Visiting Cairo: what are the best things to see and do in Egypt’s capital?
With thousands of years of history behind it,Egypt ‘s capital is a spectacular place to visit. From the archaeological remains and sites of ancient Egypt to the more recent buildings of the old center, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Cairo. But be careful when you’re there. Here are 6 must-see places in Cairo:
1. Great Pyramid of Giza
While the Pyramids of Giza aren’t technically in the city, they’re only a short bus or car ride away and a must-see if you’re in the area. The pyramids are the only one of the world’s seven original ancient wonders still standing today, dating back to over 2500 BC. You can get up close and study these incredible structures, and you can even buy a ticket to visit the interior. Every day at 8.30 a.m., you can buy one, but tickets for each tour are limited, so make sure you get one before the crowds of tourists.
2. Cairo Opera House
Enjoy live entertainment in Cairo at theCairo Opera House (Cairo Khedival Opera House), where you can catch a show almost every day of the week in one of the seven theaters. If opera isn’t your thing, you can always catch 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 for a spectacular view of the city. At 187 meters high, the tower has an observation platform and a revolving restaurant at the top. Admission costs 20 Egyptian pounds (approx. €2.10) for Egyptian residents and 70 Egyptian pounds (approx. €7.50) for non-Egyptian visitors. In winter, the Cairo Tower is open from 8am to midday, and from 9am to 1pm in summer.
Flickr – e skene
4. Egyptian Museum, Cairo
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is the largest museum in Egypt, housing 160,000 objects in 107 rooms. Here you can admire ancient Pharaonic artifacts dating back 5,000 years, and see mummies up close. Admission costs 4 L.E. (0.40€) for Egyptian residents and 60 L.E. (6€30) for foreign visitors, but you’ll have to pay a little more to enter special rooms such as the royal mummy room, where Ramses II can be seen.
5. Colossus of Ramses II
Measuring 10 metres in length, the Colossus of Ramses II is a spectacular statue. With a museum built around the reclining statue to protect it, the site is particularly well preserved. The statue can be examined from the ground or photographed from a second-floor balcony. Even though the statue is unfinished, visitors are still amazed by the craftsmanship and attention to detail of this magnificent sculpture. While you’re here, check out other objects in the museum or admire other structures outside the museum, such as the Alabaster Sphinx. The Colossus of Ramses II is housed in the Memphis Museum, 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 over 6.5 km and includes an incredible number of tombs and mausoleums. One of the most unique aspects of this immense 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 its monuments and structures, while others enjoy discovering the cultural diversity of the place. If you want to discover the history of Egypt, this is an excellent place to do so, where you can enjoy monuments, structures and buildings such as the funerary complex of Sultan Qaitbay.
Wikimedia – Bertramz
How do I get to Cairo?
There are many flights to Cairo from France. To find a cheap flight to Cairo, compare the best prices on Ulysses.
Find a hotel in Cairo
Cairo can be a difficult city to get to grips with before you arrive. To overcome this, it’s best to choose the right area to stay in Cairo. To find a cheap hotel in Cairo, use this hotel comparator.
What do you like best about Cairo? Do you have any other ideas for visits? Comment and share!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Cairo,eg