Why go to Cairo
Cairo is loud, dusty, chaotic and enormous, and it is one of the most rewarding cities on the planet. Over 20 million people live in the greater area. You get the last surviving wonder of the ancient world on the edge of town, a medieval Islamic quarter that still works as a neighbourhood, and some of the best cheap food in the Middle East. Flights from Europe are often short and inexpensive, which is why it keeps turning up in deal alerts.
It is not an easy city. Traffic is relentless, touts are persistent and the pavements are optional. But if you accept that early, Cairo gets under your skin faster than almost anywhere.
What to see in Cairo
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Yes, they are crowded, and yes, you still have to go. Arrive when the gates open, around 8am, and you get cooler air and softer light. Skip the camel and horse rides offered at the gate, and ignore anyone who tells you the site is "closed today". Going inside the Great Pyramid costs extra, and the passage is hot and cramped, so skip it if you dislike tight spaces.
Grand Egyptian Museum
Right beside the plateau, this huge museum holds the Tutankhamun collection and the colossal statue of Ramesses II in the atrium. Give it at least three hours and book tickets ahead if you can. Many people pair it with the pyramids on the same day.
Egyptian Museum in Tahrir
The old pink building on Tahrir Square is dustier and more chaotic, but it still has a staggering amount of material. Go if you are a real Egypt nerd, or if the new museum's crowds put you off.
Islamic Cairo and Al-Muizz Street
This is the best walk in the city. Start near Bab al-Futuh, then follow Al-Muizz Street south past mosques, madrasas and old merchant houses. Come at dusk, when the heat drops and the stone lights up.
Khan el-Khalili
The famous bazaar is touristy, but it is real. Bargain hard, drink tea at El Fishawy café, and then wander the back lanes where coppersmiths and spice sellers work without any interest in you.
The Citadel of Saladin
The Muhammad Ali Mosque dominates the skyline, and the terrace gives you a view over the city's haze and minarets. Nearby, the Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifai mosques face each other and are some of the most impressive buildings in Cairo.
Coptic Cairo
A compact, quiet district with the Hanging Church, the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Coptic Museum. It is a calm break from the noise and easy to do in two hours.
Saqqara and Dahshur
Saqqara has the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest large stone building in the world. Dahshur, further south, has the Bent and Red Pyramids, which you can often explore with far fewer people around. Hire a driver for a half-day.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
Located in Fustat, it is well laid out and houses the Royal Mummies Hall. It is a good choice if you want the story of Egypt in one place, and it is much calmer than the Giza museums.
Things to do beyond the sights
- Felucca at sunset: a short sail on the Nile from the Corniche near Garden City or Zamalek. Agree the price and duration before boarding.
- Al-Azhar Park: a green hill between Islamic Cairo and the Citadel, with a good view and a café. A relief after a hard day.
- Coffeehouse hour: sit in a downtown ahwa with a shisha and tea and watch backgammon games.
- Sound and light show at Giza: cheesy, but a fun evening if you are already out there.
- Street art and galleries in Zamalek: a gentler, more modern side of the city.
How many days and a suggested route
Three full days is the practical minimum. Four is comfortable, and five lets you add Saqqara and Dahshur without rushing.
- Day 1: Giza plateau at opening time, then the Grand Egyptian Museum in the afternoon.
- Day 2: the Citadel, Sultan Hassan, then Al-Muizz Street and Khan el-Khalili at dusk.
- Day 3: Egyptian Museum or the Civilization Museum, Coptic Cairo, felucca at sunset.
- Day 4: Saqqara and Dahshur with a driver, back in time for dinner.
When to go
October to April is the sweet spot. Days are warm, usually 20 to 28°C, and evenings can be cool enough for a jacket. December and January are the busiest. From May to September, temperatures regularly pass 35°C, and the Giza plateau has almost no shade, so do outdoor sights early and be indoors by midday. Spring can bring hot, dusty winds. During Ramadan, opening hours shift and daytime eating spots close, but the evenings are lively and the atmosphere is special.
Where to stay
Downtown
Central, walkable and close to the Egyptian Museum and the metro. It is noisy and a bit worn, but it has character. Good for budget and mid-range travellers.
Zamalek
A leafy island in the Nile with cafés, galleries and restaurants. It is the easiest area for first-timers and has plenty of mid-range hotels and apartments.
Garden City
Quiet streets by the river, a few old-style hotels and a handy position between Downtown and the Corniche.
Giza, near the pyramids
You can wake up with a pyramid view from some rooftops, and you will be at the gate before the crowds. The area itself is rough around the edges and not great for evenings, so base yourself here for one night rather than the whole stay.
Budget guide
- Budget: hostels and basic hotels, roughly 15 to 30 USD a night.
- Mid-range: comfortable three- and four-star hotels, roughly 50 to 100 USD.
- Higher end: riverside five-stars and Giza views, from about 150 USD.
What to eat and where
Start with koshary, the national dish: rice, lentils, macaroni and chickpeas topped with fried onions and a spicy tomato sauce. Abou Tarek, in Downtown, is the classic. Breakfast should be ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans) with ta'ameya, Egypt's version of falafel made from fava rather than chickpeas.
Try hawawshi, a crisp bread stuffed with spiced minced meat, and molokhia, a green, garlicky soup served with rice or chicken. For dessert, find a place that makes fiteer, a flaky layered pastry, sweet or savoury. Felfela, near Downtown, is old-school and reliable for traditional dishes. Zooba is a modern take on Egyptian street food and a good choice if you are nervous about eating on the street.
Fresh juice stalls are everywhere, and sugarcane juice is a good, cheap pick-me-up. Drink bottled water and stick to busy places with high turnover.
Getting from the airport and getting around
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is about 20 to 25 km from the centre. The metro does not reach it. The easiest option is Uber or Careem, with prices shown upfront. Expect 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic, and a fare of roughly 8 to 15 USD. Public buses run from the terminals, but they are slow and confusing with luggage. Arrange a hotel pickup if you land late.
Within the city, Uber and Careem are the best tools. They cost little by Western standards, and you avoid haggling. The metro is fast, cheap and useful on Line 1 and Line 2 for Downtown, Coptic Cairo and Giza. Women can use the front carriages reserved for them. Walking is fine in Downtown, Zamalek and Islamic Cairo, but crossing roads takes nerve: move steadily and let the traffic flow around you.
Rough daily budget
- Budget: about 30 to 50 USD, covering a hostel, street food, metro and one or two sights.
- Mid-range: about 70 to 120 USD, with a decent hotel, restaurant meals, ride-hailing and entry fees.
- Comfortable: 150 USD and up, including a good hotel, private driver for day trips and nicer dinners.
Entry tickets for foreigners have gone up in recent years and are priced separately from local rates, so check current costs before you go. Carry small notes for tips, as baksheesh is part of daily life.
FAQ
Is Cairo safe for tourists?
Generally yes in the main tourist areas, and violent crime against visitors is rare. The real annoyances are touts, overcharging and traffic. Check your government's current travel advice before you book.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa for a modest fee. Rules change, so confirm with the official Egyptian source before travelling.
How should I dress?
Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees are the most comfortable and respectful, especially in mosques and old districts. Bring a scarf, sunglasses and a hat.
Can I drink the tap water?
Better not. Use bottled water, including for brushing your teeth if your stomach is sensitive, and be careful with ice in cheaper places.
Is it worth hiring a guide at the pyramids?
For the main plateau, you can manage alone. For Saqqara, Dahshur or deeper context at the museums, a licensed guide or driver adds a lot. Agree the price in advance and book through your hotel or a trusted agency.
Photo: Ricardo Liberato · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Guide updated 21 Oct 2026