The 13 Best Things to do in Cairo, Egypt

Looking for the best things to do in Cairo?

Cairo is one of the great cities of the ancient world. Home to some of the oldest pyramids and artifacts found anywhere on earth, this 10 million strong megacity is also Egypt’s largest city as well as its capital.

As a popular tourist destination for centuries, the city’s infamous pollution, noise and crime haven’t detracted from its continued place along the tourist trail.

15 Best Things to do in Cairo Egypt

Modern Cairo is full of life and vigor, and while most visitors simultaneously love and hate the city for varying reasons, there’s no doubt that vibrant Cairo must be experienced at least once in your life.

Getting to Cairo by air is relatively easy. Whether you’re flying from London or New York, or have Sharjah to Cairo tickets, with the most affordable airfares in the low season of November to March (excluding Christmas).

See the Pyramids of Giza (Giza Necropolis)

When people think of Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza are at the top of the list.

The largest pyramid on the Giza Plateau, as well as all of Egypt, is the Great Pyramid. Known locally as the Pyramid of Khufu (for the pharaoh it was originally built for in the early 26th century BC), its narrow passages can be explored. However, the huge exterior is what people generally marvel at.

Farther south along the plateau is the Pyramid of Khefre (also known as the Pyramid of Chephren). It includes an internal tunnel that can be explored. The smaller Pyramid of Mycerinus (also known as the Pyramid of Menkaure) stands right next to it.

This area on the edge of Cairo makes a great half day visit. You can get here by metro, taxi or by joining a tour. If you want to get the most out of it, a tour is strongly recommended.

Guess the riddle of The Great Sphinx

Also located at the Giza Necropolis at the entry to the Giza Plateau, stands the Great Sphinx of Giza. Seemingly guarding the giant pyramids, the lion-bodied and pharaoh-faced Sphinx is as iconic with ancient Egypt as the pyramids themselves.

Built around 2500 BC for the pharaoh Khafre (the builder of the Second Pyramid at Giza), the Sphinx is a large monolith carved from the bedrock of the plateau that served as the quarry for the pyramids and other monuments in the area. It’s thought by a few that the head of the Sphinx may have been carved first out of a natural bedrock that was previously sculpted by the wind to give it shape. The area around it was excavated afterwards to provide blocks for the…