Cairo Things To Do – Attractions & Must See

Cairo Things to Do

Cairo, Egypt, is one of the oldest and most famous cities in the world. As the yearly destination of tens of thousands of tourists and as a site of ancient historic significance, Cairo holds many things to do and attractions to see.

Ancient Structures

Built around 4,500 years ago, the Great Sphinx still stands and today is a popular tourist destination. The Great Sphinx is located on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile River. The sphinx lies between the ancient ceremonial cause-way of the funerary complex of Khafra and the modern road that leads to the top of the plateau. Approximately 65 feet high and 200 feet long, the Sphinx was the first colossal statue complete in the history of ancient Egypt.

While there have been recent articles and discussions over the possibility of the Pyramids one day disappearing, they still remain a sight to see. If you’re visiting, pace yourself and take the time to walk around the massive site. The best views of the Pyramids are from the desert on the east side of the Pyramids. From there, you can easily see all three Pyramids in one sweeping glance. Visitors should remember to plan for the crowds that flock to this place.

Another site to visit is Sakkara. Sakkara is one section of the great necropolises of Memphis, the Old Kingdom capital. The kings of the 1st Dynasty as well as that of the 2nd Dynasty are buried in this section of the Memphis necropolis. Sakkara is best known for the Step Pyramid, the oldest known of Egypt’s 97 pyramids. It was built for King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty by the well-known, ancient architect, Imhotep.

A more recent, though still old, structure to visit is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali is considered the founder of modern Egypt, and his mosque magnificently dominates the Cairo skyline from the Citadel. It is notable for its multiple silver domes and two, 82-meter, pencil-style minarets.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Cairo.