At dawn, Cairo, Egypt glows like a mirage brought to life. The Nile shimmers through the heart of the city as calls to prayer drift over sandstone domes and modern towers. Here, pharaohs meet poets, tuk-tuks weave past temples, and every corner tells a layered story of empire and endurance. From the quiet power of Giza’s pyramids to the hum of Khan el-Khalili at night, Cairo invites travelers into a living museum where ancient spirit and urban energy move in perfect rhythm.
Quick Facts: Cairo, Egypt
Time ZoneEastern European Time, UTC +2
Nearby DestinationsGiza, Saqqara, Dahshur, Al Fayoum, Alexandria, Ain Sokhna, Luxor (by air or overnight train)
Average TemperatureWinter 12–20°C, Spring 18–28°C, Summer 24–36°C, Autumn 18–28°C
Cash or Card?Carry cash for markets and small vendors. Cards accepted at hotels, museums, and many restaurants. ATMs are common in central areas.
Destination Overview
Why Visit Cairo?
Cairo is a city of contrasts where minarets pierce a desert sky and the Nile glides past glassy towers. The Greater Cairo region stitches together ancient necropolises, medieval bazaars, and contemporary neighborhoods with spirited cafés and a booming dining scene. Come for the Pyramids. Stay for Coptic alleyways, Mamluk domes, and conversations over mint tea that stretch past midnight.
Best Time to Visit Cairo
- Spring – March to May offers warm days that suit outdoor walks in Islamic Cairo. Occasional khamsin winds can bring dust, so pack sunglasses and a scarf.
- Summer – June to September is hot, often above 35°C midday. Sightsee at dawn or after 4 pm, plan long lunches, and choose hotels with pools.
- Autumn – October to November is ideal. Comfortable temperatures, clearer air, and fewer holiday crowds make it prime for Giza and Saqqara.
- Winter – December to February is mild. Expect cooler evenings. Museum time and café hopping shine during this season.
Travel Difficulty & Ideal Duration
Difficulty: Moderate. Traffic and crowds are part of Cairo’s character, yet the Metro, ride-hailing, and walkable cores simplify logistics.
Recommended: 3 to 5 days for first timers. Add days for Saqqara, Dahshur, or a day trip to Al Fayoum.
Essential Travel Information
Visa & Entry
Most travelers need a visa. Many nationalities can apply online through the official e-visa portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg. Passport validity should be at least 6 months on arrival. Arriving passengers proceed through immigration, then baggage claim, and customs. Keep small EGP notes for airport incidentals.
Money & Realistic Daily Costs
- Budget: EGP 800–1,500 per day for hostels or simple hotels, Metro, street food, and one paid site.
- Mid-range: EGP 1,800–3,500 per day for boutique hotels, a mix of taxis and ride-hailing, museum entries, and quality restaurants.
- Luxury: EGP 5,000+ per day for five-star stays, private guides or drivers, premium dining, and special access experiences.
Language & Communication
Arabic is primary. English is common in tourism, museums, and larger restaurants. Consider an eSIM for steady data. Download Google Translate offline and an Arabic keyboard. Learn friendly greetings, respond with a smile, and you will be welcomed warmly.
Getting There & Around
Air, Rail, Bus: Cairo International Airport connects globally. Ramses Station hosts intercity trains to Alexandria and Upper Egypt. The Adly Mansour transportation hub links Metro Line 3, LRT to the New Administrative Capital, and buses.
Local transport: Cairo Metro runs roughly 05:00 to 01:00. Women-only cars exist on each train. Line 3 crosses the Nile and serves Zamalek via Safaa Hegazy Station. Uber and Careem are widely used. For Old Cairo and the bazaar, walking is often the fastest way between clustered sights.
Top Things to Do in Cairo
Must-See Landmarks & Cultural Sites
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Giza Pyramids & Sphinx
Admission and timing: Plateau typically 08:00–17:00 in summer, 08:00–16:00 in winter. General entry about EGP 540 for foreigners, Great Pyramid interior requires a separate ticket. On-site e-shuttles run between key stops.
Best visiting time: Arrive at opening, then head straight to the panoramic viewpoint before looping back to Khufu’s pyramid and the Sphinx.
Giza’s iconic skyline rises from the desert edge of the city. Walk between centuries of stone or ride the official shuttle for easy hops. Avoid unofficial animal rides for animal welfare reasons and opt for licensed services on site. -
Egyptian Museum, Tahrir
Address: Tahrir Square, Downtown Cairo
Admission and timing: Daily roughly 09:00–19:00. Adult foreigner tickets about EGP 550. Photography permit sold separately on site.
Best visiting time: Late afternoon after tour groups depart.
This pink palazzo holds a dense survey of pharaonic artistry. Prioritize the Old Kingdom masterpieces and the Amarna-period rooms. Temporary rotations mean new discoveries on each visit. -
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)
Address: Fustat, Old Cairo
Admission and timing: Adult foreigner ticket about EGP 550. The Royal Mummies Hall is the star, with timed entry during busy hours.
Best visiting time: Mid-morning weekdays for quieter viewing.
Follow Egypt’s story from prehistory through modern eras. The mummies’ gallery is intimate and respectful, with clear bilingual interpretation. -
Islamic Cairo & Al-Mu’izz Street
Admission and timing: Street access is free. Specific monuments have individual tickets and hours. Many sites open from around 09:00 to late afternoon.
Best visiting time: Early morning for light through mashrabiya woodwork, or evening when lanterns glow and shops hum.
A walk among Mamluk-era complexes, carved stone façades, and madrasa courtyards. Pair with Khan el-Khalili for a full day. -
Saladin’s Citadel & Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Admission and timing: Combined citadel entry typically EGP 240–300 for foreigners. Open roughly 09:00–17:00.
Best visiting time: Late morning to enjoy skyline views over Old Cairo before haze builds.
Fortified walls, Ottoman domes, and sweeping terraces. The royal mosque’s alabaster glow photographs beautifully in soft light. -
Coptic Cairo
Admission and timing: Church complexes are usually open from morning to late afternoon. Respect services on Fridays and Sundays.
Best visiting time: Mid-morning when courtyards are calm.
Explore the Hanging Church, the Coptic Museum, and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Quiet lanes and ancient foundations sit above Roman-era structures. -
Saqqara Necropolis
Admission and timing: Main area typically opens around 08:00 and closes by late afternoon. Separate tickets apply for special tombs or the Step Pyramid interior.
Best visiting time: Early, then continue to Dahshur before lunch.
Murals in Old Kingdom mastabas show daily life in vivid color. The Step Pyramid of Djoser anchors the complex, with newer restorations accessible on certain tickets. -
Dahshur Pyramids
Admission and timing: Similar to Saqqara. Modest price for foreigners, fewer crowds.
Best visiting time: Late morning after Saqqara, or late afternoon for long shadows across the Bent Pyramid.
Stand inside the Red Pyramid or take photos of the Bent Pyramid’s unique profile with desert horizons. -
Manial Palace Museum
Address: Al-Saray St, El-Manial
Admission and timing: Typically 09:00–17:00, modest entry fee. Closed on select public holidays.
Best visiting time: Midday to enjoy lush palace gardens between museum sessions.
A prince’s eclectic palace mixing Arabesque, Ottoman, and Moorish details along Nile-side gardens. -
Al-Azhar Park
Admission and timing: Small entry fee. Open day and evening, restaurants accept reservations.
Best visiting time: Sunset for city panoramas, then dinner overlooking the Citadel.
Landscaped hills, fountains, and some of the best skyline views in Cairo.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
- Al-Azhar Mosque courtyard – Visit between prayers with modest dress, speak softly, and appreciate centuries of scholarship.
- Bayt Al-Suhaymi – A historic home with creaking floors, cool courtyards, and intricate mashrabiya. Photogenic and calm.
- El Fishawy Café, Khan el-Khalili – Open 24 hours. Sip mint tea where writers and musicians have gathered for generations.
- Manial Island riverwalk – Nile-side strolls at golden hour. Combine with Manial Palace or a simple felucca ride.
- Street of the Tentmakers (Al-Khayamiya) – Textile artisans selling hand-stitched appliqué. Watch needlework in real time.
- Abdeen Palace Museum – Royal arms and gifts from world leaders. Quieter than other museums and full of curiosities.
- Nilometer on Roda Island – An ancient gauge that measured the Nile. Atmospheric interior with patterned stonework.
Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss
- Private Felucca Sail on the Nile – EGP 600–1,200 per hour per boat, sunset is prime. Book same day at Maadi or Garden City docks.
- Giza Plateau Photography Circuit – EGP 540 general entry plus EGP 300–600 for a licensed guide. Two to four hours, sunrise start recommended.
- Cooking Class in Zamalek – EGP 1,500–2,500 for a 3–4 hour session. Learn molokhia, koshary, and salads, then dine together.
- Islamic Cairo Night Walk – EGP 300–700 per person with a guide, two to three hours along Al-Mu’izz and illuminated monuments.
- Old Kingdom Day Trip, Saqqara and Dahshur – EGP 1,000–2,000 for a car and driver for the day, plus tickets. Leave by 07:00 to beat heat and groups.
- Al-Azhar Park Dinner – EGP 600–1,200 per person at hilltop restaurants. Book for sunset to catch the Citadel at blue hour.
Best Photo Spots
- Giza Plateau panoramic viewpoint, wide angle at sunrise, tripod allowed at discretion of guards. Keep permits handy.
- Between the paws of the Sphinx, framed with Khafre’s Pyramid behind. Early morning to avoid backlit glare.
- Al-Azhar Park hillcrest facing the Citadel, blue hour when domes glow.
- Manial Palace gardens, patterned tiles and moody corridors.
- Al-Mu’izz Street wooden screens and brass lamps, late afternoon shafts of light.
- Nile corniche bridges at dusk, long exposures of traffic ribbons.
- Inside the Red Pyramid, leading lines down timbered passages. Headlamp helps.
Where to Stay in Cairo
Best Areas or Neighborhoods
- Zamalek – Central island on the Nile with leafy streets, embassies, and cafés. Good for walkers, food lovers, and nightlife. Easy Metro access via Safaa Hegazy on Line 3.
- Downtown Cairo – Belle Époque architecture and quick Metro connections. Best for museum access, cafés, and budget to boutique stays.
- Giza, near the Pyramids – Views over the plateau, quiet nights, and quick morning access to the site. Farther from Downtown.
- Garden City – Riverside embassies, calmer streets, high-end hotels, and easy corniche walks.
- New Cairo – Modern malls, newer luxury hotels, and a straight shot to the airport. Farther from historic cores.
Budget Traveler Picks
- Abou Tarek Rooms (near Tahrir) – 16 Champollion St, Downtown • EGP 600–1,200
- Horus Hostel – 19A Adly St, Downtown • EGP 500–1,000
- WAKE UP! Cairo Hostel – 33 Sherif St, Downtown • EGP 500–1,000
- Tahrir Plaza Suites – 13 Tahrir Sq, Downtown • EGP 1,200–2,000
- Pyramids View Inn – 10 Abou El Hool St, Nazlet El-Semman, Giza • EGP 1,200–2,200
Mid-Range Favorites
- Steigenberger El Tahrir – Kasr El Nile St, Downtown • EGP 3,000–6,000
- Novotel Cairo El Borg – 3 Saray El Gezirah St, Zamalek • EGP 3,500–6,500
- Cairo Marriott Zamalek – 16 Saray El Gezira St, Zamalek • EGP 4,500–8,000
- Best View Pyramids Hotel – 13 Abou El Hool St, Nazlet El-Semman • EGP 2,000–4,000
- Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi – Corniche El Nil, Maadi • EGP 3,500–6,500
Luxury Stays
- Four Seasons Nile Plaza – 1089 Corniche El Nil, Garden City • EGP 12,000–25,000
- Four Seasons Cairo at The First Residence – 35 Giza St, Giza • EGP 10,000–22,000
- The Nile Ritz-Carlton – 1113 Corniche El Nil, Tahrir • EGP 11,000–24,000
- Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah – 3 El Thawra Council St, Zamalek • EGP 9,000–20,000
- Marriott Mena House – 6 Pyramids Rd, Giza • EGP 12,000–28,000
Family-Friendly
- Marriott Mena House – Pool, lawns, pyramid views, and connecting rooms.
- Four Seasons Nile Plaza – Kids’ amenities, central location, multiple restaurants.
- Cairo Marriott Zamalek – Gardens, large pool, walkable island base.
- Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi – Bigger rooms, river views, quieter district.
- Steigenberger El Tahrir – Handy for museums and Metro, interconnecting options.
Alternative Stays
- Zamalek Serviced Apartments – Kitchenettes and balconies near cafés.
- Airbnb, Garden City – Historic apartments near the Nile promenade.
- HostelWorld Cairo – Private rooms in central hostels from EGP 500.
- Giza Guesthouses – Rooftop breakfasts over the Sphinx, varied budgets.
- Boutique Picks – Curated stays across Downtown and Zamalek.
What & Where to Eat in Cairo
Must-Try Dishes
- Koshary – Lentils, pasta, rice, chickpeas, tomato-vinegar sauce, and crispy onions. Try at Abou Tarek, bowls from EGP 50–95.
- Ta’ameya – Egypt’s herb-packed falafel made from fava beans. Breakfast sets with fuul from EGP 30–70 at street stands and cafés.
- Molokhia – Garlicky jute leaf stew. Pair with rice and chicken. Restaurants from EGP 150–280 per portion.
- Hawawshi – Spiced minced meat baked in bread. EGP 80–180 at local grills.
- Stuffed Pigeon – Rice or freekeh stuffed and roasted. From EGP 200–350 in classic eateries.
- Umm Ali – Warm pastry pudding with nuts and milk. Desserts from EGP 80–160.
Restaurants & Cafés
- Budget Eats – Abou Tarek, 16 Champollion St, Downtown, EGP 50–95 for koshary bowls. Zooba Zamalek, 26th of July St, Zamalek, EGP 70–180 for street food classics. Kazouza, multiple branches, shawarma and juices from EGP 80.
- Mid-Range – Abou El Sid, 157 26th of July St, Zamalek, traditional Egyptian mains EGP 220–420. Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant, Khan el-Khalili, set menus and classics EGP 300–600. Andrea El Mariouteya, ring-road side for grilled chicken and mezze, EGP 250–450.
- Views & Occasions – 9 Pyramids Lounge, Giza Plateau, panoramic lunches EGP 350–800. Zitouni at Four Seasons Nile Plaza, refined Egyptian cuisine EGP 450–900.
- Cafés & Sweets – Mandarine Koueider, Downtown and Zamalek, oriental desserts EGP 30–120. El Fishawy, Khan el-Khalili, mint tea and coffee any hour, EGP 25–70.
Street Food & Dietary Tips
- Pick stalls with brisk turnover and hot food. Avoid ice from unknown sources.
- Gluten free travelers can lean on grilled meats, rice, salads, and fruit. Confirm sauces and thickeners.
- Vegetarian and vegan eaters have options in ta’ameya, fuul, salads, and vegetable stews. Ask for “bilā lahma” to exclude meat.
- Carry hand sanitizer and tissues for casual spots. Many counters are stand-and-eat.
- Water is best from sealed bottles. Hotels often provide two daily.
Local Culture & Etiquette
- Norms – Greetings start with “salaam alaikum” and a handshake. Dress modestly in mosques and conservative neighborhoods. Shoes off if asked when entering homes or certain sacred spaces.
- Do’s & Don’ts – Ask before photographing people. Avoid public displays of affection. Friday noon is prayer time, plan around mosque visits.
- Tipping – Small tips smooth the day. For porters EGP 20–50, drivers EGP 50–100 per hour depending on service, museum guards EGP 10–20 if they assist.
- Festivals & Events – Ramadan shifts yearly, bringing evening street feasts and late hours. Coptic Christmas is 7 January. Islamic and national holidays may affect hours.
Practical Tips & Safety
- Health & Safety – Use sunscreen, hats, and water for desert sites. In emergencies dial Police 122, Ambulance 123, Fire 180. Major international hospitals and private clinics operate across Zamalek, Garden City, and New Cairo.
- What to Pack – Light layers, sun hat, scarf for dust, closed shoes with grip, and a headlamp for pyramid passages. Modest wear for sacred sites.
- Money Saving – Group Saqqara and Dahshur in one day to reduce transport costs. Choose weekday museum visits, and use the Metro for predictable pricing.
- Emergency Phrases – “Mumkin mosa’ada?” (Can you help?), “Ana daye’” (I am lost), “Shukran” (Thank you), “Kam?” (How much?), “Ma’alesh” (No worries or sorry).
Cairo Itineraries
3-Day Express Itinerary
- Day 1 – Giza Plateau at opening. Shuttle to the panoramic viewpoint, then Khufu’s Pyramid and Sphinx. Lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge. Sunset felucca on the Nile from Garden City. Dinner in Zamalek.
- Day 2 – Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, coffee in Downtown arcades, then Islamic Cairo’s Al-Mu’izz Street and Khan el-Khalili. Tea at El Fishawy. Evening views from Al-Azhar Park and dinner overlooking the Citadel.
- Day 3 – Coptic Cairo, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Coptic Museum. Afternoon at NMEC for the Royal Mummies. Dinner at Abou El Sid or Zitouni for Egyptian classics.
7-Day Comprehensive Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrival, check in, sundowner on the Nile, walk across Qasr El Nil Bridge.
- Day 2 – Giza Plateau deep dive. Optional Great Pyramid interior ticket. Sunset photos from the Sphinx enclosure.
- Day 3 – Saqqara mastabas and Djoser Step Pyramid, then Dahshur’s Red and Bent Pyramids. Late lunch at a countryside rest house.
- Day 4 – Egyptian Museum. Afternoon Downtown architecture walk and café hopping. Evening performance at the Cairo Opera House if schedules align.
- Day 5 – Islamic Cairo monuments along Al-Mu’izz. Khan el-Khalili shopping. Night walk with a guide to illuminated mosques.
- Day 6 – Coptic Cairo and NMEC. Optional Manial Palace. Dinner at Zamalek with river views.
- Day 7 – Al-Azhar Park breakfast, final shopping on 26th of July Street in Zamalek, spa or pool afternoon, and a farewell dinner.
Off the Beaten Path Route
Loop from Downtown to the Nilometer on Roda Island, then stroll Manial’s riverside lanes and tour Manial Palace. Cross to the west bank for sunset at Dahshur instead of Giza, where the Bent Pyramid angles glow in soft light. Return along the corniche with a felucca night sail.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Cairo?
October to April brings comfortable temperatures and clearer skies, ideal for pyramids and walking tours. Summer is hot, so start at sunrise, focus on museums midday, and plan evening strolls when the city cools down. Ramadan shifts yearly and offers lively nights, though some daytime services adjust hours.
How many days do I need in Cairo?
First timers should plan 3 to 5 days. That covers Giza, the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, Coptic Cairo, and NMEC. Add a day for Saqqara and Dahshur. Families and photographers may stretch to a week for slower mornings and extra golden hours.
Is Cairo safe for solo travelers?
Yes with normal big-city awareness. Use ride-hailing at night, stick to main streets, and keep valuables zipped. In emergencies dial 122 for police, 123 for ambulance, and 180 for fire. Choose central bases like Zamalek or Downtown near the Metro.
What is the best area to stay in Cairo?
Zamalek is a balanced base with cafés and Nile walks. Downtown is perfect for quick museum access and Metro links. For sunrise at the pyramids, stay near the Giza Plateau. Garden City suits travelers seeking calmer embassies-side streets and high-end hotels.
How do I get around Cairo without a car?
Combine the Metro with ride-hailing. Line 3 crosses the Nile and connects to the Adly Mansour hub for LRT services. Women-only cars are available. For the pyramids, use the official internal shuttles after entry rather than private vehicles.
What foods should I try in Cairo?
Start with koshary at Abou Tarek, ta’ameya and fuul for breakfast, molokhia with rice, hawawshi fresh from the oven, and Umm Ali for dessert. For views, try lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge or Egyptian fine dining at Zitouni.
Do I need to book museum tickets in advance?
For the Egyptian Museum and NMEC, you usually buy on site. Peak days can see lines, so arrive early. Special exhibits or timed halls may have separate tickets. Bring cash and card as backup.
What should I wear when visiting mosques and historic districts?
Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Women may bring a light scarf. Remove shoes where requested and keep voices low in prayer halls. Photography is fine in courtyards if signs permit.
How much should I budget for daily meals in Cairo?
Street breakfasts from EGP 30–70, casual lunches EGP 80–200, and sit-down dinners EGP 250–600 depending on venue. Add drinks and dessert for EGP 50–200.
Are Uber and Careem available in Cairo?
Yes. Both operate widely across Greater Cairo and are convenient for airport transfers, museum hops, and evening rides. Fares vary by time and distance, typically EGP 25–200 inside the city core.
Don’t Miss
- Sunrise at the Giza Plateau followed by a quiet loop through the panoramic viewpoint and the Sphinx enclosure.
- An afternoon drift through Al-Mu’izz Street’s ornate façades, then tea at El Fishawy as musicians warm up.
- The Royal Mummies Hall at NMEC, a contemplative encounter with Egypt’s ancient rulers.
- A felucca at sunset when the Nile mirrors the sky and Cairo’s bridges glow.
- Saqqara’s painted mastabas that bring Old Kingdom daily life to vivid color.
- Dinner with skyline views at Al-Azhar Park as the Citadel blushes at dusk.
Your Cairo Story Starts Here
Cairo rewards the curious. Plan two early mornings, choose a neighborhood that suits your style, and sketch your days around the city’s rhythms, museum cool by midday and glowing lanes by night. Let the Nile set your pace, from felucca breezes to café conversations that stretch into the small hours. Pick your dates, book the first night, and step into a city where every corner reveals a new layer of Egypt’s living story.