Cairo's most popular tourist sights are the monuments and relics of Egypt's pharaonic past. The prime attraction in the city itself is the Egyptian Museum—it's so full of ancient artifacts that it's almost bursting at the seams. The big draws of the collection are the contents of Tutankhamen's (King Tut's) tomb and a dozen royal mummies displayed in oxygen-free cases. The museum has too much for you to absorb in one visit—we recommend you spend two half-days there.
The most famous ancient Egyptian monuments—the pyramids and the Sphinx—are not in Cairo proper, but in the suburb of Giza (although most photos make it appear that the structures are out in the desert, they're actually at the edge of town). Plan a half-day at the site, and be sure to go inside the 5,000-year-old Great Pyramid of Khufu (prepare yourself for crowded, claustrophobic surroundings). You can see other pyramids on a day trip to Saqqara or Dashur, which are south of Giza. The pyramids and tombs there are less frequented by tourist groups and vendors, so you can have a more peaceful visit.
Cairo also has an incomparable collection of Islamic monuments, spanning several periods and architectural styles. Take time to visit a couple of mosques—the city has dozens of them but among the most interesting ones are the Ibn Tulun, Aqsunqur ("Blue") and Sultan Hassan mosques. They're wonderful examples of Islamic art and architecture, and they help illustrate the development of the city and the importance of Islam in modern-day Egypt. You should also visit the Bab Zuwayla—the only remaining southern gate of medieval Cairo, with a small museum and wonderful views from the minarets above. The Citadel is another must-see. Perched on a hill, it has several museums and monuments and the Muhammad Ali mosque, as well as views over the city and Sufi dancing several evenings a week.
The Coptic Quarter in Old Cairo has a very different feel from the rest of the city. Some of Cairo's oldest structures are found there, including a number of elaborate churches—Al-Muallaqa (the Hanging Church) is our favorite. The Ben Ezra Synagogue is also well-worth a visit. Also be sure to see the Coptic Museum.
For a look at decorative arts, visit the Museum of Islamic Art, the Gayer-Anderson House and the Mohammed Mahmoud Khalil Museum. For a look at Egypt's royal legacy, visit the Manial Palace Museum or the Abdin Palace Museums.
Museums
When calling museums for information, if you would like to speak to someone who speaks English, ask, "
Tet-kelem Inglizi?" If the person who answers the phone does not speak English, he or she can usually find someone who does.
