*I’ve lived in Cairo off and on for 13 years - here are all the things to do in Egypt’s capital!*

Cairo is the largest city in Egypt and the country's capital, and it is chock full of amazing sights to see, food to eat, and experiences to have.

I have lived in Cairo off and on for 13 years, and have spent the last five years arranging hundreds of trips to Egypt's capital and all over the country. Here is my ultimate list of things to do in Cairo Egypt!

How many days do you need in Cairo?

For travelers who just have a week in Egypt (or less), I recommend spending at least 1 - 2 days in Cairo.

This gives you enough time to visit the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, experience the Grand Egyptian Museum, and potentially add on one or two other places to your visit.

If you can spend more time in Cairo, I usually recommend 3 - 4 days as a sweet spot in order to go off the beaten path and see more than the big sights that everyone else goes to, and to dive into the city's culture more, doing things like taking a street food tour, or seeing more of the city's Coptic Christian and Islamic architecture.

And for travelers who want to do day trips out of Cairo, spending a week gives you enough time to see Egypt's capital and also visit other nearby places like El Fayoum Oasis or Alexandria.

Is it safe for Americans to go to Cairo right now?

*Cairo is very safe for Americans (and anyone, for that matter), even at night.*

It's totally safe for Americans (or any nationality, for that matter) to go to Cairo right now, as Egypt is currently only a Level 2 with the US State Department, the same safety level as Paris or London.

Thefts and petty crime are very low in Cairo compared to almost every other city in the world. As long as you know how to avoid any potential pitfalls or scams, you'll have a safe and enjoyable time in Egypt's main city.

It's always a good idea to dress more conservatively in Egypt (although it's not a requirement), and it's important to stay aware of your surroundings no matter where you are in the world, but other than basic commonsense recommendations, any American will be safe in Cairo.

Best Things to do in Cairo

It can be tough to know exactly what activities you should do in Cairo since there are so many to choose from!

So if it’s your first time in Egypt’s capital, you're looking for what to do in Cairo for a day or two, or want to know the top 10 places in Cairo, these sightseeing activities are perfect to maximize your time and see the best places.

To narrow down your list even more, use a site like TripAdvisor or Google Maps to take an in-depth look at each attraction, read traveler reviews, and see photos to know what to expect.

Giza Pyramids and Sphinx

No list of things to do in Cairo would be complete without starting with the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx - this is the top attraction in all of Egypt, and the only remaining wonder of the world.

The Giza Pyramids and Sphinx can easily be visited in a half day, and now that there is a new bus system inside the Giza Plateau, travelers can easily take Uber to the new entry gate (or enter at the old Sphinx gate), and then take free buses around to the different sites on the plateau.

However, I still recommend having a local Egyptian guide with you to take you to all the highlights in the plateau, help you avoid any potential scams, and give you a narrative of the history and answer all your questions.

When visiting the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, I recommend going in the morning to beat crowds and also the heat.

You can go up close to the three biggest pyramids, and if you want, go inside the Pyramid of Khufu, although I don't recommend this since there's nothing to see inside except an empty sarcophagus in the burial chamber, and the narrow passageway can be very crowded and claustrophobic!

The Sphinx is one of the best photo op spots on the Giza Plateau, and there is also the panoramic area where you can ride a camel and take photos with all the pyramids in the background.

If you are on the Giza Plateau around lunchtime, stopping at Khufu's Restaurant or the 9 Pyramids Lounge are great options.

*You have to try Koshari in Egypt, and Abou Tarek is the place to sample Egypt’s national dish!*

Have a Koshari Lunch at Abou Tarek

Koshari is Egypt's national dish, so you have to try it when you visit the land of the pharaohs, and Abou Tarek Koshari has the best koshari in the city!

Koshari is Egyptian comfort food, made by mixing chickpeas, lentils, rice, macaroni noodles, and spaghetti noodles, and topping the mixture with tomato sauce, vinegar and garlic sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and as much hot sauce as you can handle.

It's a naturally vegan dish that is protein and carb-packed and will leave you filled up for hours.

Abou Tarek is a tourist landmark in itself, both for local Egyptians and tourists, and the fun, kitschy atmosphere of the restaurant makes it part of the experience.

The Grand Egyptian Museum

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), is Cairo's newest and largest museum, full of thousands of ancient Egyptian artifacts. It's currently about 60% open, and it's supposedly having its full opening on November 4, 2025.

This museum is MASSIVE, but I think spending 2-3 hours here focusing on the highlights is the way to go for travelers with just a day or two in Cairo.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is now connected to the Giza Plateau via a new bridge, so it's easy to visit the Giza Pyramids in the morning and then head to the GEM in the afternoon for a full day of touring in Giza.

The GEM has several restaurants and coffeeshops as well, so when it's time to take a break from sightseeing there are plenty of options to choose from. My favorite spot is Zooba, which serves up authentic Egyptian street food in a nice restaurant setting.

*Visit Khan el Khalili and El Moez Street not just for shopping, but for the 1,000 years of Islamic architecture and history!*

Khan el Khalili Bazaar and El Moez Street

A great spot to visit at night, the Khan el Khalili Bazaar (a souq or market) and the UNESCO World Heritage site of El Moez Street are open 24 hours a day to walk around and explore the beautiful, 1,000 year old Islamic architecture, and to wander through hundreds of vendors selling all sorts of goods, from t-shirts to keychains, spices, artwork, and even hookahs!

I always tell my guests that we are not in Khan el Khalili to shop though (you'll find better prices and better quality merchandise elsewhere), but rather to enjoy the ambiance of one of Cairo's most beloved neighborhoods.

Egyptians flock to El Moez Street and the Khan el Khalili Bazaar in the evening and on weekends to hang out, people watch, or go for a walk, and during the holy month of Ramadan, the place is overrun with local Egyptians enjoying an iftar or suhoor.

Since Khan el Khalili and El Moez Street is a public area that is outdoors, you can visit any day, and any time, although it's the most lively between 7pm - midnight or even later. For the folks asking about things to do in Cairo at night, Khan el Khalili is my top suggestion.

If you have just one day in Cairo and are down for a long, intense day of sightseeing, then you can even visit the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx in the morning, the GEM in the afternoon, and then head to Khan el Khalili and El Moez Street at night - if you do this, be sure to have dinner at Zeeyara Rooftop Restaurant!

Saqqara

Saqqara is a massive ancient Egyptian site whose namesake step pyramid was built before the Giza Pyramids, and shows the evolution of Pyramid building in Egypt's Old Kingdom period.

But Saqqara is so much more than the step pyramid of Djoser, since the site has several other pyramids that you can go inside, Old Kingdom tombs with beautiful artwork, and also the oldest surviving temple in Egypt.

If you visit Saqqara, definitely go inside either the Pyramid of Unas or the Pyramid of Teti, since these pyramids both have hieroglyphic inscriptions inside the burial chambers (unlike the Great Pyramid in Giza which has nothing inside but an empty sarcophagus), and you can go inside the Step Pyramid of Djoser if you'd like, but seeing the outside of the Step Pyramid is the most important part.

There's also several Old Kingdom tombs, like the Tomb of Kagemni, the Tomb of Merereuka, and more, that have artwork showing daily life scenes from ancient Egypt, like fishing, preparing banquets, and making food and animal sacrifices to the gods.

The Serapeum is another interesting part of Saqqara, where dozens of bull mummies were buried in massive granite sarcophagi - Egyptologists still aren't certain how they even moved these massive coffins into place in the underground chamber.

Saqqara usually takes a half day, and can be combined easily with either the Giza Plateau and the GEM. Don't try to do Saqqara, Giza, and the GEM all in one day, though!

The Cairo Citadel and Muhammad Ali Mosque

Towering over the city of Cairo is the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali (the early 19th-century ruler of Egypt, not the famous boxer) and the Cairo Citadel, a must-visit for folks who have more than a day in Egypt's capital.

The Citadel area has been a fortification for hundreds of years, but the largest mosque in Cairo that is now the Citadel's most-recognized feature is only a couple hundred years old.

If you visit the Citadel, it's easy to combine it with a trip to Coptic Cairo or the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (more on those places later), and you can also get great views of the Citadel from Al Azhar Park during a lunch stop while touring.

Coptic Cairo

Around 20% of Egypt's population are Coptic Orthodox Christian, and Coptic Cairo (also referred to as Old Cairo, since that's what the Arabic name translates to) is the most historically significant Christian district in Egypt's largest city.

Coptic Cairo has several churches that are over 1,000 years old, the remains of a 2,000 year old Roman fortress, and also one of the few Jewish Synagogues in Egypt.

If you visit Coptic Cairo, be sure to see the Cavern Church of Abu Serga (the Church of St. Serius and St. Bacchus), the Hanging Church, and if you have time, pop into the Church of St. Barbara and the modern Church of St. George.

The Jewish Synagogue of Ben Ezra is also a must-see when visiting Old Cairo, since it's been restored and recently reopened to the public, and is gorgeous.

Combining Coptic Cairo with the Cairo Citadel and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization makes for a good, moderate day of touring.

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (or NMEC) is one of Cairo's three museums dedicated to ancient Egypt (in addition to the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Old Egyptian Museum - more on that one later).

The NMEC's highlights are 22 royal mummies of pharaohs and queens from Egypt's New Kingdom Period. So if you visit the Civilization Museum you can see the mummified remains of Queen Hatshepsut, Ramses the Great, and 20 other important figures from ancient Egypt, all respectfully displayed in a large basement gallery, with each ruler's main accomplishments, years of their rein, and important information summarized and labeled.

The upstairs of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is a small gallery that spans the entirety of Egypt's history, from pre-Pharonic times all the way to the 20th century, but of course, about half of the objects on display are focusing on ancient Egypt.

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization only takes an hour or two to see completely since it's such a small, well-curated museum.

*The Old Egyptian Museum is a beautiful, historic building, and still has one of the most important collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world.*

The Egyptian Museum (Old Museum)

The original Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo at Tahrir Square is a historical piece in its own right - it's the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, and houses more than 150,000 artifacts.

A common misconception is now that the Grand Egyptian Museum is open, the old Egyptian Museum will close - but this isn't true.

The Egyptian Museum will remain open since it still has tens of thousands of artifacts on display, and there are important pieces here that aren't in any other museum in Egypt, like the only remaining statue of Khufu (who built the Great Pyramid) and the Narmer Palette, our first ever depiction of an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh.

The Old Egyptian Museum is smack-dab in the center of downtown Cairo, right at Tahrir Square, so it's easy to mosy on over if you're staying at a hotel downtown or have some time to kill in central Cairo.

You can focus on the museum's highlights and be in and out in an hour or two, easily, but you can also spend the whole day here if you love ancient history and museums!

Heads up that it's best to visit the Egyptian Museum with a local guide, because unlike the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization or the Grand Egyptian Museum, in the Old Egyptian Museum most of the objects have no labels or placards telling you what you're looking at, so it can be confusing and frustrating to navigate on your own.

Off the Beaten Path Things to Do in Cairo

If you have more than 1 - 2 days in Egypt and are ready to get off the beaten path, here are more sightseeing spots that will have fewer tourists, but are still great things to do in Egypt's capital, separated out by neighborhood.

For those asking what to do in Cairo besides the Pyramids, this extended list is for you!

More Things to Do in Giza

Dahshur

Dahshur is a pyramid site south of Saqaara and is the home to the Bent Pyramid, the Red Pyramid, and the Black Pyramid.

The Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid show the interesting progression of pyramid building from the Step Pyramid and the Giza Plateau, since these pyramids came in-between, with the Bent Pyramid especially interesting.

The bent shape of this pyramid shows that the ancient Egyptians had to play around with the angles and architectural designs of these massive tombs before perfecting the design and building the Red Pyramid (the first true pyramid) and then the Giza Pyramids after those.

If you visit Dahshur it's a must to have a private vehicle since you can't visit the site with public transportation, and having a guide to help explain the history of the site is a good idea, too.

You can go inside both the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, but check out the video before you go inside - it's an intense climb, very claustrophobic, and not much of interest to see inside (except an empty sarcophagus and bats!).

Memphis

Memphis used to be one of the largest cities of ancient Egypt, but now the highlights here are the hundreds of statues that they've put on display in an open-air museum style.

The colossal statue of Ramses the Great is the hallmark of the site, although you can see a similar statue now at the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the large Sphinx of Hatshepsut (or at least, we think it's Hatshepsut) is another highlight. In fact, it's the second-largest sphinx in Egypt!

Other than that, there’s not much of interest in Memphis, and the site is a quick visit, usually taking only 30 minutes to an hour.

You can combine Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur into one day since these sites are all close to each other, but that makes for a long day!

More Things to do in and near Zamalek

Mohamed Mahmoud Khalil Art Museum

This small museum inside of a historic 19th-century villa has the best collection of impressionist paintings and 20th-century artwork in all of Egypt.

There are dozens of artworks by Monet, Renoir, van Gogh, Rodin, and Gauguin, and if you visit the collection you'll likely be the only person in the entire place!

The museum is just across the river from Zamalek, on the Giza side.

The Museum of Modern Egyptian Art

This museum is inside the Cairo Opera House Complex, and houses a large collection of mostly 20th-century art from local, Egyptian artists.

In a city where most people focus on ancient history, visiting a modern art museum offers a unique activity and a different perspective from Pyramids, mosques, and mummies.

Mahmoud Mukhtar Museum

Mahmoud Mukhtar is Egypt's most renowned modern sculptor, and his seminal work, the "Rise of Egypt" sculpture in Cairo University Square, is my favorite public art piece in the city.

This small museum is dedicated to this prolific sculptor, and is easily combined with a visit to the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art.

*The Cairo Marriott Hotel is free to enter and explore, and is a beautiful, historic palace!*

Cairo Marriott Hotel (Gezirah Palace)

Ok, so I know this is a hotel, but to me, visiting the Cairo Marriott is a must to see the Gezirah Palace, the central building of the hotel that is now the reception, restaurant, and conference area, but used to be a 19th-century palace.

Any tourist can walk into the Marriott (just pretend you are there for lunch or something), and then once inside, explore the central building, marveling at the architecture and design.

Be sure to head up the marble staircase to view the breathtaking upper level and Grand Ballroom!

Aisha Fahmy Palace

Another Palace in Zamalek, but not as grand as the Marriott Hotel, the Aisha Fahmy Palace was built in the early 1900s, and is now the home to rotating art exhibitions. It's a great spot to pop into quickly if you are in Zamalek and are closeby.

The Cairo Tower

The tallest building in Cairo, the Cairo Tower has a top-floor observation deck giving panoramic views of the city, and if you're lucky (and it's not a hazy day), you can see the Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, and Dahshur all from the top.

Other than going to the observation deck there's not much else to do here, and I don't recommend eating at the cafe or the revolving restaurant (the food is not good, unfortunately).

More things to do in and near downtown Cairo

Talaat Harb Square and Cinema Radio

Talaat Harb Square is an iconic area to walk around in downtown Cairo, and there have been lots of revived buildings, restored to their 20th-century grandeur.

Cinema Radio is a unique art-deco movie theater that has been beautifully restored and is now full of cafes, restaurants, and shops, so it's a great spot to stop when walking around downtown.

After stopping in Talaat Harb Square and Cinema Radio, you can continue walking on Talaat Harb Street, one of the busiest and most interesting streets in downtown.

If you visit at night, it'll be full of local Egyptians taking a walk, shopping, or eating ice cream and street food!

Abdeen Palace

Abdeen is one of several palaces you can visit in Cairo. It was built in the 19th-century and used to be the seat of the royal family, until Egypt's 1952 revolution that ousted the royal family from power.

In addition to being the site of numerous momentous historic events of the last two centuries, the palace is a beautiful building to explore!

Tahrir Square

Tahrir Square is the center of the Egyptian Revolution of January 2011, and is considered the central square of downtown Cairo.

Not really a sightseeing stop per se (you can't even take pictures of the central square, obelisk, and sphinxes), but a very important spot to notice when you are in downtown, because of the impact of the 2011 revolution.

Islamic Art Museum

This museum houses one of the most important collections of Islamic Art in the world, and is in a gorgeous building just on the edge of downtown Cairo.

The museum is well curated with a great selection of pieces on display that are well organized and labeled, so you can easily visit on your own.

Muhammad Ali Palace (on Manial Island)

Close to downtown, Manial Island has the Muhammad Ali Palace (also called Manial Palace), a grandiose residence of Muhammad Ali Basha (again, not the famous boxer, but the Egyptian leader of the early 19th century) that you can visit for its beautiful interiors and grounds.

Umm Kalthoum Museum and Nilometer (on Manial Island)

Umm Kalthoum is the most famous Egyptian singer of all time, and this fun museum dedicated to Egypt's favorite diva gives a great overview of her life and also has a great collection of artifacts belonging to the fabled singer.

In the same complex as the Umm Kalthoum Museum is a Nileometer, an ancient measuring device used to ascertain the level of water in the Nile River, which could then be used as a gauge for how much to levy in taxes against Egypt's farmers. If the water level was high, crop yields would be high, leading to higher tax payments!

These two places are also on Manial Island, so it's easy to combine a visit to them with the Muhammad Ali Palace.

More things to do in Islamic Cairo

Gayer Anderson Museum

An English military officer who lived in Cairo in the mid-1900s loved Islamic architecture so much that he purchased two Ottoman-period homes and combined them, restoring them to their former glory and furnishing the homes with Pharaonic and Islamic antiquities.

When he died, Gayer Anderson left the house and all his possessions to the Ministry of Tourism, so now the home is a great museum to see a glimpse into the cosmopolitan life of Cairo in the early 20th century, and also beautiful Islamic architecture and design.

This museum is right by Ibn Tulun Mosque, so the two would combine well in any Cairo itinerary.

Mosque of Ibn Tulun

This is the oldest mosque in Egypt that is still well preserved to its original construction and design, and it was built way back in the 9th century!

Ibn Tulun also boasts one of the largest open courtyards of any mosque in Egypt, and it is a prime example of Islamic design and cultural heritage in Cairo.

Mosque Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

This is one of the most impressive mosques in Cairo, second only to the Cairo Citadel, and is much older - dating back to 1363 AD.

The Mosque Madrassa of Sultan Hassan was the site of fortifications and attacks against the Cairo Citadel over the years when different factions vied for power in the Islamic Capital.

Prince Taz Palace

This palace is right by the Mosque Madrassa of Sultan Hassan so it's worth a stop if you're in the area. It was built in 1352 AD and is a prime example of Bahari Mamluk architecture in Cairo.

Mosque and Mausoleum of Imam Al Shafi'i

In the City of the Dead, Egypt, this mosque and mausoleum is dedicated to the founders of one of the most important sects of Sunni Islam, and it's a stunning example of Ayyubid style architecture.

Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque

This is the oldest mosque in all of Egypt, finished in 642 AD and was part of the central area in the new capital established by Arabs, called Fustat.

It's been beautifully restored and open again for visitors!

Its close proximity to Coptic Cairo makes it a great stop to add on your itinerary - stop here either before or after you visit all the historic churches and the synagogue in Old Cairo.

*El Moez Street has so much history that you can easily spend half a day here, entering some of the historic buildings.*

Deep Dive of El Moez Street

If you've already visited El Moez Street and seen the cobblestone walkway with dozens of gorgeous Islamic buildings, but you want more Islamic architecture and history, head back to this UNESCO World Heritage site for a deeper dive.

There are tons of places you can explore up close, and even several that you can purchase tickets to enter (during business hours).

Highlights include:

-Bab el Futuh (one of the medieval gates at the entrance of El Moez Street)

-Bab Zuweila (another gate at the other entrance of El Moez Street)

-Qalawoun Complex (massive complex including a mosque, mausoleum, and hospital, dates back to 1285 AD)

-Bayt Al-Suhaymi (Islamic house started in 1648 AD - great example of residential architecture)

Unique Things to Do in Cairo

Here are more unique things to do in Cairo, from less-frequented neighborhoods, to live music performances, food tours, and opportunities to get out on the Nile River!

If you want some non touristy things to do in Cairo, these activities will fit the bill.

Heliopolis

This is one of my favorite districts in Cairo - it's a historic neighborhood with beautiful architecture dating back to the early 20th century. It's now a trendy, upscale area, full of great coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants.

If you go to Heliopolis, do not miss the Baron Empain Palace - this unique, Hindu-inspired palace used to be a residential home of one of the wealthy elites who began the district of Heliopolis more than 100 years ago.

Also in Heliopolis is the historic Presidential Palace (not open for visits, but you can glimpse the outside through the fence), and also the Basilica of Heliopolis is a remarkable Coptic Orthodox Christian Church and a city landmark.

Cave Church of St. Simon

This church is more like a giant amphitheater carved into the side of Moqattam Mountain.

It's a more modern structure so it doesn't have the historic impression that the churches in Coptic Cairo do, but it's still an interesting stop if you have the time.

Driving up to the church is also a sightseeing activity in and of itself, since you are driving through "Garbage City", the area of Cairo where most of the waste is collected, sorted, recycled, reused, and disposed of by the local people in the area.

*Mamsha Masr is a new walkway along the Nile, and has some great art installations, cafes, and restaurants.*

Walk on Mamsha Masr

Mamsha Masr is called "The People's Walkway", and it's a relatively new project still partially under construction.

You can go on this walkway (I recommend taking the entrance by the St. Regis Hotel) to go on a stroll right along the Nile River. There are dozens of cafes and spots to sit and enjoy the views, and the people watching is excellent!

For people looking for places to go in Cairo with friends, I think doing a walk along Mamsha Masr and then stopping at a cafe or restaurant along the way is a great way to spend an evening.

Escape the Crowds at Al Azhar Park

Al Azhar Park allows you to escape the crowds of Cairo, enjoy some green space, and get some great views of Greater Cairo and also the Cairo Citadel and Muhammad Ali Mosque.

It costs a few dollars to enter the park, but once inside, you can walk around, sit and enjoy the views, and even have lunch or dinner at one of the several on-site restaurants.

Watch a performance at the Cairo Opera

The Cairo Opera House in Zamalek always has different music and cultural performances happening, and it's also the site of the Cairo International Film Festival.

The building itself is also beautiful, both during the day, and when it's lit up majestically at night.

Listen to a concert at El Sawy Culturewheel

El Sawy Culturewheel is also in Zamalek, and has a calendar jam-packed with local performances by different musicians from all over Egypt.

Watch the Whirling Dervishes at Wekalet El Ghouri

Wekalet El Ghouri hosts performances of the professional and very talented Al-Tannoura Egyptian Heritage Dance Troupe (whirling dervishes) along with a live band, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

The venue, Wekalet El Ghouri, is also a historical place in its own right, and is right across from El Moez Street and Khan el Khalili.

A Potpourri of Art and Performance at Darb 1718

Darb 1718 has it all, from art workshops, to film screenings, art exhibitions, and music concerts. Check out their website to see what's happened, and enjoy!

Take a Cairo Food Tour, or an Egyptian Cooking Class!

Bellies en Route is an amazing local tour company that is focused on all things Egyptian food.

They offer downtown Cairo street food tours, guided visits to local markets to shop for ingredients and learn how to cook Egyptian dishes, tours focusing on female entrepreneurs in Egypt, and more!

Check out their website to see all that's on offer, and happy eating!

Listen to a performance and grab a coffee at Room Art Space

Room Art Space in Garden City (super close to downtown!) is a performance venue where you can do anything from watching a live music concert, to attending a film screening, or just relaxing with a coffee, smoothie, or bite to eat.

Go to a concert at El Dammah Theater

A small theater tucked away in downtown Cairo, El Dammah Theater has weekly Thursday performances of different music groups from all across Egypt, with music styles ranging from Bedouin music, Sufi spiritual music, Nubian music, and more!

Things to do on the Nile River

*Taking a felucca ride is a great way to see the Nile!*

Take a Felucca Ride on the Nile River

Felucca boats are all over Cairo, and these small ships are a great way to see Egypt's capital from another perspective - on the water!

You can either take a traditional sailing felucca (powered only by sail and wind), or opt for a motorized boat (better to cover more distance or if it's not windy) and enjoy an hour or two on the Nile.

There are a few spots you can easily get these boats - one is across from the Four Seasons Hotel (be sure to bargain hard - a sailing felucca shouldn't be more than $20-30 per hour), another is on the southeastern side of Zamalek, and a third spot is on the northwestern side of Zamalek, next to the Kentucky Fried Chicken.

*I love doing a Nile Dinner Cruise on Cafelluca, a smaller, private boat.*

Enjoy a Nile Cruise and dinner

If you want to enjoy a meal and drinks while experiencing an evening Nile Cruise, doing a Nile Dinner Cruise is a great way to get the vibe of being on the river while enjoying a meal at the same time!

Ditch the large boats (food is a buffet and isn't great, and the belly dancing and music performances can be tacky), in favor of a small operation - I love the Cafelluca boats!

Ride on a Nile Taxi

Started as a way to help people get from Point A to Point B without the car traffic, Nile Taxi is also a fun option for someone who just wants to be on a boat on the River Nile! Reach out to them via Whatsapp to arrange a pickup time and location.

Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking on the Nile

Cairow Watersports arranges everything relating to watersports on the Nile, including kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, rowing, and more!

There you go - the ultimate list of things to do in Cairo, Egypt! I hope you enjoy your time in Egypt's capital while doing some of the activities and visiting some of the places on this list. Did I miss something? Have any questions about anything in this post? Leave a comment and let me know!

Want more tips for your trip to Egypt? Check out my YouTube Channel, with over 100 videos on everything relating to travel in Egypt.

The Ultimate List of Things to do in Cairo, Egypt