Cheap Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt

Are you planning a trip to Egypt and searching for cheap and free things to do in Cairo?

Cairo, Egypt, is a surprisingly affordable destination compared to other major cities. However, the journey there can be expensive, depending on where you come from. Saving a few bucks here and there can go a long way, allowing you to experience and explore even more during your visit.

I loved the chaos of Cairo, and the process of learning about the city’s incredible history was pretty interesting, too. Cairo is filled with ancient wonders, cultural landmarks, and Nile River adventures, leaving you with unforgettable memories and exciting stories to tell when you return home.

After visiting Egypt, which included several days exploring the capital, I’m sharing ten cheap and free things to do in Cairo. I’ve also included important visitor information, including entrance fees, opening times, and some insider tips to ensure your days in “The City of a Thousand Minarets” are fun and safe.

1. Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities is located in Tahir Square, a popular tourist spot due to the number of hotels in the area and its central location. 

• Entrance Fees: Adults EGP 550 ($10.95 USD) and Students EGP 275 ($5.46 USD)
• Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid bus tour crowds, and start at the bottom floor while it is quieter.

In terms of a comprehensive ancient Egyptian experience, there is no better place than the Egyptian Museum, which has built an extensive collection of more than 120,000 artifacts since its official opening in 1902.

As soon as I walked in, I was captivated by the life-size sarcophagus intricately detailed with astonishing craftsmanship. It’s mind-blowing to think how skilled they were thousands of years ago!

The most notable exhibit on the museum’s first floor is the colossal statue that depicts Pharaoh Amenhotep III and his wife, Tiye. I found this incredibly interesting as the Great Royal Wife is not usually showcased next to the king. Pharaohs were typically pictured alone as a representation of their divine authority.

Upstairs is where the most famous ancient relics are, though. I particularly enjoyed the Royal Mummy Room, where you can see the mummified remains of Queen Hatshepsut. That’s when it hit me—I was standing in a city that has existed for over 1,000 years!

I thoroughly enjoyed wandering around and exploring the museum at my own leisure. However, guided tours are also available if you prefer to learn more from a local. I always love guided tours because of the knowledge bombs you may not find anywhere else.

2. Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo)

One thing that surprised me upon arriving in Cairo was learning that about 10% of its population identifies as Christian—I had assumed Egypt was entirely Muslim. 

Curious, I dug deeper and discovered that Coptic Cairo, one of the city’s oldest areas, is the birthplace of Christianity in Egypt, dating back nearly 2,000 years. Needless to say, wandering around and exploring Old Cairo made for an interesting hands-on history lesson.

Coptic Cairo is a respectful, peaceful place with narrow streets and religious-themed street art. In my opinion, the most fascinating landmark within Coptic Cairo is the Ben Ezra Synagogue. It was initially built as a church and later became a synagogue, as seen in its blend of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic architecture.

You should spend an hour or two experiencing the religious side of the Egyptian capital. However, you could spend a whole afternoon here easily! Every corner I turned, more narrow passageways appeared, revealing some very interesting places.

I didn’t have to pay to enter the synagogue or churches, but I did donate a small amount as I entered. You do have to pay to enter the Coptic Museum. However, it is very cheap ($1.99 USD for adults and $0.99 USD for students).

3. Khan el Khalili Bazaar

If one of these activities epitomizes the culture in Egypt, it is its most famous bazaar, Khan El Khalili, which dates back more than 600 years.

• Entrance Fees: Free to explore, but you might spend money!
• Hours of Operation: Open 7 Days a Week from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM
• Pro Tip: Carry low denominations in cash to improve your bartering leverage.

The name “Khan el Khalili” derives from its founder in the 14th Century, who built a large caravanserai, roadside inns built on popular trade routes.

In typical Egyptian fashion, I was offered everything from carpets to homemade perfume, suits, and even camels! I’m not kidding!

Early in my market experience, I learned that the locals are experts at haggling with international visitors. I was lured into buying extra souvenirs that I didn’t want. So, to avoid this, you should walk away from the market traders and be blunt with them.

If the sensory overload of the bazaars becomes too much, there’s a charming little coffee shop tucked into the east corner of the market—a perfect spot for people-watching. 

From locals energetically hustling for sales to tourists navigating the chaos, it’s a fascinating display of contrasting emotions and interactions.

If you want some protection as you explore, there are group tours available to book with a local guide. The bazaar is centrally located, so you can reach it through many modes of transport.

4. Cairo Tower

Many cheap activities in Cairo are based around ancient Egypt. However, heading to the top of Cairo Tower has a more modern vibe.

• Entrance Fees: 200 EGP ($3.98 USD) for foreign visitors.
• Hours of Operations: 9 AM to Midnight
• Pro Tip: Go at sunset or have your evening meal here for a unique experience with incredible views!

I noticed this uniquely shaped building on my first day in Cairo, as it stands on its own and looks very contemporary. While reading the information boards inside, I learned that the tower was built to reflect a lotus flower, a significant symbol in Ancient Egypt.

I found this to be a juxtaposition, as everything about the building feels modern. However, like many other highlights in the capital, it still links back to ancient times.

The best part about the tower is the awesome panoramic view and the revolving restaurant on the 14th floor (two floors below the observation deck).

The tower is located in the Zamalek District, only around one mile from Tahrir Square, so it makes for a nice walk in cooler months. I visited in September, and the walk was bearable.

I visited the tower in the afternoon on a weekday, and there were very few crowds, making it a nice ambiance as I slowly explored. It can get much busier on weekends at peak times.

5. Ride a Felucca on the Nile River

Felucca boats are one of the things I have always associated with the Nile River. So, it was one of the first things I planned to do in Cairo. You can go on a felucca ride in most places in Egypt, but I could not wait!

• Entrance Fees: Roughly 300 – 400 EGP ($5.93 – $7.96 USD) per person.
• Pro Tip: Book through a reputable company to avoid scams.

A shared felucca ride can cost as little as 50 EGP ($0.99 USD), which is fantastic value. Most rides last around 45 minutes and cover a significant distance.

This cheap and fun activity in Cairo offers a different vibe in a busy city, with a peaceful escape for an hour! Cairo has surprisingly pleasant scenery in certain parts, which I don’t think I would have noticed if I hadn’t enjoyed this affordable activity.

6. The Pyramids of Giza

World-famous landmarks, The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are highlights of any Egypt itinerary.

• Entrance Fees: EGP 700 ($13.95 USD). It is extra to enter the pyramids.
• Hours of Operation: 7 AM – 6 PM (Summer), 8 AM – 4 PM (Winter)
• Pro Tip: Bring your credit or debit card, as cash is not accepted for entrance to the major tourist attractions in Egypt.

First, be aware that The Giza Plateau is notorious worldwide for scamming locals, and I can testify to this. Many locals approached me as I explored the stone structures. However, I didn’t let it ruin my bucket list experience!

If you want some peace of mind and a level of protection, you can visit with a tour guide, but it will cost you considerably more. If you visit the last remaining ancient wonder on your own, it only costs 700 EGP ($13.95 USD) to enter the plateau. Then, you are free to explore the whole site and take as long as you like.

It does cost extra to enter the three pyramids, and each costs a different amount. The Great Pyramid is the most expensive and has the longest lines. If you’re on a budget, I recommend entering the smallest pyramid, as it is half the price of the Great Pyramid. However, both were very similar when I explored them.

The Sphinx was the last highlight on my way toward the exit, and I enjoyed the globally famed structure from several viewpoints. As you would expect, you will see plenty of tourists posing for the popular ‘Sphinx kiss.’

7. Saqqara Necropolis

Of all the fun activities on the list, this was the hidden gem on my trip! Saqqara Necropolis is often skipped due to its popularity compared to the Giza Pyramids; however, the step pyramid is just as impressive, in my opinion!

• Entrance Fees are 600 EGP ($11.95 USD) for adults and 300 EGP ($5.98 USD) for students.
• Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 5 PM (Summer), 8 AM – 4 PM (Winter).
• Insider tip: Walk around the entire site to enjoy great angles of the step pyramid.

Saqqara is home to the oldest pyramid in the world, the Step Pyramid of Djoser. At around 4700 years old, this pyramid has a unique design that differs from that of the other popular pyramids of Egypt.

I enjoyed walking around the stone structure and entering the pyramid, as I had with several of the mastaba’s tombs. 

Locals hang around trying to offer unofficial tours, which I tried to avoid. However, one guy named Ahmed was very helpful in explaining the history of the place and the meanings behind the stories in the hieroglyphics. So I gave him a small tip in the end, as he was resourceful and very persistent!

Interestingly, discoveries are still happening at Saqqara. I learned that a 4,000-year-old mummy was found during excavations in 2023. Identified as Hekashepes, the mummy was covered in layers of gold inside a sealed sarcophagus. According to Ahmed, it is very rare to find a non-royal mummy in this state.

This ancient highlight is far less busy than Giza, which makes it a pleasure to wander around in peace. As this necropolis is around 19 miles from downtown Cairo, the best option to visit is on an Egyptian budget tour, which includes a guide and transport for a very reasonable price.

8. Manial Palace

This activity offers peace in the capital’s chaos, so enjoy it when your energy is drained!

• Entrance Fees: 100 EGP ($1.99 USD) Adults / 50 EGP ($0.99 USD) Students
• Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Pro Tip: Make sure to go inside all of the buildings in the garden.

Manial Palace, also known as Prince Mohamed Ali Palace, was built in the early 20th century by a member of the Egyptian royal family. I could feel the elegance as soon as I paid and entered. The architecture is lavish throughout, especially in some side buildings with giant chandeliers and large framed art. 

The gardens are also immaculate and well-maintained by the friendly staff, making it a joy to sit on the benches and observe my surroundings. I remember enjoying lovely views of the famous Nile while listening to birds chirping in the gardens. It is a world away from the streets outside, which is surprising!

You need to be present and enjoy the moment inside the palace grounds because as soon as you leave the building, you are back in the mayhem of the capital!

9. The Grand Museum

The Grand Museum in Giza is Egypt’s latest archaeological landmark, and although it isn’t fully completed, the museum did partially open to the public fall of 2024.

• Entrance Fees: 1200 EGP ($23.92 USD) Adults and 600 EGP ($11.96 USD) under 21
• Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 6 PM
• Pro Tip: Consider visiting the Grand Museum and the Giza Pyramids in the same trip as they are located close to each other.

The centerpiece of the museum is the Tutankhamun collection, which is the largest and most complete collection of the treasures of the young pharaoh, including his original death mask that he was discovered wearing. This was moved from the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities.

My favourite area of the site was the main galleries as there were artefacts spanning a long period of time, which gave me an idea of the historic timeline of ancient Egypt.

The hanging obelisk inside the grand hall is awesome also, and very unique, as I didn’t see anything similar on my whole Egypt trip. Seeing the pyramids through the palm trees in the garden of the museum was also fun!

This is the most expensive attraction on the list, however, it is the newest, and the museum is immaculate, and filled with ancient treasures.

The best way to reach the museum is by Uber or taxi, both cheap services in Cairo.

10. Affordable Authentic Eats

One of the big draws to Cairo are the affordable prices for dining out, whether you are eating street food, or dining in a highly rated restaurant, there will be cheap eats available. This definitely helped my budget go further!

I enjoyed trying the national dish ‘koshari,’ which is a mixture of lentils, rice, and pasta. It had a very weird texture, and the portion size was far too generous. However, I had to try it! It is one of my favorite things to do in a new country–try the national dish.

I have a very sweet tooth, but luckily, in Cairo a food stall is never too far away, and plenty of them offer desserts. I opted for sugarcane juice, which is commonly sold in street stalls, markets, and restaurants throughout Egypt, as it is very refreshing.

I can recommend a nice authentic restaurant near Tahrir Square named Abou El Sid, which I found by chance while exploring. Its decor perfectly blends tradition and art, which is very colorful! There were many locals dining there when I was there also, which is always a good sign. I noticed stuffed pigeons on the menu, which was a first for me!

If you choose wisely and have an open mind, you will enjoy a fun cultural experience sampling the local food in Cairo.

Pro Tip: Egypt is infamous for food poisoning incidents, so it is always important to check for busy and clean restaurants when choosing one.

Affordable Activities in Cairo, Egypt

By this point, you will either love or hate the Egyptian capital. There is no in-between!

I personally loved the chaos, but I also enjoyed the tranquility of the gardens of the Manial Palace and the modern escape to the top of the Cairo Tower.

As you will have realized, your budget will go far in Egypt, so you can tick off all of the fun, cheap activities on this list and then come to your own imaginative conclusions about ancient Egypt and Cairo’s rich past.

I found a three day travel itinerary to be perfect to be able to explore the highlights of Egypt, without rushing, or squeezing activities in.

You don’t need cash to enjoy ancient Egypt, you just need to be present and curious!