Exploring Cairo: 6 Lesser Known and Unique Things to Do in Cairo

Egypt, Travel Tips

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By Ryan Gargiulo

6 Unique Things to Do in Cairo

Looking for some lesser known things to do in Cairo? Whatever you do, don’t leave without reading this list first!

Finding unique and lesser known things to do in Cairo is impossible unless you personally know a local or you know someone who has spent some significant time in the city.

Fortunately, I have spent a good chunk of time in this city over the course of the last few years and after a recent (surprise) trip to Cairo last fall, I was inspired to compile this short list of some of my favorite lesser known things to do in Cairo.

Now it’s your turn to knock a few of these off your list as soon as the wheels touch down in Cairo.

Nola Cupcakes Cairo
Photo courtesy of NOLA Cupcakes

NOLA Cupcakes

This family owned and operated gourmet cupcake shop is the first of its kind in Egypt.

What started as a single location operation has now grown into a full fledged business with more 13 locations and counting across the country.

Step through the front doors of this cupcakery and you’ll realize why it’s so insanely popular.

From the quality to the presentation to the customer service and the marketing, the folks at NOLA are as professional as it gets.

Oh, and prepare yourself to go home in a sugar induced coma after you find yourself surrounded by a wide variety of the most delicious cupcakes you have ever feasted your eyes upon.

Recommended Cupcakes: Apple Cinnamon, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookie Dough (my personal favorite), and Nutella Twix.

Website: www.nolabakery.com

Location: 12 Brazil Street Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt (More locations)

Recommended Egypt Tour Guide Interview

Visit the Cave Church in Garbage City

The Cave Church in Garbage City is a Coptic Christian church that attracts thousands of people each year who make the pilgrimage to pray.

At first, a church was built in the nearby village but a fire destroyed the church prompting a new church to be built directly into the side of a cliff.

This place is a photographer’s dream and a very interesting and lesser known place to visit on a trip to Cairo.

Learn More: The Cave Church of Garbage City

Website: N/A

Location: Garbage City

Koshary at Abou Tarek - Cairo, Egypt

Try Koshary at Abou Tarek

Arguably one of the most famous restaurants in Cairo (partly thanks to Anthony Bourdain), Koshary Abou Tarek is a great choice for a snack or full blown meal.

You may have to wait a while and you’ll likely find yourself to be one of the few foreigners in the crowd but don’t let that hold you back from the experience.

It’s well worth the wait.

Website: N/A

Location: 16 Champollion Street Downtown, Cairo, Egypt

Bab Zuweila

Climb the Minarets at Bab Zuweila

A mix of both culture and a little adrenaline, climbing the minarets at Bab Zuweila is a very unique thing to experience in Cairo.

Here, you’ll find the south gate into the city that was built in the 11th century and all the history that follows.

During a tour, you’ll be able to learn more about the gate’s construction and its renovations through the years while also getting the chance to climb one (or both) of the minarets.

Note: It’s possible to wander up to the top of the minarets independently for a small fee.

At the top you’ll find some pretty incredible views and some photo opportunities that you won’t want to miss.

Website: N/A

Learn more: Bab Zuweila

Sufi Dancing - Cairo, Egypt

Watch a Sufi Dancing Show

A trip to Cairo isn’t complete without seeing a show featuring Cairo’s famous Sufi dancers.

A plethora of patterns and colors flowing all around, dancers perform inspiring routines filled with turns and twists that are hard to forget.

What’s better? It’s 100% free to attend the show. Just be sure to arrive early enough to grab a seat because it’s very popular with the locals.

Website: N/A

Location: Wikala of Al-Ghouri, Islamic Cairo

Sunset Al-Azhar Park

Watch the Sunset at Al-Azhar Park

Note: This is one of my favorite things to do in Cairo.

A great way to end a day of exploring and sightseeing, catching the sunset at Al-Azhar Park offers a bit of peace and relaxation before heading out again to explore the cities’ lively streets after dark.

The park itself is very clean and offers plenty of green space to wander around.

Whatever you do, do not forget to bring your camera for this one. This is one of the best, if not the best places in Cairo to watch the sunset (IMO).

Website: Al Azhar Park

Location: Al Azhar Park (Google Maps)

Conclusion

The bustling city of Cairo offers lots of interesting and unique things to do and is a great destination for those who love navigating the madness of giant cities in third world countries.

While wandering the busy, maze-like streets of Cairo both during the day and the night you’ll find that this is a city that truly never sleeps.

Looking for more touristy things to do in Cairo?

Check out some of Cairo’s Top Tours & Activities or reach out to my recommended Egyptian tour guide here.

Get Travel Insurance for Egypt

As always, I highly recommend you purchase a flexible and affordable travel insurance policy for your trip to Egypt.

Do yourself a favor and get your coverage now and you can rest assured that you’ll be taken care of in the event of a serious emergency in Egypt.

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Did I miss any hidden gems in Cairo? If so, leave a comment below!

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27 thoughts on “Exploring Cairo: 6 Lesser Known and Unique Things to Do in Cairo”

  1. I missed the cupcakes, but did a few of the other activities in Cairo :) I’d love to go back — what a fascinating city.

    Reply
  2. Great article. I visited Egypt for 7 days and 6 nights in April 2016. I spent 3 nights in Cairo and 3 nights on a Nile River cruise ship. It was fantastic. I missed the “Cave Church”, but, we did visit the Cavern Church (aka Abu Serga Church) in Coptic Cairo. Not many tourists visiting Egypt now, but, I had a great time.

    Reply
    • Thanks Mel. Sounds like you had a really nice time. Yeah, unfortunately tourism is pretty dead there. But in reality there’s very little risk when visiting Egypt these days. It’s very safe for tourists and I still highly recommend it.

      Reply
  3. I love Egypt.. Next April will be my 8 th visit..With Dr Zahi Hawass I am making a film of the complete country.. It will be on YOU- under my name for World Wide Free viewing……

    Reply
  4. Excellent! I’m going to put climbing the Minarets at Bab Zuweila and watching a Sufi dance on the list of must do activities when I finally get the chance to travel to Egypt. And I wouldn’t say no to a cupcake, either!

    Reply

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