Quick answer: Must-dos in Cairo are the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum (Tutankhamun’s treasures), Saqqara and Dahshur, Islamic Cairo and Al-Muizz Street, Khan el-Khalili, the Citadel, Coptic Cairo, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, a Nile felucca at sunset, and koshari.
Cairo layers pharaonic, Coptic, Islamic and modern history into one sprawling city. Here are the 20 best things to do. Fees are approximate 2026 rates for foreign visitors.
Ancient Egypt
- The Pyramids of Giza: plateau entry is about EGP 540–700, and going inside costs extra. See tickets.
- The Great Sphinx: included with the plateau ticket.
- The Grand Egyptian Museum: the full Tutankhamun collection and the Grand Staircase. See GEM tickets.
- Saqqara: the Step Pyramid of Djoser and painted tombs (about EGP 600).
- Dahshur: the Bent and Red Pyramids, with far fewer crowds.
- Memphis: the ancient capital’s colossal statue of Ramesses II.
- The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir: the classic collection, about EGP 550.
- The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC): the Royal Mummies Hall.
Islamic and Coptic Cairo
- Al-Muizz Street: medieval mosques, madrasas and palaces.
- Khan el-Khalili: the bazaar and El Fishawy café.
- Al-Azhar Mosque and Al-Azhar Park’s sunset views.
- The Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa’i mosques.
- The Citadel of Saladin and the Muhammad Ali Mosque.
- Coptic Cairo: the Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.
- The Ibn Tulun Mosque and the Gayer-Anderson Museum.
Modern Cairo and the Nile
- A felucca sail on the Nile at sunset.
- Zamalek: cafés, galleries and the Cairo Tower viewpoint.
- Downtown: belle époque buildings and old cafés.
- Egyptian food: koshari, ful, taameya and fresh juice.
- The sound and light show at the Pyramids.
Compare Giza, Saqqara and Cairo food tours.
Tips
- Visit Giza at opening to avoid the heat and the crowds.
- Agree all prices for camels, horses and guides in advance.
- Dress modestly, and women should bring a scarf for mosques.
More Cairo guides
- Cairo travel guide
- Cairo itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Cairo
- Giza Pyramids tickets and tips
- Grand Egyptian Museum tickets
- Egypt visa on arrival and e-visa
- Cairo Airport to the city
FAQ: Things to do in Cairo
Can you go inside the Pyramids?
Yes, with an extra ticket for the Great Pyramid or one of the smaller pyramids. The passages are narrow and hot.
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum open?
Yes. It’s the new home of Tutankhamun’s treasures, next to the Giza plateau. Check the opening hours and ticket types before your visit.
Is Saqqara worth visiting?
Yes. The Step Pyramid and the painted tombs are spectacular and less crowded than Giza.
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