Egypt’s capital is Cairo, and most people think of the Pyramids when they think of Egypt. Even though tourists must see the Pyramids while in Cairo, the city has a lot more to offer.
As the biggest city in both the Middle East and North Africa, it is a financial, cultural, and transportation hub for the whole area. It is a meeting place for many different cultures not only because of where it is and who lives there, but also because it is dynamic and unique.
So, what to do in Cairo?
Here is a list of 11 unique things to do in Cairo besides seeing the pyramids:
1- Visit the first capital of ancient Egypt in Memphis City
During the Old Kingdom, this interesting city was the capital of Egypt. King Mina started it. Memphis is a popular day trip from Cairo, and for good reason: it’s where the Nile Delta begins.
When it was at its best, the city was a religious and commercial center, which helped its rise to power. People also believed that the god Ptah, who was called the “patron saint of artisans,” was watching over the city. The Great Temple, which is also called Hot-ka-Ptah, is one of the most famous buildings in the city. There, you can find a beautiful statue of Ramses II.
2- Enjoy a great view of Cairo from above the Citadel of Salah El-Din
The Saladin Citadel is a must-see for anyone who goes to Cairo. Saladin built a wall around it in 1176 to protect it from the Crusaders. After that, it was the official palace of Egypt’s pharaohs for about 700 years. Saladin started building the building in the year 1176.
Inside the Salah el-Din Citadel, you can find many impressive buildings, such as three large mosques, several palaces, and many terraces with great views of Cairo. Inside the citadel, there are many gates, a big terrace, a court of law, an arsenal, and a lot of other buildings and structures.
3- Visit the spectacular Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha
The beautiful Mosque of Muhammad Ali is not only an ancient mosque but also one of the most important religious and historical sites in Cairo. If you are ever in Cairo, you should not miss the opportunity to do this.
People often call this mosque the “Alabaster Mosque” because a lot of alabaster was used in its construction. The high minarets and domes of the Citadel give it an exotic and magical appearance, making it a unique addition to the Cairo skyline.
4- Try authentic Egyptian dishes
Egypt is known for its delicious traditional food, which you will be able to try no matter where you are in the country.
Some of the more exotic dishes you can find in Egypt are kosher, molokhia, stuffed vegetables (Maharshi), fatteh, Hawaii, falafel, foul medames, moussaka, stuffed pigeons, and many more.
5- Explore the chaos and bustle of Islamic Cairo at Al Muizz Street
See the largest Islamic museum in Egypt, which is also the largest of its kind in the world. Most of the museum’s importance comes from the artifacts left behind by the kings, queens, and other important people who lived in Cairo during the Fatimid era and afterward. One of these buildings is on every corner of Cairo.
It is in the middle of Old Cairo, in the middle of the Bab el-Futuh gates. In this neighborhood, you can find mosques, schools, and homes, as well as the beautiful Sabil-Kuttab of Katkhuda, which has Islamic and Ottoman art on display, the El-Azhar Mosque, the complex of Qalawun, and many other amazing Islamic sites. These are just a few ways that Islam has affected the area. Every day, hundreds of people come to this area just to see these and other beautiful examples of Islamic architecture.
6- Spend a day in Coptic Cairo
Some of the most well-known Christian churches in the world are in the old part of Cairo. Egypt went from being ruled by the Pharaohs to being ruled by the Muslims while these buildings were being built. Egypt also went through its own change from being Christian to being Muslim around this time.
The Coptic Museum is one of the most interesting places to visit in Coptic Cairo. It was founded in 1910 and has the largest collection of artworks that show the Christian heritage of the Coptic people. The main collection of museums is made up of objects from the beginning of Coptic Christianity in Egypt to the time of the Ottomans.
As a bonus, you should also visit at least six interesting churches in the Cairo area. There are beautiful religious buildings like the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Great Hanging Church, and St. Sergius Church.
7- Capture unforgettable memories of Khan El Khalili bazaar
The Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo, Egypt, is known as “the greatest open-air market in the world.” It has some of the most interesting and memorable shopping experiences you’ll have anywhere in the world. The market is busy and thriving, and it is full of all kinds of goods, including balls that sparkle.
There, you might find a store that sells fresh spices of all kinds, as well as a store that sells essential oils with a huge range of scents. There are companies that sell carpets and stores that sell carpets, clothing, fabric, and a lot of other things, so you can usually get everything you need at a price you can afford.
8- Sail the Nile in a felucca
People have used feluccas, a simple type of traditional sailboat, to travel down the Nile since the time of the ancient Egyptians. During the day, some of Cairo’s feluccas travel down the Nile, stopping often to look at the different towns that line the waterway. Some people think that nothing is better than sailing down a river at night and looking up at the stars.
9- Discover Cairo from the highest point of the Cairo Tower
From the top of the 187-meter-tall “Cairo Tower,” you can see amazing views in all directions. At the very top of the Tower, on the axis that goes right through the middle of the Tower, there is a restaurant that spins all the way around. Naoum Shebib came up with the idea for the skyscraper, and it took about 5 years to finish building it. Monday through Sunday, it’s open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
10- Be one of the first people to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum
Since the public won’t be able to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum until the end of 2020, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Being one of the first people to visit the museum is something you will never forget. It is currently being built and will be able to hold about 100,000 artifacts from Egypt’s history. It will take up more than 500,000 square meters of space.
11- Watch magical craftsmanship at the Museum of Islamic Art
The ancient Egyptians were among the first people to think of making handmade artifacts, and the Egyptians got their skills from such a great civilization. This is a great chance for anyone interested in Egyptian art and craftsmanship. It’s a must-see because it has a beautiful collection of Islamic art and was built by experts.
