20 Things To Do In Cairo At Night

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An intriguing mix of traditional and new, Egypt is home to one of the world’s oldest civilisations. The areas around the Nile River are steeped in ancient history. There are more than 100 pyramids of different shapes and sizes in Egypt. The tallest and most famous is the Great Pyramid of Giza near Cairo, while others are the Step Pyramid of Djoser, Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid. 

The ancient cities of Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel, the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria, Red Sea resort towns of Sharm e-Sheikh and Dahab are some of the other popular tourist towns in Egypt. You can visit most of these from Cairo as overnight trips.

The capital of Egypt is one of the continuously inhabited earliest urban developments in Africa for more than 4500 years. It is home to the only surviving wonder of the world’s seven ancient wonders, the Pyramids of Giza in the Giza Necropolis. Cairo is also one of the oldest travel destinations on earth, capturing the imagination of travellers for thousands of years. 

Egypt’s strategic location on the Mediterranean coast, close to the Middle East and African countries, makes it a constant place of interest among European and Middle Eastern rulers in its history. Cairo is strategically located just at the tip of the Nile delta in Egypt and has always been the centrepiece of attention since ancient times. Over the centuries, there have been numerous conquests in Cairo, and many distinct settlements have risen in the region where the modern city of Cairo is located. 

Different areas of the city date back to different periods, like the Islamic Cairo, Coptic Cairo, Citadel, Zamalek, Downtown, Boulaq and others. More modern structures with wide boulevards, open spaces and modern European architectural influence mark western Cairo. Eastern Cairo is the much older part of the city. It is a warren of smaller lanes and crowded tenements symbolic of the olden days and Islamic architecture since the 6th century. 

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There are many places of interest in Cairo, both old and new. Owing to its location close to the equator, Cairo sees high temperatures during the day from May to September and cooler weather in the remaining part of the year. This makes nights in Cairo the ideal time to explore the centuries-old bazaars, well-lit buildings, and ultra-modern malls and enjoy the local delicacies such as Qatayef, Kunafa, Kushari, Tamiya and many more. The city lives up to the expectation of being a modern metropolis by having many entertainment options you can explore after sunset, often open in Cairo at night.

Cairo At Night

Top 3 Tours

  • Dinner Cruise on the Nile – Enjoy a buffet dinner, watch a belly dancing show and Tanoura show while cruising down the Nile.
  • Pyramids Sound and Light Show – Step back into Ancient Egypt and learn about the pharoahs while watching the exciting sound and light show at the Pyramids of Giza.
  • Cairo’s Best-Kept Secrets – Discover the secrets of the city, from Islamic Cairo to hidden galleries and old markets.

20 Things To Do in Cairo 

1- Watch The Pyramid Sound And Light Show

cairo pyramids at night
The Pyramids and the Sphinx with night lights in Caro’s Giza area.

If there is one thing anyone in the world wants to visit Egypt for, it is to see the Pyramids of Giza. 

Located Southwest of Cairo, the three Giza Pyramids are on a large plateau. 

The Pyramid of Khufu is the largest, standing at 138.5 m (454 ft), an architectural wonder constructed in 2,570 BC (more than 4,500 years ago) using 2.3 million large blocks of stone.

Any tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx is not complete without the light and sound show. 

You can stay back for the popular light and sound show that starts at the Pyramids daily after sunset. 

The show narrates the pharaonic history of the three Pyramids, the kings that built them and the ancient secrets and mysterious tales surrounding them. 

You can reach the Giza Necropolis by private transfer or taxi. Skip the lines and reserve your tickets to the sound and light show here. 

The Giza Pyramids Complex is in Al Haram, Giza Governorate 3512201. The Sound And Light Show happens twice daily – at 7 pm and again at 8 pm. Language can be selected at the time of booking. 

2- Enjoy A Dinner Cruise On the Nile

cairo egypt at night
Cruising the Nile is one of the best things to do in Cairo at night.

Watching the illuminated Cairo skyline sail by along the banks while cruising on the Nile is a scene of an Arabian fairy tale.

Add a sumptuous Egyptian dinner course and traditional Egyptian cultural shows, including Egyptian music, Tanoura shows and belly dancing, and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable evening.

A Nile dinner cruise on a boat fit for a Pharoah is a relaxing way to wind down after sightseeing. 

The dinner cruise boat sails from old Cairo to new Cairo. Tickets include hotel pick-ups at 6.30 pm.

3- Enjoy The View Of Cairo At Night From The Tallest Tower In Egypt

things to do in cairo egypt at night
Panorama of Cairo cityscape at sunset from the vantage point of Cairo Tower.

Cairo tower is an iconic building in downtown Cairo on Zamalek island on the Nile. 

The tower is built in the shape of a beautiful lotus flower, symbolising the flower’s significance in Ancient Egyptian culture. 

The tower was built in 1961 and holds the title of the tallest building in Egypt. 

The observation deck offers a panoramic view of Cairo city, the Pyramids and the Nile river. 

You can also dine in the revolving restaurant at the top, which slowly revolves and provides you with a 360-degree view of the city while you dine. 

Cairo Tower is on El Borg Street, El Gezira, Zamalek, Cairo, and is within walking distance from Opera subway station. This tour includes pickup from your hotel.

Cairo Tower is in Zamalek, Cairo Governorate 4270024. The restaurant and viewing deck are open till 1 am every day.

4- Discover The Secrets Of Islamic Cairo On A Night Tour

things to do in cairo at night
Islamic architecture in Cairo at night.

Islamic Cairo, also known as Historic Cairo or Medieval Cairo, refers to the historic areas of Cairo that was a hub of activity before the city’s expansion during the 19th and 20th centuries. 

The term “Islamic” Cairo also refers to its rich heritage and history dating back to the early days of Islam more than a thousand years ago. 

Islamic Cairo is characterised by the most extensive and densest concentration of beautiful centuries-old Islamic architecture in the Islamic world, evident in the many mosques, tombs, mansions, fortifications and other buildings dating back centuries. 

The area is distinct from the nearby regions of Giza and Memphis, which are much older and are part of Ancient Egyptian sites built thousands of years before Islam and Christianity came into existence. 

The best way to explore the Islamic Cairo streets is by going on a night walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide who can give you inside tips on where to find the best places to see and eat. You’ll discover Cairo’s best-kept secrets.

Islamic Cairo is a district located in El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate. The Night Tour starts at 7 pm with the hotel pickup. 

5- Eat Authentic Egyptian Food At Al-Moez Street

el moez street at night in cairo
Moez street at night in Cairo, Egypt.

One of the most beautiful and historical streets in Islamic Cairo is Al-Moez street (Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi street). 

Walking along the street transports you back to centuries into a street full of historical buildings and mosques (many of which are well-lit), vendors and street food stalls serving old Egyptian delicacies. 

Some buildings are more than 1000 years old. 

A walk on Al-Moez street is the perfect way to explore the historical side of Cairo and do some souvenir shopping. 

The street is lively and crowded in the evenings, especially during festivals and holidays, so do plan your visits according to the Egyptian holiday calendar.

Al-Moez street is within walking distance from Bab El Shaariya subway station. Combine a walking tour along El Moez Street with a visit to Cairo Tower and a stop at the El Fishawy Cafe by reserving your spot on this tour.

Al-Moez Street is within Islamic Cairo in El-Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate. The night tour starts at 4.30 pm or 5.30 pm and goes for four hours. 

6- Shop For Souvenirs In Khan el-Khalili Market 

what to do in cairo egypt at night statuettes on shelves in a store
Going shopping for Egyptian souvenirs is one of the fun things to do in Cairo at night.

Khan el-Khalili is an ancient market in Egypt, dating back to the 14th century. 

Located in the heart of Islamic Cairo, the bustling open-air bazaar is hugely popular for vibrant displays of fabrics, antique items, figurines, jewellery, spices, t-shirts, handicrafts and many other interesting souvenirs. 

Some other popular souvenirs from the markets include mini pyramids, beautiful jewellery boxes, traditional decorative Egyptian fabrics, papyrus scrolls (made similarly to how they were in the past), clothing, and footwear. 

Shop owners beckoning you to their stalls, the scent of spicy aromas and Arabic perfumes, and the centuries-old alleyways will keep you busy for hours. 

When you are done shopping, drop in at the famous el-Fishawy’s cafe for a traditional cup of tea.

You can reach Khan el-Khalili Market by taxi or walk from Al-Azahar park. Combine a tour of the Egyptian Museum and Khan el Khalili to see the differences between everyday life and history.

Khan el-Khalili Market is in Islamic Cairo in El-Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate. Being a popular tourist attraction, most shops in the market are open till late at night.

7- Watch an Al-Tannoura show at Wekalet El Ghouri 

Wekalet El Ghouri is a historic arts centre close to the Khan el-Khalili Market off Al Azhar Street that hosts the popular Al-Tannoura dance show on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday evenings every week. 

Located in one of Cairo’s most culturally significant areas, the show attracts crowds of visitors and residents eager to see this spectacular performance. 

You will need to reach the venue early as the seats are limited. 

Professionals in colourful traditional costumes put on musical performances, Sufi rites (El Darwish), and dances. 

Watching the traditional show in the middle of an Old Cairo neighbourhood is an experience.

You can reach Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center by taxi or walk from Al-Azhar park.

The Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center is at 3 Mohamed Abdo St. – Intersection of Al-Azhar St. and El-Moez St., Al-Ghoria District, Cairo Governorate 4293020. The show happens on Wednesdays and Saturdays weekly, with pickups at 5.30 pm and drop-offs after the show is completed. Reserve your tickets here.

8- Go On A Desert Safari And Watch Sunset 

what to do in cairo at night Young girl in the desert. Caucasian woman in off-road desert safari, western desert.
Going on an evening desert safari is one of the things to do from Cairo you’ll always remember.

The Egyptian Desert at Wadi El Rayan is less than two hours from Cairo. 

Explore the Wadi El Rayan waterfalls near the Wadi El Rayan lake, and the Mudawara Mountains and experience the thrill of dune bashing on steep dunes, sandboarding and camel rides. 

Appreciate the contrasting landscapes of a desert on one side and a lake on the other, and explore the Bedouin life at the Bedouin camp. 

A desert safari trip from Cairo can take more than six hours, and most tours include dinner in the desert under the stars.  

Desert safari tours normally include pick-ups and drop-offs at your hotel. You can join a full-day desert safari, including dinner, or stay overnight and spend two days in the Bahariya Oasis Camp.

9- Enjoy A Traditional Egyptian Felucca Ride On the Nile

outdoor cairo restaurant along nile river at night
The Nile riverside twinkles with lights at night in Cairo, Egypt.

If you want to explore the Nile River the traditional Egyptian way, ride in a Felucca. 

The traditional Egyptian sailboat is used in the Mediterranean coastal regions and is smaller than a cruise boat. 

Centuries ago, Feluccas were the most popular and advanced boats of their time and are still used in some places.

Engaging a tour guide will allow you to explore the Nile at your own pace and learn more about Egyptian history and the Nile’s significance in Egyptian culture.

A ride on a Felucca is generally a calmer way to explore and enjoy the mighty Nile compared to a cruise boat which is slightly faster and has entertainment and dining options. 

You can choose a tour that includes pick up and drop at the hotel. There’s a choice of one or a two-hour felucca boat rides on the Nile River with pickups at 4.30 pm, 6.30 pm or 8.30 pm and drop-offs after the tour is completed.

10- Experience Snow At Ski Egypt

If you want a snowy experience while exploring ancient history in Egypt, hang around Ski Egypt in the Mall Of Egypt. 

Ski Egypt offers a snowy ski experience with children’s rides and adult activities. 

Temperatures are continuously maintained below zero, so be ready to order a cup of hot chocolate when enjoying the snowy slopes, zorb balls, ice slides, tube runs, or simply playing with snowballs. 

Ski Egypt is in the Mall of Egypt on Al Wahat Road, 25km southwest of the city centre and is open until 10 pm every day. Skip the line and reserve your tickets here.

11- Watch A Performance At The Cairo Opera House

Watching an evening show at the Cairo Opera House is a great way to learn about Egyptian culture. 

Located in Zamalek near downtown Cairo, the Opera House is the city’s main venue for performing arts. 

You’ll be able to see various shows, including the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, the Religious Ensemble for Sufi Singing and other Egyptian ensemble concerts. 

The Cairo Opera House is also a venue for the Egyptian National Theatre Festival in July and August. 

There are also western cultural shows, such as touring international ballet groups. 

You can walk to the Opera House from the Opera subway station. Cairo Opera House is at Opera Square, Zamalek, Cairo Governorate 4270020. 

12- Chill Out At A Night Club

While Cairo is widely popular for being an ancient and historic city lined with old markets, mosques and hundreds of old structures, the city is also a hidden gem when it comes to nightlife. 

Cairo is home to an assortment of pubs, live music venues (Egyptian and international music), nightclubs and cocktail bars. 

Although alcohol is restricted to adults above 21 years, the availability of alcohol in tourist areas, restaurants and hotels is not restricted to visitors. 

Some places to visit include the Cairo Jazz Club for live jazz music, Pub 28, the oldest British pub in Cairo, Vintage Bar and Lounge, and Cellar Cairo. Or join this pub crawl, where you won’t have to worry about where you’re going or how to get there.

  • Cairo Jazz Club is at 197, 26th of July Corridor, Madinet Al Eelam, Agouza, Giza Governorate 3755220 and is open till 1 am daily.
  • Pub 28 is at 28, Shagaret Al Dor, Abu Al Feda, Zamalek, Cairo Governorate 4271020 and is open till 2 am daily.
  • Vintage Bar & Lounge is at Ring Road, Mirage City, Heliopolis, Cairo Governorate 11757 and is open till 12.30 am every day.
  • Cairo Cellar is at 22, Taha Hussein, Abu Al Feda, Zamalek, Cairo Governorate 4271150 and is open till 3 am daily. 

13- Spend An Evening At Al-Azhar Park

cairo sky at night
A smoggy evening panorama across Cairo at night.

Al-Azhar Park in the Old City of Cairo is the city’s largest family park and green space in Egypt and a place to wind down and relax after a hectic day of sightseeing. 

The expansive parklands house various gardens, fountains, and a lake and is one of Cairo’s loveliest gardens. 

The park also has several vantage points overlooking the city and historical monuments and the best time to visit is at sunset. 

There are also archaeological structures close to this park, like the old city gates, and the park also houses restaurants.

Al-Azhar park is close to the city centre and Khan el-Khalili and can be reached by taxi or private vehicle.

Al-Azhar Park is at Salah Salem St, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate 4294010 and open till 10 pm daily. This four-hour walking tour will help you see the sights and have dinner with new friends.

14- Spend An Evening At Cairo Festival City Mall

With over 300 stores and close to 100 restaurants, Cairo Festival City Mall is one of the city’s popular malls with many entertainment and shopping options. 

The mall has movie theatres, Kidzania, Magic Planet, Bounce (trampoline park) and many other activities that can easily keep you and your kids engaged for hours. 

Check out the dancing fountain in a large open area inside the mall. 

The fountain is within an artificial lake surrounded by observation areas and restaurants from where you can get a perfect view of the colourful audio-visual treat.

The mall is in New Cairo in the eastern part of the city. 

Cairo Festival City Mall is at 108.04 km, Ring Rd, New Cairo 3, 11385 and is open till 1 am every day.

15- Shop For Art And Handicrafts At Souq El-Fustat

Near the complex of religions, which houses the Coptic Museum, is one of the lesser-known yet incredible markets in Cairo – Souq El-Fustat. 

Also known as the Fustat Market, you can find a variety of Egyptian handicrafts and artistic items from leather to glass, mosaic, copper, wood art, Bedouin embroidery and antique jewellery. 

The market hosts 38 shops that the Tourism Development Authority of Egypt rents out to artists specialising in handicrafts. 

The market offers a unique and authentic shopping experience for handmade and customised crafts. 

Workshops are conducted for children and adults, where you can learn and create artistic pieces. 

If you are interested in purchasing authentic Egyptian handicrafts, a visit to Souq El-Fustat should be on your list.

The souq is within walking distance from Mar Girgis subway station.

Souq El-Fustat is at Al Kafour, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4244010 and is open till 7 pm from Thursday to Sunday.

16- Watch The Sunset At Mokattam Corniche

things to do at night in cairo
Aerial view at night in Cairo along the Nile River.

One of the best vantage points to enjoy the sunset over Cairo and see the city from the highest point is the Mokattam Corniche. 

Located in the eastern part of Cairo, the corniche offers a vantage point above the jumbled rooftops and minarets stretching to the mighty pyramids in the Giza Necropolis. 

Although not many eateries are available, you can get basic amenities like a chair, snacks, and sheesha. 

It’s crowded on weekends with locals, so plan your logistics. Fortunately, Mokattam Corniche is not far from the city centre. 

Mokattam Corniche is at Al Ahram, Cairo Governorate, Egypt and is open from 2 pm to 7 am every day

17- Take An Evening Stroll Across The Nile On Qasr El Nil Bridge

One of the most iconic bridges in Cairo is the Qasr El Nil Bridge, which is one of the oldest bridges on the Nile. 

Originally constructed in the 1800s, the bridge was rebuilt in 1933 and has a small section that can open and close to allow larger ships to pass through. 

The bridge offers stunning viewpoints over the Nile and has four 19th-century bronze lions at both ends. 

This bridge is popular among locals for evening strolls and has one of the best viewpoints to see the Nile in all its glory.

The bridge is within walking distance from Sadat and Opera subway stations. Qasr El Nil Bridge is at Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate 4272080 and is always open. 

18- Have A Fun Time At Magic Planet

If you’re visiting with kids, one of the fun things to do in Cairo at night is to spend a few hours at Magic Planet.

You’ll find the popular arcade, gaming venue and international indoor family entertainment centre in four city areas.

The venues offer games, rides and play areas for kids and adults. 

As the arcades are in popular malls, each venue is easily accessible, and families can have many hours of fun. 

Magic Planet is in four locations in Cairo and open till 12 am every day.

  • Magic Planet City Centre Maadi is at Ring Road, Cairo Governorate 11432.
  • Magic Planet – City Centre Almaza is at Sheraton Al Matar, El Nozha, Cairo Governorate 4472001.
  • Magic Planet Cairo Festival City is at Ring Rd, New Cairo 1, Cairo Governorate 4730020.
  • Magic Planet Mall of Egypt is at El Wahat Rd, First 6th of October, Giza Governorate 3294001.

19- Visit the Museum of Illusions

In Sheikh Zayed City, the Museum of Illusions is a fun and entertaining place to spend an evening in Cairo. 

Enjoy intriguing visual and sensory illusions designed to trick your mind. 

Visitors of all ages will find something to do here; some illusions are pretty new. 

Be sure to explore each illusion in more than one way and get yourself photographed in deceiving positions.

The museum is located in the western part of Cairo.

Museum of Illusions is at Walk Of Cairo, next to Sodic West gate, Giza Governorate 12588 and is open till 10 pm every day.

20- Wind Down In Safari Park 

Safari Park is a children’s amusement park near Zamalek, with a Ferris wheel, pony rides and other rides for children, and a lake where you can go paddle boating. 

The park is great to wind down after a hectic day of sightseeing and spend time with family amidst greenery. 

It has a restaurant and is an excellent place to enjoy children’s activities.

Safari Park is at Al Matar, Imbaba, Giza Governorate 3812002 and is open till 1 am except on Sundays.

21- Explore The National Museum Of Egyptian Civilization

downtown cairo at night
Looking for things to do in Cairo at night? Here are our top 20.

Cairo has several museums, many of which focus on the Ancient World period around the era when Pyramids were built. 

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, located close to the Coptic Museum, is unique in that it covers the entirety of human history in Egypt. 

The museum displays artefacts and information from the Palaeolithic times, followed by Ancient Egypt, Roman and Byzantine eras, and various Islamic periods leading to the modern day. 

You can also find a Royal Mummies Hall within the premises. 

The museum regularly organises cultural activities centred around Egyptian history and culture and keep an eye on the calendar for the same.

The museum is close to Coptic Cairo and can be accessed by a walk or taxi from Mar Girgis subway station.

The National Museum Of Egyptian Civilization is at Ein as Seirah, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4245001. While the National Museum’s regular hours are during the day, you can also visit on Friday nights from 6 pm to 9 pm. 

For more exciting cities at night, read:

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Vamsee Chandra
Vamsee Chandra lives in Hyderabad in India and is a financial markets trader by profession. An engineer with an MBA, he is a free-spirited traveller at heart. He has visited 17 countries on three different continents (Asia, Europe and North America) and has a personal target of visiting 50 countries before he retires. His favourite city is Paris, for its amazing museums and people. His favourite building is Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest building in the world, and his favourite countryside is the Bavarian region in Germany, where the Neuschwanstein Castle is located.