10 Non Touristy Things to Do in Cairo
Are you looking for non touristy things to do in Cairo? Well, Cairo is a chaotic city and many visit for the number one attraction, the Pyramids of Giza. However, there’s much more to this incredible city than that. As an Egyptian American living in London, I have visited this wonderful city 4 times and it wasn’t til the 4th time that I discovered many of the places in this post.
I’ve collected some of the most unique things to do in Cairo right here. I absolutley can’t wait to explore Egypt even deeper. I am someone who loves going off-the-beaten-path and finding hidden gems in every city I visit. So I hope you enjoy these spots and if you have more, please leave a comment at the end of the post to help others out too!
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Non Touristy Things to Do in Cairo
1. St. Simon Monastery & The Garbage City
🕍 Why Visit: An impressive hidden cave church in the Garbage City
📍Google Maps Location
🎟️ Tour to book: Cave Church & Coptic Cairo Visit
St. Simon “The Tanner” Monastery (aka the Cave Church) is one of the best hidden gems in Cairo. Getting there alone was an adventure as you have to ride through a ton of garbage in the Garbage City.
And a 12 year old drove me on a TukTuk! It is best to take a taxi to the start of the Garbage City and a TukTuk the remaining way.
The church is carved directly into the rock, and can seat over 20,000 people, making it the largest church in the Middle East!
The walls are covered in these incredibly detailed carvings — full-on Biblical scenes carved straight into the stone.
This place seriously had me in awe and I had it all to myself for a good 10 minutes.
2. Visit Coptic Cairo
🕍 Why Visit: To learn about the interesting Coptic Orthodoc Christian life in Egypt
📍Google Maps Location
🎟️ Tour to book: Cave Church & Coptic Cairo Visit
This is one of those spots that feels completely different from the rest of Cairo. It’s peaceful, historic, and very underrated.
Coptic Cairo is where you’ll find some of the city’s oldest churches, like the Hanging Church (yep, it’s actually suspended above a Roman gate!) and St. Sergius and Bacchus, which is said to have sheltered the Holy Family.
The whole area has this calm, almost magical vibe with quiet alleyways and centuries of history tucked into every corner.
It’s a great way to experience a different side of Cairo that most tourists skip. Plus, it’s super photogenic too.
Don’t miss the Coptic Museum while you’re there — it’s small but packed with beautiful ancient artifacts and colorful Coptic art.
3. Discover pyramids without crowds at Saqqara Necropolis & Dashur
🏜️ Why Visit: To experience less crowds and see the Pyramids
📍Google Maps Location – Saqqara, Dashur
🎟️ Tour to book: Saqqara, Dashur, Memphis, and Lunch Tour
You might mistake this for the Pyramids of Giza, but no, this is Saqqara. And guess what, you won’t find the crowds and hassle of street venders harassing you here.
The Step Pyramid of Djoser is the best part of it all. It’s the oldest pyramid in Egypt. There are also tombs at Saqqara with some of the most detailed carvings I’ve seen outside of Luxor.
Don’t miss the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid in Dahshur, which are equally impressive and less touristy than the Pyramids of Giza.
The site is spread out, with tombs covered in incredible carvings and artwork that transport you straight back in time. I’d recommend a tour so you can learn the history and have a car take you from one area to another. The one I took was this one and it was actually wonderful! Plus, my guide took some amazing photos of me.
4. See the Impressive Statue of Ramses II at Mit Rahinah
🗿Why Visit: To see the incredible Ramses II statue
📍Google Maps Location
🎟️ Tour to book: Saqqara, Dashur, Memphis, and Lunch Tour
If you love history, then you will love Mit Rahinah. It is also known as Ancient Memphis and was once the capital of Egypt. Most people skip it but it’s just a short drive from Cairo.
The highlight is the massive fallen statue of Ramses II that’s just lying there in an open-air museum. It is so impressive to see up close.
You’ll also find scattered ruins and statues throughout the outdoor space. There are barely any crowds here. I visited after Saqqara and Dahshur on this tour I booked.
5. Admire the Mosque of Sultan Hassan
🕌 Why Visit: one of Cairo’s most impressive and historic mosques
📍Google Maps Location
🎟️ Tour to book: Islamic & Coptic Egypt Tour
This mosque is honestly breathtaking. The Mosque of Sultan Hassan is one of the most beautiful and underrated spots in Cairo. The architecture is so impressive. It features tall ceilings, quiet courtyards, and is extremely detailed. It dates back to the 1300s and is located across from the Mosque of Al-Rifa’i. You can easily visit both!
And if you time it right, you might find the place nearly empty.
6. Try Egyptian breakfast at the 9 Pyramids Lounge
🍽️ Why Visit: Egyptian breakfast and a view
📍Google Maps Location
Yes, this spot can feel a bit touristy, but the crowd-free pyramid views make it worth it — especially since 9 Pyramids Lounge isn’t widely known among tourists. You can enjoy a traditional Egyptian breakfast with a backdrop of the pyramids and take photos without the crowds.
A reservation is required, along with a general ticket to the Giza Plateau. You’ll also need a driver to take you, as access is restricted without a booking. Just be aware: arrange your return ride in advance, as the restaurant tends to overcharge for transport on the way out. And it will be extremely difficult to arrange a taxi on your own if it’s not pre-arranged.
7. Take a Felucca Ride at Sunset
Why Visit: the most peaceful boat ride through Cairo
🎟️ Tour to book: Felucca Boat Ride
A felucca boat ride was one of the highlights of my visit to Cairo. Most people don’t think of doing this experience in Cairo but maybe in Luxor or Aswan. Who knew you could get away from the bustle of Cairo in this relaxing felucca boat ride?
These peaceful wooden sailboats glide along the Nile with no motor. You can bring your own snacks, relax, and watch the sun dip behind Cairo’s skyline. It’s especially beautiful around sunset when the light hits the river just right.
8. See the Mummies at the Museum of Egyptian civilizations
⚰️ Why Visit: to see the incredible real life mummies of Egypt!
📍Google Maps Location
🎟️ Tour to book: Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Citadel & Old Cairo Tour
This museum doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves! It is often bypassed for the Cairo Museum in Downtown and also the newer Grand museum.
So, please don’t miss a visit to the Museum of Egyptian civilizations. It is home to 22 real royal mummies, including Ramses II and Hatshepsut. Just note: you can’t take pictures once you get to the mummy hall. But you can throughout the rest of the museum.
It feels so different from the usual museum experience — quiet and way less crowded than the old Egyptian Museum in Tahrir.
The whole space is modern, well-designed, and gives you a deeper look into ancient Egyptian daily life, culture, and beliefs.
9. Check out El-Fustat Pottery Village
🏺Why Visit: Experience local craftsmanship and culture
📍Google Maps Location
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Cairo then visit the El-Fustat Pottery Village. It is hidden away near Coptic Cairo.
This artsy little neighborhood is home to local craftsmen who’ve been making pottery for generations.
You can watch them at work in their studios — and you won’t find any gimmicks here. It’s the kind of place where you can actually talk to the artisans, learn about the process, and even try your hand at making your own piece.
The village is full of color, character, and charm – and it’s so photogenic if you’re into capturing authentic, off-the-beaten-path moments.
PS: Did you know that 2 hours from Cairo is the artisan pottery town, Tunis Village?
10. Try Egyptian Sweets at Salé Sucré Pâtisserie
🍯 Why Visit: the most delicious Egyptian sweets
📍Google Maps Location (multiple locations)
If you have a sweet tooth, visiting Salé Sucré Pâtisserie is a must. This local chain is a go-to spot for authentic Egyptian desserts. The displays are full of beautifully arranged trays of baklava, basbousa (a semolina cake soaked in syrup), konafa (a crispy pastry filled with cream or nuts), and qatayef (a stuffed pancake usually served during Ramadan).
The quality here is consistently high — everything is freshly made and rich in flavor. It’s also very affordable, making it easy to try a little of everything.
Tip: There are several branches across Cairo, including one in Zamalek and another in Heliopolis. Just go around midday or early evening when the selection is best.
You may also like these posts:
🇪🇬 Best Places to Visit in Egypt
🇪🇬 10 Day Egypt Itinerary
👩 Egypt Solo Travel Guide
🏺Top Things to Do in Fayoum
🌊 Things to do in Alexandria
🌴 Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh
🌈 Exploring Egypt’s colorful Nubian Village in Aswan
🐪 Pyramid View Hotels in Cairo, Egypt
🚢 The Best Luxor Aswan Nile River Cruises in Egypt
