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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Cairo Governorate [2025]
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The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
4.7
/5
1228 reviews
10
From AU$ 25.16
30.2 km from downtown
Phone +20 2 25796948
Address: El-Tahrir Square, Ismailia, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate 4272083, Egypt
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-6 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
See Tutankhamun's Gold Mask in Person
Tutankhamun's 440-pound gold mask
Saved by 436 users488 positive reviews
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The Egyptian Museum is the world's most famous treasure trove of ancient Egyptian artifacts. It is located in Cairo's Tahrir Square and was built in 1902. The museum contains more than 120,000 treasures, spanning 5,000 years, including the treasures of the town halls such as Tutankhamun's gold mask, the Royal Mummy Hall, and the statue of Kafra. The building itself is neoclassical style, and the two-story exhibition hall is arranged according to the age and theme. Although it is slightly crowded, it creates an archaeological warehouse-like atmosphere. The heritage labeling system is slightly old, but it does not hinder its status as an academic town for studying ancient Egyptian civilization. After the opening of the new museum (the Great Egyptian Museum), it still attracts historical lovers with irreplaceable collection density
🌟The St. George Hall, known as the "Great Golden Palace", is the heart of the Winter Palace. The hall was built during the reign of Catherine II and was used to hold the highest level of royal ceremonies, receptions and imperial meetings. A golden throne is placed in the center, and the double-headed eagle national emblem is on the back of the chair and the back wall, revealing the majesty of the empire everywhere.
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🌟The "Peacock Clock", one of the treasures of the town, stands proudly among the circles of tourists. Although the clock is called Peacock, it actually has four animals: owl, peacock, rooster and squirrel. It is said that every Friday night at 7 o'clock, the staff will wind up the clockwork, and then the golden leaves will shake, the owl will blink, the peacock will spread its tail, the rooster will crow, and the squirrel will jump, recreating the grand occasion of the year.
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🌟Leonardo da Vinci's "Madonna with Flowers" is blooming at the corner of the second floor. The silver anemone touched by the fingertips of the Holy Child oozes blue-purple juice, and the folds of the Virgin Mary are filled with the cold twilight of Florence. The cracks in the four hundred years of oil paint ooze out the scent of the olive trees on the Apennine Peninsula. The vaults of the Raphael Gallery are covered with Russian winter snow, and the grape vines reproduced on the dome are still growing. Among the vines are hidden angels painted by Raphael, and the lyres in their hands condense the tremolo of five hundred years ago.
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Khan el-Khalili
4.4
/5
189 reviews
9.6
27.6 km from downtown
Phone +20-2-33848466
Address: El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331302, Egypt
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 100 – Night Attractions
Highlights:
Ancient Arabian buildings & walls surround market
Historic open-air market & architecture
Saved by 371 usersRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Khalili Market is the most legendary Arab traditional market in Cairo, and has been an important trading center on the Silk Road since the 14th century. The maze of narrow lanes is lined with gold and silver shops, spice stalls, handicraft workshops, copper lamps, papyrus and other specialty products. The Fisharvi Café in the core area (founded in 1773) still retains the tradition of gathering Arab literary artists, while the stained glass and mosque minarets under the market dome form a unique Islamic picture. Despite the obvious commercialization and the need to be vigilant against high-price traps, the noisy bargaining noise, the air of mint tea and spices still make it a must-visit place to experience Egyptian culture.
💟The Khalili Market in the old city of Cairo is one of the most representative traditional markets in Cairo. It is also one of the oldest and most prosperous markets in the Middle East. Its history can be traced back to the Mamluk period in the 14th century. It is a must-visit souvenir shopping destination for tourists.
Khalili at night is more comfortable than during the day, at least it is not so noisy. I guess the vendors are tired after shouting all day, and no one really comes forward to sell, which is much more worry-free.
💟There are a wide variety of handicrafts here, such as brass lamps, gold and silver jewelry, gem necklaces, glass lamps, spices, papyrus paintings, shell inlaid wooden boxes, perfumes, etc. Regardless of whether they are from Yiwu, they are still very Egyptian. Especially the souvenirs from the Pharaoh period, such as Pharaoh statues, amulets, scarabs, Ankh crosses, etc., are almost real.
💟Textiles are also best-selling items, such as scarves, bed sheets, etc. The Arabic style patterns are quite beautiful. Remember to look for the "100% Egyptian Cotton" label. Some tourists also buy traditional embroidered robes Galabeya, which are essential for taking photos.
💟There are many shops here, and you can find a lot of treasures by walking through the streets and alleys. Some small shops on the second floor have much higher prices. However, it is still recommended to compare with domestic platforms, some are really much cheaper in China.
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Cairo Citadel
4.6
/5
149 reviews
9.5
Based on 1,344 reviews
28.5 km from downtown
Phone +20-2-25121735
Address: 27H6+G27, Privet Entrance Bel Kalaa, Al Abageyah, El Khalifa, Cairo Governorate 4252360, Egypt
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 100 – Best Things to Do
Highlights:
Historic Yusof Well & Pavilion
The Millennial Twin Castles built by General Saladin
Saved by 151 users39% positive reviews
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The Military Museum in Saladin Castle🏰 allows you to learn about the military culture from ancient Egypt to the present day Egypt🇪🇬. If you buy a ticket to Saladin Castle🎫, you can enter the Military Museum inside the castle for free (note: there is a hidden small museum in the Military Museum where staff sell tickets, and you need to pay to visit). The entire castle building exudes a strong Sultan Ottoman atmosphere, which is definitely worth visiting here!
In the long river of history, Saladin Castle stands quietly there as a witness, its existence is not only the accumulation of buildings, but also the precipitation of history and the continuation of culture. Whether it is the first ray of sunshine in the morning or the last sunset in the evening, it seems to be putting on a mysterious veil for the castle, attracting people to explore the story behind it.
No.
4
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Nile
4.7
/5
688 reviews
8.7
Based on 3,312 reviews
30.7 km from downtown
Address: River Nile, Cairo
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 50 – Water fun & Cool Retreats
Highlights:
Floods nourish fertile river valleys
Sail Nile on a felucca
Saved by 190 users165 positive reviews
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At that time, on the way from Luxor to Hurghada, I began to miss the Nile River infinitely. Every time I saw the river, I couldn't help but marvel in my heart. It was just a natural scenery, but it had an unreal beauty, flat and vast. I always lived in southern China and always thought that rivers came from valleys, magnificent or winding, with mountains on both sides, but the Nile River was still flat on both sides. I think there would be no Egypt without the Nile River. In such a hot and dry place that is not suitable for living, it should be this river that can pass through thousands of years without changing and keep people.
Now, I have been away from Egypt for more than ten days. The most frequent flash in my memory is still the Nile River. Its beauty seems to allow anything to happen. I suddenly understand Agatha very much. If you face such a miracle every day, it is not surprising that you can write any story.
Finally, I actually want to say that the Old Falls Hotel is worth staying (if the budget allows, but the afternoon tea is very bad, so be careful.
The Nile River, the mother river of Egypt! In the evening, take a boat trip on the Nile River. The bustling scenery on both sides and the dilapidated apartments on both sides of the airport road make people doubt life! The difference is huge, but whether rich or poor, they will choose to be buried on the sides of the Nile River after death. Of course, the Feng Shui location is different! If you look at the Nile River, you can hear her low singing, singing the thousand-year glory!
No.
5
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The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
4.7
/5
6 reviews
8.3
From AU$ 25.16
Based on 224 reviews
30.4 km from downtown
Phone +20-2-27412273
Address: Ein as Seirah, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4245001, Egypt
Highlights:
An overview of the history of Egyptian civilization
Explore Ancient Egyptian life with VR technology
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The museum is laid out in a complete historical timeline, focusing on the entire history of Egyptian civilization, covering prehistory, Pharaoh, Greek and Roman, Coptic, Islamic and modern Egyptian culture, presenting the characteristics of Egypt's multicultural integration. The museum square is large and spacious, and the architectural design cleverly combines the symbols of ancient Egyptian civilization with modern architectural language, respecting tradition and full of future. If you want to know more, you can read my travel notes on my homepage.
Nice place to visit.. a lot of artifacts from golden age of pharoah...
No.
6
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The Hanging Church
4.9
/5
152 reviews
8.1
Based on 841 reviews
32.2 km from downtown
Phone +20-2-23636305
Address: مار جرجس، محطة مترو الأنفاق(مارجرجس, Ibrahim Ali, Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4244001, Egypt
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Display of 8th century Coptic Christian artifacts
White tower shines under blue sky
41% positive reviews
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The hanging church building itself is like a work of art, standing on a cliff, giving a mysterious sense of solemnity. The exquisite interior decoration complements the magnificent scenery outside, making people feel like they are in a quiet and sacred space. In addition, the natural scenery around the church is beautiful and a very memorable experience. Highly recommended for friends who like to explore beautiful buildings and seek peace.
The most popular church in the entire Coptic area is the Hanging Church, also known as St. Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, which is the oldest and most famous Christian church in Egypt. It was built from the 3rd to the 4th century, and the existing buildings were mainly built from the 7th to the 9th century. It was once the residence of the Coptic Pope, an important religious site of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and a symbol of Egyptian Christian history.
💟The church is called "hanging" because it was built above the gate of the ancient Roman Babylon Fortress and supported by towering stone pillars. From the outside, it seems to be suspended in the air.
The church contains a large number of precious Coptic-style (big eyes, flattened) icons. You may wish to pay attention to the icons of the Virgin Mary and the Son Jesus, which are very different from the Western style seen in Europe. There are also ancient Coptic murals on the walls depicting biblical stories and the deeds of saints, which are very distinctive Coptic cultural treasures.
📌TIPS📌
1. Dress appropriately when visiting (avoid shorts and sleeveless tops).
2. Photography is allowed inside the church, but some areas are prohibited from entering.
3. Opening hours: 9:00-16:00
No.
7
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Coptic Cairo
4.7
/5
12 reviews
7.8
31.9 km from downtown
Address: Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Cairo's 360° view from Citadel
Explore ancient Islamic heritage & 14th century
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Located in the northeast of Cairo, it has a history of thousands of years. It has many scenic spots and historical sites such as the ancient castle, mosques, and the Khalili Traditional Crafts Market. It was listed in the World Heritage List in 1979.
There are more than 1,000 mosques in Cairo, and the towering minarets of the mosques are straight into the clouds, so Cairo is also known as the "City of a Thousand Minarets".
Located in the old city, the Khalili Market consists of thousands of shops distributed in dozens of streets and alleys, and many of the shops can be traced back to the 14th century. The narrow roads are lined with various jewelry, copper plates, stone carvings, leather goods and other traditional Egyptian handicrafts. Most tourists come here to buy tourist souvenirs. Shopping here is a special feeling, as if walking into the real version of "One Thousand and One Nights".
In Cairo, mosques and minarets are ubiquitous buildings. In Arabic, minarets are called "minars," which refer to the place where the muezzin stands to call people to prayer. Since the 7th century, with the widespread spread of Islam in West Asia and North Africa, the art of mosque architecture has continued to develop, and minarets have evolved into various styles, becoming an indispensable part of mosque architecture and a highlight of Cairo.
No.
8
Islamic Cairo
4.7
/5
40 reviews
7.7
Based on 813 reviews
26.6 km from downtown
Address: El-Darb El-Ahmar, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Authentic Egyptian market experience
Copper & papyrus crafts market
41% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Exploring the old Islamic city is like walking into a story of a thousand and one nights. Every alley here is full of mystery and magic, as if telling an old story. 📜✨ Shuttle through the maze of streets, every corner may meet the traces of history, and every slate records the traces of the years. 👣🕰️ Those exquisite crafts, aromatic spices, and melodious prayers are showing the unique charm of Islamic culture to the world. 🎨🎵 If you come to the old Islamic town, you may as well slow down and feel every peace and beauty here. 😌💕
This land is not rich in amazing culture as people imagine, nor is there a famous attraction like the pyramids (maybe there was, but now it is gone). The whole city is full of dust, homeless people who love to fight and cause trouble, and endless dirtiness, chaos and poor conditions. Probably the best thing you can experience here is to take a good shower after a day in Cairo, and hope that you are not infected with any diseases. In the local area, many people will use tricks to cheat money on the streets, which makes tourists have a worse impression of the city. In addition, some people will shout behind you to provoke you. In this case, even if you give me money, I will never look back.
No.
9
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Al-Azhar Mosque
4.8
/5
67 reviews
7.4
Based on 401 reviews
27.7 km from downtown
Address: El-Darb El-Ahmar, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4293024, Egypt
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Scholars' religious lectures inside
Mirror effect of white architecture
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Egypt Tour - Amr Mosque 6
Destroyed by fire in 1168. Rebuilt by Saladin in 1172, maintaining the original scale. It was the only official mosque where successive caliphs, sultans, governors and ministers held the last Ramadan prayer until 1952. It is now listed as a historical and cultural relic protection site by the Egyptian government
Egypt Trip - Amr Mosque 1
Among the many mosques I have visited, this mosque is not the largest or the most beautiful, but as the first mosque in Africa, its religious status is still very important. As for what to wear to enter the mosque, it's a cliché, just wrap your bag tightly.
No.
10
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Mosque of Muhammad Ali
4.8
/5
71 reviews
7.1
Based on 2,761 reviews
28.5 km from downtown
Phone +966-56-1902395
Address: Salah al-Din, al-Ayyubi, Saladin, Cairo Governorate 4252360, Egypt
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Torch-like tower pierces sky
Cairo's night view from above
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The experience of visiting the Mohammed Ali Mosque far exceeded my expectations. The architectural beauty of this mosque is breathtaking, and every detail reveals ingenuity. The exquisiteness of the interior decoration and the use of colors all show the profound cultural heritage. Here, I felt the perfect combination of tranquility and harmony, which was a spiritual baptism. I highly recommend it to everyone who loves architectural art and cultural exploration.
Ah history , here you. can smell Egypt and people love you any place you go I love it
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