Cairo has a mix of cultures, religions, and civilizations that you can clearly feel and touch in the city’s different areas and monuments. Located near the Nile Delta, Cairo is the most important and most crowded city of the country. However, Cairians always say that If you love Cairo, it will definitely love you back. In this article, we’ll guide you to the capital’s best and most famous destinations that you shouldn’t ever miss.

The Egyptian Museum

It contains many important pieces of ancient Egyptian history and houses the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic and Greco-Roman antiquities. The museum consists of two floors; the ground floor hosts the bigger displays such as coffins, statues, and stone carvings. The upper floor though hosts the smaller displays that include smaller statues, gadgets, papyrus papers, funerary objects, coffins, and jewelry. Most objects are still on display; however some are being moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum in the city of Giza. Here you can find a list of the most famous museums in Cairo (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED).

The Complex of Religions

In one place, side by side, gathering the touches of the three religions Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. You will feel the peace in your veins while existing in this very holy spot of Cairo. The complex consists of Mosque of Amr Ibn El-Aas, the first mosque built in Egypt and Africa and a fourth mosque built in Islam, In addition to The Hanging Church (located above a gatehouse of Babylon Fortress, the Roman fortress in Coptic Cairo), Church of St. Barbara, and The Coptic Museum. As for Judaism, There is the Synagogue which was originally a temple, then turned to be a church then returned again to be Temple of Ben Ezra.

Cairo Citadel

The Saladin Citadel of Cairo was built between 1176 and 1183 to protect the city. It was the seat of the king and his government in Egypt for many years since built till the Ottoman era. The Citadel contains three main mosques: Mosque of Muhammad Ali which considered the best example of the Ottoman architecture in Egypt, there is also Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qala’un Mosque, and Mosque of Suleiman Pasha El Khadim. Besides the mosques, the citadel hosts four more magnificent museums, such as the Military Museum, the Royal Carriages Museum, the Police Museum, and the Qaser El Gawhara Museum. The citadel will provide you with a magical view of The Giza Pyramids and the whole bustling city of Cairo.

Islamic Cairo

One of the world’s oldest Islamic cities that was officially founded in 969 as an imperial capital. It’s full of old mosques and Islamic architecture therefore, it is titled “the city of a thousand minarets”. Many of these beautiful mosques were established by the Fatimid caliphs who founded the city of Cairo. For instance, Mosque of Al-Azhar, Sultan Hassan Mosque, and Mosque of al-Hakim are a must-visit in the Islamic Cairo area.

Al-Azhar Mosque

It is the world’s second-oldest institution for higher learning after “Al Karaouine” in Morocco. Mosque of Al-Azhar was built in 972 during the Fatimid dynasty. The mosque is a beautiful icon of Islamic art and architecture. Many of Egypt’s rulers have shaped its art and architecture from the minarets added by the Mamluks and the gates added during Ottoman rule to more recent. That’s to say, you are always welcomed and allowed to explore the mosque’s praying area which is decorated by beautiful pillars made of alabaster as well as gorgeous carpets.

Khan El-Khalili

Khan El Khalili is an authentic bazaar and marketplace where you can buy beautiful souvenirs, antiques, handmade crafts and jewelry. Open since 1382, it was originally a center for traveling traders in the Fatimid era. The khan is by far the most popular and most visited tourist market in Egypt. There are also many cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy your drinks while listening to live Egyptian folkloric music. Here you can find more about How to enjoy a day in Khan El Khalili and El Muizz Street.

Cairo Tower

 It’s Egypt’s tallest structure which stands at 187 m high and consists of 16 floors.  The tower was built on a huge Aswan granite base which the Pharaohs used to build their temples and structures. Cairo Tower has the shape of the lotus; the most important plant in the ancient Egyptians’ life. You have to catch the magical scene of the sunset along with Cairo’s most popular sights and Giza’s Pyramids from the top of Cairo Tower.