Cairo is the capital city of Egypt and is set upon the Nile River; it’s home to numerous iconic Egyptian landmarks and is located in close proximity to the famed Pyramids of Giza.
There’s plenty to see and do in the Egyptian capital, but unfortunately not everything is free, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best free attractions in Cairo to give you some inspiration for your trip there.
In the guide below, you can also find our recommendations of the top paid attractions in Cairo too which will suit you perfectly if you plan on having a larger travel budget while visiting.
Al-Azhar Park is one of largest green parks in Cairo and is home to an abundance of free attractions and activities.
You can enjoy the stunning manicured gardens, the spectacular water fountains and numerous restaurants within Al-Azhar Park.
If you’re travelling to Cairo with kids and you’re on a budget, then Al-Azhar Park is the perfect place for you to spend some time as a family.
Even if you’re not...
Once you arrive at the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, you’ll be more than glad that you made the effort to make your own way there to see one of the best markets in Cairo!
It’s advised that you shouldn’t really visit Khan el-Khalili bazaar with kids in tow.
While it’s entirely your own decision and children are technically allowed in the bazaar, it gets so busy and crowded that you’re more likely to lose...
While you do have to pay an entrance fee to many mosques and religious buildings in Cairo, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is completely free.
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun has a fortress-like look and feel to it and as it’s so huge, you could easily spend a couple of hours exploring its brilliant complex.
You don’t necessarily need to be religious to visit the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, but you must remember to wear appropriate...
Coptic Cairo is a great place in the city to discover some of Cairo’s best cultural, historic and architectural offerings.
Once a stronghold for the Christian community in Egypt as well as boasting some unique Islamic heritage too, Coptic Cairo is a lovely place to see.
Make sure you spend some time exploring the many paintings, sculptures and other artistic works on the streets of Coptic Cairo.
There’s also...
While it might seem like a bit of a generalisation to include this in the list of the best free attractions in Cairo, Downtown Cairo is actually one of the best places to hang out.
Downtown Cairo offers numerous religious sites, streets donned with remarkable architectural designs, plus plenty of shops and restaurants for you to explore too.
You should begin your time in Downtown Cairo at Tahrir Square where you can see the...
Situated in the middle of an island on the River Nile, Zamalek is one of the best free attractions in Cairo as it offers something for everyone.
It’s a place that’s teeming with modern-day galleries and fancy stores and boutiques and is a very beautiful part of the Cairo landscape.
You can visit with children in tow who are sure to love walking around and seeing the city across the Nile in numerous...
The Corniche Walk is the name given to the area of water and land near Zamalek so you can easily do both of those free attractions in one day!
The Nile River is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world, so a walk along its waterfront is a definite must-do while in Cairo.
The walk will take you along some of the best stretches of the Nile and you can admire the stunning views of the surrounding buildings as you...
Islamic Cairo is a substantial area in Cairo that’s known for its labyrinth-like alleyways, streets and squares.
The architecture that you’ll see in Islamic Cairo is truly breath-taking and you’ll definitely want to take some pictures of all the incredibly beautiful buildings as you go.
Islamic Cairo is also home to Khan El-Khalili's bazaar and the Salah El-Din Citadel so you can make a whole day trip out of...
While you will have to take a paid taxi to get there, the experience of Mokattam Cliff itself is free of charge!
Mokattam Cliff is a hidden gem within Cairo and is more often than not frequented by locals rather than tourists so it’s one of the best free attractions in Cairo that’s also relatively off the beaten track!
The cliff can be climbed at any time of day for free and offers you brilliant views of Cairo from...
If you’ve decided that a visit to Mokattam Cliff is definitely on your Cairo agenda, then you should also add a visit to the Salah El Din Citadel to your travel itinerary while you’re there.
Salah El Din Citadel is an Islamic fortress that dates all the way back to the Middle Ages so it’s safe to say that it’s absolutely teeming with rich history!
The Citadel is also home to the exceptionally special...
Private Guided Full-Day Tour to Alexandria from Cairo
Downtown Cairo Half-Day Tour with Egyptian Dinner
Nile River Dinner Cruise in Cairo
10 Hours Cairo Layover Tours Visit Giza Pyramids and Egyptian Museum and Bazaar
Private Transfer - Cairo Airport Arrivals Hall to Hotel
Cairo Dinner Cruise on the River Nile with Belly Dancing Show
Cairo Desert Safari By ATV Quad Bike around Giza Pyramids safari
Full day tour to Giza Pyramids Memphis Sakkara and Dahsure
There are many things you can do for free in Cairo like booking free entry into some Cairo museums, joining locals to do some free activities and others. This allows you to have fun and relax on a budget or save for further experiences on your trip.