Today, the city feels like a chaotic tapestry where medieval souks rub shoulders with modern skyscrapers, and the scent of freshly baked baladi bread mingles with exhaust fumes. Now a vibrant hub, Cairo offers an immersive experience that blends centuries-old mosques and markets with the lively energy of its contemporary streets.
Do Cairo the way locals do: start slow at Al-Azhar Park, eat where the regulars do at Koshary Abou Tarek, let the evening run long at Crimson Bar & Grill.
Top things to do in Cairo Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Museum · ★ 4.5 (64,960 reviews)
Extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts covering 5,000 years, including Tutankhamun's treasures.
Check tours & tickets 2
Khan el-Khalili
tourist_attraction, point_of_interest · ★ 4.4 (75,067 reviews)
Large souk in the bazaar district selling souvenirs & crafts plus jewelry, clothing & spices.
Check tours & tickets 3
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
Museum · ★ 4.7 (30,040 reviews)
Sculpture, pottery & metalware charting millennia of Egyptian civilization, plus a hall of mummies.
Check tours & tickets 4
Saladin Citadel
tourist_attraction, historical_landmark · ★ 4.6 (35,973 reviews)
Imposing fortress & wall built by Saladin in the 12th century as protection against the Crusaders.
Check tours & tickets 5
Al-Azhar Park
Park · ★ 4.5 (40,879 reviews)
Manicured gardens & lawns with fountains, cafes, restaurants & an open-air theater, plus city views.
Check tours & tickets 7
Talaat Harb Square
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.5 (23,030 reviews)
Major traffic intersection with a statue of a national icon, surrounded by shops & cafes.
Check tours & tickets 8
Abdeen Palace Museum
Museum · ★ 4.6 (13,918 reviews)
Ornate former palace with 500 rooms, home to museums containing silver, weapons & royal artifacts.
Check tours & tickets 9
Bab al-Futuh
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.6 (11,134 reviews)
Landmark city gate built in 1087, with 2 round towers & elaborately carved geometric motifs.
Check tours & tickets 10
Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Manial Palace) and Egyptian Museum of Musical Instruments
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.6 (9,314 reviews)
Ornately decorated palace with a clocktower built between 1900 & 1929 in a mix of Islamic styles.
Check tours & tickets Where to eat Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Koshary Abou Tarek
Restaurant · ★ 4.3 (43,425 reviews)
Website 12
LUUMA
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (15,899 reviews)
13
ENOCI Bistro
Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (4,599 reviews)
Website 14
Gemini restaurant&Cafè
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (4,356 reviews)
15
Oldish ( Restaurant & Cafe )
Restaurant · ★ 4.3 (7,735 reviews)
Globally inspired comfort food is served at this easygoing venue that has a brick-lined courtyard.
Website 16
Kazaz
Falafel Restaurant · ★ 4.1 (11,725 reviews)
Website 17
Le Pacha 1901
Restaurant · ★ 4.3 (7,247 reviews)
Website 18
Al Khal Egyptian Restaurant
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (2,431 reviews)
Website Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Cairo
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
20
Blue Nile Boat
Fine Dining Restaurant · ★ 4.1 (5,213 reviews)
Decommissioned ship on the Nile housing 5 flashy restaurants & bars with indoor & outdoor dining.
Check tours & tickets 23
Desert Fox Safari - Desert Tours & Activities in Egypt
Tour Agency · ★ 4.8 (416 reviews)
Check tours & tickets Get outside 25
Al-Azhar Park
Park · ★ 4.5 (40,879 reviews)
Manicured gardens & lawns with fountains, cafes, restaurants & an open-air theater, plus city views.
Website 26
Family Park
Park · ★ 4.4 (27,289 reviews)
Landscaped garden with a zoo, amusement park, cinema, museum & restaurants, plus a dancing fountain.
Website 27
Merryland Park
Park · ★ 4.2 (22,336 reviews)
Urban green space with shade trees & walking paths, plus play structures, fountains & grassy lawns.
28
Orman Garden
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.2 (13,182 reviews)
Sprawling garden park with rose patches, a herbarium & plants such as cacti & papyrus.
29
Wadi Degla Reserve
National Park · ★ 4.6 (2,642 reviews)
Sandy desert canyon with sheer, rocky walls, popular for camping, wilderness walks & biking trails.
Website After dark 30
Crimson Bar & Grill
Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (4,371 reviews)
Traditional dishes served in a buzzing rooftop eatery & bar with city-and-Nile views.
Website 31
La Terrace Restaurant & Lounge
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (1,445 reviews)
Website 32
Carlton Roof Garden
Lounge bar · ★ 4.3 (1,588 reviews)
Website 33
Carol Bar
Bar & Grill · ★ 4.3 (1,135 reviews)
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