Planning to Visit Cairo? Here are 5 Places You MUST Visit! Shannon Durso March 20, 2019 International Travel, Travel Guide 1 Comment Your biggest mistake when visiting Egypt would be to stay and relax at a beach resort for your entire trip. Instead, do the opposite and go to the capital city of Cairo to explore fascinating historic sites! If you’ve been planning your trip or have always dreamed of visiting Egypt, there are many pyramids, museums, and monuments that you should put on your itinerary. To be sure you don’t miss any epic sites, we’ve listed a few places for you to tour. And, if you haven’t yet thought about booking international flights to Cairo, think again — the US dollar is very strong in Egypt, making it an incredibly affordable destination! The Pyramids of Giza and The Great Sphinx This is probably #1 on your itinerary and bucket list… and if it’s not, it should be! The Pyramids of Giza is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. When you enter the complex, head to the pyramids first (instead of the Sphinx); we suggest you pay the additional fee to go inside the pyramids for the ultimate experience! Then, head to the panoramic view to see all three pyramids standing together; it’s the best spot to snap a photo! Lastly, head over to The Great Sphinx. We recommend you take a tour guide when you go to be sure you get to see everything in a timely manner. Before you head out for a day of touring the grounds, be prepared: take plenty of water, wear a hat, light airy clothing, and bring sunscreen! Ready to book international flights for your next adventure? Find your deals right here! The Egyptian Museum It’s the perfect stop after visiting the pyramids! The Egyptian Museum showcases 120,000 items of ancient Egyptian antiquities. It hosts the most pharaonic antiquities in the world! The museum is two floors with many different galleries and exhibits, so try to choose the ones you’d like to visit most before you go. Some things you’ll see on display are the Gold Mask of Tutankhamun, Statue of Khafre, and mummy mask of Psusennes I, to name a few. But to cover a good portion of the museum, clear your day or plan to make multiple trips during your trip to Cairo. Al-Azhar Mosque Although there are a countless number of mosques in Cairo, none will compare to the beauty and reputation of Al-Azhar. It was founded in 970 AD and was the first mosque built in Cairo. Today, Al-Azhar is the most important religious university that teaches Sunni theology in the Muslim world and has over 90,000 students. The central courtyard was the first part of the mosque that was built and it is where you’ll get the best photos and remarkable views of the mosque. The mosque is open every day with free admission; however, all visitors must be respectful. RELATED: Before you go, read these 5 international travel checklist questions to ask before your trip and when to ask them! Khan Al Khalili Love to shop? Whether your answer is yes or no, mark Khan Al Khalili Market on your itinerary! It’s located in Old Cairo and should not be missed during your trip. You’ll feel as if you’ve gone back in time as you stroll through the souq (marketplace). Before you make any purchases, know how to haggle for a lower price — you don’t want to be THAT tourist who gets triple overcharged. What makes this market so unique is that both locals and tourists walk the alleys purchasing things like spices, souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, and much, much more! Coptic Cairo There’s so much to see in Coptic Cairo! Once you arrive, you’ll get to explore a museum, a few churches, a synagogue, a cemetery, and a convent. For Christians and most visitors, this is a sacred place to visit. The most important stop is at Saints Sergius and St. Bacchus Church (also known as Abu Serga), where it is believed the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus) stayed as they arrived in Egypt. While you’re there, you’ll also get to see where the baby Jesus slept in the famous crypt, located below the church. The Hanging Church, or Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, is one of the oldest in Egypt. Other monuments here are Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Nunnery of St. George, the Church of Saint Barbara, the Monastery and Church of Saint George, and the Coptic Museum. And don’t worry, you can take breaks at the restaurants on Coptic Cairo road to be sure to see it all before you go! Have you been to Cairo? Tell us about your experience and your favorite places in the comments below!
