The Highlights of Cairo, Egypt’s capital and a major city in Africa, are considered rich historical heritage spanning centuries. Firstly, the Fatimids established it over 1000 years ago when they conquered Egypt. Furthermore, guided tours to Cairo reveal a captivating blend of ancient and modern. Visitors can explore several interesting places and historical sites. 
For instance, from the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo offers an immersive experience. Its numerous Pharaonic, Christian, and Islamic monuments make it a must-visit destination for travelers enjoying their travel packages in Egypt .

The Major Highlights of Cairo

Almost all tours to Cairo often include several places. Firstly, Cairo’s tour highlights encompass the Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, Saladin Citadel, Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili, and Grand Egyptian Museum.
Moreover, tourists who visit Cairo should never miss these significantly important and interesting places. In this article, we would be highlighting these marvelous monuments and amazing sites in Cairo.

1. The Pyramids of Giza: The Highlights of Cairo

The Pyramids of Giza represent perhaps the most famous historical site all over the world. Since ancient times, travelers have explored Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Moreover, ancient Egyptians believed in the afterlife.
They built tombs to preserve important belongings of the deceased, ensuring immortality and connection between worlds. Additionally, the Pharaohs were also brilliant in mummification, which preserved the body and organs of the dead. Consequently, tourists book travel packages in Egypt to view the greatness of the Pharaohs.

The Construction of the Pyramids of Giza: The Highlights of Cairo

The Pyramids of Giza represent the most astonishing tombs of ancient Egypt.
Ancient Egyptians constructed them to be the burial site of three great kings: Cheops, Khafre, and Menkaure, in addition to the magnificent Sphinx.

2. The Pyramid of Cheops: The Highlights of Cairo

The Pyramid of Cheops or the Grand Pyramid is the largest in Giza. Built more than 4500 years ago, the structure is a breathtaking piece of architectural art.

It belongs to Cheops, one of the kings of the fourth dynasty of ancient Egypt.
The current length of the Grand Pyramid of Giza is 138.5 meters. The base of the pyramid extends for more than 230 meters.

As a matter of fact, the Pyramid of Cheops was the tallest building in the history of mankind for more than 3500 years. Travelers who enjoy their tours to Cairo have the opportunity to enter the Grand Pyramid as well for an adventure of a lifetime.

The Pyramid of Khafre is the middle pyramid of Giza. It has a height of 136.4 meters with a base with the length of 215.5 meters. The smaller pyramid of Giza is that of Menkaure with the height of 61 meters and the length of its base is 108.5 meters.

The famous Sphinx that grabs the attention of all travelers in tours to Egypt is that popular structure of a lion with the head of the Pharaoh. Khafre probably built the Sphinx during the period from 2558 to 2532 BC. It guarded the Pyramids of Giza for centuries.

3. The Saladin Citadel

The Saladin Citadel is one of the finest examples of medieval forts in Egypt. Famous Arab king and army commander constructed this citadel in the end of the 12th century AD to protect Cairo against outer attacks.
The most interesting fact about the citadel is that it succeeded to preserve most of its walls and towers until today. Another interesting fact is that the citadel served as the seat of the Egyptian government for more than 700 years Tourists who enjoy their travel packages in Egypt explore the Citadel to visit various places inside the Saladin Citadel.

4. The Mosque of Mohamed Ali

The Mosque of Mohamed Ali, built in 1849, impresses the most. His objective was to build a mosque following the distinctive Ottoman style and architecture.
The other interesting places inside the citadel include the Mosque of Al Nassr Mohamed, the Military Museum, and the Police Museum.

Discover The Treasures of Cairo: Egyptian City

5. The Saqqara Necropolis

Archaeologists discover new findings every day in the rich and significantly important ancient Egyptian burial site known as the Saqqara Necropolis.

The centerpiece of Saqqara is the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the first pyramid to be accomplished in Egypt. The pyramid consists of six layers, one above the other, and was built in the period between 2670 and 2650 BC. Other interesting places to explore in Saqqara include the Pyramid of Unas, the Tomb of Mereruka, and the Pyramid of Teti.

6. Khan El Khalili

Khan El Khalili is the largest and most remarkable touristic market in Egypt and the Middle East.
Tourists enjoying their travel packages in Egypt visit Khan El Khalili to shop for souvenirs to take back home.

The history of Khan El Khalili

Established more than 700 years ago, Khan El Khalili shops sell everything you might dream of in the land of the Nile. Tourists enjoy some distinctive shopping experience, in addition to hot or cold drinks in one of the cafes located nearby.
This experience should never be missed by tourists who visit Egypt.

7. The Grand Egyptian Museum

Back in 2002, the Egyptian government decided to construct the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Pyramids of Giza to the South West of Cairo.
Although the museum only witnessed a soft opening in 2023, when its fully opened, the museum will host more than 100 thousand exhibits including the collection of King Tut Ankh Amun.
Nevertheless, a visit to the museum is highly recommended for tourists having a wonderful time in their travel packages in Egypt.

8. The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

This is one of the largest and most impressive museums in Egypt with numerous Pharaonic displays. Exhibits in the museum date from predynastic periods to the early Ptolemaic era.
Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities hosts huge collections of displays.
The most important belong to Thutmosis III, Thutmosis IV, Amenophis II, Hatshepsut, and the courtier Maiherpri. This is in addition to a marvelous illustration of ancient Egyptian history that is hard to be found anywhere else all over Egypt.