Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital, is where ancient wonders meet modern life. Whether you’re strolling through historic streets, admiring priceless treasures, or floating down the Nile at sunset, Cairo offers a rich mix of culture, history, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re planning your first trip—or even a return visit—these are the top 5 things
1. Explore Downtown Cairo – Where History Meets Modern Vibes
If you are ready to enjoy a vibrant mix of old and new Cairo, you need to walk through the downtown area of Cairo as its ultimate charm is full of character. Start your morning by walking through Tahrir Square, don’t forget to grab coffee from any of its vintage cafes. You will look around and see the beautiful European-style architecture of the 19th century. Since you are into discovery, you can’t afford to miss Khan El-Khalili, the city’s most famous bazaar. In this bazaar, you will find some rare species that are only special to this place and are hard to find elsewhere. The cultural touch of Cairo is prevalent in its hand-crafted souvenirs and jewellery. If you go there, you must enjoy mint tea as it’s an aromatic and calming experience. It’s easy to soak up the local culture of Cairon from this place. One thing you must try is bargaining there as shop owners don’t mind it and you can have some good deals on souvenirs. Downtown offers an authentic Cairo experience. If that’s your first time visiting Cairo, start to discover this place.
2. See King Tutankhamun’s Treasures at the Egyptian Museum
Since you are walking through Tahrir Square already, why not step inside the Egyptian museum? You will be surprised to see the legendary treasures of King Tutankhamun. Inside this Museum, more than 120,000 artefacts are ready to catch your attention. When you are on the treasure discovery, you must check the crown’s jewel. It will be normal if you get fascinated by the boy king’s treasure as it’s simply magnificent. The king had a mysterious life and his untimely death is something you may wonder about while having a deep look at all the relics of that era.
Inside this museum, you must pay close attention to the iconic golden death mask, a timeless symbol of ancient Egypt’s grandeur and mystery. You will also find intricate jewellery and weapons used around 3000 years ago. Ceremonial artefacts let you imagine how eventful royal ceremonies were. In 1922, Howard Carter discovered the treasure of Tutankhamun, a young pharaoh whose sudden death at the age of 19 is quite a mystery for historians. This treasure was untouched for 3000 years. You can read the story of belief, legacy and life in the age of the Pharaohs in almost every corner of this museum. You feel like having a journey through time while taking into its relics.
3. Sail the Nile at Sunset in a Traditional Felucca
Another best thing to do in Cairo is to sail the Nile at the Sunset and feel nature’s beauty. This ride is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the crowd in the city and its buzz. When you are visiting Cairo with your partner, the Nile cruise will be a romantic getaway for the love birds. If you are solo or with a group, you will be mesmerized by the scenic environment of the Nile. Cairo’s riverside landmarks are breathtaking and most cruises make stops at important landmarks so you can have a close look at the iconic beauty of Cairo. You can have some snacks and tea there while losing yourself in this memorable place where you can watch the skyline light up and feel the breeze like never before all around your soul and body. Take photos during your felucca ride and capture Nile beauty in your mind forever.
4. Ride a Hot Air Balloon Over the Nile and Luxor (Day Trip Option)
After taking a Nile cruise, you will be so into this place that a day trip by hot air balloon will satisfy your curiosity about this place. Although Luxor hot air balloon rides are quite popular, you should give it a try at the Nile River as well. Why? Because it will unlock a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you where you will take a bird’s eye view of the timeless landscape and iconic tombs of Egypt. You need to start the ride early in the morning so you can have a well-lit magical view of ancient temples and lush green farmlands below. There are ancient templates and tombs resting close to the sand and showcasing their eternal story. Lush green files thrive alongside riverbanks and they create a perfect contrast with the surrounding space. That is something simply unforgettable during your Nile air ride. Once you are done with Nile discovery, also plan a balloon ride at Luxor so you can feel the difference between both beauties. When the Balloon glides over the Valley of the Kings, you will feel yourself lost in the majestic beauty. There are so many tombs in the valley and one noteworthy one is the Hatshepsut Temple. It feels like you are looking into centuries of secrets through your air ride. Air Rides to Luxor is all about history while that of the Nile is all about diving deep into the diverse natural beauty of Egypt.
5. Snorkel or Dive in the Red Sea (Weekend Getaway from Cairo)
Egypt travellers always plan a weekend escape from Caro by booking a snorkel or dive in the Red Sea. It’s a perfect escape from the golden desert where you explore lots of historical monuments and sites during weekdays. You can enjoy world-class snorkelling and diving in Sharm El Sheikh. Red Sea lets you explore water wonders featuring crystal clear water, coral reefs and fascinating marine life. When it comes to the best underwater exploration, this spot must be in your must-visit places in Cairo. The Red Sea instills unforgettable experiences of marine life discovery. Whether you are a first-time snorkeler or a certified diver, you can definitely start water exploration from the Red Sea.
