Best Things to do in Cairo, Egypt

20/03/2023

Hanging Church

Even older than Ibn Tulun is the atmospheric Hanging Church in the Coptic Quarter. One of the area’s standout sights, it is so named because it lies suspended above Babylon Fortress’ main gatehouse. Decorated with old icons and artworks, it can be visited at the same time as the Coptic Museum next door.

Although its nineteenth century facade and twin bell towers appear brand new, the church actually dates to the third century. To reach its charming little chapels and baptistery, guests have to clamber up a flight of 29 steep steps. Once inside, you’ll see fabulous pulpits, altars and icons beneath its barrel-vaulted roof.

While the land slowly rising around the Roman towers over the centuries has reduced the impact of its elevated position, the church still makes for a stunning sight.

20/03/2023

Mosque of Ibn Tulun

One of the oldest surviving mosques in Egypt and Africa, the ancient Ibn Tulun is a popular tourist attraction. Although quite simple to look at, there is something strangely elegant and arresting about its open courtyard and earthy colors.

Erected in 879 CE by the Abbasid governor of Egypt Ahmad ibn Tulun, it still has its original mihrab and minaret. Influenced by the Great Mosque of Samarra, its staircase winds its way around the outside of the tower. From atop the 40 meter-high minaret, guests can enjoy commanding views over the city around it.

Ambling about its arcades down below is just as pleasant as fragments of fading decorations can sometimes still be spied. A very peaceful place, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is situated not all too far from the Citadel.

20/03/2023

18/03/2023

Cairo Tower

Rising dramatically above the endless city below is one of its most distinctive landmarks: the iconic Cairo Tower. From its viewing platform, guests can enjoy phenomenal panoramas over the sprawling capital and shimmering Nile. Even the now tiny pyramids can be spied far off in the distance.

Erected in 1961, it reaches 187 meters in total, having once been the tallest structure on the continent. Its design draws inspiration from Ancient Egyptian architecture as its open lattice-work exterior looks somewhat like a pharaonic lotus plant.

One of the nation’s most well-known modern monuments, it occupies a prominent spot on Gezira Island, overlooking downtown. After taking the elevator to the top, peer down at its labyrinth-like streets and all the people bustling about below. There is also a fine revolving restaurant should you want a snack or drink while gazing out at the city stretching endlessly away to the horizon.

16/03/2023

Trip to Fayoum

If you want to escape the city for a bit, then the peaceful Fayoum is the perfect place to go. At the isolated oasis, you can either kick back and relax or enjoy some exhilarating activities and excursions amidst all its bleak beauty.

Set two hours drive southwest of Cairo, its desert landscapes, lake and wetlands have long attracted nature lovers. Here you can see flamingos and the fascinating fossils of prehistoric whales lying uncovered in the arid Wadi Al-Hitan.

Besides marveling at Wadi Elrayan’s wonderful waterfalls – the largest in Egypt – visitors can also explore some age-old historic sights. Its heavily eroded pyramids at Hawara and Lahun for instance are remarkably among the oldest in the country. After all the sightseeing in the Sahara, you can unwind in the artistic village of Tunis alongside the large lake.

14/03/2023

Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan

Not far away, at the base of the Citadel, is the majestic Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan. A must-see sight when in Cairo, it is sure to dazzle with its sheer size, scale and splendor.

One of the finest examples of early Mamluk architecture in the world, the important mosque was completed back in 1363. Named after Sultan an-Nasir Hassan who commissioned it, the humongous building features lots of ornate details and decorations. Still in use today, it also contains his magnificent mausoleum chamber which is one of its main highlights.

Particularly arresting are its immense entrance portal, colossal central courtyard and all the amazing marble mosaics of its mihrab. For outstanding views of the mosque’s minarets and mighty dome, head up to the top of the Citadel alongside it.