Charismatic Cairo is world-famous for its Pyramids. But scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find a bustling city with its own unique culture and history.

On the slew of free walking tours in Cairo, you can uncover the city's ancient wonders, vibrant markets and hidden gems as you stroll through its historic and diverse neighborhoods; walking along cobbled streets, modern pedestrian roads and dusty desert alleys.

Led by friendly, passionate locals who are undisputed experts about all things Cairo (its history, culture, food and lesser-known attractions), each on-foot adventure offers an up-close and personal introduction to this remarkable metropolis.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or a culture vulture, the variety of informative and engaging tours promise an in-depth insight into Cairo's rich heritage.

Here's everything you should know before booking and joining free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing tours in Cairo.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Cairo have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should I tip?

When deciding how much to tip for your free walking tour in Cairo, take into account the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed it overall. Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Cairo?

Cairo offers a range of fantastic free walking tours that allow you to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, delve into its rich history and discover hidden gems along the way – you'll quickly realize that there's so much more to this city than the Sphinx and the Pyramids. Here are the top free walking tours in Cairo:

Giza Pyramids & Sphinx free walking tour

This is the most popular kind of free walking tour in Cairo (Giza, technically), since it checks off two of Egypt's must-see sites: the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx.

Most tours will start at the Pyramids of Giza ticket office, where you'll meet your friendly guide. From there, you'll start your walk around the Giza Plateau; first, you'll wander around the three major pyramids and the burial chambers, learning all about the mysterious construction process and theories behind them. Then you'll move on to the Great Sphinx, where your guide will share interesting facts about its history and meaning — and allow you plenty of time to take some photos.

Depending on your tour of choice, you might also get the chance to explore the Solar Boat Museum or visit a cemetery belonging to the head of King Khufu's royal court — and if you time it well, catch a stunning sunset view of the Pyramids and the desert beyond.

Old Cairo free walking tour

Focusing around the area of Old Cairo, this free walking tour will take you through some of the city's oldest and most historic sites. From Coptic churches to Islamic monuments, it's a great way to go back in time and get an insight into Egypt's fascinating history – beyond the stereotypical Pyramids and into the heart of ancient Cairo.

Most tours start in the Coptic area of Cairo, which lies to the southeast of the city. From there, you'll explore some of Cairo's most famous churches and monasteries — like St Sergius, which dates back to the 4th century AD – as well as lesser-known gems like the Church of Abu Sirga.

You can expect to see other notable landmarks like the Babylon Fortress, St Bacchus Church, the Al Nasser Muhammed ibn Qaloun Mosque and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. You might also pop into the military museum and the police museum, which both show off a different side of the city.

In between famous landmarks, you'll pass by markets, family-run restaurants and traditional shops — where you can pick up some souvenirs to take home. And of course, your guide will be on hand to answer any questions you have throughout the tour. These tours are usually also available at night.

Khan El-Khalili Bazaar free walking tour

This popular free walking tour takes visitors through the bustling streets of Khan El-Khalili bazaar — one of Cairo's most vibrant and colorful souks (markets), looking like something straight out of Aladdin.

Most bazaar shopping tours will start at the entrance of Khan El-Khalili, where you'll be able to explore its winding alleys filled with merchants selling anything from handmade pottery to aromatic spices.

You'll have time to wander around the traditional shops, which sell everything from spices and perfumes to ceramics, jewelry and much more. As you explore, your guide will tell you stories about the bazaar's past and provide a more in-depth insight into the history of Cairo. Your guide will also take you past some of the area's main attractions, like the ancient Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Barquq.

Depending on your tour, you may also get a chance to visit the Al Feshawy Cafe, the oldest café in Egypt, for a cup of mint tea. You'll usually end your tour you by walking through one of the three remaining gates of old Cairo.

Cairo Egyptian street food free walking tour

Suited to foodies, this free walking tour takes you through the Egyptian capital's streets, exploring all the delicious Cairo street food offerings, local ingredients and recipes that make Egyptian cuisine so unique. Food-themed walking tours can have very different itineraries, depending on whether you focus on markets, street food or open-air eateries.

On many tours, you will meet your guide and group near Tahrir Square or Alfy Street, a pedestrian famous for its variety of shops, cafés, restaurants and street food. From here, you'll make your way through the busy streets, stopping to sample some of the delicious local dishes such as koshari (rice and lentils with garlic sauce), shawarma or falafel. Along the way, your guide will tell about – and let you sample – local drinks like hibiscus, karakare and helba too.

If your tour is downtown-based, you could hop between popular eateries like Gad, Abu Tarek, El Abd, Le Grillon, Shalaby and Malek el Kebda – but every day brings something different on a Cairo food tour.

In which languages is it operated?

Free walking tours in Cairo are usually available in English and Arabic at a bare minimum. Most guides speak both English and another language, including German, French and Spanish.

Where do they start?

The meeting point for Cairo Free Walking Tours varies depending on the style of excursion you choose. Food tours will usually meet near Tahrir Square or Alfy Street, while an Old Cairo free walking tour will usually meet at one of the major historical landmarks.

Specific zone tours, such as that of the Pyramids or the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, will meet near the respective attractions.

How long do they last?

Generally, a free walking tour in Cairo will last between 2 and 4 hours, although this can vary depending on the type of tour. Food tours tend to be slightly shorter than tours of the Pyramids or the Old City.

Are they wheelchair friendly?

Most walking tours are not fully wheelchair-friendly, as some areas in Cairo can be difficult to navigate, particularly around the pyramids. However, there are a number of tour operators who offer wheelchair-accessible tours and can make the necessary arrangements beforehand.

When is the best time to go on a free walking tour in Cairo?

The best time to join a free walking tour in Cairo is during the cooler months from October to April, when temperatures are more tolerable. Morning tours, starting around 9AM, are preferable to beat the midday heat and crowded streets.

Why should I reserve my spot online?

You should book tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment. Free walking tours of Cairo are popular and tend to get booked up quickly, especially during the peak tourist season.

If you book online and in advance, you won't have to spend time looking for a tour operator when you arrive, and you'll be guaranteed to get the time and date that works best for you.

In addition to this, booking tickets online also helps your tour guide plan their day better as they know exactly who will be arriving and when. This in turn allows them to provide a better quality tour for everyone.

Free Walking Tours in Cairo