If you want to don your Indiana Jones hat and explore Cairo, chances are, you’ll be headed to the Pyramids of Giza. You’ll see them coming at you from every postcard stand across the city. Cairo is justifiably proud of these wonders of the ancient world.

However, although those pyramids seem to get all the love, you might be surprised to find a wealth of other historic treasures in the area. A walk through Cairo is like stepping back in time. The narrow, cobblestone streets wind through a maze of ancient buildings, and each corner holds a piece of history.

So, once you’ve explored the pyramids, try out these other ancient wonders in and around Cairo.

Coptic Cairo

Upon first glance, you might think Cairo is just another modern, sprawling city. However, dive into Old Cairo and you’ll discover a different scene entirely. Set on the southern edges of the city, Old Cairo encompasses Coptic Cairo, a historically significant district that once formed the heart of the city’s ancient settlement. This area, a vital center for Egypt’s Christian community, was home to the Babylon Fortress, originally built in the 6th century BCE and later expanded by Roman Emperor Trajan.

Coptic Cairo reflects both the city’s religious heritage and its diversity. The Hanging Church, one of the most celebrated Coptic Orthodox churches, is named for its distinctive position above a gatehouse of the Babylon Fortress and dates back to the 3rd century CE. Nearby, the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-Aas, built in 641 CE, marks Cairo’s oldest mosque and the introduction of Islam to Egypt. The area is also home to the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the city’s oldest synagogue, with a rich history tied to Egypt’s Jewish community.

The Pyramid of Djoser

While the Pyramids of Giza might be grander, less than an hour from Cairo, in Saqqara, the largest archeological site in the country, you’ll find the Pyramid of Djoser. Although this step pyramid measures under 200 feet tall, it’s believed to be the longest surviving stone monument in the world. Built between 2630 BCE and 2611 BCE, the pyramid was commissioned for Pharaoh Djoser, the second king of the third dynasty of ancient Egypt.

Djoser’s architect, Imhotep, designed a structure that later influenced those famous Pyramids of Giza. He strayed away from using mud bricks and instead employed stone. The structure was also considered unusual at the time because of its step construction. While you can’t visit the interior and the burial chambers within, you can explore and marvel at the entire funerary complex surrounding it.

Dahshur

A little over 20 miles south of Cairo, you’ll find a pair of pyramids that don’t draw the crowds that the pyramids of Giza do. The archaeological site of Dahshur was once home to a larger number of pyramids, but today only two remain, both constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu, founder of the Fourth Dynasty and father of Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza. These pyramids mark a significant step in the evolution of pyramid construction in ancient Egypt, as Sneferu’s architects experimented with methods that would later culminate in the iconic Giza structures.

Roughly the same size, the two pyramids at Dahshur are collectively the third largest in Egypt, after the two largest at Giza. The first, known as the Bent Pyramid, earned its name due to its distinctive shape. The Bent Pyramid was originally designed with a steep 54-degree angle, but structural instability forced the builders to adjust the angle to 43 degrees partway through, giving the pyramid its bent appearance. This pyramid marks an important transitional phase in pyramid construction, blending elements of earlier step pyramids with the smooth-sided designs that would come later. The other, the Red Pyramid, is considered Egypt’s first successful attempt at a true smooth-sided pyramid and is named for the reddish limestone used in its construction.

The Cairo Citadel

While not as ancient as Egypt’s pyramids, the Cairo Citadel is well worth exploring. Originally constructed by Saladin, the first sultan of Egypt and Syria, in 1176 as a defensive fortification, the citadel has since evolved into a sprawling complex, with numerous buildings within its fortified walls. Over the next 700 years, various rulers expanded, rebuilt, and renovated the citadel, adding mosques, palaces, museums, and more. Perched on a hill above Cairo, its strategic location was ideal for defense, providing commanding views of the city.

Though much of the original 12th-century structure has been replaced or modified, the citadel remains a vital historical site. Among its highlights is the Muhammad Ali Mosque, known for its alabaster-covered domes and panoramic views. Al-Gawhara Palace, once a royal residence, now serves as a museum showcasing Ottoman-era artifacts, while the National Police Museum offers insights into the more recent history of Egypt. The citadel’s collection of buildings reflects its long-standing role as a center of political, religious, and military power, and visitors can wander through this mini-city, enjoying both its history and its unparalleled views of the sprawling cityscape—and, on a clear day, the distant pyramids.

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The Serapeum of Saqqara

Due northwest of the Pyramid of Djoser, you can marvel at one of ancient Egypt’s most fascinating underground burial chambers—the Serapeum of Saqqara. Dating back to around 1400 BCE, this site was constructed to house the mummified remains of sacred Apis bulls, which were revered as living incarnations of the god Ptah. These bulls, seen as intermediaries between the divine and human realms, were mummified and placed in enormous stone sarcophagi after their deaths, then taken to their final resting place in the Serapeum.

The Serapeum is an underground maze of interconnected tunnels and galleries, each containing massive stone tombs, some weighing up to 70 tons. The skill required to carve these sarcophagi and transport them into the subterranean chambers reflects the engineering prowess of ancient Egypt. As you walk through the cool, dimly lit passageways of the Serapeum, the sense of awe is palpable—especially when you consider the contrast between these hidden, underground tombs and the grand, above-ground pyramids and temples that dominate the landscape.

FAQs:

Q: When is a good time of year to visit Cairo?
A: A great time of year to visit Cairo is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. During these months, temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions.

Q: How do I get around Cairo?
A: Cairo has a variety of transportation options, including taxis, ride-sharing apps, and the Cairo Metro, which is an affordable and efficient way to travel. For more flexibility, consider hiring a private car with a driver for the day.

Q: What currency is used in Cairo, and can I use credit cards?
A: The currency used in Cairo is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it’s a good idea to carry cash for smaller shops, markets, and transportation.

Q: Is it safe to drink tap water in Cairo?
A: It’s not recommended to drink tap water in Cairo. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive. Make sure to drink bottled or filtered water to avoid health issues during your visit.

Q: What should I wear when visiting religious sites in Cairo?
A: When visiting religious sites in Cairo, dress modestly. Women should cover their shoulders, arms, and knees, while men should avoid wearing shorts. It’s also respectful for women to carry a scarf to cover their heads in mosques.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Cairo?
A: Most travelers need a visa to enter Egypt. You can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport or apply for an e-visa online before your trip. Check the latest visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.

Have you been to any of these ancient sites in and around Cairo? Tell us about it in the comments below!