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🇪🇬 Egypt travel guide
Africa · Northern AfricaHistory & CultureCity Break
Cairo Travel Guide
Things to do in Cairo — Pyramids on the horizon and millennia along the Nile
Why visit Cairo
Cairo pulses at the edge of the Sahara — Giza pyramids on the plateau, Egyptian Museum treasures, Khan el-Khalili bazaar chaos and Nile felucca sunsets.
Cairo is a stop in Egypt, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum, Egyptian Museum in Tahrir instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 50–100 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: October–April for cooler desert touring weather. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
October–April for cooler desert touring weather
Weather
Desert — hot dry summers; mild winters; very little rain
Airport
Cairo International (CAI); Sphinx International (SPX) near Giza for some routes
Getting around
Uber/Careem; metro limited for tourists; guided tours for Giza and Saqqara
Experiences
Things to do in Cairo
1
Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx
2
Grand Egyptian Museum
3
Egyptian Museum in Tahrir
4
Khan el-Khalili bazaar
5
Al-Azhar Park
6
Coptic Cairo and Hanging Church
7
Citadel of Saladin and Mosque of Muhammad Ali
8
Nile felucca ride
Budget travel
Free things to do in Cairo
Khan el-Khalili bazaar
Al-Azhar Park
Coptic Cairo and Hanging Church
Citadel of Saladin and Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Al-Azhar Park sunset views
Cave Church in Mokattam
Ibn Tulun Mosque minaret climb
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Cairo itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Giza plateau
- Great Pyramid of Giza exterior
- Sphinx viewpoint
- Solar boat museum
- Sound and light show (evening optional)
- 2
Day 2
Museums and old Cairo
- Egyptian Museum or Grand Egyptian Museum (check opening)
- Khan el-Khalili bazaar
- Al-Azhar Park sunset over minarets
- 3
Day 3
Saqqara and Memphis
- Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara
- Memphis open-air colossus
- Coptic Cairo churches and Hanging Church
Prefer a full 14-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Cairo itinerary guide.
Budget
Cairo trip cost
Budget
USD 25–45
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 50–100
per person / day
Luxury
USD 180+
per person / day
Entry fees and licensed guides add up at sites — Nile hotels raise luxury averages. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Cairo
Estimated total (USD)
$1,760
≈ $880 per person · $251 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $55/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Cairo mid-range ground costs (budget 25–45 · mid 50–100 · luxury 180+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Neighbourhoods
Where to stay in Cairo
Zamalek (Gezira Island)
Best for: Upscale calm
Leafy island on the Nile with embassies and cafés
Downtown (Tahrir)
Best for: Museums
Near Egyptian Museum and Nile Corniche
Giza
Best for: Pyramid access
Pyramid-view hotels on the plateau fringe
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Abou Tarek
Koshari · Cairo's definitive koshari
- $
Felfela
Egyptian · Downtown institution since 1959
- $
Kazaz
Egyptian · Locals' pick for fool and taameya
- $$
Abou El Sid
Egyptian · Zamalek classic with a colonial vibe
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Garden City · Nile-front luxury
- $$$$
Marriott Mena House
Giza · Historic hotel facing the Pyramids
- $$$
Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
Zamalek · Island hotel with river views
Shopping
- Khan el-Khalili bazaar
- City Stars Mall
- Street of the Tentmakers
- Zamalek boutiques
Nightlife
- Zamalek cafés and bars
- Nile dinner cruises
- Al-Azhar Park at night
- Downtown belle époque cafés
Museums & culture
- Egyptian Museum (Tahrir)
- National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
- Coptic Museum
Local foods to try
- Koshari
- Ful medames
- Molokhia
- Shawarma and falafel
Hidden gems
- Al-Azhar Park sunset views
- Cave Church in Mokattam
- Ibn Tulun Mosque minaret climb
Travel tips
- Hire licensed guides at Giza — tout pressure is intense
- Dress modestly at mosques and Coptic sites
- Drink bottled water and negotiate taxi fares upfront
In pictures
Cairo gallery
Photos: Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia, Валерий Дед, Mohamedusrii, Penguin911, R Prazeres — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Cairo travel FAQs
GEM or old Egyptian Museum?
Check which is open during your dates — GEM is the new flagship when fully operational.
What are the best things to do in Cairo?
Top picks in Cairo include Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum, Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, Khan el-Khalili bazaar. See the full list and itinerary on this Cairo travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Cairo?
October–April for cooler desert touring weather.
How many days do I need in Cairo?
Plan at least 3 days in Cairo for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Cairo?
Base yourself in Zamalek (Gezira Island) (Upscale calm), Downtown (Tahrir) (Museums), Giza (Pyramid access). Pick the area that matches your trip style, then book within walking distance of transit or main sights.
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