Top 6 Free Experiences to Enjoy in Cairo

Cairo is a paradise for budget travelers, with many attractions either free or low-cost – for just $11, you can visit the Pyramids of Giza, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world.

Major sites in greater Cairo, including the pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, the soon-to-open Grand Egyptian Museum, and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, do have entry fees. While these fees are relatively low compared to those in Europe and North America, they can accumulate quickly.

Discover the finest free activities in Cairo.

1. Explore the stalls at Khan Al Khalili

Navigate the intricately designed arches and maze-like pathways of the medieval Khan Al Khalili market. It's hard to resist opening your wallet as you admire an array of products—clothing, toy camels, scarves, perfumes, spices, shisha pipes, metal lanterns, and typical souvenirs—while charming vendors assure you that browsing is free of charge.

Travel tip: Take a break at Fishawi’s, arguably Cairo’s oldest ahwa (coffee shop), established in the 18th century. Enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea amid the dark wood furnishings, hazy mirrors, and copper-topped tables that reflect a past era. Some of the market’s most persistent vendors may even seek you out here.

2. Learn about Islam at Al Azhar Mosque

Al Azhar Mosque, one of Egypt's most significant religious structures, was built in the early days of Cairo around 970 CE, making it one of the oldest mosques in the city. About twenty years later, a madrassa (religious school) was established, evolving into a university, which is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the world, following the University of Al Kairaouine in Fez, Morocco. It continues to accept students pursuing Sunni theology and Islamic law.

Throughout history, various empires and rulers have influenced Al Azhar, adding to and renovating different parts of the mosque. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a vast, radiant white marble courtyard flanked by minarets dating from the 14th to the 16th centuries, alongside arches adorned with inscriptions. Be sure to look for what is believed to be the original mihrab (a niche marking the direction of Mecca), featuring marble columns and gold inscriptions that gracefully spiral around the semi-dome.

Travel tip: All visitors are required to dress modestly when entering mosques in Egypt, but the guidelines at Al Azhar are notably stricter, likely due to its prominent status. If the staff at the entrance find your attire inappropriate (which is often the case for foreign women, regardless of their clothing), you will be provided with a cover-up for your visit.

3. Discover Egypt’s Indigenous Faith in Coptic Cairo

While Egypt is predominantly a Muslim country today, it is also home to the largest Christian community in the Middle East, the Copts, who have practiced their faith since ancient times. Nestled within the walls of an ancient Roman fortress, Coptic Cairo boasts a remarkable collection of churches and monasteries that reveal a unique aspect of the nation’s religious heritage. The pedestrian-friendly area invites leisurely walks. The Hanging Church, named for its construction above the southern gate of the fortress, features a beautifully ornate wooden barrel-vaulted ceiling, marble columns, and intricate geometric designs. It houses over 100 icons, including the renowned 8th-century “Coptic Mona Lisa,” depicting the Virgin Mary, Jesus, and John the Baptist.

Other stunning and impressive churches in the area that are free to explore include the Church of St George, the Church of St Sergius and Bacchus, and the Church of St Barbara. Just outside the Coptic complex lies the oldest synagogue in Cairo, Ben Ezra Synagogue, which was originally a Coptic church and reopened in September 2023 after extensive renovations. For a small fee (approximately $3.25), the Coptic Museum offers insights into over 1,000 pieces of Coptic art, ranging from textiles to frescoes.

Travel tip: The Mar Girgis Cairo Metro station is conveniently located right in front of the complex, with rides costing only $0.15 to $0.30, depending on your destination. It's best to avoid visiting from Friday to Sunday when Mass, weddings, and a surge of local tourists can make the area quite crowded.

4. Appreciate Art in Cairo’s Contemporary Galleries

Even if you’ve never set foot in Egypt, the art of the ancient civilization is unmistakably iconic, and this artistic heritage continues to thrive today. The Zamalek neighborhood, located on the northern tip of a Nile island, boasts a rich concentration of art galleries, including the Zamalek Art Gallery, Picasso Art Gallery, and Al Masar Gallery. Additionally, the stunning interiors of Aisha Fahmy Palace, featuring frescoed walls and stained-glass windows, provide a lovely setting for art exhibitions.

5. Travel back in time at the Mosque of Ibn Tulun

The sandy-hued 9th-century Mosque of Ibn Tulun may appear relatively simple at first glance, but its geometric design, especially when viewed from the minaret, is truly captivating. The stepped crenellations atop the walls create a striking silhouette. The mosque was commissioned by the Abbasid caliph in Baghdad to oversee the outpost of Fustat, and its spiral minaret is inspired by the Mosque of Samarra in Iraq. From this vantage point, one can understand why Cairo is often referred to as the “city of a thousand minarets.”

6. Discover a Unique Perspective of the Capital in Manshiyet Nasr

Often referred to as “Garbage City,” Manshiyet Nasr is home to a Coptic Christian community known as Zaraeeb (or pejoratively as Zabbaleen, meaning “Garbage People”). The residents collect waste from households across Cairo, expertly sorting and recycling it, and their methods are recognized as some of the most efficient worldwide.

Carved into a cave on the slopes of the Muqattam Hills, the Church of St Simeon the Tanner (also known as the Cave Church) is a remarkable site. It features seating for approximately 17,000 worshippers that cascades from the cave entrance to a central stage, resembling an amphitheater.

This area is also home to a striking mural called Perception by French-Tunisian artist eL Seed, famous for his unique blend of calligraphy and street art known as “calligraffiti.” Perception spans 50 buildings but can only be fully appreciated from a single vantage point. The text is a quote from St Athanasius, a 3rd-century Coptic bishop in Alexandria, stating, “Anyone who wants to see the sunlight clearly needs to wipe his eyes first.”

Travel tip: Although the church and mural are free to explore, consider hiring a local guide. They can help you find the viewpoint to see the artwork (which can be tricky to locate) and facilitate conversations with local residents.