Edited by MoCA/NY's Staff Writer: Emelia Hiltner
To see all the destinations listed in this guide and other ceramic sites in Egypt, check out CERAMIC WORLD DESTINATIONS (CWD), MoCA/NY's interactive map listing over 4,000 ceramic destinations!
Cairo is one of the largest and oldest cities in the world. Every corner of the city smells of history, bearing the traces of many civilizations that have passed through it. It is a vivid, energetic, and livable city. It has almost no mountains or slopes, making it a predominantly flat city, with the Nile flowing through it from south to north. Officially, the eastern bank of the Nile is called Cairo, the western side is Giza, and the northern part is known as Shubra El Kheima. These three cities form the core of Greater Cairo. Their growth used to follow the riverbank until the mid-twentieth century. Later, expansion began moving away from the river, and in recent years, the city has continued to grow with the development of many new satellite cities and settlements.
Cairo is too crowded, with a population of over 22.1 million people. Many hours can be spent in traffic. Therefore, our three-day trip will be divided according to the regions where each civilization and historical area is concentrated within one or a few neighborhoods. Of course, like most wonderful cities around the world, Cairo would require much more time to explore with detailed tours.
The weather in the city is wonderful and sunny for most of the year. Summers can be hot, especially from mid-July to mid-September, while winters are not that cold. So, you can visit Cairo at any time of the year. The people are welcoming and smiley, almost always ready to help foreigners and visitors.
Historically, Egypt has also played a foundational role in developing ceramics. The Egyptians were the first to employ the hand-turned potter’s wheel; some believe they were the first to implement glazing techniques. They're also credited with being the first to use crockery ware around 1500 BC, and covering pottery with enamel was another early innovation attributed to them. Ancient Egyptian pottery often featured motifs such as lotus flowers, animals like lions and birds, and hieroglyphics. These designs were not only decorative but also held symbolic meaning, representing concepts such as fertility, power, and the afterlife.
Most of the hotels in Cairo are mainly concentrated in two areas: downtown and the Giza Pyramids zone. I highly recommend the downtown area. It offers a wide variety of hotels that can meet all budgets, ranging from 7-star hotels, generally located along the Nile banks, to budget-friendly Airbnb options.
The advantage of staying in or near downtown is that it is a central area where you can visit many attractions and find services around your hotel without needing transportation—or at least without spending too much time in traffic. Also, downtown is vivid with many nightlife options to enjoy and relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Editor’s Note:
Even if you don’t book accommodations on Airbnb, check it out for affordable, high-quality private tours and guided experiences.
Cairo has a huge metro network that continues to grow each year. The metro is cheap, fast, and reaches almost every corner of the city. Here,you can download the whole map as well as individual maps for each line. Taxis in Cairo are also affordable, however, I suggest using Uber. It is a reasonable and credible option since the app allows you to see the ride price, distance, and estimated travel time—especially useful during high-traffic hours.
9 AM: The Giza Pyramid Complex
Of course, the Giza pyramids are the most significant sights in Cairo—and all of Egypt. They are the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. So, let’s not waste time waiting and start our trip by visiting them. They are located on the western border of Greater Cairo, and the journey from downtown can take anywhere from 40 to 60 minutes.
Editor's Note:
To prepare for your trip: wear a hat and sunscreen, pack water and snacks, bring Egyptian pounds, and be aware that bathrooms aren’t always available when you need them.
Mohamed’s Giza Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and Saqqara private guided tour can be booked through Airbnbfor $40 per person, including pickup from downtown Cairo. A degreed Egyptologist passionate about his subject, with an endless supply of wit and fascinating facts, Mohamed is a phenomenal guide who tailors the experience to suit his guests’ interests.
When you arrive, the visit starts at the ticket office at the north gate, where you will find yourself standing in front of the Great Pyramid that served as the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu. The complex consists of the three main pyramids of the kings: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Additionally, smaller pyramids, known as the Pyramids of the Queens, are attached to the main pyramids. The complex also includes the Great Sphinx, located on the eastern side.
Please note that you can visit the interior of one of the pyramids. Generally, the authorities determine and arrange which pyramid is open to visitors, while the others remain closed for maintenance or archaeological research. The climb can be hot, claustrophobic, and lengthy.
12 PM: Lunch with a View of the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx
The hotels across the eastern gate of the complex offer open-air rooftop restaurants with a view of the entire site. You can enjoy your meal with the view and don’t forget to capture some memorable pictures.
1 PM: Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
The Grand Egyptian Museum is located almost 2 km (1.2 miles) from the northern gate of the pyramids complex. Some parts of the museum are still under construction. Therefore, only certain halls are open to visitors until its full opening in the near future.
The museum mainly displays archaeological artifacts from ancient Egyptian civilization. According to Egyptian authorities, it will house more than 100,000 artifacts, making it one of the world’s largest archaeological museums.
Editor’s Note:
In addition to its treasured collection, it includes an extensive food court, several museum stores, a mosque, and even a medical center. The grand opening is scheduled for this summer. While not all halls are officially complete, it certainly appears ready.
5 PM: Nabil Darwish Museum
Nabil Darwish was a professor of ceramic art at the Faculty of Applied Arts, Helwan University. He also mastered wheel throwing and smoke firing techniques in the wood-fired kilns. He used to mention that he draws on his pieces with the flame. He passed away in 2001, leaving behind a museum he built, housing hundreds of his magnificent ceramic masterpieces. The museum is located about 4.5 kilometers from the Giza Pyramids, which takes approximately 15–20 minutes to reach. The museum is slated for demolition, so be sure to visit before it closes for good.
7:30 PM: Pyramids Sound and Light Show
This show will take you through the mysteries of ancient Egypt and the stories of the great pharaohs. This theatrical production uses lights and sounds to illuminate the entire Pyramids complex in a splendid display. The show is available in 10 different languages. Please note that it is held on select evenings each week. To check the schedule and book tickets, visit their website.
9 PM: Dinner on a floating restaurant
There are many floating restaurants along the Nile banks in various districts. Some are cruising, while others are just floating by the bank. On your way back from the pyramid area to downtown, you can pass by some of them. Pick any restaurant and enjoy your dinner with a beautiful view of the Nile.
Al-Fustat as Old Cairo, became the capital of Egypt after the Muslim conquest by Amr ibn al-As in AD 641. There, he built Egypt’s first mosque, named after him—the Mosque of Amr or Amr ibn al-As Mosque. The mosque was constructed next to the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of St. George, and many other Coptic churches, as well as the Ben Ezra Synagogue, which now serves as the Jewish Museum. According to Christian tradition, the Holy Family is believed to have visited the area. All these historical sites are next to each other in what is now known as The Religions’ Complex. Al-Fustat was known throughout the Islamic periods as a center for ceramic production, particularly for lusterware pottery.
9 AM: Amr ibn al-As Mosque
The mosque was originally built in 641 CE as the first mosque in Egypt, marking the beginning of Cairo as the capital under the rule of Islamic periods. It also served as an important center for teaching and spreading Islamic traditions among Arab and African countries.
9:30 AM: Babylon Fortress and St. George Church
After visiting the mosque, it’s about a 5 to 7-minute walk to reach the remains of the Babylon Fortress. This fortress belonged to the Ancient Romans during their rule in Egypt and was built circa 300 AD. Just behind the fortress wall is the entrance to the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George. The church is open for both prayers and visitors.
10 AM: The Coptic Museum
The Coptic Orthodox Church is the oldest church in the world, established in the mid-first century (c. AD 42). It's officially known as the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria, and its head of the church is the Pope of Alexandria. The Coptic Museum houses a collection of 16,000 artifacts of Coptic antiquities, representing the Christian art of Byzantine-Greco-Roman Egypt. Most of these artifacts were made during the period when Christianity spread and became established in Egypt, both before and during the Islamic era.
10:30 AM: The Hanging Church
The Hanging Church is officially known as Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church. It is one of the oldest churches in Cairo and Egypt, dating back to the 3rd century. The church's name comes from its unique structure—its nave was built over a passage leading to the gatehouse of the Roman Fortress of Babylon. The church holds great significance for Egyptian Christians and is highly visited, especially during religious holidays.
11 AM: Ben Ezra Synagogue (The Jewish Museum)
According to local folklore, this site is believed to be where baby Moses was found. The synagogue no longer holds services and now primarily serves as a tourist attraction and Jewish Museum.
11:30 AM: Al-Fustat Ceramics Center
The Al-Fustat Ceramics Centeris a modern facility built on the site of the ancient potters—of which nothing remains. It serves as both a school and a production studio for traditional crafts of pottery and ceramics.The center features workshops, lecture areas, an exhibition gallery, dormitories, and offices, with open-air courtyards. There is also a gift house to sell their production.
12:30 PM: Al-Fustat Pottery Village
The Pottery Villagein Al-Fustat is a project funded and supported by the Egyptian government along with various foreign funds, aiming to revive and encourage the oldest and most famous crafts in the region. The village comprises approximately 150 workshops dedicated to pottery production.
While in the neighborhood, visit Darb 1718,a contemporary art exhibition space and cultural center.
1:30 PM: Lunch at The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
At the entrance of the museum, there is a café-restaurant where you can enjoy a light lunch, relax, and have a coffee.
2:30 PM: The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts spanning all ages and eras of Egyptian history, ranging from prehistoric times to the present day. The highlight of the collection includes an impressive hall displaying 20 royal mummies. The museum’s websiteoffers phenomenal images and information. The NMEC app, too, is a gem.
4:30 PM: Tahrir Square and Downtown
Downtown Cairo was designed by the best French architects in the 19th century under the command of Khedive Ismail, the ruler of Egypt and Sudan (1863–1879). He wanted the capital of the Egyptian Kingdom Cairo to be like, or even better than, Paris as his quotation “Paris on the Nile”. The entire downtown area was built in the Parisian style. One of its most important landmarks is Tahrir Square, which gained global recognition after the 2011 Egyptian revolution. Since then, the square has become an important location and a focal point for political demonstrations. In fact, Tahrir in Arabic means liberation, giving the square an even deeper meaning for Egyptians. Enjoy a walk around the square and downtown Cairo.
5:30 PM: Dinner
Editor's Note:
Felfela is a charming restaurant offering Egyptian cuisine, specializing in traditional breakfast dishes that are accessible to Western palates. Try the Ta’ameya (Egyptian fava bean falafel), the kofta, and the stuffed vegetables. Admire the courtyard’s garden-like decor, dine to the sounds of parakeets, and be sure to bring cash.
At Almeria, you’ll find a blend of cultures—Moroccan, Armenian, Egyptian, Mediterranean, and more. The small plates are perfect for sharing, and the colorful, beautifully presented dishes make every meal an experience. It’s impossible to recommend just one dish—they are all exquisite.
Koshary is a quintessential Egyptian dish, made with lentils, pasta, rice, chickpeas, tomatoes, and crispy onions. Everyone will ask if you’ve tried it! This is one of the top places to experience this beloved street food.
8:00 PM: El Dammah Theater at the El Mastaba Center for Egyptian Folk Music
If it’s Thursday, head to El Dammah Theater. This intimate, small club offers live, authentic Egyptian folk music concerts in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Check their Facebook pagefor the most up-to-date performance schedule,
Cairo was the capital city of the Fatimid dynasty from 973 to 1171 CE. The dynasty was established in 909 in Al-Mahdiyya, Tunisia, and extended to North Africa. During the reign of Al-Mu’izz, he conquered Egypt in 969, and in 973, Cairo became the capital of the Fatimid Caliphate. Today, Al-Muizz Street and the whole region are known as the historical district of Fatimid Cairo.
9 AM: Al-Azhar Mosque
Al-Azhar Mosque’s dedication was in 973 CE as the main mosque of the Fatimid Caliphate's capital. In 989 CE, by hiring 35 scholars, Al-Azhar Mosque transformed into an Islamic institution that played an important role in teaching and investigating Islamic studies. Today, the mosque and its affiliated university are considered the second-oldest continuously operating university in the world. It has been widely recognized as the leading institution in the Islamic world for the study of Sunni theology and Islamic law.
9:30 AM: Khan el-Khalili
Khan el-Khalili is a famous bazaar and marketplace in the historic district of Fatimid Cairo. Historically, the area used to have many caravanserais. Today, it is one of Cairo's main tourist attractions, where visitors can buy souvenirs and gifts. It is also a place for craftsmen and artisans, many of whom are still active, producing a variety of traditional goods, including carpets and copper lamps.
10 AM: Almuizz Street
Also known as El Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatimi, the street was the central location for all sultans during the Fatimid dynasty. It includes many mosques, tombs, houses of sultans and statesmen, hammams (traditional baths), water fountains (sabils), and the entrance to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Most of these monuments are well-preserved and open to visitors. You don’t need a ticket to walk through the street or to enter most of the historical mosques, but some sites, such as the Complex of Qalawun, require an entrance ticket.
Bab Zuwayla is one of the three remaining gates of historic Cairo, built over a thousand years ago. If you're willing to brave steep, narrow, spiraling stairwells that lead to bare iron railings, you can climb to the top of its 600-year-old minarets for a spectacular view of the city. Other vistas—such as those from the Cairo Tower or the Citadel—offer a sense of Cairo’s vastness. However, the view from Bab Zuwayla provides a unique feeling of being at the city's very heart.
12 PM: Lunch in the Bazaar
We suggest a restaurant called Saheb El Sa'ada, which offers a variety of traditional Egyptian food. Other dining options are also available around Almuizz Street, Khan el-Khalili, and Al Hussein Mosque areas.
1 PM: The Museum of Islamic Arts - Cairo
Egypt has been part of many Islamic civilizations, states, and dynasties. As a result, the Museum of Islamic Artin Cairo holds a huge collection showcasing various Islamic styles from different geographies. The museum features 25 halls, organized by the historical periods that shaped Egypt. It is divided into the Umayyad, Abbasid, Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods. The collection includes a diverse array of artifacts, such as woodwork, textiles, metalwork, glass, and ceramics.
4 PM: The Museum of Islamic Ceramics
The Museum of Islamic Ceramicswas built in 1921 as a palace for Prince Amr Ibrahim during the era of the Egyptian Kingdom under Mohamed Ali Pasha’s dynasty (1805–1953). Designed in a neo-Islamic style, the building served as an art gallery from 1971 until it became the Museum of Islamic Ceramics in 1999, making it Egypt’s first museum dedicated to ceramics.
The museum has two floors. The Prince’s Hall is located upstairs, while the downstairs area is divided into five sections: the Fatimid, Ottoman, and Iranian halls, as well as a hall including ceramics made in Egypt during the Mamluk, Ayyubid, Ottoman, and Umayyad periods. Another hall features a collection of ceramic items by the Egyptian modern ceramic master Said El Sadr.
5 PM: Al Gezira Art Gallery
The basement of the Museum of Islamic Ceramics serves as an art gallery with three halls, allowing visitors to experience three different artists' exhibitions in a single visit. The exhibitions are not only for ceramic artists—a variety of art forms, including painting, sculpture, installation, and video art, are also showcased. Many contemporary Egyptian and international artists hold their exhibitions here, with each show lasting approximately two weeks.
6 PM: Dinner in Zamalek district
Zamalek is an island in the Nile that was once home to many royal palaces and hosted numerous British and European visitors and residents in Egypt. Today, it still has dozens of embassies and consulates in Cairo. The Zamalek district offers a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy dinner, as well as many antique shops and silver and gold jewelry proprietors.
8 PM: An Evening Walk
The southern part of Zamalek Island is mostly green, featuring many gardens and a cultural zone. You can take a walk around the Opera House complex, which includes art galleries, a modern art museum, a music library, and a relaxing café. In front of the Opera House’s main gate, there is the oldest bridge connecting Zamalek Island to Tahrir Square and the entire downtown area.
Editor's Note
Cairo Tower: From the top of this iconic Cairo landmark, designed to evoke a pharaonic lotus plant, you can look out over the city on your final evening in Cairo. Take a moment to identify the places you’ve explored over the past few days, and, far off on the horizon, catch a glimpse of the Great Pyramids. I recommend visiting at dusk—when it’s still light enough to see the details but dark enough for the city lights to begin sparkling.
EDITOR'S NOTE: OTHER DESTINATIONS IF YOU HAVE THE TIME
Saqqara Pyramid Complex
Begin your visit at Saqqara Necropolis where you will find the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s oldest stone structure, built in 2760 BC. Note the craftsmanship: where the stones crumbled (cheap labor), and where the stones held (well-paid skilled craftsman), as indicated by meticulous records. From here you can also see several pyramids anchoring along the horizon. Walk through the complex to the Pyramid of Unas, whose remnants, an intact pyramid but a fallen stone mound, belies the significance of its interior. Take the time to enter its substructure, which will reveal starry blue ceilings and the Pyramid Texts ranging over its walls, the oldest known hieroglyphs of any king’s pyramid. Nearby is the Tomb of Seshseshet Idut, where you will find exquisite bas-relief carvings of everyday Egyptian life. As you pass through Saqqara on your exit, watch along the hillsides for ongoing excavations. They are still finding tombs and treasures.
The Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum,built in 1902, houses the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities and is the only world-class museum where every single artifact originates from the country itself. The tomb treasures of King Tutankhamun are the most famous objects on display, but the museum is filled with remarkable artifacts. Even the vintage display cases, hand-written signage, and the distinct scent of incense in the air contribute to its unique charm. The architecture and atmosphere make the visit an archaeological experience in itself.
Maged Zaky Hassan is an artist, designer, and academic. His artworks are collected by many public and private museums, culture houses, and institutions in many countries. He is also known as an industrial ceramic designer. He worked as an Assis. lecturer of ceramics at Helwan University, Cairo, and now as a lecturer at Erciyes University, Turkiye. Website
Mohamed Abdel Zaher is an award-winning photographer and videographer, honored as a New Media Ambassador by the National Media Authority. A graduate of the Faculty of Applied Arts, his work has received international recognition. He has been recognized among Egypt’s Top 35 Photographers (35 Award, Russia) for three consecutive years and has contributed to Egyptian Geographic Magazine. WEBSITE
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