Local gems in Cairo

Al-Hussein Mosque

Cairo

The Al-Hussein Mosque stands in the heart of Old Cairo, adjacent to the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar and Al-Azhar Mosque. Originally built in 1154 as a shrine for Husayn ibn Ali, the mosque and mausoleum were reconstructed in 1874. It is considered one of the holiest Islamic sites in Egypt, particularly revered by Shia Muslims who believe Husayn's head is buried here. The entire surrounding quarter bears his name and remains a vibrant center of religious life and cultural identity in Cairo.

Baron Empain Palace

Cairo

Basilica of St Therese of the Child Jesus

Cairo

Ben Ezra Synagogue

Cairo

Blue Mosque

Cairo

Cairo International Airport

Cairo

Cairo International Airport is Egypt's primary aviation hub and one of the busiest on the African continent. Located in the northeast of the capital, it serves as the home base for state carrier EgyptAir and offers direct connections to all major continents. The airport acts as a key bridge between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. For most travellers, it provides the first impression of Cairo — characterised by its busy energy, heat, and the hazy horizon that hangs over the Nile metropolis.

Cairo Metro

Cairo

The Cairo Metro is the first fully developed metro system in Africa and the Middle East. It opened in 1987 with Line 1 between Helwan and Ramses Square. Today three lines run through the Egyptian capital, with a fourth under construction. The network carries millions of passengers daily through Greater Cairo and offers travellers a cheap and fast way to reach sights such as the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel, or Coptic Cairo. A notable feature: some trains include carriages reserved exclusively for women.

Cathedral of the Nativity

Cairo

funerary complex of Sultan Qaytbay

Cairo

The funerary complex of Sultan Qaytbay was built between 1472 and 1474 by the Mamluk Sultan al-Ashraf Qaytbay in Cairo's Northern Cemetery (the City of the Dead). Art historians regard it as one of the finest masterpieces of Islamic architecture: the slender multi-tiered minaret and the intricately carved stone dome are considered pinnacles of Mamluk craftsmanship. The building is also depicted on the Egyptian one-pound note. The complex combines a mosque, mausoleum, Quran school, and inn, and remains an active mosque today.

Layer Pyramid

Cairo

Museum of Modern Egyptian Art

Cairo

The Gezira Center for Modern Art — also known as the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art — sits on the Nile island of Gezira in the Zamalek district, forming part of the National Cultural Centre that also includes the Cairo Opera House. Founded in 1936, the museum holds an extensive collection of modern and contemporary Egyptian painting and sculpture from the early 20th century to the present. It offers a rare window into the development of Egyptian fine art beyond pharaonic clichés — from Impressionism-influenced early works to contemporary abstract positions.

Arab Contractors Stadium Cairo

Cairo

The Osman Ahmed Osman Stadium – better known as the Arab Contractors Stadium – is a 35,000-seat multi-use stadium in Cairo's Nasr City district. Built in 1979, it is the home ground of Al-Mokawloon al-Arab, the sports club of the Arab Contractors construction company. The stadium lies near the Cairo International Stadium and includes three training pitches and a swimming hall. In Egyptian football history, it has repeatedly served as a neutral or temporary home venue for various clubs. The name honours Osman Ahmed Osman, the founder of the Arab Contractors company.

Cairo Military Academy Stadium

Cairo

The Cairo Military Academy Stadium is located in the northwestern Cairo district of Heliopolis, on the grounds of the Egyptian Military Academy. The stadium holds around 28,500 spectators and features both a football pitch and an athletics track. It was one of six venues used during the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Egypt. Its location on military grounds limits civilian access to matchdays. It primarily serves as a venue for army sports and occasional larger competitions.