As the oldest part of the city and the site of the first Christian settlement in Egypt, this walled neighborhood is brimming with history. Each of the world’s major religions has important sites here including the Amr Mosque, Hanging Church of the Virgin Mary, and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Check out the Coptic Museum to learn more.

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Sitting on Tahrir Square, this monumental museum houses 120,000 artifacts spanning 5,000 years of history. Here you can see royal mummies, sarcophagi, hieroglyphics, and pharaonic treasures including those from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. For a look beyond ancient Egypt’s ancient history, visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

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Despite it being one of the largest mosques in the world, no detail was overlooked in this masterpiece first built in the 14th century.

This hilltop fortress dates back to the 12th century and offers panoramic views. It is anchored by the Great Mosque of Mohamed Ali, one of the most famous mosques in the city and renowned for its blend of Ottoman and Islamic architecture. The complex also includes the National Military and Police Museums, Gawhara Palace, and Ahmed Kathuda and Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosques.

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This 1km street runs from Bab El Fotouh to Bab Zuweila, two of the remaining gates from when Cairo was a walled city. Wander the ancient thoroughfare to see markets (like the Tentmakers’ Market), mosques, and palaces. Alongside El Moez Street is Khan Al Khalili Bazaar, a world-famous market dating back to the 14th century. Here you can find tourists and locals alike in a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with shops selling traditional crafts, spices, jewelry, and souvenirs.

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You would never know this beautifully manicured park in the heart of Cairo was once a landfill. As one of the few green spaces in the city, it offers sweeping views and a respite from city life. Here you can also visit Al Azhar Mosque, the first mosque in Cairo.

The Nile River holds immense cultural and historical significance serving as a lifeline for ancient civilizations. Walk the banks, cross over on the Qasr El Nil Bridge, or enjoy city views from a felucca boat ride to experience this slice of history.

This observation tower standing at 187m tall offers 360 views of the city, the Nile River, and the Pyramids of Giza.

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Less than 15km from Cairo, the 4,500-year-old monuments have awed historians and tourists alike for centuries. Explore on your own or by guided tour the last remaining ancient wonder of the world, including some of the lesser-known ruins scattered throughout the complex.

Explore the Open-Air Museum 30km from Cairo to see remains from ancient Egypt’s former capital including the statute of Ramses II and an alabaster sphinx. Then check out Saqqara to see Egypt’s oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Djoser.

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This lesser-known pyramid complex 35km from Cairo, provides insight into the evolution of pyramid construction with the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.

Go downtown to experience Cairo in all its chaotic and charming glory. There are no shortage of shops and restaurants to explore.

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Located on an island in the Nile River, this affluent neighborhood boasts plenty of nightlife options and city views.

This leafy and quiet neighborhood on the East Bank offers a quieter side of Cairo.