Discovering the Best of Egyptian Culture in Cairo

Like a lot of travelers, I spent two days in Cairo as part of a week-long trip to Egypt, also visiting Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. As Egypt’s capital city and major cultural hub, it’s a popular start and end point for most trips. Two days is the minimum recommended time here, although you could also visit for three or four days to really get a feel for the city. 

Cairo is chaotic and intense, with constant honking, jam-packed streets, and the nerve-wracking experience of trying to cross the road. As a pedestrian you just sort of have to walk out into the flow of cars and hope they slow down for you. It sounds stressful, and it is at times, but it’s also part of what makes the city feel alive.

Most people come to Cairo for the pyramids, and to be fair, they are impressive as you’d expect. But what surprised me was that my most memorable moments were not gazing up at the pyramids or riding a camel in the desert. The city has so much more to discover than that. My personal highlights of Cairo were visiting the Citadel, which gives you sweeping views over Cairo, and wandering around Khan el-Khalili market, where you can browse everything from spices to souvenirs. It’s also one of those cities where simply sitting down with a plate of food or a glass of tea and watching the world go by is worth making time for. 

Before looking at what to see and do, let’s take a quick look at the best ways to get to Cairo.

Getting There: Flying into Cairo

Cairo International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Africa and the Middle East, and it connects to destinations all over the world.

If you’re traveling regionally or within Egypt, Nile air is a good option. Nile Air is one of Egypt’s major carriers, operating flights between Cairo and other major Egyptian cities like Luxor and Aswan, as well as routes across the Middle East. This makes it convenient if you’re planning to combine Cairo with other parts of the country, or if you’re coming in from nearby destinations.

Once you land, the airport is about a 30 to 45 minute drive from the city center, depending on traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available, but for first-time visitors, I’d suggest arranging an airport transfer in advance through your hotel or tour provider so you don’t have to worry about scams or getting ripped off.

Once you’re in the city center, getting around by Uber is very cheap and convenient, since you don’t have to worry about carrying cash with you. I felt very safe in Cairo knowing that my Uber rides were tracked by GPS.

Start With the Museums

I’d recommend starting your trip to Cairo with a visit to the museums, since they’ll give you a solid background on Egypt’s history before you go out and see the big sights in person. 

The main museum to visit is the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. It’s massive, packed floor to ceiling with statues, sarcophagi, jewelry, and just about everything else you can imagine. There are over 120,000 objects on display (which is almost too much to take in) but the main draw here is Tutankhamun’s gold mask –  the solid gold funerary mask that was placed over the face of the young pharaoh when he was buried over 3,000 years ago. Even if you’re not usually big on museums, I’d say this one is worth a couple of hours at least.

Another place you might like to visit is the Coptic Museum. It doesn’t get as many visitors, which makes it a bit calmer, and the collection is fascinating if you’re curious about Egypt’s Christian history. Beyond the collections of manuscripts, textiles, and art, the museum’s design often catches people’s attention. The carved woodwork and airy courtyards make the space feel welcoming and serene.

If you have more time, the Museum of Islamic Art is also excellent. This museum covers centuries of Islamic history through things like ceramics, calligraphy, and textiles, and it’s one of the best collections of its kind anywhere. Since Cairo is known for its Islamic architecture and historic mosques, coming here first helps put a lot of what you’ll see around the city into perspective.

The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

Of course, you can’t talk about Cairo without mentioning the Pyramids of Giza. The pyramids are only about a 30-minute drive from downtown, but once you’re standing there in the desert, it feels like you’ve stepped into another world. I’d suggest hiring a guide to show you around – this way you won’t experience any hassle when you’re there. A lot of people complain about being hassled or ripped off in Egypt, but when a guide is present, you won’t be bothered. Your guide will take plenty of photos of you with the pyramids and you won’t have to haggle on the price of a camel ride. 

The Great Pyramid, built for Pharaoh Khufu, is the largest and the oldest of the three pyramids. You can climb partway up or even venture inside one of the pyramids to see the chambers, though it can be a bit claustrophobic since the passages are narrow. Another major highlight is the Sphinx, the famous statue with the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, which sits next to the pyramids as if guarding the site.

My advice: go early in the morning before the tour buses arrive and before the heat of the day sets in. If you have the time, stick around for sunset when the light casts a golden glow over the stones. 

Old Cairo

After seeing the ancient wonders, head to Old Cairo for a completely different side of the city. This district has been home to Christians, Jews, and Muslims for centuries, and you can see that mix reflected in the architecture.

The Hanging Church, named because it was built on top of a Roman fortress, is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. Inside, you’ll find wooden carvings, icons, and a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the busy streets outside.

Nearby is the Ben Ezra Synagogue, which has a fascinating history tied to Jewish life in Cairo. The Amr Mosque, Cairo’s first mosque, is also in this area. The mosque has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, but it remains an important landmark and a peaceful spot to step inside and take a break from the city’s chaos.

Khan el Khalili: Cairo’s Famous Market

One of my favorite experiences in Cairo was wandering through Khan el Khalili, the city’s historic bazaar. This famous market dates back to the 14th century and is still a hub of activity today. The narrow alleys are filled with shops selling everything from gold jewelry to colorful lamps, spices, and textiles.

Even if you don’t plan on buying much, it’s fun to browse and take in the atmosphere. Haggling is part of the experience here, so don’t be shy about negotiating prices. When you need a break, stop at El Fishawy, a café that’s been serving tea and coffee for centuries. 

Life on the Nile

The Nile River has shaped Egyptian culture for thousands of years, and it still plays a central role in Cairo today. Taking a boat ride on the river is one of the most relaxing things you can do in the city.

A felucca, a traditional wooden sailboat, is perfect if you want something simple and peaceful. If you take one at sunset, the city lights start to come on and the skyline takes on a warm, magical glow.

For a livelier experience, there are dinner cruises with live music and dancing. It’s a totally different vibe, but both options give you a sense of how important the river is to Cairo’s life and culture.

Contemporary Cairo

Besides history, Cairo also has a growing modern art and music scene that’s worth exploring.

In Zamalek, a leafy neighborhood on an island in the Nile, you’ll find galleries like the Zamalek Art Gallery and the Townhouse Gallery. Both galleries showcase both established and emerging Egyptian artists, and exhibitions change regularly. Even if you’re not an art buff, it’s a good way to see what’s happening in the city creatively right now.

The Cairo Opera House is another must-see. This stunning building houses everything from ballet and opera to traditional Egyptian music concerts. Before you visit, it’s worth checking the schedule to see what’s on so you can catch a performance.

Smaller Museums Worth Your Time

Beyond the big museums, Cairo has some smaller ones that are also worth a visit and make for a nice change of pace: 

• The Gayer-Anderson Museum is a restored 17th-century house filled with antiques, artwork, and traditional furnishings. It’s like stepping into the home of a wealthy family from centuries ago.
• The Umm Kulthum Museum is dedicated to the life of Egypt’s most beloved singer. Umm Kulthum was a cultural icon across the Arab world, and the museum displays her costumes, instruments, and personal belongings.
• The Panorama of the October War tells the story of the 1973 conflict with Israel. The highlight is a rotating platform with a panoramic painting of the war, combined with artifacts and exhibits.

Local Foods to Try in Cairo

When you explore Cairo, the landmarks are only part of the picture. You’ll also want to get a taste of local life and try some Egyptian foods while you’re there. 

Try koshari, a mix of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and crispy onions topped with tomato sauce and chili. It’s filling, cheap, and very popular with locals. Ful medames (fava beans) and taameya (Egyptian falafel made with fava beans instead of chickpeas) are also staple dishes you’ll see everywhere.

Sitting in a café is another must-do. Cairo has a long coffeehouse tradition, and many places are just as much about people-watching and conversation as they are about the drinks. Order a mint tea or a strong coffee, and watch the world go by. 

A Suggested Three-Day Itinerary

If you’re short on time but want to get a good mix of experiences, here’s a suggested itinerary for your trip:

• Day 1: Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, and a sunset felucca ride.
• Day 2: Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx in the morning, then dinner in Zamalek.
• Day 3: Old Cairo—Hanging Church, Amr Mosque, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and Khan el Khalili.

A Final Word

Cairo might not always feel easy to navigate, but it’s a place you shouldn’t skip if you’re heading to other destinations in Egypt like Luxor or Aswan. I’d recommend giving yourself at least two to three days here to get a proper feel for the city. 

Between the museums, the food, the markets, and the historic sites, there’s more than enough to keep you busy. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a day trip up to Alexandria for a change of scenery along the Mediterranean coast.