Things to Do in Cairo
Prices, opening hours, best times to visit and the stuff nobody tells you, everything you need for a first trip to Cairo, Egypt, plus one pigeon's opinions on all of it.
Right, Cairo. Pyramids are basically in the suburbs now, still enormous, ancient wonders and modern chaos sitting directly next to each other in a way that takes some real adjusting to. This is the proper, no-nonsense guide to things to do in Cairo: what things actually cost, when to go, what to skip, and which bits deserve the early start. Six main stops below, plus a quiz elsewhere on this site to see if you were paying attention.
The Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx
Cairo sits near the Pyramids of Giza, the last surviving of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, right on the edge of the modern city now, urban sprawl having crept up to the plateau's edge, still enormous, even from altitude, a disorienting thing to see, skyscrapers and camel rides in the same frame. General plateau admission covers the exterior and the Sphinx; entering the Great Pyramid's interior requires a separate, limited-availability ticket sold on the day, arrive early if that's a priority.
Go at opening time, both for cooler temperatures and to avoid the worst of the tour bus crowds that build steadily through the morning. Camel and horse rides are offered constantly around the site, agree a price firmly before mounting anything, and expect persistent selling throughout your visit.
Hours Daily, roughly 8am–5pm, shorter in winter
Getting there About 30 minutes from central Cairo
The Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo's newer, purpose-built Grand Egyptian Museum, near the Giza plateau, now houses the complete Tutankhamun collection, over 5,000 artefacts from the tomb of the famous young pharaoh, displayed together in one place for the first time, including the iconic golden mask. He died young, barely ruled a decade, and is now more famous than pharaohs who reigned for sixty years, a striking historical irony that the collection itself makes vivid.
It's easily paired with a Giza Pyramids visit given the museum's proximity, allow a full day to properly cover both, this is one of the largest archaeological museums in the world and rewards unhurried time.
Hours Daily, check current times
Getting there Near the Giza Pyramids, about 30 minutes from central Cairo
A Felucca Sail on the Nile
The Nile, the longest river in the world, runs directly through Cairo, explaining why an entire civilisation sprang up here, a reliable water source and excellent real estate, the reason any of this exists at all. A traditional felucca (wooden sailing boat) trip on the river, particularly at sunset, is one of the more relaxed, unhurried things to do in a city that otherwise moves at a relentlessly frantic pace.
Prices are negotiable, agree the duration and cost clearly before setting off, and tipping the captain at the end is customary.
Best time Late afternoon into sunset
Islamic Cairo & Khan el-Khalili
Cairo's historic Islamic quarter, mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums spanning centuries, is one of the richest concentrations of medieval Islamic architecture anywhere in the world. Khan el-Khalili, the old bazaar at its heart, has been trading since the 14th century, spices, textiles, and jewellery, a lively, chaotic market experience that deserves a proper afternoon.
Bargaining is expected and part of the experience, go with patience and small notes, and the surrounding streets hold excellent, unpretentious local food if you're willing to venture slightly off the main tourist strip.
Best time Afternoon into evening
Address Islamic Cairo, central Cairo
Saqqara & the Step Pyramid
About 30 minutes beyond Giza, Saqqara holds the Step Pyramid of Djoser, generally considered the earliest of Egypt's major pyramids, predating Giza's more famous pyramids by centuries, an important stop for understanding how pyramid construction actually evolved. It's considerably less crowded than Giza, and pairs well into the same day trip if you have the time.
The surrounding necropolis holds numerous other tombs and structures, several with remarkably well-preserved wall paintings, best appreciated with a guide's context.
Hours Daily, roughly 8am–4pm
Getting there About 30 minutes beyond Giza
Coptic Cairo
A peaceful, historic Christian quarter, some of the oldest churches in Egypt, including the Hanging Church, built atop a Roman fortress gate, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest in the country. A good, quieter counterpoint to the busier pyramid and bazaar sights elsewhere on this list.
It's a compact area, easily covered in a couple of hours, and it fits neatly into a wider Cairo day given how central it sits.
Address Coptic Cairo, Old Cairo
Best time to visit Cairo
October through April is really the only sensible window, cooler, drier weather without the extreme summer heat that makes the pyramids and outdoor sightseeing seriously difficult, temperatures regularly climb well past 40°C between May and September.
December and January are the coolest, busiest months, book major sights and any guided tours ahead if travelling then, given the higher visitor numbers.
Getting around Cairo
Cairo's metro is cheap and avoids the city's notoriously severe traffic, useful for central sights. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the practical way to reach Giza, Saqqara, and anywhere further out; agree fares or use the app's estimated price rather than negotiating on the street.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Cairo worth visiting?
- Yes, unquestionably, the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum alone justify the trip, and Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo add genuine depth well beyond the ancient sites.
- How many days do you need in Cairo?
- Three to four days covers Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the old city comfortably; add a day for Saqqara if ancient history is a priority.
- Is Cairo expensive?
- Moderate, the Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum are the main costs, food, local transport, and the bazaar remain genuinely affordable.
- What is Cairo famous for?
- The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum's Tutankhamun collection, and its position on the Nile, the longest river in the world.
That's everything I've got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government's latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
