Cairo Attractions — Islamic Cairo, Coptic Sites and Historic Markets

Cairo Attractions — Islamic Cairo, Coptic Sites and Historic Markets

Cairo attractions 2026 — Egyptian Museum Egypt

Cairo Attractions — Beyond the Pyramids

Cairo is a city of 22 million people, 1,000 years of Islamic architecture, Coptic churches that predate Islam by 400 years, and a bazaar that has been trading since the 10th century. The Pyramids of Giza are covered separately in our Giza Attractions guide. This guide covers everything else — and there is a great deal else.

Top Cairo Attractions

Attraction District Why visit
Khan El Khalili Bazaar Islamic Cairo Medieval marketplace trading since 1382. Gold, spices, perfume, souvenirs.
Mohamed Ali Mosque Citadel Ottoman alabaster mosque with panoramic Cairo views. Built 1830.
Saladin Citadel Islamic Cairo Medieval fortress overlooking Cairo. Built by Saladin in 1176.
Coptic Cairo Old Cairo Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Coptic Museum. Christianity in Egypt since 50 AD.
Al-Azhar Mosque Islamic Cairo Founded 970 AD — one of the world's oldest universities and most important Islamic sites.
Nile Corniche (Zamalek) Zamalek Island Cairo's most elegant riverside district. Felucca rides, sunset views, rooftop dining.

Written by Ahmed Emam — Egypt travel specialist since 2010.