Cairo is Egypt’s capital city and one of the world’s largest cities. People know it for its history, culture, and culinary scene. It is home to medieval Islamic and Coptic sites in Old Cairo. Also known for its unique Middle Eastern culture. Cairo has a world-class culinary scene. Places to visit in Cairo can be Al-Azhar Mosque, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Cairo Tower, Giza Pyramids Complex, River Nile and many more to explore. Other places in Cairo include Zamalek, a river island with upscale residential and commercial neighborhoods, and Al-Azhar Park.

Top 5 Places to visit in Cairo

1. Al-Azhar Mosque

Al-Azhar Mosque is a mosque and university in Cairo, Egypt, that is a symbol of Islamist culture in Egypt. Built between 970 and 972, Al-Azhar Mosque was the first mosque in the new city of Al-Qahirah, which was the capital of the Fatimid Caliphate. Researchers think the mosque’s name comes from az-Zahrāʾ, which means “the shining one” and was a title given to Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad. The mosque is located in the historic Islamic core of Cairo. The mosque is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset, and there is no entrance fee.

2. The Mosque of Muhammad Ali
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is a historic mosque and landmark in Cairo, Egypt. Situated in the Citadel of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (Saladin) in Cairo. Built in an Ottoman and European-influenced style, with marble paneling and alabaster covering the walls. Includes twin minarets that are 84 meters tall, a copper clock tower, and a central dome. Commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha, the ruler of Egypt from 1805–1848, and built between 1832 and 1857. Admission to the mosque is included in the admission ticket to the Citadel.

3. The Cairo Tower

The Cairo Tower, a 187-meter-tall telecommunications tower in Cairo, Egypt, offers stunning views and showcases a unique design. Designers inspired the tower’s design by the lotus flower, a symbol of ancient Egypt. The latticework concrete casing is open at the top to reveal an observation deck. The tower’s outer surfaces are covered with about 8 million small mosaic tiles. The tower’s open-air observation deck offers 360-degree views of Cairo and the surrounding area. The tower is open daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The entry fee is approximately 200 EGP for adults and 100 EGP for children. 

4. The Giza pyramid

The Giza pyramid complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Egypt that includes the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx of Giza. The complex is located on the Giza Plateau in Greater Cairo, Egypt. Skilled Egyptian workers built the pyramids using ramps, sledges, ropes, rollers, and levers. Scientists and engineers still can’t be sure exactly how the builders constructed the impressive ancient engineering feats of the pyramids. General admission: EGP 540 for foreigners and EGP 60 for Egyptians and Arabs.

5. River Nile

The Nile is the world’s longest river and is a vital source of water, food, and transportation for Africa. The Nile is 4,180 miles long, it has  has two main tributaries: the White Nile and the Blue Nile. The White Nile originates from Lake Victoria in Uganda, while the Blue Nile originates from Lake Tana in Ethiopia. The Nile is a vital source of water for Egypt, which is mostly desert. The Nile’s water is used for drinking, agriculture, and hydropower. The Nile also provided a highway for ships to transport goods.