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.

If you’ve got a day to spare, spend it exploring Egypt’s second city by the sea. Alexandria feels like a world apart from Cairo — cooler, breezier, and full of Mediterranean character. Wander through Roman ruins, stroll the corniche, check out the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and stop by the Citadel of Qaitbay. It’s an easy change of pace, with plenty of history, sea views, and fresh air.

Wander through one of Egypt’s oldest and most active archaeological sites, about an hour south of Cairo. Saqqara is best known for the Step Pyramid of Djoser — the earliest pyramid ever built — but there’s a lot more to see. Recent excavations have uncovered dozens of tombs, statues, and mummies, some as recently as a few years ago. Don’t miss the Tomb of Mehu, now open after a long restoration — its colourful wall carvings are surprisingly well preserved.

Set near the Pyramids and overlooking the Giza Plateau, this massive new museum is built to tell the full story of ancient Egypt — all under one roof. It will house the complete Tutankhamun collection, including many pieces never seen by the public before.

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.

Explore Egypt’s long story at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the first museum in the country and the Arab world to showcase the full range of Egyptian civilisation’s richness and diversity. Don’t skip the Royal Mummies Hall, where you’ll find actual mummies of some famous pharaohs. It’s a bit eerie but totally worth a look.

Step into this vast 9th-century mosque and you’ll find sunlit courtyards, weathered stucco arches, and a spiral minaret that winds up like a ramp. Climb to the top for a surprisingly quiet view over Cairo’s rooftops. The Ibn Tulun Mosque isn’t flashy, but that’s part of what makes it so striking — the space, the stillness, the sense of time just sitting in the air.

Get a glimpse into royal life in modern Egypt at the Manial Palace, built by Prince Mohamed Ali in the early 1900s. The architecture is a bold mix — Islamic, Ottoman, Persian, even Moroccan and Andalusian — with every room showing off intricate woodwork, tiles, and stained glass. The complex includes a mosque, hunting museum, throne hall, and beautifully kept gardens.

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.

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.