Low cost Issues to Do in Cairo, Egypt

Are you planning a visit to Egypt and trying to find low cost and free issues to do in Cairo?

Cairo, Egypt, is a surprisingly inexpensive vacation spot in comparison with different main cities. Nonetheless, the journey there may be costly, relying on the place you come from. Saving a couple of bucks right here and there can go a great distance, permitting you to expertise and discover much more throughout your go to.

I cherished the chaos of Cairo, and the method of studying concerning the metropolis’s unbelievable historical past was fairly attention-grabbing, too. Cairo is crammed with historic wonders, cultural landmarks, and Nile River adventures, leaving you with unforgettable reminiscences and thrilling tales to inform once you return residence.

After visiting Egypt, which included a number of days exploring the capital, I’m sharing ten low cost and free issues to do in Cairo. I’ve additionally included essential customer info, together with entrance charges, opening occasions, and a few insider ideas to make sure your days in “The Metropolis of a Thousand Minarets” are enjoyable and secure.

1. Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities is positioned in Tahir Sq., a preferred vacationer spot as a result of variety of resorts within the space and its central location. 

• Entrance Charges: Adults EGP 550 ($10.95 USD) and College students EGP 275 ($5.46 USD)
• Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Professional Tip: Go to early within the morning to keep away from bus tour crowds, and begin on the backside flooring whereas it’s quieter.

By way of a complete historic Egyptian expertise, there is no such thing as a higher place than the Egyptian Museum, which has constructed an intensive assortment of greater than 120,000 artifacts since its official opening in 1902.

As quickly as I walked in, I used to be captivated by the life-size sarcophagus intricately detailed with astonishing craftsmanship. It’s mind-blowing to assume how expert they had been hundreds of years in the past!

Probably the most notable exhibit on the museum’s first flooring is the colossal statue that depicts Pharaoh Amenhotep III and his spouse, Tiye. I discovered this extremely attention-grabbing because the Nice Royal Spouse will not be often showcased subsequent to the king. Pharaohs had been sometimes pictured alone as a illustration of their divine authority.

Upstairs is the place essentially the most well-known historic relics are, although. I significantly loved the Royal Mummy Room, the place you possibly can see the mummified stays of Queen Hatshepsut. That’s when it hit me—I used to be standing in a metropolis that has existed for over 1,000 years!

I totally loved wandering round and exploring the museum at my very own leisure. Nonetheless, guided excursions are additionally out there should you want to be taught extra from an area. I all the time love guided excursions due to the information bombs you might not discover anyplace else.

2. Coptic Cairo (Previous Cairo)

One factor that shocked me upon arriving in Cairo was studying that about 10% of its inhabitants identifies as Christian—I had assumed Egypt was completely Muslim. 

Curious, I dug deeper and found that Coptic Cairo, one of many metropolis’s oldest areas, is the birthplace of Christianity in Egypt, relationship again practically 2,000 years. For sure, wandering round and exploring Previous Cairo made for an attention-grabbing hands-on historical past lesson.

Coptic Cairo is a respectful, peaceable place with slender streets and religious-themed road artwork. For my part, essentially the most fascinating landmark inside Coptic Cairo is the Ben Ezra Synagogue. It was initially constructed as a church and later grew to become a synagogue, as seen in its mix of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic structure.

It is best to spend an hour or two experiencing the spiritual aspect of the Egyptian capital. Nonetheless, you would spend a complete afternoon right here simply! Each nook I turned, extra slender passageways appeared, revealing some very attention-grabbing locations.

I didn’t must pay to enter the synagogue or church buildings, however I did donate a small quantity as I entered. You do must pay to enter the Coptic Museum. Nonetheless, it is vitally low cost ($1.99 USD for adults and $0.99 USD for college kids).

3. Khan el Khalili Bazaar

If certainly one of these actions epitomizes the tradition in Egypt, it’s its most well-known bazaar, Khan El Khalili, which dates again greater than 600 years.

• Entrance Charges: Free to discover, however you may spend cash!
• Hours of Operation: Open 7 Days a Week from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM
• Professional Tip: Carry low denominations in money to enhance your bartering leverage.

The identify “Khan el Khalili” derives from its founder within the 14th Century, who constructed a big caravanserai, roadside inns constructed on in style commerce routes.

In typical Egyptian style, I used to be supplied every little thing from carpets to home made fragrance, fits, and even camels! I’m not kidding!

Early in my market expertise, I discovered that the locals are consultants at haggling with worldwide guests. I used to be lured into shopping for further souvenirs that I didn’t need. So, to keep away from this, it is best to stroll away from the market merchants and be blunt with them.

If the sensory overload of the bazaars turns into an excessive amount of, there’s a captivating little espresso store tucked into the east nook of the market—an ideal spot for people-watching. 

From locals energetically hustling for gross sales to vacationers navigating the chaos, it’s an enchanting show of contrasting feelings and interactions.

If you need some safety as you discover, there are group excursions out there to e-book with an area information. The bazaar is centrally positioned, so you possibly can attain it by means of many modes of transport.

4. Cairo Tower

Many low cost actions in Cairo are primarily based round historic Egypt. Nonetheless, heading to the highest of Cairo Tower has a extra trendy vibe.

• Entrance Charges: 200 EGP ($3.98 USD) for overseas guests.
• Hours of Operations: 9 AM to Midnight
• Professional Tip: Go at sundown or have your night meal right here for a novel expertise with unbelievable views!

I observed this uniquely formed constructing on my first day in Cairo, because it stands by itself and appears very modern. Whereas studying the knowledge boards inside, I discovered that the tower was constructed to mirror a lotus flower, a major image in Historical Egypt.

I discovered this to be a juxtaposition, as every little thing concerning the constructing feels trendy. Nonetheless, like many different highlights within the capital, it nonetheless hyperlinks again to historic occasions.

The perfect half concerning the tower is the superior panoramic view and the revolving restaurant on the 14th flooring (two flooring under the statement deck).

The tower is positioned within the Zamalek District, solely round one mile from Tahrir Sq., so it makes for a pleasant stroll in cooler months. I visited in September, and the stroll was bearable.

I visited the tower within the afternoon on a weekday, and there have been only a few crowds, making it a pleasant ambiance as I slowly explored. It might get a lot busier on weekends at peak occasions.

5. Trip a Felucca on the Nile River

Felucca boats are one of many issues I’ve all the time related to the Nile River. So, it was one of many first issues I deliberate to do in Cairo. You may go on a felucca trip in most locations in Egypt, however I couldn’t wait!

• Entrance Charges: Roughly 300 – 400 EGP ($5.93 – $7.96 USD) per individual.
• Professional Tip: Ebook by means of a good firm to keep away from scams.

A shared felucca trip can value as little as 50 EGP ($0.99 USD), which is improbable worth. Most rides final round 45 minutes and canopy a major distance.

This low cost and enjoyable exercise in Cairo affords a unique vibe in a busy metropolis, with a peaceable escape for an hour! Cairo has surprisingly nice surroundings in sure components, which I don’t assume I’d have observed if I hadn’t loved this inexpensive exercise.

6. The Pyramids of Giza

World-famous landmarks, The Pyramids of Giza and the Nice Sphinx are highlights of any Egypt itinerary.

• Entrance Charges: EGP 700 ($13.95 USD). It’s further to enter the pyramids.
• Hours of Operation: 7 AM – 6 PM (Summer time), 8 AM – 4 PM (Winter)
• Professional Tip: Convey your credit score or debit card, as money will not be accepted for entrance to the main vacationer sights in Egypt.

First, bear in mind that The Giza Plateau is infamous worldwide for scamming locals, and I can testify to this. Many locals approached me as I explored the stone constructions. Nonetheless, I didn’t let it damage my bucket record expertise!

If you need some peace of thoughts and a stage of safety, you possibly can go to with a tour information, however it is going to value you significantly extra. In case you go to the final remaining historic marvel by yourself, it solely prices 700 EGP ($13.95 USD) to enter the plateau. Then, you’re free to discover the entire web site and take so long as you want.

It does value further to enter the three pyramids, and every prices a unique quantity. The Nice Pyramid is the most costly and has the longest traces. In case you’re on a price range, I like to recommend coming into the smallest pyramid, as it’s half the value of the Nice Pyramid. Nonetheless, each had been very comparable after I explored them.

The Sphinx was the final spotlight on my method towards the exit, and I loved the globally famed construction from a number of viewpoints. As you’ll count on, you will note loads of vacationers posing for the favored ‘Sphinx kiss.’

7. Saqqara Necropolis

Of all of the enjoyable actions on the record, this was the hidden gem on my journey! Saqqara Necropolis is commonly skipped resulting from its recognition in comparison with the Giza Pyramids; nevertheless, the step pyramid is simply as spectacular, for my part!

• Entrance Charges are 600 EGP ($11.95 USD) for adults and 300 EGP ($5.98 USD) for college kids.
• Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 5 PM (Summer time), 8 AM – 4 PM (Winter).
• Insider tip: Stroll across the complete web site to take pleasure in nice angles of the step pyramid.

Saqqara is residence to the oldest pyramid on this planet, the Step Pyramid of Djoser. At round 4700 years previous, this pyramid has a novel design that differs from that of the opposite in style pyramids of Egypt.

I loved strolling across the stone construction and coming into the pyramid, as I had with a number of of the mastaba’s tombs. 

Locals cling round attempting to supply unofficial excursions, which I attempted to keep away from. Nonetheless, one man named Ahmed was very useful in explaining the historical past of the place and the meanings behind the tales within the hieroglyphics. So I gave him a small tip ultimately, as he was resourceful and really persistent!

Curiously, discoveries are nonetheless taking place at Saqqara. I discovered {that a} 4,000-year-old mummy was discovered throughout excavations in 2023. Recognized as Hekashepes, the mother was lined in layers of gold inside a sealed sarcophagus. In response to Ahmed, it is vitally uncommon to discover a non-royal mummy on this state.

This historic spotlight is way much less busy than Giza, which makes it a pleasure to wander round in peace. As this necropolis is round 19 miles from downtown Cairo, the most suitable choice to go to is on an Egyptian price range tour, which features a information and transport for a really affordable value.

8. Manial Palace

This exercise affords peace within the capital’s chaos, so take pleasure in it when your vitality is drained!

• Entrance Charges: 100 EGP ($1.99 USD) Adults / 50 EGP ($0.99 USD) College students
• Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Professional Tip: Make certain to go inside all the buildings within the backyard.

Manial Palace, also referred to as Prince Mohamed Ali Palace, was constructed within the early twentieth century by a member of the Egyptian royal household. I may really feel the magnificence as quickly as I paid and entered. The structure is lavish all through, particularly in some aspect buildings with large chandeliers and huge framed artwork. 

The gardens are additionally immaculate and well-maintained by the pleasant workers, making it a pleasure to take a seat on the benches and observe my environment. I bear in mind having fun with pretty views of the well-known Nile whereas listening to birds chirping within the gardens. It’s a world away from the streets exterior, which is shocking!

It’s essential to be current and benefit from the second contained in the palace grounds as a result of as quickly as you allow the constructing, you’re again within the mayhem of the capital!

9. The Grand Museum

The Grand Museum in Giza is Egypt’s newest archaeological landmark, and though it isn’t totally accomplished, the museum did partially open to the general public fall of 2024.

• Entrance Charges: 1200 EGP ($23.92 USD) Adults and 600 EGP ($11.96 USD) below 21
• Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 6 PM
• Professional Tip: Think about visiting the Grand Museum and the Giza Pyramids in the identical journey as they’re positioned shut to one another.

The centerpiece of the museum is the Tutankhamun assortment, which is the most important and most full assortment of the treasures of the younger pharaoh, together with his unique demise masks that he was found carrying. This was moved from the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities.

My favorite space of the location was the principle galleries as there have been artefacts spanning an extended time frame, which gave me an concept of the historic timeline of historic Egypt.

The hanging obelisk contained in the grand corridor is superior additionally, and really distinctive, as I didn’t see something comparable on my complete Egypt journey. Seeing the pyramids by means of the palm timber within the backyard of the museum was additionally enjoyable!

That is the most costly attraction on the record, nevertheless, it’s the latest, and the museum is immaculate, and crammed with historic treasures.

One of the best ways to achieve the museum is by Uber or taxi, each low cost providers in Cairo.

10. Reasonably priced Genuine Eats

One of many huge attracts to Cairo are the inexpensive costs for eating out, whether or not you’re consuming road meals, or eating in a extremely rated restaurant, there shall be low cost eats out there. This undoubtedly helped my price range go additional!

I loved attempting the nationwide dish ‘koshari,’ which is a combination of lentils, rice, and pasta. It had a really bizarre texture, and the portion dimension was far too beneficiant. Nonetheless, I needed to attempt it! It’s certainly one of my favourite issues to do in a brand new nation–attempt the nationwide dish.

I’ve a really candy tooth, however fortunately, in Cairo a meals stall isn’t too distant, and loads of them provide desserts. I opted for sugarcane juice, which is often bought in road stalls, markets, and eating places all through Egypt, as it is vitally refreshing.

I can advocate a pleasant genuine restaurant close to Tahrir Sq. named Abou El Sid, which I discovered by likelihood whereas exploring. Its decor completely blends custom and artwork, which may be very colourful! There have been many locals eating there after I was there additionally, which is all the time signal. I observed stuffed pigeons on the menu, which was a primary for me!

In case you select correctly and have an open thoughts, you’ll take pleasure in a enjoyable cultural expertise sampling the native meals in Cairo.

Professional Tip: Egypt is notorious for meals poisoning incidents, so it’s all the time essential to examine for busy and clear eating places when selecting one.

Reasonably priced Actions in Cairo, Egypt

By this level, you’ll both love or hate the Egyptian capital. There isn’t any in-between!

I personally cherished the chaos, however I additionally loved the tranquility of the gardens of the Manial Palace and the fashionable escape to the highest of the Cairo Tower.

As you should have realized, your price range will go far in Egypt, so you possibly can tick off all the enjoyable, low cost actions on this record after which come to your individual imaginative conclusions about historic Egypt and Cairo’s wealthy previous.

I discovered a 3 day journey itinerary to be excellent to have the ability to discover the highlights of Egypt, with out dashing, or squeezing actions in.

You don’t want money to take pleasure in historic Egypt, you simply have to be current and curious!