5 Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing, and it's genuinely on the edge of the city — a short drive from central Cairo rather than a remote desert expedition. Alongside it, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure and the Great Sphinx make up one of the most recognizable archaeological sites on earth, and camel or horse rides across the plateau are a classic (if touristy) way to see all three pyramids from a distance.

Good to know: Go early morning to avoid both the heat and the crowds, and consider hiring a licensed Egyptologist guide — the site is large and easy to see superficially without one.

The long-running Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square holds an enormous collection of pharaonic antiquities, including much of Tutankhamun's treasure, while the newer Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza — one of the largest archaeological museums in the world — has been opening in phases to eventually house the full Tutankhamun collection together for the first time, along with thousands of other artifacts across a purpose-built modern facility.

Good to know: Check which museum (or both) is open and holding which collections before you go, since exhibits have been migrating between the two as the Grand Egyptian Museum's opening phases in.

This medieval marketplace, dating to the 14th century, remains Cairo's main bazaar for spices, jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs, threaded through narrow alleyways alongside historic mosques and the famous El Fishawy coffeehouse, which has been serving customers continuously since the 1770s. It's as much a place to sit with a mint tea and watch the city move as it is a place to shop.

Good to know: Haggling is expected and part of the experience — start well below the asking price, and a cup of tea at El Fishawy is a good way to rest partway through.

The Citadel of Saladin, a medieval fortification begun in the 12th century, sits on a hill overlooking the city and houses the Mohamed Ali Mosque, an Ottoman-style mosque with a striking silhouette of domes and twin minarets visible from much of Cairo. The surrounding Islamic Cairo district holds one of the largest collections of historic Islamic architecture in the world, with medieval mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums packed into a few walkable districts.

Good to know: The Citadel's elevated position gives one of the best panoramic views of Cairo, including the pyramids on a clear day — worth timing for late afternoon light.

A traditional wooden felucca sailboat ride on the Nile at sunset is one of the most relaxed ways to see the city — no motor, just wind and the current, drifting past Cairo's skyline and riverside gardens as the light changes. It's a good counterpoint to a day of dense, hot sightseeing at the pyramids or in the markets.

Good to know: Boats are typically rented by the hour and negotiated directly with boat owners along the Corniche — agree on the price and duration before boarding.