The Best Places For Photography In Cairo In 2026 (plus tips for how to get amazing photos)
The best places for photography in Cairo aren’t just in the city proper: there’s also Giza, and some nearby amazing day trips. You’ll want to be prepared to take all the photos, whether you’re a photographer, getting those shots for Instagram or making sure you have your memories captured how you want them!
My trip to Egypt started with a night solo in Giza near the pyramids, followed by a group tour, then a week solo traveling in Cairo with a tour to Alexandria! I’ve also been a professional photographer for 15 years, mostly while traveling and living abroad, so I know how to find all the best spots!
This post will tell you a little about each area, photography rules in Egypt and other info you need before visiting and planning your trip – because once you go to Cairo, you’ll be so glad you experienced this chaotic, yet magical place!
Whether you’re looking for amazing travel photos, free spots for photos, Instagrammable cafes and restaurants, nightlife, photo-worthy places to stay wedding or engagement photo shoot locations in Cairo, hidden gems, best neighborhoods in Cairo, photography tours or more, I’ve got you covered!
Planning Your Cairo Trip? Use my favorite resources:
Accommodation: Booking.com
Rent a Car: Discover Cars
Travel Insurance: Allianz
Flights: WayAway
Tours: Viator.com
Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi
Map of Best Places in Cairo for Photography
Getting to Cairo
Before you go
Best times to visit: The best months to visit Egypt are in the shoulder seasons, from March-April and October-November, when the weather is cooler.
I visited at the end of August through the beginning of September 2021, and it was hot, but we also had the sites mostly to ourselves because of the pandemic so it was worthwhile!
Before your trip to Egypt, you’ll need travel insurance. Allianz and Safety Wing are both great choices for this!
The currency is EGP, the Egyptian Pound. Check the exchange rate before you go, but as of the latest time I checked, 1 EGP = 0.032 United States Dollar – so you’ll need a good amount of cash, but it’s not going to break the bank!
What to wear and pack
It’s hot… so bring a ton of sunscreen and something cool to cover your shoulders, plus a hat. Bring long skirts, dresses and/or breezy pants, both for the modesty culture (a lot of the sites, especially mosques require knees and shoulders to be covered) and for the cooler nights. You may want to swim in the Nile or at hotel pools, so definitely bring a swimsuit.
Check out this list for packing tips for photography gear.
Also, check out this post for how to pack your carry-on for your (long) flight plus more tips for International flights!
Upon Arrival
Tourist Visa: You’ll get these upon arrival at the airport for $25 USD.
Distance from Cairo International Airport to Cairo & Giza: The airport is a one-hour drive from Giza, and around a 35-minute drive into Cairo, depending on traffic.
SIM Cards: The airport does not have WiFi… but you’ll need a SIM card to get Internet if you don’t have an international phone plan, or if you don’t opt into the $10/day offer from your US cell provider, for instance.
Once you buy a SIM card, you still need Internet access to activate the card. The vendors refused to help me with getting Internet access, so I just kept bugging them until one gave me access through their password.
Airalo eSIM is the best option to avoid this! They’re already used by over 1 million travelers. With Airalo, you can download and install a digital data pack for over 200 countries/regions and get connected as soon as you land!
The reason you’ll want Internet access before you leave the area is if you’re leaving the airport, because you’ll want to get an Uber…
Get an Uber instead of a taxi… it’s cheaper, and taxi drivers are known for cheating tourists. Don’t rent a car in Cairo, unless you already know how to drive in lawless chaos! If you do need to rent a car in Egypt, I recommend using Discover Cars to find the best deals!
For flights, WayAway is a flight aggregator that helps you find the cheapest flights. Use the code MUKI-TRAVELS for 10% off WayAway Plus.
There’s an airport hotel I stayed in called the Le Meridien, and there are other hotels close by if you want to stay close to the airport your first or last night.
Safety: Keep your belongings close and safe. Egyptians are known for their world-class hospitality, but it’s still a major city. My hostel provided me with people to take me places and meet up with me when I wanted to go places at night since I was traveling solo, so just ask where you’re staying if they’ll help you out.
Cairo Pass: Valid for 5 days, you can buy one of these for $100 USD in the Egyptian Museum, Giza plateau, the Citadel or in Zamalek. It includes the Giza pyramid sites, Egyptian Museum, Historic Cairo sites, Museum of Islamic Art, Coptic Museum, Citadel, Saqqara, Dahshur (just the Red and Bent pyramids).
To get the pass you’ll need extra copies of your passport and extra photos (2 of each), and it’s cash only, and must be new bills.
The only reasons you should buy this pass are 1) if you’ll definitely go to all these sites (because it costs the same amount), and 2) if you’re going to visit sites multiple times (which is allowed with the pass).
What to Expect for Cairo Photography
This list of 35 best places for photography in Cairo includes places that are free, attractions that require an entrance fee, hotels and restaurants and more.
Many sites include an additional camera photography ticket. Some sites require an additional tripod/photography stand ticket and you can also buy tickets for professional photo and video shooting.
You can always bring your smartphone for photos if you don’t always want to purchase a camera ticket and still get photos. If you’re traveling on a budget, it’s a good idea to pick which sites you’ll bring your camera to that require a ticket before you go.
If you choose not to pay for a camera ticket, leave your camera at home or store it well and know that you’re not usually allowed to bring a camera if you’re not paying for a ticket at sites.
Plan ahead
Some sites require transportation. The day trip sites are a little bit outside of Cairo, so getting a driver and guide, or just an Uber who will also be your guide are great options for these. For sites in the city, you can get an Uber or take public transportation.
A plan is also necessary for getting into sites at times that are optimal for getting those shots! For instance, getting to the pyramids first thing in the morning is key. There are usually crowds everywhere, so getting to most places early is important if you don’t want to deal with that.
General Cairo (& Egypt) photography tips and rules
People working in the sites will want to take photos of you or let you take their photo, but they’ll want you to pay them, so be aware of that before agreeing to them (for the market and a lot of sites, you’ll also need to bargain if you don’t want to overpay for souvenirs).
Remember to protect your camera from dust and heat, because a lot of the sites can be windy and they’re full of sand! Don’t change your lens in the open air to avoid dust getting in, and store your camera when it’s not in use.
Now, what you came here for – the 43 best photo spots in and around Cairo and Giza!
43 best places for photography in Cairo
A quick note for how to use this list on your trip: each “Location” has a link to the Google Maps location, so just click on it for immediate directions!
When planning, check out the ticket prices and hours to write up a plan for where to go, when and which tickets you want to buy that are in your budget.
1. Pyramids and Giza Plateau
Location: Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate, Egypt
The pyramids are one of the best places for photography in Cairo, but there are many others that will surprise you, and even places in the pyramids you may not think of for photography.
Go in the morning when they open, which is at 7:00 am for these reasons:
- to avoid crowds (buses don’t come until 10 am, so you can get much better photos);
- to get good lighting (see the below photo for the worst time to go);
- to avoid the heat.
The photo below was taken at closing time – the sun was in the worst place and visibility was low (plus they were kicking us out!). In the morning I got much better lighting and there were no crowds.
Photo ops:
- The Great Pyramid (also called Cheops or Khufu) – the largest of the three; you can buy an extra ticket to go inside this one, but it’s empty other than a sarcophagus (sans mummy), so it’s more for the experience than anything.
- Pyramid of Khefre
- Pyramid of Menkaure
- Other archaeological areas, including the mastaba (tomb) of Queen Meresankh III, the wife of Khafra and granddaughter of Khufu
- Camel or horse ride and/or photoshoot
- Eastern and Western Cemeteries, which include the tombs of family members and nobility
Note: Khufu’s Solar Boat Museum used to be here, but the boat has been moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Hours: 7:00 am – 4 pm in summer, closes at 5 pm in winter months
Ticket prices for non-locals: Adult: EGP 240, Student: EGP 120
Extra tickets must be purchased for: Going inside the pyramids, the Tomb of Meresankh III, or the Worker’s Cemetery.
Ticket that includes entry to the Great Pyramid: Adult: EGP 600, Student: EGP 300
2. Sphinx
The Sphinx is part of the Giza Pyramid Complex, but it deserves its own spot in the list because there are so many unique (and quintessential) photo ops here!
Photo ops: Walking from Mena House Hotel (or the side further from the Sphinx) will take you through a lot of additional archaeology that you might not otherwise see:
The area around the Sphinx includes the Valley Temple of Khafre, a paved stone road that connects the Temple to a mortuary temple beside Khafre’s pyramid, and the Sphinx Temple. All of this was discovered during the 20th century, thousands of years after the Sphinx itself. This area is fascinating, plus it creates multiple opportunities for photos from various spots, both above, below and on the sides.
Fun fact: A theory for the purpose of the Sphinx is that it was a big clock: the temple includes sanctuaries that line up with points where the sun rises and sets during the 2 equinoxes!
About half a mile away from the Sphinx there’s a cemetery dating to the Old Kingdom with tombs that belonged to laborers who built the Sphinx – which had been a mystery for centuries, only discovered in 1990 on accident by an American tourist!
The discovery of the tombs led to the Lost City being discovered, a major city from the time of Khafre, where the people lived.
3. Mosque of Ibn Tulun
There are so many amazing mosques that make great photoshoot locations in Cairo, so I’ve just included a few in this post.
Most mosques are free, but there sometimes is a ticket price. Women will need to have their heads covered and shoes must be taken off. There’s usually an expected tip for shoe storage.
Location: Ahmed Ibn Tolon Sq., Tolon, El Sayeda Zeinab, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
The mosque is important because it is one of the oldest not only in Cairo, but all of Africa (It was completed in 879 AD), plus it’s the largest in Cairo.
Photo ops: Natural light, open air ancient stucco design, interesting shadows created by the pillars, and the tower with a city view.
Hours for non-locals: 8 am – 4 pm
Ticket prices: Combined Adult: EGP 60, Student: EGP 30
The ticket includes entry to the Gayer-Anderson Museum, which is an Arab art and antiquities museum next door. This location was used in The Spy Who Loved Me (James Bond film).
4. Qalawun Complex
Location: El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
This complex is considered a major monument for Islamic Cairo because it has iconic Mamluk architecture and has a hospital, madrasa and mausoleum. It was built in 1285 by Sultan al-Mansu Aalawun.
Photo ops:
- Qalawun Complex
- Sultan Barqouk Mosque
- Sulayman Agha Al-Silahdar Mosque and Sabil
- Al-Nasir Muhammad Ibn Qalawun Mosque and School
- Musa Bin Maimun Temple
- Al-Kamil School
- Hammam Inal
- Amir Beshtak Palace
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
Ticket prices for non-locals: A combination ticket is 100 EGP.
5. Citadel of Saladin/Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Location: Al Abageyah, El Khalifa, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
The Citadel of Saladin, or Citadel of Cairo was built by Saladin in 1176 and added to by others, and was the government center in the country from the 13th-19 centuries.
Photo ops:
- The skyline can be viewed from the Gawhara Terrace
- The Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha or Alabaster Mosque
- The Mamluk Mosque of El-Nasir: built in 1318-35 by Mohammed el-Nasir
- The Military Museum
- The Police Museum
- The Royal Carriages Museum
- The Qaser El Gawhara Museum
Hours: 8am-4pm, closed Fridays.
Ticket prices for non-locals: 60 EGP
6. Sultan Hassan Mosque & El-Rifai Mosques
Location: El-Darb El-Ahmar, El Khalifa, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Sultan Hassan Mosque was built in 1356-63 for the Sultan (it was named after him).
Photo ops: Mamluk architecture; this mosque is one of the biggest in the world and has the tallest minaret in Cairo.
El-Rifa’i Mosque was completed in 1912, houses the tomb of Khedive Ismail. It’s also called the Royal Mosque.
Photo ops: Even though it was built 500 years after the Sultan Hassan Mosque, the two are built in similar styles which makes them interesting to compare.
Hours: 8 am – 4:30 pm
Ticket prices for non-locals: Combination ticket: 80 EGP
7. Mosque of Sultan al-Muayyad
Location: El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Built during the reign of Mamluk Sultan Al-Mu’ayyad Sayf ad-Din Shaykh, it was completed in 1421 on the site of a prison. The sultan had been imprisoned before and suffered there, so he decided to build the mosque to replace it.
Photo ops: Mamluk architecture, re-used stones from pharaonic temples with Egyptian inscriptions, panoramic view over Cairo and of the Citadel from the top of the wall, twin minarets (you can climb them).
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
Ticket prices for non-locals: Adult: 25 EGP, Student: 15 EGP
8. Mosque of Al-Hakim
Location: 154 Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
This Fatimid style mosque is among the oldest mosques in Egypt, and the second largest following the Mosque of Ibn Tulun.
Photo ops: Natural light in the courtyard from arches and windows, chandeliers, calligraphy on the building, floral carvings, minarets that are the oldest preserved in Cairo, entrance that’s modeled after ancient Egyptian propylon
Hours: 10 am – 3 pm
Ticket prices: Free
9. Museum of Islamic Art
Location: Port Said, Ghayt Al Adah, El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
This is the largest museum of Islamic art on the globe with over 100,000 artifacts from India, China, the Levant, North Africa and more. The art covers all branches of Islamic art from all time periods.
Photo ops: The entrance on Port Said Street is gorgeous, and the artifacts inside.
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm; Fridays 9 am – 11:30 am and 1:30 pm – 5 pm.
Ticket prices for non-locals: Adult: EGP 120, Student: EGP 60
Photo ticket: 50 EGP
10. Egyptian Museum
Location: Ismailia, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
You could spend months exploring the Egyptian Museum, which has the most pharaonic antiquities in the world and is the oldest archaeological museum in the entire Middle East.
Many artifacts are being moved to the GEM which is opening soon, so there may be changes when you visit – feel free to post any changes in the comments!
The best thing to do if you’re not with a tour guide is to plan what you want to see in advance. Definitely visit the King Tut room, even though photos aren’t allowed.
Photo ops: Wander to various time period rooms. Here’s a few I would recommend:
- Mummified animals room
- Book of the dead room
- Amarna Letters
- Treasures of Tanis
- Narmer Palette
- Statues of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure (builders of the Giza pyramids)
- Amenhotep III and Tiye Colossal Statue
- Sarcophagus of Kawit
- Menkaura triads
- Masks of Yuya and Thuya
Hours: 9 am – 3 pm
Ticket prices for non-locals: Adult: EGP 200, Student: EGP 100
Photography ticket: (Personal Use –without Flash): EGP 50
Video ticket: (Personal Use –without Flash): EGP 300
11. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Location: Kafr Nassar, Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate, Egypt
The Grand Egyptian Museum, also called the Giza Museum, is set to open in 2023. Once open, it will become the largest archaeological museum in the world, with the largest Egyptian artifact collection.
Photo Ops: Facade, artifacts. Most excitingly, it includes never-before seen artifacts.
12. Museum of Modern Egyptian Art
Location: Zamalek, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Also called the Gezira Center for Modern Art. Seeing local art is an excellent way to fully immerse yourself in the real Cairo, and learn more of its history!
Photo ops: Island, facade of the building, plus over 4,000 pieces of art that are of high value and the Opera House next door.
Hours: 10 am – 4 pm, closed Mondays and Fridays.
13. National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)
Location: El Fustat Road, Ein Elsira, Cairo
This museum has artifacts from the Predynastic time through modern times, both of Egypt and the Arab world (for comparison, the Egyptian Museum ends at Greco-Roman time period).
Photo ops: Amazing architectural elements and artifacts. Check the website (link above) for collections and more to get ideas!
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Sat-Thurs, 9-5 and 5 pm – 9 pm Friday, Ramadan 9 am – 4 pm.
Ticket prices for non-locals: Adult: 200 EGP, Student: 100 EGP
14. Coptic Museum
Location: 3 Mari Gerges, Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Coptic Christianity is another religious part of Cairo’s history and present era, and you may notice a lack of antiquities present in the Egyptian Museum – that’s because they’re in the Coptic Museum, which houses the largest collection of Coptic Christian artifacts in the world.
Photo ops: Coptic Christianity borrowed from Egyptian, Greco-Roman mythology, Byzantine and Ottoman, so it’s interesting to see the art and connect the dots between ancient Egypt to Islamic Egypt. There are also reconstructed ancient churches within the museum.
Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Ticket prices for non-locals: Adult: EGP 100, Student: EGP 50, Audio tour: 20 EGP
15. Baron Empain Palace
Location: El-Montaza, Heliopolis, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Also known as Le Palais Hindou, this ornate, historic Hindu palace was constructed between 1907 and 1911, and was inspired by temples in southern India.
Photo ops: Ornate Heliopolis Style architecture
Hours: 9 am – 6 pm
Ticket prices for non-locals: Adult: EGP 100, Student: EGP 50
Roof tickets: EGP 50
Photo shot tickets (by camera ): Camera: EGP 50, Camera Stand: EGP 30
Photo Session: EGP 800
17. Felucca Sail on the Nile
Location: Nile River
You can choose a 1-3 hour felucca sail on the Nile, and some include a meal.
Photo ops: Sights along the Nile, river and boat shots, bridges and more!
Prices and times will vary depending on tour provider. Here are some options:
⛵️ Take a 1-hour Viator felucca sail
⛵️ Go on a Short Viator felucca sail with lunch
⛵️ Go on a Felucca sail with a tour of Manial Palace in Cairo and lunch
18. Shaar Hashamayim (Adly St.) Synagogue
Egypt has one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world, but as in many areas of the world, synagogues are a bit scarce because of history. But the ones they have are pretty spectacular!
Location: 14 Adly, Al Fawalah, Abdeen, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
This synagogue, also known as Temple Ismailia and the Adly Street Synagogue is the largest in Egypt, and opened in 1899.
Photo ops: Unfortunately, I didn’t get to go inside and was told not to photograph it (probably for security reasons) – but this may change, so it’s worth checking out if you’re close by or going for a service in order to see inside.
Check out this site for more information and videos. You can possibly ask the Egyptian synagogue manager for access through your hotel or accommodation.
Hours: 8 am – 5 pm
19. Ben Ezra Synagogue
Location: Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Also called the El-Geniza Synagogue or the Synagogue of the Levantines, this synagogue is said to be located where Moses was found as a baby, and is the oldest synagogue in Egypt. The current building opened in 1892, and is also where the Cairo Geniza was found.
Maimonides, one of the most famous Jews in history, worshipped there while in Cairo.
Photo ops: Architecture
Hours: 9 am – 4 pm
20. Saqqara Necropolis and Dahshur Necropolis (the other pyramids)
Location: Badrshein, Giza Governorate, Egypt, 25 miles south of Cairo
These other pyramids are in Memphis, the original capital of Egypt. You can go inside many of the pyramids.
The Saqqara pyramids are the oldest in the world and they’re well-preserved, so you can get amazing photos of these UNESCO sites.
Fun Fact: 5 Old Kingdom tombs were just discovered here in March 2022!
Photo ops:
- Inside the pyramids
- Pyramid of Djoser (step pyramid)
- Persian Shaft
- Serapeum of Saqqara (ancient tombs for bulls)
- Other pyramids and tombs
- Imhotep Museum
The Dahshur pyramids are where the Egyptians honed their skill. The Bent Pyramid was an attempt at making the surface smooth.
Photo ops:
- Red Pyramid
- Bent Pyramid
- White Pyramid
- Black Pyramids
- Pyramid of Sesostris III
- Several other pyramids
- Nearby tombs of royal women
Hours: 8 am – 4 pm
Ticket prices: Adult: 150 EGP, Student: 75 EGP
🐪 Go on this Viator tour that includes the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Saqqara, Lunch & Camels
21. Bab Zuweila roof
Location: El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Close to: Al Azhar, Tentmakers’ Souk, The Citadel, Sultan Hassan Madrasa, Al Rifa’i Mosque.
There is a gate that is part of the Fatimid fortification wall, and on either side it’s flanked by minarets of the Al-Muayyad Mosque.
Local Myths: There’s a local myth that the ghost of Ottoman Sheikh Al Mitwali lives in the doorway. There’s a model of a boat hanging there, and the myth is that the boat is there for him to use to go to Mecca.
Photo ops: There’s a small museum housing artifacts from the archaeological street excavations. From there you get to the roof, which gives you a panoramic view of the city.
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
Ticket prices: Adult: 20 EGP, Student: 10 EGP
22. Roda Island (day trip)
Location: Al Manyal Ash Sharqi, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Roda Island is located along the Nile in the center of Cairo. Since Pharaonic times, the island has been used as a port, for building ships, as an arsenal, for fortifications, for palaces, and more.
Photo ops:
- Gardens
- Nilometer: dates to the period following the Arab conquest of Egypt, and was used to measure the Nile as it rose. There is also a Mamluk-period aqueduct on the island.
Hours: 9 am – 4 pm
Tickets: Adult: 15 EGP
- The Manial Palace of Prince Mohamed Ali Pasha is known for its style which mixed Islamic with European Art Nouveau and Rococo styles. There are 5 buildings and gardens.
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
Tickets: Adult : EGP 100, Student: EGP 50
Photo tickets: EGP 50
Video: EGP 300
Photo session: EGP 800
- City of the Dead/Cairo cemetery: Also called Cairo Necropolis or the Qarafa, includes mausoleums from the Islamic period.
- Qasr al-Aini Medicine Museum: Created by Dr. Mohammed Almenawi, the general secretary of the Faculty of Medicine at the Qasr Al-Eini School of Medicine, this museum links medicine between ancient Egypt and modern-day.
23. Ancient Heliopolis and El Matareya
Location: Helmeyat AZ Zaytoun, Ain Shams, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Ancient Heliopolis lies east of the Nile, and was one of the oldest ancient Egyptian cities. Many big statues of Rameses and others have been found here, even recently.
Photo ops:
- Recently discovered archaeological sites
- The Misalla, or ancient Obelisk, that is one of the few Pharaonic ones left in the country, and the only in situ surviving feature of ancient Heliopolis and the Temple of Re-Atum, built by Pharaoh Senusret I of the 12th Dynasty.
- Tombs of High Priests of Re (6th Dynasty)
- Necropolis of Heliopolis (Middle to New Kingdom)
- Tree of the Virgin Mary
Free spots for great photos
24. El-Matariya Church and the “Virgin’s Tree”
Location: Same as El-Matariya
Chapel and tree where Coptic Christian legend says Mary rested when fleeing with Joseph and Jesus.
25. Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus
Location: Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Also called Abu Serga, this 4th century Coptic church is one of the oldest in Egypt, and is also believed to be where Mary, Joseph and Jesus rested while fleeing into Egypt.
Photo ops: Basilica layout and unique architectural and design elements, underground cave
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
26. The Hanging Church
Location: Kom Ghorab, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Also called Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, the Suspended Church or Al-Moallaqa, it dates to the 3rd century. The name “Hanging Church” comes from the location, which was above a gate of the Babylon (Roman) fortress in Coptic Cairo.
Photo ops:
- Roof shaped like Noah’s Ark
- Twin bell towers decorated with biblical designs
- Courtyard and outer porch area
- Basilica style
- 19th century facade
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
27. The Cave Church
Location: Ghayt Al Adah, Abdeen, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Also known as the Monastery of Saint Simon, this church is located in “garbage city”, a nickname that comes from all the garbage collectors who live there. The actual location is in the Mokattam mountain in southeastern Cairo.
The garbage collectors are called the “Zabbaleen”, and are descendants of the original people who moved to the location in the 1940s. They were Coptic Christians and constructed churches in caves in the mid-1970s. The Cave Church is the biggest church not only in Cairo, but in the whole Middle East.
Photo ops: The massive cave church and decor, the facade and rocky mountain backdrop.
28. El-Khalili Bazaar
Location: El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
The market has been around since the 14th century AD, and has appeared in many movies. It’s near many Middle Eastern-era buildings, Al-Hussein Mosque and more.
You can find lamps, rugs, spices, souvenirs of all kinds, jewelry and more here. Also, be sure to stop for an Arabic coffee.
Photo ops: The archway that’s popular for photos, and you can also get pics in the street or at shops and restaurants. During the day and at night are great times for photos here!
29. Zamalek
Location: Gezira island
Zamalek is an affluent area in western Cairo, on part of Gezira Island on the Nile. There are all kinds of restaurants, shops and hotels here. It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Cairo.
Photo ops:
- Cairo Tower: The 2nd most distinctive building in Egypt after the pyramids, this is also the tallest building in Egypt and North Africa.
The lattice design meant to resemble a lotus plant, a symbol in ancient Egypt, and the view over Cairo in the revolving restaurant at the top of the tower.
Hours: 9 am – 1 pm
- Egyptian Opera House
- El Sawy Culture Wheel Center
- Museum of Islamic Ceramics
- Gezirah House
- All Saints’ Cathedral, which resembles a lotus flower (a symbol of Egypt)
- Cairo Marriott Hotel
30. Muizz Street
Location: El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate, Egypt (close to Khan El Khalili)
The longer name of this street is Al-Muizz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi Street – named after the Fatimid caliph who conquered the city in 969.
Located in historic Cairo, it dates to the 10th century, making it one of the oldest streets in the city that used to be one of the most important. It used to have all the markets and all kinds of important buildings.
Photo ops: A lot of historic architecture, mosques and monuments, including antique markets, mosques, the Qalawun complex, mansions from the medieval era and palaces, and Bab Zuweila gate.
31. Al Azhar Park
Location: El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Stroll around, eat and drink at the restaurants and cafes, and take lots of pictures. The park is on the site of a former garbage dump that was transformed into a beautiful public park.
Photo ops: Islamic-design gardens, lake, views of the Citadel, a space of peace in the midst of a chaotic city.
32. Nightlife
There’s a lot of nightlife to be found in Cairo to get some great photos.
Photo ops:
- The Nile River
- Qasr El Nil bridge and lions
- Shahrazad Cairo
- El Sawy Culture Wheel
- Crimson Cairo
- El-Khalili Bazaar
- Le Pacha 1901 in Zamalek, a floating boat that stays docked and has late-night karaoke
- Cairo Jazz Club
- Dinner Cruise
- El Horreya
- Cairo Opera House
33. The Kasr El Nil Bridge Lions
Location: Kasr Al Nile Bridge, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
The bronze lion statues were made in the 19th century by a French sculptor named Henri Alfred Jacquemart. The bridge connects Tahrir Square to the Cairo Opera complex.
Photo ops: The lions, at night or during the day, plus views of the city.
34. Desert photoshoot
Location: Right outside of Cairo
Near any of the pyramids is a great spot to capture some desert photography near Cairo! There are more popular desert getaways (like the White and Black deserts), but if you’re looking to stay close to Cairo, the desert pretty much surrounds the city.
You can always get a tour to help you get there and back, plus additional experiences for more photo ops, like these:
🐪 Book a 4×4 Desert Safari, Sandsurf, & Camel Ride In Cairo
🐪 Go on a 2-Day White Desert Camping Tour from Cairo
35. Infrastructure & Transportation
All the buildings in Cairo are either being taken down or built up. Egypt is building a new capital city outside of Cairo because of the state of the city. Parts of the city just look like a mess – even though other parts have amazing architecture and historical buildings.
The transportation is also pretty insane – Cairo traffic is complete chaos. There are lanes in the road, but no one uses them… and there are vehicles and bikes with more people than you’d think could fit them, along with carts pulled by animals, and people crossing the street without crosswalks.
36. Old Cairo/Coptic Cairo
Location: Historic or Old Cairo, also called Islamic Cairo, this is section of the city which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo ops:
- Fort Babylon
- Hanging Church
- Settlements from the Islamic era
- Coptic Museum & churches
- Ben Ezra Synagogue
- Mosques
- Madrasas
- Hammams
- Fountains
📸 Get this private guided photography tour of the area
37. Street of the Tentmakers
Location: El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
This street is known for textile production, specifically appliqué panels which were made for tents and pavilions.
Photo ops: The textile patterns and colors, the streets and people working. Plus, the area is not as touristy as other locations.
38. Architecture – Downtown Cairo
Location: Bab Al Louq, Abdeen, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
French architects were commissioned to design the downtown of Cairo because Khedive Ismail thought he could make Cairo better than Paris.
Photo ops:
- Groppi ice cream shop, a landmark building
- Café Riche, which was where many intellectuals and revolutionaries met during the 20th century, and a lot of notable events took place.
- Said Halim Palace
- St. Joseph’s Church
- The Egyptian Museum
- Baehler Passage
- Talaat Harb Square
- Egyptian Diplomatic Club
- Cinema Radio
Street Food and Instagrammable Cafes in Cairo
39. Zooba
Location: Multiple
We stopped at Zooba for food to go, and not only is it cute and amazing, but they also have a location in NYC!
Photo ops: The outside and inside have great design, not to mention the to-go bags and food!
Hours: 10 am – 12 am
40. El-Fishawi cafe
Location: El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate, Egypt, in Khan el-Khali market
Eat at El-Fishawi cafe, which was established in 1797, making it one of the oldest in the city.
Photo ops: Coffee and food, atmosphere and people
Hours: 12:30 pm – 12 am
41. 9 Pyramids Lounge
Location: Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate, Egypt
This is a brand-new restaurant, and the only one in its location, so you have to make reservations well in advance.
Photo ops: Panoramic view of the pyramids, seating area outside overlooking the pyramids, pyramid-shaped rice on your plate!
Hours: 9 am – 4 pm
Photo-Worthy Places to Stay
42. Marriott Mena House Hotel
Location: Pyramids Road, 6 Aswan – Giza, Al Haram, Giza Governorate 12556, Egypt
This historic, 5-star hotel is now a Marriott and is spectacular. It opened Egypt’s very first swimming pool in 1890 after being a private hunting lodge to begin with. The pool today is also really great, of course!
Photo ops: There are so many, from the pyramids, to the grounds, gardens and pool, restaurants and events.
Hours: Check in: 3 pm, Check out: 12 pm
💼 Check Current Prices & Availability at the Mena House Hotel Cairo Here
43. Nine Pyramids View Hotel
Location: 2st, Mohamed Hassab Salam, Mansoria, الهرم، Giza Governorate 12557, Egypt
Pyramids View Hotel is a really nice choice, especially if you’re traveling on a budget. It has great pyramid views with Giza in the foreground.
I had a panoramic window with a view in my room, and upstairs there’s a great view out the window plus a rooftop with tables and a bar!
Photo ops: Panoramic view of the pyramids, and anything else you want to photograph (like the free breakfast and fun elevator interior)!
Hours: Check out: 12 pm
💼 Check Availability at Pyramids View Hotel Here
Best Photography Tours in Cairo
📸 Go on a Custom Photo Tour for Photographers
📸 Get this Professional Customizable Photoshoot in Cairo
📸 Go on this Photography Tour With Equipment Included
2 Minutes In Cairo & Giza on Video:
FAQs: Best Places To Take Pictures In Cairo
👉 Is photography allowed in Egypt?
Yes, in most places photography is allowed, but you must buy a photography ticket to use a camera in some sites. If you don’t buy a photography ticket, make sure you either don’t bring your camera or have it well hidden – people will check for it.
👉 Are you allowed to take pictures inside the pyramids?
Yes. If you’re using a camera, with a photography ticket, which requires an extra purchase. If you’re using your smartphone, it’s free.
👉 Can you take pictures in Cairo Museum?
You can take photos in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, but no photography is allowed in the King Tut room.
All In All: The Top Photoshoot Locations in Cairo, Egypt
There is so much more to Cairo than meets the camera! Your photo-loving soul will be in its element the whole trip when you know these 35 best places for photography in Cairo (and Giza)!
If you want more tips on how to take amazing photos, check out my ultimate photography guide here!
Lastly, if you’re looking for a tour that includes Cairo plus Aswan and Luxor, and a Nile Cruise plus flights and transportation, check out this one:
✈️ Book this 8-Day Private Tour Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Nile Cruise Including Air Fare
I did a day tour from Cairo to Alexandria like this one:
🚗 Take this Day Tour from Cairo to Alexandria
Keep Reading:
👉 Is Egypt Safe For Travel? Important Advice Amidst War
👉 Jerusalem to Egypt / Egypt to Jerusalem: All You Need To Know
👉 This guide to Tel Aviv, Israel
👉 This guide to Jerusalem, Israel
👉 This guide to Istanbul, Turkey
👉 This guide to Athens, Greece
👉 This London Travel Guide
👉 Check out more guides to countries outside of the US here!
