LANDMARKLandmark
Cairo Tower
29.7910, 31.8438
Rising 187 metres over Gezira Island in Zamalek, the Cairo Tower is the city's lotus-inspired landmark and its finest vantage point. Its lattice concrete shaft, echoing an ancient Egyptian papyrus column, was a 1960s statement of modern Egypt and still dominates the skyline.
Ride to the top for a 360-degree panorama that stitches the whole sprawling city together: the Nile threading below, downtown and Islamic Cairo's minarets, and on clear days the Pyramids of Giza floating on the western horizon. There's a viewing deck and a revolving restaurant near the summit.
Come late afternoon to watch the light soften and the city switch from day to a glittering nightscape.
Know before you go
Go on a clear, low-pollution day for a chance to see the Pyramids, and time your visit for late afternoon so you catch both sunset and the city lights.