Discover Cairo

Cairo brings together a range of cultural attractions: Historic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; museums covering different periods; significant religious buildings; and a varied performing arts program. If you are looking for a hotel in Cairo, deciding what you want to focus on during your trip can help you narrow down your options. The places below show how history, art and the cityscape come together in the Egyptian capital.

Historic Cairo and its landmarks

The oldest districts of Historic Cairo preserve antiquities and historical relics dating back centuries. Visitors can explore the area on a walking tour through these districts. Al-Muizz Street offers a clear point of reference: it is a pedestrian street in the heart of Historic Cairo and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the end of the street is the Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah Mosque in the Al-Gamaliya district, near Bab al-Futuh.

Religious buildings also represent different aspects of the city's history. The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As in Al-Fustat is one of Cairo's oldest and best-known Islamic buildings; daily prayers are still held there. The Citadel of Cairo is a medieval defensive fortress in Historic Cairo, situated on a hill in the Muqattam Hills. It offers panoramic views over the city. The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is located within the citadel. Its two minarets are each 84 meters high and are considered the tallest in Egypt.

Museums with different focuses

The Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo displays an extensive collection spanning the period from pre-dynastic times to the Greco-Roman era. Its collections include the treasures of Tanis and the Narmer Palette. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization offers a different, broader perspective: it presents Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to the present day. It also displays royal mummies in an interactive exhibition. The two museums therefore have different focuses, ranging from a broad history of civilization to specific collections and exhibits.

The Coptic Museum is located in Old Cairo, within the walls of the Roman Fortress of Babylon. It houses around 16,000 Coptic artifacts and comprises two wings with 27 halls across two floors. The nearby Mar Girgis Metro station can help with orientation. El Malek El Saleh subway station is listed as an access point for the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization; check station and route details before setting out. This allows you to plan your museum interests and practical travel arrangements separately for each destination.

Performing arts and cityscapes

The Cairo Opera presents symphonic and Arabic music, recitals, ballet and modern dance theater. At the Cairo Opera House, visitors can also listen to oud music and watch arthouse films. The Cairo Opera House has seven theaters. Two of them operate as satellite theaters in Alexandria. It also has an art gallery, a museum and a music library. Check in advance to see what performances are on during your travel dates: the genres listed describe the program, not a specific event date.

The cityscape also offers various points of interest. Downtown streets form a lively architectural museum and reflect Egypt's layered modern history. Pedestrian passages and streets are lined with shops, restaurants, cafés and nightlife venues; downtown can be explored on foot. Zamalek, meanwhile, is a small island district of Cairo. Its tree-lined streets are home to art galleries featuring works by contemporary Egyptian artists.

Discover more destinations: El Shorouk City

Go to the main travel overview: Cairo Governorate.