Things to do in Cairo and around
From the pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum to the step pyramid at Saqqara and day trips to Alexandria's coast, Cairo rewards visitors with excursions for every kind of trip.
Signature experiences
The excursions that define a first trip to Cairo — the pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, a day at the Grand Egyptian Museum, and a walk through Islamic Cairo's Khan el-Khalili.
Layover tours
Short guided runs to the pyramids or Old Cairo timed around a stopover at Cairo International Airport (CAI).
1 guide
Airport transfers
Private and shared rides between Cairo International Airport (CAI) and hotels in Cairo or Giza.
1 guide
Shore excursions
Day trips from the port at Alexandria, Port Said, Safaga or Ain Sokhna for cruise passengers.
3 guides
Multi-day Nile cruises
Dahabiya and cruise ship itineraries of several nights between Luxor and Aswan.
1 guide
Multi-day packages
Overnight itineraries bundling Cairo, Luxor or the coast into a single multi-day package.
2 guides
Hot air balloon flights
Sunrise balloon rides, mainly over Luxor's West Bank temples and the Valley of the Kings.
1 guide
Sound and light shows
Evening sound and light performances at the Giza pyramids, Karnak and other illuminated sites.
1 guide
Air adventures
Skydiving, paramotoring and scenic flights over Cairo, Giza or the Nile Valley.
0 guides
Luxor and Aswan trips
Day trips and flights from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel, including the Valley of the Kings.
2 guides
Fayoum oasis
Day trips to Wadi Al-Hitan, Lake Qarun and Tunis Village, an easy escape from Cairo.
4 guides
Desert safaris
Jeep trips into the White Desert, Black Desert and Bahariya oasis for camping and rock formations.
1 guide
Beaches and water sports
Diving, snorkeling and beach time on the Red Sea coast and around Sinai.
2 guides
Alexandria and the coast
Day trips to Alexandria's Mediterranean sites and the North Coast, roughly three hours from Cairo.
3 guides
Quad and ATV desert rides
Quad bike, buggy and dune outings on the desert sands around Cairo and Giza.
1 guide
Camel and horse rides
Camel and horse rides around the Giza plateau and desert edges near Cairo.
1 guide
Nile and felucca cruises
Short boat rides, dinner cruises and traditional felucca sails on the Nile in Cairo.
1 guide
Food tours
Guided tastings of koshari, ful medames and street food across Cairo's neighborhoods.
2 guides
Shows and nightlife
Tanoura and belly dance shows, concerts and evening entertainment in Cairo.
1 guide
Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur
Day trips to the Djoser step pyramid at Saqqara, the Bent and Red Pyramids at Dahshur, and ancient Memphis.
4 guides
Bazaars and shopping
Guided walks through Khan el-Khalili and Cairo's markets for spices, papyrus and jewelry.
2 guides
Islamic and Coptic Cairo
Mosques, the Citadel and Old Cairo's churches and synagogue on a walking tour through the historic districts.
7 guides
Museums
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), NMEC and the Egyptian Museum, home to Tutankhamun's treasures and the royal mummies.
7 guides
Pyramids of Giza
Tours of the three great pyramids and the Sphinx on the Giza plateau, typically 45 to 90 minutes from Cairo.
5 guides
Cairo city tours
Walking and driving tours through Downtown, Zamalek and Cairo's landmarks, including the Cairo Tower.
2 guides
Private Egyptologist guides
Tailored tours led by a private Egyptologist, with photography stops and a bespoke itinerary.
1 guide
Day trips from Cairo
General guided day trips from Cairo and Giza that cover the city's essential sights.
1 guideMore ways to experience the region
Specialist interests and practical planning - photo sessions, water sports, seasonal timing, and the comparisons every first-time visitor searches for.
Trip planning guides
Practical guides for building an itinerary around Cairo, Giza and nearby day trips.
26 guides
Comparison guides
Side-by-side guides weighing tour options, operators and routes to help you choose.
9 guides
Seasonal guides
Guides on visiting Cairo through the seasons, from summer heat and khamsin winds to Ramadan.
5 guides
Getting around guides
Guides to Uber, Careem, the Metro and taxis for getting around Cairo and Giza.
7 guides
Family travel guides
Guides for visiting Cairo's pyramids and museums with children in tow.
3 guides
Accessibility guides
Guides on visiting Cairo's sites and museums for travelers with mobility needs.
3 guides
Budget travel guides
Guides to seeing Cairo and Giza's highlights on a tighter budget.
4 guidesBrowse by destination
Tours and activities organised by where you're headed — the best of each city and region.
Good to know about things to do in Cairo
Cairo's activities range from an afternoon at a museum to a full day in the desert. Camel and horse rides circle the Giza plateau, while the son et lumière show lights up the pyramids and Sphinx after dark. Day trips to Saqqara and Dahshur add the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the Bent and Red Pyramids to the itinerary. Felucca sails and dinner cruises drift along the Nile at sunset, and desert trips to Fayoum's Wadi El Rayan and Wadi Al-Hitan or overnight camps in the White Desert make for a change of pace from the city.
Snorkeling and beach time reach Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea, and cultural stops include the mosques and bazaar of Islamic Cairo, the churches of Coptic Cairo, and the colonial-era streets of Alexandria. Rounding out the list are the Grand Egyptian Museum's Tutankhamun collection, the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization's royal mummies, and internal flights to Luxor and Aswan for temples and Abu Simbel.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Cairo
What does a typical Giza pyramids tour include?
A visit to the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, the Great Sphinx, and usually a stop at the Grand Egyptian Museum next door — it's easily filled into a full day.
When are khamsin sandstorms most likely?
Khamsin sandstorms are most likely between March and May, so it's worth checking conditions before planning a desert day trip.
Are buggy tours suitable for families?
Most operators offer both driver and passenger seats, so families can join, though some routes are bumpier than others.
What is Wadi Al-Hitan?
A UNESCO-listed valley in Fayoum known as the Valley of the Whales, where whale fossils are preserved in the desert.
Do I need to book tours in advance?
Popular sites like the Grand Egyptian Museum and Saqqara can draw crowds in high season, so booking a few days ahead is worth it.
Giza pyramids and Sphinx tours on GetYourGuide
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