Cairo on a Budget - 10 Things You Must See and Do

Long considered to be the jewel of the orient, Cairo is an international city overflowing with history and culture. This city was founded during the early civilizations of ancient pharaohs, blended with the history of Christian and Islamic cultures, and all brought together by the modern sights and luxuries of a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city.

Cairo's greater metropolitan area is the second-largest in Africa, providing a home for more than 20 million people, which contributes to the city's chaos as well as providing its heartbeat. Filled with sights, sounds, and smells, many visitors find Cairo's frantic energy overwhelming; but for those with a sense of humor and a certain amount of patience, it harbours an abundance of experiences that cannot be replicated anywhere else. Here are my top 10 recommendations for exploring Cairo on a budget.

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1. Have a Giza at the Great Pyramid

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the most iconic and mysterious of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only wonder still standing today. Also known as the Great Pyramid of Khufu, it is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Pyramid Complex, that are thought to have been constructed more than 4,000 years ago. How these incredible structures were built at this time still remains a mystery. The recent identification of a hidden void in the Great Pyramid of Khufu is hoped to give some insight into the construction of the illusive Pyramids.

Visiting these ancient wonders is a must on any trip to Cairo, and is often the reason travelers find themselves in Egypt. Here are some important things to know about visiting the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Transport

The pyramids are located about 15 kilometres west of Cairo bordering the neighbouring city of El Giza. The easiest way to get there is by taking a bus (number 355 or 357) from the Egyptian Museum. Taxis are also available and only cost about $3.50 (50 EGP) for the trip. Once you arrive at the pyramids, it is about an 8-minute walk from the bus stop to the ticket offices.

Entrance Fee and Hours

The site is open from 8am-5pm every day between October to March, and 7am-7pm every day between April and September. Most tour buses arrive around 9:30am-10am, so arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds. Standard entry costs about $7 (110 EGP).

Getting Around

The pyramids of Menkaure, Khafre and Khufu occupy a shade-free expanse of desert, so it’s worth hiring a horse or camel to get around. The cost of a horse or camel is about $7 (110 EGP), and you will secure the services of a knowledgeable guide/photographer.

Entering the Pyramids

It will be advertised that you can enter the pyramids for an additional cost, but this is only partially true. There are three pyramids of the Queens of Cheops and you can go inside the one in the middle for free. The interior of the pyramids look the same, and there are no mummies inside any of the pyramids as they were all moved to the Egyptian Museum.

What to Wear

It is not compulsory to cover up at this site but I would recommend it anyway. Light pants and a sarong or scarf are ideal. If you plan to enter the pyramids make sure to wear practical footwear. And don't forget to take a sunhat and plenty of water.

2. You'll Sphinx this site is worth visiting

The Giza Plateau is also home to the Great Sphinx, neighbour to the Giza Pyramid Complex. The question of why and how this half-lion-half-human structure came into existence is still a mystery. The most widely believed theory suggests the Sphinx was built at the same time as the pyramids and has the face of Pharaoh Khafre, guarding the Pharaoh's pyramid. Many other theories exist, though, with some stating the face might be Khufu’s instead and some suggesting the head isn’t intended to be human but rather a dog or Anubis, which was the Egyptian god of the death.

Historically, the Great Sphinx had a nose and a beard, but today both are missing. The most accepted theory recounts how the nose was destroyed in the 1370's by an Egyptian who was upset by people worshiping the Sphinx as if it were a god. There may be some truth to that idea, as lions in that time were connected to sun worship and the Leo constellation.

The cost to visit the Great Sphinx is included in your entry fee to the Giza Pyramid Complex. The fee allows you to view to Sphinx from the side. For some reason, an addition $15 (240 EGP) is required to view the structure from the front.

3. Tutan-come-in to the Egyptian Museum

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities was commissioned in 1835 by the Egyptian government who were desperate to stop widespread plundering and looting of the country’s many archaeological sites. It was hoped that the museum would be able to protect priceless antiquities that are significant to Egypt’s ancient past. The Egyptian museum has fulfilled its role superbly and today it is home to 120,000 Egyptian artifacts.

Quite understandably, there is an entire section within the museum that has been dedicated to the young king, Tutankhamen. Unlike many of the tombs that have been discovered, the tomb of King Tutankhamen was still relatively intact when it was recovered in 1922. By the time excavation work was completed, more than 3,500 artifacts had been recovered, including the gold face mask that has since become a global icon of ancient Egyptian civilization. The face mask, which is believed to be a representation of Tutankhamen’s face in this life, was crafted from solid gold and weighs 11 kg. Other artifacts recovered from his tomb include a range of jewelry, vases, pots, a large finely decorated chest, and several weapons and instruments which historians believe he might have used prior to his death. There is also a Royal Mummy Room open to visitors at an additional cost. It contains eleven mummies, including the most recently discovered mummy of Hatshepsut.

The Egyptian Museum is pridefully located in Downtown Cairo, on the north side of Midan Tahrir. Opening hours are from 9am to 5pm daily. I recommend getting the the museum as early as possible - the hallways become crowded quickly and there is so much to see! General entry in to the museum is $7 (110 EGP) per person, plus another $1 if you would like to use a camera. Entry into the Royal Mummy Room is an additional $5 (80 EGP) per person.

4. Travel back in time in Old Cairo

Old Cairo (or Coptic Cairo) is an area of church-filled laneways that lie within the walls of Old Babylon. It is here that the Roman Emperor Trajan first built a fortress along the Nile, and parts of the ancient Roman towers still preside over the main street.

Cairo's oldest district is the ancient heart of the Coptic Christian community featuring five original churches; home to the first mosque built in Egypt; and home to the oldest synagogue (Jewish House of Worship), all representing three of the major world religions. The architecture and cultural history is fascinating, even for those of a non-religious background

Coptic Cairo is easiest reached by taking the Cairo Metro Line 1 to Mar Girgis Station. Entrance into the area is free, and a small fee is often required (between $1-$5) to visit the churches and museums. Allow at least 2 to 3 hours to explore this historic district.

5. Become an Of-fish-ial Diver in the Red Sea

Blessed with warm, clear water and abundant marine life, it is not surprising that the Red Sea is considered one of the greatest scuba diving destinations in the world. The diving conditions are idyllic, with water temperatures rarely falling below 22°C, and excellent visibility to depths of up to 40 metres. The Red Sea is also renowned for its reefs, which remain stable and healthy at a time when other major reef systems are suffering from the effects of climate change and marine pollution. In total, the Red Sea supports more than 220 different species of coral, which provide food and shelter for more than 1,100 species of fish, almost a fifth of which are found nowhere else on Earth. There are also many historic shipwrecks, and "bucket-list" species such as whale sharks, hammerhead sharks and eagle rays that lure us in.

Another great thing about diving in the Red Sea, is that it comes at an incredibly low cost. While a PADI Open Water dive course will set you back approximately $550 elsewhere, the same course costs around $360 (580,000 EGP) in Sharm el-Sheikh making it one of the cheapest places in the world to get scuba certified. Diving and accommodation packages also offer amazing value for money.

The easiest way to get to the Red Sea from Cairo is a flight direct to Sharm el-Sheikh. Flights cost about $200 (3,200 EGP) return and the journey takes about one hour one way. If you are looking for a cheaper option, you can catch a bus to Sharm el-Sheikh for $25, but the journey takes at least six hours. We flew from Cairo and stayed at the Hotel Sultan Gardens in Sharm el-Sheikh. We booked our diving course through Scorpion Diving who are based on site, and I completed by PADI Open Water certification in the beautiful Ras Mohammed National Park over three days. It was absolutely breath-taking and no doubt one of my favourite travel experiences. The dive instructors and crew were highly skilled, encouraging and a lot of fun.

6. Fala-fall in Love with Egyptian Street Food

Egyptian cuisine has inspired meals all over the world, known for its comforting and delicious savory dishes. Here are some local foods that I recommend trying while you are in Cairo:

Falafel

Falafel (or tameya) is a well-known staple that is now eaten all over the world. The deep-fried mixture of herbs and beans is a fan favorite, especially among vegetarians. The best falafel can be found on the streets of Cairo, or at Zööba, well known for its take on modern Egyptian food.

Hawawshi

Commonly eaten for lunch or dinner, hawawshi is essentially a pita bread filled with lamb, onions, peppers, and chilies, creating a delicious hot and spicy dish. If you’re willing to brave the heat, the best hawawshi in Cairo can be found at El Hawawshy El Asly

Shawarma

Classically Middle Eastern, shawarma is a simple and popular comfort food for many! Composed of slices of meat carved from a slowly revolving skewer, shawarma is typically accompanied by bread, salads, and sauces. It can be served from street carts throughout the city or in a number of restaurants.

Koshary

Koshary is considered an essential Egyptian meal and no food guide would be complete without it. Koshary is a dish made of rice, macaroni and lentils, topped with chickpeas, onion, and a special tomato-vinegar sauce. It sounds heavy, and it is. There are many restaurants that serve koshary in Cairo, the most popular being Koshary Abou Tarek, 500 metres from the Egyptian Museum.

Fiteer Baladi

Also known as Egyptian pizza, fiteer is a buttery, greasy and delicious street food. It is made of layers of filo dough and cooked in a giant brick oven. The original fiteer is served plain, but it can also be ordered sweet with honey, syrup, or sugar, or savory with meat, vegetables, or cheese.

Mahshi

Mahshi translates directly to “stuffed”, as it includes small bites of spiced rice, tightly wrapped in grape leaves, and cooked in a tomato-based sauce and served with lemon. This popular dish is prevalent in most Mediterranean countries, but the Egyptian version is often considered the best.

Torshi

While technically not a dish on its own, torshi (pickled vegetables) deserves its own mention because it is served with almost everything in Egypt. Almost any kind of vegetable can be turned into torshi: cauliflower, cucumber, carrots, peppers – and the list goes on! Torshi is served as a side to almost every meal, and adds even more zest to the flavorful Egyptian cuisine.

Coffee

Coffee at an "ahwa" (coffeehouse) is a great experience for anyone who wants to enjoy local culture and sample the famous coffee or tea. Often filled with the fragrant smoke of shishas, ahwas are a great place to relax and meet new people. For a traditional ahwa, stop by El-Fishawi in Khan al-Khalili.

7. Souq-Up Egyptian Culture at Khan el-Khalili Market

Khan el-Khalili is one of the world's great shopping experiences. This Middle Eastern souq (or market) is a collection of skinny alleyways established as a shopping district in AD 1400, and is still home to many metal workers and silversmiths.The main streets have long ago given themselves over completely to the tourist trade, but divert off the main drag into the surrounding alleyways, and the tiny stores and cluttered workshops are some of the best places to pick up traditional products in Egypt.

You will find everything from jewels and antiques to artwork and locally woven textile to spices and local cuisine. See artists articulately demonstrate crafts such as glass blowing or weaving; or design your own scent at a local perfume store. Be sure to stop in at Cairo's most famous coffee shop, Fishawis, where you can sample delicious Arabic coffee and sweet tea.

The entry to the Khan el-Khalili area is across the road from Al-Azhar Mosque in the Islamic Cairo District.

8. Drift through the Egyptian Desert

A trip the desert during your time in Egypt is a must! There are many tour options available from Cairo that range from half-day trips to 14 day excursions. Desert Egypt Safari is a leading company in desert safaris and have a profession and experienced team who are passionate about this unique terrain. We booked a half-day sunset tour for about $50 (800 EGP) each that included pick up and drop off from our accommodation, quad bike rental, complimentary scarves and hot tea, camel rides, a delicious traditional buffet dinner, an exceptional live Bedouin show, and late-night star gazing. It was a perfect cultural experience.

If you decide to venture to the desert, be sure to dress appropriately and take plenty of water.

9. Cruise down the River Nile

No trip to Cairo is complete without a trip on the mighty Nile. There are many cruising options available, including floating restaurants and night clubs, or romantic cruises, but nothing really compares to a relaxing river experience on board a felucca. We boarded one of these traditional sailing boats with Emo Tours Egypt for about $35 (560 EGP), which included a two-hour cruise and incredible buffet lunch. It was the perfect way to experience the serenity of the Nile, sailing the same passages that Cleopatra once did.

10. Al-Azhar is a Mosque-See

Completed in AD 972, Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the city's earliest surviving mosques and one of the most impressive buildings in Cairo. The main entrance is the Gate of the Barbers on the northwest side of the building, adjoining the neo-Arab facade built by Abbas II. Leave your shoes at the entrance and walk into the central courtyard, where you get the best views of the mosque's five minarets that cap the building, and the main prayer hall that spans a vast 3,000 square metres.

Al-Azhar Mosque is right in the heart of the Islamic Cairo District and easy to reach by taxi. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm and entry costs $10 (160 EGP) per person.

Thanks for reading my quick guide to visiting Cairo! Check out more of my world-wide city guides here.