Location: Cairo
Top Things to do in Cairo
Countries
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Cairo, Cairo Governorate
Cairo’s an ancient city that also happens to be a modern metropolis—it’s one of the biggest cities in the Middle East and has the traffic and noise issues to prove it. But as long as you’re not looking for solitude, Cairo—the City of the Thousand Minarets—is a splendid place to explore Egyptian history and culture. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)
Restaurants in Cairo
1. Street of the Tentmakers (Sharia Khayamiya)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Maurizio3030 - Cairo, Egypt
We live this market. It is not touristy. It is hard to get to it is aka Al Khayamiyya if you are using google maps or Google Bab Zuwayla. There are so many textile markets etc. We found a great slipper shop. Do Egypt . Enjoy the journey
2. Hanging Church (El Muallaqa, Sitt Mariam, St Mary)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 760 reviews
This church, originally built in the ancient fortress of Babylon in Old Cairo around 4th century AD, derives its name from its location suspended above two Roman gate towers.
Reviewed By 359_Severn
An ancient Coptic church built on the bastion and the Water Gate of a Roman fort. The building in its current form has been known approximately since the 7th century, the history dates back to the 4th century. It was rebuilt several times, recently restoration was carried out. Inside there is a carved wood and ivory iconostasis, a marble pulpit, old icons. Nice, quiet, peaceful. Древняя коптская церковь, построенная на бастионе и Водных воротах римского форта. Здание в нынешнем виде известно ориентировочно с 7 века, история восходит к 4 веку. Неоднократно перестраивалась, недавно была проведена реставрация. Внутри находится резной иконостас из дерева и слоновой кости, мраморная кафедра, старые иконы. Красиво, тихо, умиротворенно.
3. Mosque of Ibn Tulun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 387 reviews
This is considered one of Egypt's largest and oldest mosques, which was built between AD 876 and AD 879 by an Abbasid governor sent from Baghdad to rule over Egypt.
Reviewed By kaziy - Dhaka City, Bangladesh
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Cairo, Egypt is the second oldest mosque in Egypt and Africa surviving in its full original form, and is the largest mosque in Cairo in terms of land area. The Mosque of Ibn Tulun was constructed by Ahmed Ibn Tulun between AD 876 and 879 and modeled on the Kaaba in Makkha (Saudi Arabia). Since Ibn Tulun is an open space, it brings in a lot of sun and shadows. Its decorations being created from carved stucco and wood. On the mosque's northern side is the 40-meter-high minaret with a fine horseshoe arch over the entrance and a spiral staircase swirling through the interior.The mosque is an active place of worship. At the time of visiting the mosque women need to cover their heads; arms and legs and all visitors will need to leave their shoes or have shoe covers put over shoes prior to entering the mosque.
4. Al-Azhar Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 359 reviews
The oldest university in the world is built around this ancient mosque, which has been the center of Islamic scholarship since 975 AD.
Reviewed By Visit100Countries - San Francisco, United States
It is worth a visit especially if you are familiar about how powerful this mosque and university in the islamic world. To date, students all over the world go there to learn a special branch of Islam. The school was very powerful up to recently and still has some weight in Egypt and beyond.
5. Church of St. Barbara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Considered one of Egypt’s largest and most magnificent churches, this religious site features a domed asp with seven steps decorated in bands of black, white and red marble.
Reviewed By DEK_29 - Brisbane, Australia
The Church of St. Barbara is dedicated to an early Christian martyr who converted to Christianity against her father's wishes. Located in the Coptic area of Cairo which was once a part of Fustat (which was established before Cairo) and next door to Ben Ezra Synagogue. Beautifully decorated and with its icons in a great state, this church is well worthwhile entering and having a look as are all the church is this quarter.
6. Greek Orthodox Church of St. George (Mari Girgis)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Originally built in 684 AD by the wealthy scribe Athanasius, this religious site is known for its beautiful Qaa el-Arsan (wedding chamber) that dates from the 4th century.
Reviewed By livingtheqlife - Colorado Springs, United States
During our trip to Cairo, we took a day to visit Coptic Cairo, which is a section of Old Cairo with the Babylon Fortress, Abu Serga (Cave Church), and the Church of St. George. The Church of St. George is a Greek Orthodox church that dates back to the 10th century, although the current church buildings were built in 1909 after being destroyed in a fire in 1904. Sitting on top of a hill with a steep set of stairs, the architecture of the church is definitely interesting and impressive. As you approach the church, there is no doubt as to who it is dedicated as there are several murals with images of St. George defeating the dragon, including the large relief on the front of the church itself. The church tower also has a wind-vane that features a dragon that hovers over the church. The church itself is a round building with a large dome over the center, which is quite stunning and dramatic. Next to the church is a cemetery with beautiful grounds and a variety of crypts and tombs. Seeing a Christian cemetery in the heart of Cairo was certainly unique and it was quiet and peaceful in the otherwise hectic city. One of the most interesting features in the cemetery was a mud and stone crypt that resembled a cave. There wasn’t any signage or information that indicated its history or purpose within the cemetery. The interior of the Church of St. George was beautiful, especially with its colorful dome ceiling. Inside of the church, there was also a gold image of St. George slaying the dragon. There is certainly plenty to see in Old Cairo as well as in Coptic Cairo and we spent a couple of hours visiting the various sites.
7. Islamic Cairo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 778 reviews
After the Muslims conquered Egypt in 641 AD, they built their city, Al-Fustat, on what is now the southern border of modern Cairo. Today, this section of the city contains many important sites including the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, Mosque of al-Azhar and the Khan al-Khalili market, which is considered the heart of this area.
Reviewed By linnman
A trip to Cairo will not be complete without a visit to Islamic Cairo. This part of the city is so rich in history with the fantastic mosques, the Islamic centre of learning Al Azhar and the wonderful Islamic architecture evident in many of the buildings in the conserved quarter. Talk a walk along the streets eg El Muaz Street, see the local life and feel the vibes. Visit the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar where you can pick up local Egyptian products like tea, nuts, dates and confectionery or try tamr hendi which is a nice local drink.
8. Zamalek (Gezira Island)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 481 reviews
This island is located in the Nile River between downtown Cairo and Giza, and is characterized by upscale hotels, restaurants and pleasant gardens.
Reviewed By 75014PARIS
One of the best area of Cairo for a short stay in the captital , great hotels , good restaurants , museum and Opera House are situated there as well as Cairo Tower !!!!
9. Heliopolis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By Utazo60 - Honiara, Solomon Islands
I had a very enjoyable stay at the Heliopolis. The staff provided excellent service. Special mention goes to the team at the Hotel's restaurant called 'My Kind of Place'. Sayed, Maryam, Osama and Mohammad made a special effort to ensure that I was able to learn and taste the local cuisine.
10. Mosque of Amr Ibn El-Aas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By kaziy - Dhaka City, Bangladesh
The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As was originally built in 641–642 AD in Cairo. The original structure was the first mosque in Egypt and the whole of Africa. Through the twentieth century, it was the fourth largest mosque in the Islamic world. The location for the mosque was the site of the tent of the commander of the Muslim army, general Amr ibn al-As. Due to extensive reconstruction over the centuries nothing of the original building remains. The mosque is not well maintained, needs upgrading from broken lamps, old carpets etc.It is an active mosque, and when prayers are not taking place, it is also open to visitors and tourists. At the time of visiting the mosque women need to cover their heads; arms and legs and all visitors will need to leave their shoes prior to entering the mosque. The mosque is an active place of worship, as such, the mosque is not open to visitors during prayer times and on holy days.
