Visit Cairo: what are the best things to do and see in the capital of Egypt?
Summary
- Great Pyramid of Giza
- Cairo Opera House
- Cairo Tower
- Egyptian Museum in Cairo
- Colossus of Ramses II
- City of the Dead
With thousands of years of history behind it, the capital of Egypt is a spectacular place to visit. From the remains and archaeological sites of ancient Egypt to the more recent buildings of the old center, there is no shortage of things to do and see in Cairo .
1. Great Pyramid of Giza
While the Giza pyramids aren’t technically in the city, they’re only a short bus or car ride away and are definitely a must-see if you’re in the area. The pyramids are the only one of the original seven ancient wonders of the world still standing today, and date back to over 2500 BC. You can get up close and get a closer look at these incredible structures, and you can even buy a ticket to visit inside. Everyday at 8.30am it is possible to buy one but tickets for each tour are limited, so be sure to get one before the tourist crowds.
2. Cairo Opera House
Enjoy shows in Cairo at the Cairo Opera House (Cairo Khedival Opera) where you can catch a show almost every day of the week at one of seven theatres. If opera isn’t your thing, you can always see a dance ballet or musical performance, explore the art gallery, opera museum or music media library, or grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant .
3. Cairo Tower
Climb to the top of the Cairo Tower to enjoy a spectacular view of the city. Standing 187 meters tall, the tower has a viewing platform and a revolving restaurant at the top. Entry costs 20 Egyptian Pounds (about 2€10) for Egyptian residents and 70 Egyptian Pounds (about 7€50) for non-Egyptian visitors. During the winter, the Cairo Tower is open from 8 a.m. to noon, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the summer.
4. Egyptian Museum in Cairo
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is the largest museum in Egypt and it houses 160,000 objects in 107 rooms. Here, you can admire ancient pharaonic artifacts that date back 5,000 years, and see mummies up close. Entrance costs LE 4 (€0.40) for Egyptian residents and LE 60 (€6.30) for foreign visitors, but you’ll have to pay a little more to enter special rooms like the Royal Mummies Hall where Ramses II is there in particular.
5. Colossus of Ramses II
Measuring 10 meters in length, the Colossus of Ramesses II is a spectacular statue. With a museum built around the reclining statue to protect it, the site is particularly well preserved. One can examine the statue from the ground or take photos from a second-story balcony. Even though the statue is unfinished, visitors are still amazed by the craftsmanship and attention to detail of this magnificent sculpture. While you are here, go see other objects in the museum or admire other structures outside the museum like the Alabaster Sphinx for example. The Colossus of Ramesses II is housed in the Museum of Memphis , located just south of Cairo, in the village of Mit Rahina on the west bank of the Nile .
6. City of the Dead
The City of the Dead stretches for 6.5 km and includes an incredible number of tombs and mausoleums. One of the most unique aspects of this huge cemetery is the fact that people still live there, some to be close to their ancestors and others because they have no other choice. Visitors appreciate this site for the beauty of the monuments and structures, while others like to experience the cultural diversity of the place. If you want to learn about the history of Egypt, this is a great place to do so, where you can enjoy monuments, structures and buildings, such as Sultan Qaitbay’s burial complex.
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