Places to Visit in Cairo

Fantastically attractive, the pyramids of Giza is the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu and the largest Egyptian pyramid. It is also the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These fourth dynasty funerary pyramids are located on the city's edge and have always been one of the best highlights of Cairo.

Built in the parts of downtown Cairo, the Egyptian Museum houses some of the rarest and most unique historical artefacts of the time. With a collection of roughly around 120,000 items, the Egyptian Museum is one of the largest museums in the region. It also holds the record of owning the world's largest collection of Pharaonic antiques.

A remarkable establishment, Al-Azhar Mosque is a marvellous building in Cairo. Having been built in AD972, It is really old and one of the prime landmarks in the city. It is also one of the oldest surviving mosques and one of the oldest universities in the world.

This little and enclosed region also called Coptic Cairo, is the most ancient part of Cairo. It is the heart of the Coptic Christian group and remains a truly fascinating spot to visit. The Coptic Museum contains an abundance of valuable information on Egypt's initial Christian period and is home to one of Egypt's finest accumulations of Coptic art collections.

One of the biggest markets in the world, Khan al-Khalili is very chirpy, exciting and inspiring. With the constant selling, bargaining and purchasing, the local market is worth visiting. It is known for the semiprecious and expensive stone works handicrafts to varying sizes of simulated pyramids.

Right on the foothills of the enormous Mokattam, the fortress of the Saladin Citadel was established in the year 1176. It is one of the most remarkable creations of military infrastructure, attracting many tourists every year. Wander about the surroundings and witness one of the most fantastic views in the city.

Opposite the Cairo Governorate Office, at the intersection of Port Said and Mohamed Ali streets, is the magnificent building of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). It is known for the overwhelming architecture of the building and divine historical artefacts.

Sultan Hassan Mosque is an excellent example of brilliant Egyptian architecture. Completed in 1363, this ancient yet interesting monument never fails to intrigue its visitors. With interesting intricacies in the features, this massive mosque was built for Sultan Hassan el-Nasir in the Mamluk era.

The only surviving southern gate of the city, Bab Zuweila was built in medieval times and served as an entry to the city of Al-Qahira. The spectacularly standing minarets on the gate beautifully depict the architecture of that era. The gate was also popular for being used to execute criminals and prisoners by the rulers of that time. Tourists often enjoy the mesmerising views from the top of this beautiful landmark.

The Hanging Church of Cairo is a stone facade inscribed with Coptic and Arabic marks. Also known as the Church of Saint Virgin Mary, the Hanging Church of Cairo is one of the most popular and oldest churches present in the world today. Dating back to 3rd Century AD, the Hanging Church of Coptic Cairo comprises of 110 Holy Icons.

Spread across a sprawling area of 30 hectares, the Al-Azhar Park in Cairo is another place which is going to leave you spellbound with its beauty. The park is surrounded by some of the most historic and significant districts of Cairo city, and is a must visit place for tourists as well as local residents of the city.

The Coptic Museum holds more than 16,000 artefacts dating back to the presence of Christians in Egypt. Almost all these artefacts have been collected from different monasteries across Egypt. It was founded in 1908.

The Nilometer was used to measure the water level of the river Nile in earlier times and helped predict floods and droughts. The structure, built between the Manasterly Palace and the Um Kalthoum Museum, has a beautifully built conical dome at the top with a vertical column pillar standing in the centre, immersed in water.

Situated adjacent to the Mosque of Ahmad ibn Tulun in the Sayyida Zeinab neighbourhood lies the famous Gayer – Anderson Art Museum. Initially serving as the residence to British Major R.G. Gayer – Anderson Pasha, the place is now more popular due to the 17th Century AD artworks and artefacts belonging to the museum.

The Ben Ezra Synagogue became a place of worshipping for Jews in 882 AD. Back in the 6th Century AD, the synagogue was a figure of the Jewish revolution, when the prophet Jeremiah gathered all the Jews after Nebuchadnezzar's destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. Situated next to the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum, it is considered a must-visit destination during the trip to Cairo.