Cairo

On the edge of Cairo, the Giza Necropolis is home to the last remaining wonder of the ancient world — the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Alongside it stand the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, part of a vast complex that includes tombs, causeways, temples, and smaller pyramids built for queens and nobles. The scale alone is enough to stop you in your tracks. Just below the pyramids sits the Great Sphinx of Giza — carved from a single piece of limestone, with the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, likely Khafre. At around 73 metres long and 20 metres high, it’s one of the largest sculptures in the world.

Dive into thousands of years of history at this classic museum just off Tahrir Square. It’s packed with statues, mummies, coffins, and everyday objects from across ancient Egypt. Some of the big-ticket items — like Tutankhamun’s famous mask — are being moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, but there’s still loads to explore here. The building’s a bit old-school, with dusty cases and handwritten labels, but that’s part of the charm. Bring a guide or download an audio tour to get the full story behind what you’re seeing.

Discover one of Cairo’s most dramatic buildings — the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan. It’s massive, quiet, and built to impress. Inside, the stone walls rise up around a central courtyard, and the whole place feels heavy with history. Built in the 14th century as both a mosque and religious school, it’s still one of the city’s architectural standouts.

One of Cairo’s oldest churches, the Hanging Church dates back to the third century and sits above a gatehouse of the old Roman fortress—that’s where it gets its 'hanging' name. Inside, you’ll find a wooden roof shaped like Noah’s Ark, ancient icons, and a calm vibe that feels a world away from the city’s chaos.

This fortress complex held Egyptian rulers for over 700 years and includes several palaces and mosques. Wander the grounds to get a feel for Cairo’s history and enjoy wide views of the city from the ramparts.

Built on what was once a rubble dump, this green space now offers some of the best views of old Cairo. It’s one of the few spots in the city where you can stretch out on the grass, grab a coffee, or just take a break from the noise. There are a couple of restaurants, walking paths, and quiet corners perfect for photos or a picnic.

Coptic Cairo is the heart of Egypt’s Christian community and one of the oldest parts of the city. Here, you’ll find churches, monasteries, and ancient streets that have stayed largely unchanged for centuries.

Set inside the walls of the old Babylon Fortress, this museum traces the history of Egypt’s Coptic Christian community through art, manuscripts, and everyday objects. It covers a long stretch of time — from the Greco-Roman period through to the early Islamic era. The building itself is worth a look, with carved wooden ceilings, mashrabiya windows, and peaceful gardens spread over 8,000 square metres.