Cairo

Standing gracefully at 187 meters (614 feet), the Cairo Tower has been the tallest structure in Egypt and North Africa for decades. Located on Gezira Island, its striking lattice design is inspired by the lotus plant.

The observation deck at the very top offers unparalleled, breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis of Cairo.

Situated in the heart of Tahrir Square, the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is home to one of the most extensive collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world. Opened in 1902 in its distinct neoclassical building.

While many artifacts are moving to the GEM, this historic building remains an incredible labyrinth of ancient statues, mummies, and sarcophagi.

Perched strategically on the Mokattam Hills, the Citadel of Saladin is a magnificent Islamic fortress. It was originally fortified by the great military leader Salah El-Din in 1176 to protect Cairo from Crusader attacks.

For nearly 700 years, it served as the royal residence and the seat of the Egyptian government.

Dominating the Cairo skyline from within the Citadel, the Mosque of Mohamed Ali is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Built between 1830 and 1848, it is famously known as the Alabaster Mosque.

Its majestic Ottoman architecture, featuring a massive central dome and two towering, slender minarets, was heavily inspired by the grand mosques of Istanbul.

A true masterpiece of Mamluk architecture, the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Madrassa was built between 1356 and 1363. Its massive scale, towering walls, and elegant proportions make it one of the largest in the world.

It was designed not just as a place of worship, but to include schools (madrassas) for all four Sunni schools of Islamic law.

Located immediately opposite the monumental Sultan Hassan Mosque, the Al-Refaie Mosque was constructed much later, completed in 1912. Despite the time gap, it was meticulously designed to complement its older neighbor.

The mosque serves as the royal mausoleum for the modern Egyptian royal family.

Founded in 970 AD during the Fatimid Caliphate, Al-Azhar Mosque is the first mosque established in Cairo, giving the city its title The City of a Thousand Minarets.

Shortly after its founding, it became a center of learning, making Al-Azhar University one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world.

Khan El-Khalili is a sprawling, vibrant historic bazaar located in the heart of Islamic Cairo. Dating back to the 14th century, it was originally built as a caravanserai—a massive trading hub for traveling merchants.

Today, its labyrinthine, narrow alleys are filled with shops selling everything from aromatic spices to intricate silver jewelry.

Officially known as the Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, the Hanging Church gets its name from its unique location—it is built suspended entirely over the gatehouse of the ancient Roman Babylon Fortress.

Dating back to the 3rd century, it is one of the oldest and most important churches in Egypt.

The Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, locally known as Abu Serga, is a site of immense historical and religious significance in Old Cairo.

According to strong local tradition, the church was built directly over the cavern where the Holy Family rested at the end of their flight into Egypt to escape King Herod.

Located directly behind the Hanging Church in Old Cairo, the Ben Ezra Synagogue is a jewel of Egypt's Jewish heritage. According to local folklore, it marks the exact spot where the baby Moses was found in his basket.

The synagogue gained worldwide fame in the late 19th century when an immense cache of ancient manuscripts was discovered in its storeroom.

Created by Dr. Hassan Ragab (the man who rediscovered the ancient art of papyrus making), the Pharaonic Village is a unique, interactive living museum that transports visitors back in time.

Located on Jacob's Island in the Nile, visitors glide on motorized barges through a network of canals while actors in authentic ancient Egyptian costumes recreate scenes of daily life.