Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a bustling metropolis full of life and history. It is the largest city in the Middle East and is home to some of the most iconic monuments in the world. From ancient pyramids to bustling bazaars, Cairo has something for everyone. Here are the top 20 places to see in Cairo.
1. The Great Pyramid of Giza: The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis. It is the only remaining ancient wonder of the world and stands as a testament to the engineering and architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians.
2. The Egyptian Museum: The Egyptian Museum houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts. From mummies to jewelry, the museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Egypt’s rich history.
3. Khan el-Khalili Bazaar: The Khan el-Khalili Bazaar is the largest and oldest market in Cairo. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, spices, and traditional Egyptian clothing.
4. Saladin Citadel: The Saladin Citadel is a medieval fortress located on a hilltop in Cairo. It was built by Saladin in 1176 and is now a popular tourist attraction.
5. Mosque of Muhammad Ali: The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. It was built in the early 19th century and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Cairo.
6. Coptic Cairo: Coptic Cairo is an area of Cairo that is home to several ancient churches and monasteries. It is a great place to explore the city’s Christian heritage.
7. Islamic Cairo: Islamic Cairo is a historic district of Cairo that is home to some of the city’s most impressive Islamic monuments. From mosques to madrasas, Islamic Cairo is a great place to explore Cairo’s Islamic heritage.
8. Al-Azhar Park: Al-Azhar Park is a large public park located in central Cairo. It is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some fresh air.
9. The Hanging Church: The Hanging Church is an ancient Coptic church located in Coptic Cairo. It is one of the oldest churches in the world and is a great place to explore Cairo’s Christian heritage.
10. Cairo Tower: The Cairo Tower is a 187 meter tall tower located in Cairo. It offers stunning views of the city and is a great place to watch the sunset.
11. Mosque of Sultan Hassan: The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is a grand mosque located in Islamic Cairo. It was built in the 14th century and is a great example of Mamluk architecture.
12. Bab Zuweila: Bab Zuweila is one of the last remaining gates of the old city of Cairo. It is a great place to explore Cairo’s medieval history.
13. Cairo Opera House: The Cairo Opera House is one of the most iconic buildings in Cairo. It hosts a variety of performances, from ballet to opera, and is a great place to experience the city’s cultural life.
14. Gayer-Anderson Museum: The Gayer-Anderson Museum is a museum located in Islamic Cairo. It is a great place to explore Cairo’s Islamic heritage.
15. Cairo Zoo: The Cairo Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Africa. It is a great place to explore the city’s wildlife and is home to a variety of exotic animals.
16. Coptic Museum: The Coptic Museum is a museum located in Coptic Cairo. It houses a collection of ancient artifacts from the Coptic era and is a great place to explore Cairo’s Christian heritage.
17. Mohamed Ali Mosque: The Mohamed Ali Mosque is a grand mosque located in Islamic Cairo. It was built in the 19th century and is a great example of Ottoman architecture.
18. The Citadel: The Citadel is a fortification located in Cairo. It was built by Saladin in the 12th century and is a great place to explore Cairo’s medieval history.
19. Cairo Aquarium: The Cairo Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Africa. It is a great place to explore the city’s aquatic life and is home to a variety of exotic fish.
20. Cairo International Stadium: The Cairo International Stadium is the largest stadium in Egypt. It is a great place to watch football matches and other sporting events.