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Things to Do in Cairo

Things to Do in Cairo

Cairo Egypt Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

While Cairo is an energetic city, some outdoor pursuits are available, often just beyond the downtown area.

Desert & Land-Based Activities

Quad Biking / Dune Buggy Rides

Offered in the dry lands more distant from the Pyramids complex. These offer a thrilling method of undergoing the desert landscape.

Hiking & Trekking Routes

Specific hiking routes are limited in Giza or Cairo. This involves walking on sandy and uneven ground around the Pyramids. For specialized hiking, travel to areas outside the city, like Wadi Degla Protectorate.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Cairo has minimal dedicated bicycle infrastructure. Cycling is not a common or safe transport mode for visitors in dense urban environments owing to significant traffic. Few choices could exist for organized bike tours in controlled areas.

Water Activities & Wildlife

  • Felucca Rides: Traditional sailboat rides on the Nile river offer a relaxing occasion and a distinct perspective of the city from the sea, especially at sunset.
  • Water Sports: Organized water sports (diving, snorkeling) are not exists within Cairo or Giza. For these pursuits, travel to the Red Sea resorts.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Safaris are unavailable in Cairo or Giza. For true wildlife experiences, one would travel to desert oases like Wadi El Rayan or national parks located outside the capital.
  • Nile River Fishing: Limited opportunities for recreational fishing exist, mainly as part of guided boat tours on calmer lengths of the Nile.

Desert Photography Tours

  • Specialized tours focus on capturing the beauty of the desert.
  • Include unique rock formations and huge sand dunes.
  • Usually matched with sunset views and Bedouin tea.
  • An ideal time for landscape and night sky photography.

Camel & Horse Riding

  • Available at the Giza Pyramids Complex.
  • A traditional way to see the monuments.
  • Haggle over prices beforehand.
  • Offers distinct photo opportunities with the Pyramids.

Pyramid Area Exploration

  • Extensive walking on sandy and uneven ground.
  • Explore viewpoints beyond the main paths.
  • Comfortable footwear is essential.
  • A guide adds to the exploration.

Important Safety Notice

For quad biking or camel rides, always arrange through reputable tour operators or your hotel to ensure safety and fair pricing. Be cautious of unauthorized individuals offering these services.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Egypt's rich culture through various performances, workshops, and traditional events.

Workshops and Learning

  • Cooking Classes: Take a class on making traditional Egyptian dishes like koshary or molokhia. These often include a visit to a local market.
  • Arabic Calligraphy or Artistic Workshops: Some cultural hubs in Cairo present workshops where you can learn traditional Arabic calligraphy or other local forms of art.
  • Language Learning Opportunities: Short Arabic language courses or introductory lessons are available for those interested in picking up some simple phrases.
  • Community-Based Tourism Initiatives: More prevalent outside of Cairo, these focus on local crafts and traditional hospitality, directly benefiting local communities.

Cultural Performances

Sound and Light Show at Giza Pyramids

An evening show with projections onto the Pyramids and Sphinx, along with narration about ancient Egyptian history. A dramatic method of seeing the monuments illuminated. Book Sound & Light Show

Sufi Tanoura Dance Show

A mesmerizing whirling dervishes performance, often seen at Wekalet El Ghouri in Islamic Cairo. It offers a sacred and artistic occasion.

Nile Dinner Cruises

Typically include entertainment like belly dancing and Tanoura shows, combined with a buffet meal as you cruise along the Nile River. They provide a distinct perspective of Cairo at night.

Cultural Festivals

Cairo hosts occasional food-related events. Major Islamic religious observances like Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha are characterized by widespread celebrations. The Cairo International Film Festival takes place annually during The month of november or December.

Traditional Music & Dance

Beyond formal shows, traditional Egyptian music and casual dance occasions are found in local small eateries or community gatherings, especially in older districts.

Local Community Interactions

A friendly approach is often met with warmth.

Relaxation & Wellness

Opportunities for specific relaxation and wellness are mostly found within hotels in Giza and Cairo.

Spa & Wellness Offerings

  • Spa and Wellness Center Recommendations: Many luxury hotels in Cairo offer full-service spas with massages, treatments, and relaxation facilities. Standalone spas are also found in upscale districts like Zamalek.
  • Hot Springs and Natural Therapy Options: These are not typically available directly in Giza or Cairo. The closest hot springs are in desert oases like Siwa.
  • Yoga and Meditation Retreats: Some yoga studios exist in Cairo, especially in Zamalek or Maadi. Dedicated multi-day retreats are rare within the city.
  • Traditional Healing Practices: Limited formal tourism centers on traditional healing practices in Cairo.

Leisure & Water Recreation

Hotel Pools

Many larger hotels have swimming pools, offering a spot to cool off and relax after sightseeing. Day passes are sometimes available.

Nile River Cruises

Leisurely boat excursions on the Nile River provide a relaxing way to view the city, specifically at sunset or inside the evening.

Beach Clubs

No public beach clubs are in Cairo or Giza. The Sea Between africa and asia resorts are the main destination for beach activities and marine sports.

Mindfulness & Serene Spots

Al-Azhar Park

Offers green space and panoramic views, providing a peaceful escape from the city's hustle.

Nile Corniche Walks

Evening strolls along the Lifeblood of egypt Corniche offer cool breezes and city lights, a calming occasion.

Hotel Rooftops

Many hotels present rooftop areas for relaxation, some with stunning views of the Pyramids or the city skyline.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Cairo's nightlife has a range of options, from live music to traditional cafes.

Live Music & Theatre

  • Live Music Venues: Some hotels and independent venues, especially in Zamalek and Downtown Cairo, present live Arabic music, jazz, or performances by international bands.
  • Performance halls: The Cairo Opera House hosts classical music, ballet, and opera performances. Various smaller theaters offer local productions.
  • Cultural Centers: Many cultural centers throughout the city host regular events, including traditional music and dance shows.
  • Informal Gatherings: Local cafes in areas like Khan el-Khalili sometimes feature impromptu musical performances.

Nightclubs & Bars

Nightclubs and Dancing

Mainly found within upscale hotels and on Zamalek island. Dress codes often apply. These establishments cater to a more Western-style nightlife occasion.

Bar Districts and Pub Crawls

Cairo does not have specific bar districts like many Western cities. Bars are generally located inside hotels or are discreet independent establishments. Structured bar crawls are not common.

Late-Night Entertainment Options

Cafes (ahwas) offering shisha (hookah) are popular and often open late. They provide a social, relaxed atmosphere. Nile dinner cruises also offer late-night entertainment with meals and shows.

Concerts & Events

Check local listings plus digital event guides for any concerts by Egyptian or international artists, and also special cultural events happening during your visit.

Cinema & Film Screenings

Modern cinemas show international and Egyptian films. Art-house cinemas sometimes feature independent or classic Egyptian cinema. The Cairo International Film Festival is a significant event.

Cafes & Shisha Lounges

A extremely popular late-night social activity for locals. Many cafes city-wide offer shisha, tea, and coffee in a relaxed setting, are usually open until late hours.

Dining & Evening Entertainment

Rooftop Dining with Views
  • Many hotels and restaurants near the Pyramids offer dinner with a view.
  • Especially remarkable during the Pyramids Sound & Light Show.
  • A relaxing and scenic end to a day of sightseeing.
Nile Dinner Cruises
  • Combine dinner with live performances (belly dancing, Tanoura show).
  • A distinct perspective of Cairo's illuminated skyline from the river.
  • A and famous visitor occasion.

Booking & Dress Code Advice

For upscale venues or popular shows, booking it's wise to book in advance. Some nightclubs and hotel bars may have dress code requirements (e.g., smart casual, no shorts for men).

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets & Souvenirs

  • Khan el-Khalili: Cairo's most famous bazaar, a labyrinth of alleys with spices, jewelry, souvenirs, items made of leather, lanterns, and textiles.
  • Souk al-Goma'a (Friday Market): A large, chaotic, and authentic flea market (Fridays only) for various goods.
  • Souvenir Recommendations: Authentic papyrus scrolls (verify quality), alabaster statues, Egyptian cotton clothing, spices, perfumes, hand-knotted carpets, silver/gold cartouches.
  • Artisan Workshops: Many workshops (copper, leather, glass) in Khan el-Khalili allow viewing of artisans at work.

Modern & Ethical Shopping

  • Luxury and Boutique Shopping: Modern shopping malls (Cairo Festival City Mall, Mall of Egypt, City Stars) offer international brands and local designer boutiques. Upscale areas like Zamalek also feature boutique shops.
  • Ethical Shopping Guidelines: Be mindful of child labor (especially for items like carpets). Support local artisans directly to help ensure fair compensation.
  • Shipping and Customs Information: Major international shipping companies (DHL, FedEx) operate from Cairo. Arrange shipping for large items. Be aware of your home country's import rules on imported goods.
  • Bargaining: Common and expected in traditional markets like Khan el-Khalili. Start with an offer significantly lower than the asking price.