sights is that theyll take care of all the transport (which can be a hassle independently) and youll get time in transit to learn more about the city generally. 8. Id say I have many reasons to go back to Cairo. Plus youll get excellent views of the city from the main terrace. When you look at the temples intricate design u. p close, you get a true appreciation for both the work it took to build originally and also the more modern work of moving it. While the pyramids - the only remaining structure of the Seven Wonders of the World - are indeed a must-see attraction, it would be downplaying the Egyptian capital's beauty and charm to suggest they are the only bucket-list worthy sight. NCL Travel, the trading name of Nelson London Ventures Ltd, acts as a principal guided tour organiser, flight-plus package provider, and custom-made package organiser. My daughter and I are planning on a trip to Egypt in Feb. What clothing would you suggest? Green Iguana Conservation Project. Cairo's Necropolis. Youll have the opportunity to learn about these pyramids history and cultural significance. If the pyramids and the sphinx are where you see the all-out grandeur of Ancient Egypt, the Egyptian Museum is where its story comes to life. _g1.setAttribute('srcset', _g1.getAttribute('data-srcset')); Saqqara was the ancient burial ground of the Egyptian pharaohs before they built the pyramids at Giza. In the historic neighbourhoods of Cairo, youll discover theres more to see than just the pyramids. 2023 Nelson London Ventures Ltd (T/A NCL Travel). 4 Karnak Temple Only a couple of kilometers away from Luxor is the Karnak Temple complex, a city's worth of ruins of ancient temples, chapels, towers, and pylons, built around 2000 B.C. When you look at the temples intricate design up close, you get a true appreciation for both the work it took to build originally and also the more modern work of moving it. Why not take a look for yourself and see what you think? %privacy_policy%. The museums are also worth checking out, namely the National Military Museum. I certainly wasnt familiar with many other destinations within Egypt before I took the leap to travel on a group tour. You certainly dont want to rush your visit here because theres lots to see. The Pyramid of Djoser still stands tall, parts of the temples in the complex can be walked through, and when you go down into the tombs, youll be amazed at how bright and colourful the wall paintings still are. Historically, its centred around an area called Coptic Cairo, where its said that Jesus and his parents passed through briefly. Its fantastic to hear that there are so many more interesting and fascinating historic sites and things to do beyond the pyramids were hesitant to travel to Cairo because we dont want to be disappointed by the experience which I think weve probably built up far too high in our minds. In the tombs you will see painted scenes of the journey into the afterlife on every wall and even the ceilingtruly a sight to see! One of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture in the world, Sultan Hassan Mosque is a vision of Islamic artistry with an abundance of stalactite detailing and intricate arabesque features. Just a short stroll from the Museum of Islamic Art is the Abdeen Palace Museum, worth visiting for both the building itself, and what it contains. } catch(e) {}, try { _g1 = document.getElementById('g1-logo-inverted-source'); From sightseeing at the Cairo Opera House to discovering the meaning of the vibrant graffiti bespeckling the city, its a good way to get some perspective on the Cairos of the past and present. Thankfully, its a question you wont have to answer if you visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which, among other things, has a special collection of mummies in the thoughtfully-curated Royal Mummies Hall. There are other things to see in the area as you can see in the photos, starting with the beautifulMosque of al-Muayyad right next to the gate. Locals tend to shop elsewhere, but even so, Khalili is well worth a visit. But knowing that there is a wealth of other activities and attractions would definitely help the overall Egypt experience . This extra exhibit is well worth the slightly higher admission price to see! The price of the journey is very cheap at around E4 ($0.15USD). This is a country with such a long and storied past that it would be hard not to fall in love with it! Here you'll find all collections you've created before. The largest mosque in terms of area, Ibn Tulun Mosque is also the oldest mosque in Cairo in its original form, completed in 879. For the ultimate dining experience and stunning views head to Sequoia overlooking the River Nile. But in 2021, the new Grand Egyptian Museum is due to open, with many of the artefacts from the current museum spanning more than 5,000 years of fascinating Egyptian history being moved to their new home. Day 1: Nile views. Even if youre not buying anything, its a really interesting place to visit and to discover more about the life of a Cairene. There are often events in the evenings and, although youll easily find pockets to relax, its quite a lively place outside of the hottest hours of the day. Rather than tell you more about the pyramids now, Im going to suggest you read my story about visiting the Pyramids of Giza, where Ive got lots more details. After the Giza Complex, the Egyptian Museum in central Cairo is probably the most visited place since its the perfect match history-wise with its massive exhibition of Egyptian antiquities. Good for. Vent has become a staple of the local nightlife scene featuring cutting edge local performers, hip-hop nights, and DJs throughout the week. With ahistory dating back to the 14th century, modern dayKhan El-Khalili is a market with many and diverse shops where youll be able to find all sorts of things imaginable such as spices, perfumes, gold, clothes, collectibles, and touristy stuff, among a countless number of otheritems. But its not the only important landmark from that time! Its here youll find the Pyramid of Djoser, considered to be the oldest pyramid in the world and a precursor to the more famous ones about 15 kilometres away. After building up an appetite, head down to Cairos Islamic quarterto get a taste of the local cuisine. The two minarets of the gate offer great views over this part of Islamic Cairo with many other minarets and towers seen in the distance. Another highlight are rare manuscripts of the Koran with calligraphy in silver ink. Stroll Through the Egyptian Museum 3. From partying it up at a dance club, to dining on the Nile, to chowing down on delicious street food, here are 12 things to do in Cairo besides the pyramids. Admire Mamluk Architecture in the Sultan Hassan Mosque. Book a room with a view, as nothing stokes the fires of adventure quite like a stellar view of this ancient man-made structure. Although you may not have come to Egypt looking for these things, I find it an interesting contrast to the other main Cairo sights. It may seem strange suggesting that you leave one city to go to another, but Alexandria is only 200 kilometres away and its possible to visit as a day trip, if youre not planning to go otherwise (although it does deserve more time). Egypt has long been one of my dream destinations. The museums are also worth checking out, namely the National Military Museum. Shop at the Khan al Kalili Souq 5. Public Buses or Minivans. Travel The chaotic capital of Egypt is home to some of the world's most precious archaeological sites. It has been the place to go find a bargain in Cairo since the 14th century. There's a lot to see/do in Cairo. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "acf88031ee35d986b2c3e744ac594c96" );document.getElementById("efe613f755").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Check Rates and Availability for Kempinski Nile Garden City on Booking.com, Posted on Last updated: September 7, 2022, The Best Boutique Hotels in London: 18 Quirky and Stylish Places to Stay, Craft Beer, Street Food and History: Fabulous Things to do in Fort Collins. Beyond the main sights of Ancient Egypt, there are lots of things to see in Cairo, including grand Islamic sights and vibrant local streets. Reading this and looking through you wonderful photos took me back a few decades ago when I visited Cairo with my parents. On the outer wall, there are carvings of letters from every known language in the world, just as the old ancient library was rumored to have texts from every written language in the world. Battle of the Pyramids, also called Battle of Embabeh, (July 21, 1798), military engagement in which Napoleon Bonaparte and his French troops captured Cairo.His victory was attributed to the implementation of his one significant tactical innovation, the massive divisional square.. Bonaparte, then a general and key military adviser for the French Revolutionary government (), had proposed the . Youll spot a style mish-mash of gates, colonnades and even an obelisk as you wander the several kilometers around the site. The streets of Cairo allow you to explore daily life with the smells of the souqs, the tastes of the local food, and the sounds of musical performances. Of course, you can wander the streets yourself at night, but youll miss much of the local atmosphere if you dont know exactly where to go and understand whats happening around you. 15 Amazing Things to do in Cairo, Egypt JulieLast updated: January 26, 2023Egypt15 Comments Facebook Pinterest Twitter Cairothis sprawling, historic, ancient city is most visitors' first stop on a trip through Egypt. _g1.classList.remove('lazyload'); Its a great place to go if you want to interact with locals and avoid the touristy stuff. From a ground-breaking ancient civilisation to the political seachange of the Egyptian Revolution, Cairo has seen its fair share of monumental moments in history. Intrepid is committed to using travel as a force for good. Driving on your own should not be considered as it would be a waste of time! It seems this city is really worth visiting, even for more days. Visit the Pyramids of Giza 2. The Discoveries Of is a member of the Amazon associates program. Here are seven recommended places to visit in Egypt besides the pyramids: . The collection was established in the 19th century and boasts 107 halls filled with artifacts dating from prehistoric time through the Roman periods. The Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum top the list for most, but there is a lot more to see and do in this city. The Egyptian Museum has the words most extensive collection of antiquities from the pharaonic eras. 8 days / from 2200 USD. It was such a magical adventure. Youll be able to see a good chunk of Cairos metro, and probably catch an amazing sunset to boot. Visiting Al-Azhar Park is not just a chance for you to find a bit of nature, itll get your right amongst the locals. Theres a direct train you can take from Cairo to Alexandria, or this full-day tour is the most convenient way to get there and be taken to all the main attractions. Ready to explore all these Egyptian wonders, and more? With its dedication to historical preservation, One of the most unique temples on this list, Philae temple near Aswan is only accessible by boat as it sits on an island in the middle of the Nile. With a convenient downtown location, its easy enough to visit the Museum of Islamic Art. For showtimes, check this site. The Cairo Citadelis another important historical hotspot with mosques, museums, and magnificent views of the city that will keep you busy for a few hours. Highlights include the Hanging Church, whose name comes from the fact it was built on top of an old Roman fortress, the very old Church of St. Barbara, and 9th century JewishBen Ezra Synagogue, just to name a few. But thanks for sharing your experience! These programs display the importance of this cultures influence and effect on the world.Tip: As this cultural building has over 100,000 items on display, be sure to make a list of the top works of art to view to make sure you dont spend the whole day here (or do!). Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx. Its become a bit touristy these days, but that doesnt take away from its charm, with very photogenic collections of colourful lamps. If youre traveling around Egypt for a week or two, youre bound to see lots of desert, but there arent always convenient opportunities to do activities like this, so Cairo is a great place to do it. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. The only options are private trips so it can be a bit expensive but this guided tour is the cheapest (and will be less per person if youre in a group). There are various masterpieces to discover and explore on the premises, including the golden death mask of Tutankhamun. If you time it right, you might also catch an utterly spectacular sunset too. Go for a stroll and see the famous balconies that seem to stick out from everywhere just be to sure to look close, much of the architecture is full of the rich detail of a bygone era. Find out more. Cairos Al-Azhar Park is more than just a pocket of green in a rather dense urban centre, its also a focal point for recreation in the city. _g1.setAttribute('src', _g1.getAttribute('data-src') ); Its on the Giza plateau, in a direct line with the pyramids, making it easy to see both Cairo sights on the same day. 11 Best Things To Do in Cairo Updated February 11, 2021 Some visitors are satisfied with a tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, but there is so much more to this city. the Pyramids have always been a bucket list item for me, but its nice to know what else we should be doing while we visit! And, although there was a Roman base here from the fourth century AD, followed by several Muslim settlements, it wasnt really until 969 that Cairo was officially founded. There is a new museum called the Grand Egyptian Museumunder construction not far from the Pyramids and many artifacts will be moved there once its completed, including some of the most famous ones.

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