Egypt is one of those countries that has fascinated people for centuries. The travelers of the Middle Ages have always emphasized the culture and pyramids of Egypt. Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is home to one of the seven wonders of the world. Here are 8 things to do in Cairo that you cannot miss.
Cairo was always an important site for Egyptian civilization. Even today, it has the same importance. It holds history closer to its soil. This city has many records of being first-ever in various fields. It still has the old-world charm of the Arab world.
1. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Egyptian history is less popular, but its artifacts are indeed historically known. Located at Tahrir Square, the Cairo Egyptian Museum has more than 1 lakh items on display. You will find mummies, the famous golden mask, and various items that belong to the ancient world.
It is housed inside a building that dates back to 1901. The neoclassical architecture is a delight to watch. You will see the statues of the kings as well. There is a garden on the premises. You will find the busts of famous Egyptologists here.
The museum opens every day at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. The cost of the ticket is 299.79 EGP.
2. Khan el-khailili
Do you want to see and shop the authentic items of Cairo? Visit Khan el-Khailili market. The local shops in the narrow street here take you through the culture of Cairo. From handmade crafts to traditional jewelry and clothing, you will find it all here.
The café and restaurants offer authentic Egyptian food. You can shop and eat as much as you want. This place is great to witness the cultural transitions in Egypt. This one was established somewhere between the mid-13th and 15th centuries. It belongs to the period of the Mamluk dynasty.
It opens at 9:30 a.m. each day and closes at 12:00 a.m.
3. Al-Azhar Park
Al-Azhar Park is part of an urban renewal project. An empty land is now transformed into a lush green garden. This should be your gateway to a calm and peaceful area of the city. This park has the remains of the Ayyubid Wall, which belongs to one of the Egyptian dynasties.
Al-Azhar Park includes dynastical arrangements and shapes. Islamic architecture is the basis of the park’s design.
You can visit Al-Azhar Park anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Ticket prices are expensive on Friday. It is 40 EGP for adults and 30 EGP for children. On all other days- 35 EGP are for adults and 25 EGP for children.
4. Great Sphinx of Giza
You have heard about the Pyramids of Giza, but the Great Sphinx of Giza is also valuable. This limestone statue is always in the headlines for its mysteries. The body of a lion, but the head of a human, is a mythological creature in Egyptian culture.
This statue is believed to be more than 4,000 years old. The statue is on the Nile’s western bank. There are a lot of theories and speculations around the making and history of the Sphinx.
Visit here between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Tickets cost around 40 EGP per person.
5. Abdeen Palace Museum
There are many instances where royal palaces are converted into museums. Abdeen Palace was also a royal residence for Ismail Pasha. The palace itself is magnificent and luxurious. It has been a part of the presidential palace since 1952.
The lower part of the museum stores various antiquities. It is also divided into many parts, like arms museum, silver museum, etc. There is another part called the Museum of Historical Documents.
Please note that it is closed on Fridays. Visiting hours on all the other days are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The tickets for non-Egyptians cost 100 EGP. Entry is free for children under six years of age.
6. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
NMEC is a place to visit Egypt’s ancient past. It showcases the lifestyle from prehistory to the modern period. It has a large collection of mummies, including the royal mummies. It also showcases the ancient technology that was used in Egypt over the centuries.
It is the culmination of the art, science, architecture, and history of Egypt. You will learn about the cultural heritage of Egypt here.
Visiting time- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day; 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays.
Ticket- 240 EGP for foreigners.
7. Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Al Manial Palace)
Al Manial Palace belongs to Prince Mohamed Ali Tewfik of the 20th century. The palace is a must-visit due to its architecture. It is a mixture of Persian, Ottoman, and even Moorish designs of architecture. Islamic palaces are popular for their tile designs and wooden carvings.
The same is the concept at this palace, too. The rooms are heavily decorated, and the palace has gardens. One can spot the Nile from the windows of the rooms.
It is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entry fees to the palace are 100 EGP.
8. Cairo Tower
Towers have always been an important architectural feature in history. From the leaning tower of Pisa in Italy to Qutb Minar in India, each has its own story. Cairo Tower is no different. It is 187 meters tall and made up of 8 million mosaics.
The inspiration for the tower came from ancient Egyptian architecture. It is one of the tallest buildings in Cairo. It also has a revolving restaurant that gives you a stunning view of the city. You can visit here any day between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. 200 EGP is the ticket price.
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Editorial Staff at Travelco are experts in Global Tourism.