Top 10 Things to Do in Cairo

Cairo is a city of contrasts — ancient and modern, loud and spiritual, overwhelming yet unforgettable. Between its chaotic streets and 5,000 years of history, every turn tells a story. Here are my top 10 things to do in Cairo (based on what I did — and what I missed but won’t next time).

As the sun dipped behind the buildings, the busy streets outside my Cairo hotel began to quiet… just a little.

1. Pyramids of Giza 🏜️ ☀️ Did This

No matter how many times you’ve seen them in photos, nothing compares to standing at the base of the Great Pyramid. I paid extra to go underneath one of the pyramids — the narrow tunnels, the quiet air, and the sense of standing where pharaohs once walked gave me chills.
💡 JD’s Tip: Bring water and patience — it’s crowded, but worth it. Go early for cooler temperatures and softer light.

Couldn’t resist the classic ‘holding up the pyramid’ shot — cheesy but mandatory!

2. Saqqara & Memphis 🏛️ 🌄 Did This

Saqqara was one of my favorite stops in Egypt. The Step Pyramid of Djoser is even older than Giza’s and far less crowded. The tombs nearby still have vivid carvings and colors, and the peaceful desert setting makes it feel like you’ve discovered something secret.
💡 JD’s Tip: Hire a driver or guide and combine Saqqara, Memphis, and Giza in one day trip.

Saqqara’s Step Pyramid — older than the Great Pyramid, but just as jaw-dropping in person.

3. Egyptian Museum 🏺 🏛️ Did This

I visited the old Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square — it’s dusty and chaotic but filled with treasures, including Tutankhamun’s golden mask. Seeing it all up close was surreal.
❌ Missed This: The new Grand Egyptian Museum has since opened and now houses the royal mummies and many relocated artifacts. It’s at the top of my list for next time!
💡 JD’s Tip: Hire a guide; the displays can feel overwhelming without context.

Before the Grand Egyptian Museum opened, this was the place to see mummies and ancient artifacts — the iconic old museum in Cairo.

4. Khan el-Khalili Bazaar 🛍️ 🎶 Did This

A labyrinth of shops, scents, and sound. I spent hours wandering through stalls filled with lamps, spices, and souvenirs. The bazaar captures the heartbeat of Cairo — energetic, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating.
💡 JD’s Tip: Bargaining is expected! Start at about half the asking price and smile your way through it.

Exploring Khan el-Khalili Bazaar — the perfect mix of history, souvenirs, and sensory overload.

5. The Citadel & Mosque of Muhammad Ali 🕌 🌇 Missed This

I didn’t make it up to the Citadel this time, but it’s on my list for next visit. The panoramic views of Cairo and the gleaming alabaster mosque sound worth the climb.
💡 JD’s Tip: Dress modestly, and bring socks — you’ll remove your shoes inside the mosque.

6. Coptic Cairo ✝️ ⛪ Did This

Coptic Cairo is calm and full of history. I visited the Hanging Church — one of Egypt’s oldest — and loved the peaceful atmosphere after the intensity of central Cairo. It’s a reminder of the city’s deep Christian roots long before Islam arrived.
💡 JD’s Tip: Pair this visit with the nearby Coptic Museum to get a fuller picture of Egypt’s religious history.

The Hanging Church — one of Cairo’s oldest and most beautiful Coptic churches, built above a Roman gate

7. Islamic Cairo 🕋 🌅 Missed This

I didn’t get to explore Islamic Cairo, but next time I’ll head to Al-Muizz Street to see the mosques and ancient gates. The architecture looks stunning in photos, especially at sunset.
💡 JD’s Tip: Visit late afternoon when the light hits the stonework perfectly.

8. Egyptian Street Food 🍲 🐔 Missed This

Cairo’s street food scene is legendary — but I’ll admit I stuck to hotel meals and the occasional KFC run. Next time, I’m trying koshari and falafel at local spots like Koshary Abou Tarek.
💡 JD’s Tip: Even if you’re cautious, start small — try food stalls with high turnover (that’s where the locals eat!).

9. Nile Dinner Cruise ⛵ 🌃 Did This

We ended one night on a dinner cruise along the Nile. Between the music, belly dancing, and skyline views, it was the perfect wind-down after busy days of sightseeing.
💡 JD’s Tip: Go for a shorter sunset sail if you prefer quiet over shows — feluccas (traditional wooden boats) are peaceful and photogenic.

Our last night in Cairo turned into a dance party on the Nile — laughter, music, and unforgettable memories.

10. Sound & Light Show 🎆 🌙 Missed This

I didn’t stay for the pyramid light show, but it’s a classic experience for first-timers. The Sphinx narrates Egypt’s history as colored lights dance over the pyramids — yes, it’s cheesy, but iconic.
💡 JD’s Tip: Bring a jacket; desert evenings cool down fast.

✨ Final Thoughts

Cairo can be chaotic, crowded, and completely mesmerizing all at once. From crawling under ancient pyramids to wandering quiet churches, it’s a city that constantly surprises you. I only scratched the surface, but I’ll definitely be back — this time for the new museum, the Citadel views, and a plate of koshari.

Chasing pyramids and catching sunsets — turns out they’re a little farther from downtown Cairo than I thought!