Things to Do in Cairo: Pyramids, the GEM, Khan el-Khalili and More

Cairo packs more than 5,000 years of history into one sprawling, exhilarating city. Between the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, a brand-new mega-museum, medieval mosques and a buzzing bazaar, the hardest part is choosing. This guide walks you through the experiences worth your time and how to book them smoothly.

The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

No trip to Cairo is complete without the Giza plateau. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx sit just at the edge of the city. You can walk the site, ride a camel or horse around the panorama point, and — for a separate ticket — climb inside one of the pyramids.

Arrive at opening time to beat both the heat and the tour-bus crowds. The plateau is large and exposed, so bring water, a hat and sunscreen.

Tip: book a guided tour or a coupe-file (skip-the-line) entry in advance. It saves queueing at the gate and gives you a guide who can fend off the persistent vendors and “free” camel offers that aren’t free.

The Grand Egyptian Museum

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), beside the pyramids, is now the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilisation. Its headline draw is the complete treasure of Tutankhamun, displayed together for the first time, plus the towering statue of Ramesses II in the atrium and the grand staircase lined with monumental artefacts.

Plan at least half a day here. Tickets are sold online and at the door; the official channels are the most reliable, and timed entry helps manage the crowds.

Islamic and Coptic Cairo

Old Cairo rewards anyone willing to wander on foot:

• Islamic Cairo — the Citadel of Saladin and the alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali, plus the medieval streets around Al-Muizz with their mosques and madrasas.
• Coptic Cairo — the Hanging Church, the Church of St Sergius and the Coptic Museum, clustered in a quiet, walkable old quarter.

Experience	What it covers	Time
Giza Pyramids & Sphinx	Plateau, Sphinx, optional pyramid interior	Half day
Grand Egyptian Museum	Tutankhamun collection, galleries	Half day
Khan el-Khalili	Historic bazaar, cafés, shopping	2–3 hours
Islamic & Coptic Cairo	Mosques, churches, museums	Half day
Nile dinner cruise	Dinner, music, river views	Evening

Khan el-Khalili bazaar

This labyrinthine medieval market is the place for spices, lamps, jewellery, papyrus and souvenirs. Haggling is expected and part of the fun — start low and stay friendly. Take a break at the historic El Fishawy café for mint tea before diving back into the alleys.

A Nile dinner cruise

To end the day, a Nile dinner cruise offers a calm, scenic counterpoint to Cairo’s intensity. Most include a buffet dinner with live music and a folkloric show; book through a reputable operator and confirm the departure point in advance.

For help linking these experiences into a smooth itinerary and arranging tickets, see our plan your trip page. Give Cairo at least two full days, pace yourself between the heat and the crowds, and you’ll leave having touched both the ancient and the living city.