Things to Do in Cairo | Journey Connected
Things to Do in Cairo
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From the Pyramids of Giza to the markets of Khan el Khalili, here are the best things to do in Cairo, with bookable tours and activities for each one.
Top Things to Do in Cairo
From our own private tours to bookable local experiences, here’s our pick of the best things to do in Cairo.
Climb to the City's Best Views
The Citadel of Saladin sits on a hill above Cairo, built in the 12th century to defend the city and later home to Egypt's rulers for 700 years. Inside its walls is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with its distinctive domes and alabaster interior, and from the courtyard you can see most of Cairo spread out below, including the Pyramids on a clear day. It's an easy half-day stop and one of the few places in the city where you get that kind of panoramic view.
A Different Side of Cairo
Cairo Tower rises above Zamalek, an island neighborhood in the Nile known for tree-lined streets, embassies, and some of the city's best cafes and restaurants. It's quieter and more residential than downtown Cairo, with a different pace that's worth experiencing even for a few hours. The tower's observation deck gives you a 360-degree view of the city, and Zamalek itself is a good place to spend an evening away from the usual tourist stops.
The City of a Thousand Minarets
Cairo earned this nickname from its density of historic mosques, and a walk through Islamic Cairo shows why. Al Azhar Mosque, founded in 970 AD, is one of the oldest in the world and still an active center of Islamic learning. Ibn Tulun Mosque, Cairo's largest by land area, has a spiraling minaret you can climb for views over the old city. The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is known for its massive scale and medieval architecture. All three sit within walking distance of each other in the Islamic Cairo district.
