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A First-Timer's Guide to Cairo

By Stefanie Waldek

After almost a decade of political turmoil, visitors are finally returning to Egypt . Hotels are full, boat trips along the Nile require a waitlist to book once again, and the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum promises to draw even more tourists when it opens its doors within the next year or so. I was able to travel to Cairo for nearly a week last November, and while there’s nothing quite like seeing the pyramids in person or listening to the call to prayer at sunset along the Nile , the city can still be overwhelming for a first-time visitor. Here are a few things I wish I’d known before my trip.

Ride the metro

Cairo’s metro system is a pretty well-oiled machine, and it’s easily the cheapest way to get around. Fares start at just three Egyptian pounds (around 17 cents) and increase depending on the distance you’ve traveled to a max of seven pounds (around 40 cents). Considering the city’s notorious traffic, it can often be the fastest way to travel. Just note that you’ll have to submit your bags to an x-ray machine and pass through a metal detector before entering the stations. There are also women-only cars on each train, so pay attention to signage if you’re a female traveler and want to hop on one of them. Side note: The murals in some of the stations are wonderful.

Taxi fares are metered

In many places around the world, you’re expected to haggle flat rates with cab drivers before you get in the taxi in order to secure the best fare and ensure they don’t upcharge you at the end. In Cairo, that’s not the case. Many drivers will happily accept a negotiated flat rate, but you’ll often end up paying more than what the metered fare would come out to be. Clarify with your driver that your ride will be metered before getting in the cab. Additionally, some drivers will double dip into the passenger pool and pick up multiple parties along the way, so if you flag a taxi and the car rolls up with people already inside, you can just wave the driver along. And for what it’s worth, there is Uber in Cairo, and it’s quite affordable.

The Pyramids, just outside of Giza.

Stay the night in Giza if you want to see the pyramids

While the majority of Cairo’s main tourist sites (the Mosque of Mohammed Ali, the Hanging Church, and the Salahdin Citadel) are in central Cairo, the pyramids are located right on the edge of Giza, which is a 20-minute drive from the center of the city. Throw in some bad traffic, however, and the drive takes 45 minutes to an hour—sometimes even longer. If the pyramids are on your to-do list—and let’s be honest, they’re going to be—stay at a hotel in Giza for a night or two instead of central Cairo so you can maximize your day on the site. The Marriott Mena House , which first opened in 1887, sits right in the shadow of the Great Pyramid and guests can watch the pyramids’ evening light show from their room balcony. When the Grand Egyptian Museum opens in the next year or two, it’ll be located just a few minutes’ drive from the hotel.

The tunnel to the Great Pyramid’s burial chamber is cramped—but worth it

In the past, you had to bribe the guards sitting outside the entrance to let you into the Great Pyramid’s burial chamber. Today, that’s not the case—it’s about $20 for a special entrance ticket, on top of the $9 general admission ticket. (Just make sure you buy your additional ticket at the first entrance gate, as you can’t buy it once you’re inside the site.) As for the tunnel itself, claustrophobes beware: One portion of the tunnel is extremely cramped, so unless you’re under four feet tall, you’ll have to crouch to ascend into the burial chamber. There’s one tunnel for both upward and downward traffic, and it’s only a few feet wide, so get ready to be up close and personal with dozens of strangers. The cramped portion of the tunnel only takes a few minutes to get through, but given the close quarters and how humid the air is, it can feel like an eternity. Don’t expect to snap a selfie: There are absolutely no photographs allowed. (Many tourists ignore the rule, but if a guard catches you they could confiscate your phone or camera.) Lastly, the tunnel actually closes for an hour each day around lunchtime to prevent the buildup of too much moisture from people breathing inside the tunnel.

Be wary of a common scam that takes place at popular attractions

I was caught off guard by a scam outside the Egyptian Museum when a local approached me near the entrance and told me it was closed for an hour for prayer. He suggested my friend and I head to the shops across the street to pass the time, and offered to escort us across the major highway running next to the museum and pointed out some shops. As it turns out, the shop owners work with these locals to bring tourists into their stores, offering them a commission for any purchases. We turned around and headed straight for the museum—which, as it turned out, doesn’t actually close for prayer.

Check the official opening hours before your visit, and if someone approaches you outside the gates claiming the museum is closed, politely excuse yourself. And on that note, some people stand around the entrance saying you need a guide to enter the museum—you don’t. You do, however, need to pay an extra fee to take photos inside.

Khan Al Khalili is filled with gems.

Give yourself lots of time to explore Khan el-Khalili

Khan el-Khalili, Cairo’s big souk, has more than its fair share of tourist traps, but there are real gems to be found throughout the market, from antique shops to estate sales to workshops that make leather-bound notebooks. The key to finding the best stuff is to let yourself get lost in the maze-like complex for a few hours—a worthwhile activity even if you don’t plan on buying anything. But if you do want to make a purchase, get ready to haggle, cutting the first price you’re offered by at least half, if not more. As for where the locals go? You’ll find them at the food stalls shopping for fresh produce and oven-hot pita. The bazaar is also home to a number of famous cafés, including Faharat, which is known for its pigeon dishes, and El Fishawy, one of Cairo’s oldest, which reportedly opened more than 250 years ago.

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Marriott Mena House, Cairo

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Captivating Cairo: All You Need To Know Before You Go

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As our taxi weaved in and out of traffic in Cairo, driving much faster than was wise and honking unnecessarily at every passerby, I couldn’t help but smile and think “this guy is either absolutely fearless or totally insane!” But it wasn’t just him. It was a family of five. They balanced precariously on the back of a rusty old motorbike and the elderly lady dashed across the highway narrowly avoiding the cars whizzing by. And slowly but surely, that fearlessness crept its way into me as well.

Cairo has that effect on you – it awakens all of your senses and gives you this energy, it makes you feel truly alive. It only takes a day or two to get used to the persistent taxi drivers, the smells that can either be horrifying or intoxicating, the constant traffic and honking of horns, and the curious locals that exclaim “Welcome to Egypt!” excitedly and then request to take a photo with you. And it doesn’t take long to become totally, completely captivated by Cairo!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Complete Guide to Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is the capital of Egypt as well as the largest city. It has a population of approximately 6.76 million (with an additional 9.5 million living in close proximity). Most people associate Cairo with the nearby Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the Nile Delta, King Tut, Pharaohs, mummies and “walking like an Egyptian”. You’ll find all of that and much more in this massive, sprawling metropolis. For everything you need to know before you go, and once you arrive, you’ve come to the right place! 

Cairo: Know Before You Go

• The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (LE). At the time of writing (November of 2017) the conversion rate was about 17.65 LE to $1 USD . We’ll be referring to costs in Egyptian Pounds so just keep in mind that if we say something costs 100 LE, that’s just about $5.50 USD.
• Each Egyptian Pound is made up of 100 Piastres and the bills look similar so familiarize yourself with both.
• The prices appear to have gone up significantly. But they haven’t. The value of the Egyptian Pound has fallen drastically since 2016 and prices have been increased to reflect the change.
• The following countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian ports of entry:   USA,  UK, EU Nationals, Australia, Canada, Croatia, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Macedonia, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Serbia, and Ukraine. The price is $25 USD/person and the visa can be purchased at the currency exchange counters before you reach passport control . If you don’t have US dollars, don’t worry, you can also exchange your currency there.
• Egyptians speak Arabic and you should learn a few key phrases to get around ! “Al Salam Alaikum” (pronounced sall-em wall-a-come) is a nice way to say “hello”. “Shukran” (pronounced shoo kran) is “thank you”. “Ma’-Elsalama” (pronounced ma sell lem-a) is “goodbye”. And “tip” is “ baksheesh ” – you may get asked for one every now and again.
• Islam is the official religion for 90% of the population and most of those are Sunni Muslims. As with most conservative countries, women are expected to cover their knees and shoulders when venturing out of the house (although this is not necessarily the case in upscale neighborhoods). Foreigners are only expected to cover their heads when entering mosques.  Remember, you’re not here to change the culture, you’re here to experience a new one. 
• Friday is the Muslim holy day and you’ll find that many stores are closed. Buses run infrequently, if at all, on Fridays.
• Make sure you read our Egypt travel tips before your trip!

Is Cairo Safe?

Forget everything you’ve heard about how “dangerous” Egypt is and don’t take everything you read at face value. There are some areas that are still a bit seedy, including the Northern Sinai Peninsula (so we would not recommend a land border crossing from Israel). However, you’ll find that most of Egypt is full of kind, welcoming people. All they want is to learn about you and take a photo with you, and complete strangers all over the city will be concerned with making sure you feel safe.

I read a lot of blog posts that warned of “passive aggressive groping” (where men pretend to brush by your bum) and endless catcalling prior to visiting. And warned that women should avoid eye contact with men as it would be perceived as flirting.

Well, the only touches I received from men were friendly handshakes. The worst of the catcalls was “how many hearts have you broken today?”. The only time I felt uncomfortable was when I was surrounded by school children requesting selfies and my cheeks were in physical pain from smiling too much.

Is Egypt safe ? Absolutely! While bad things can happen anywhere and everywhere, I never felt unsafe not even once during my time in Cairo.

Side Note: I traveled to Cairo with my husband and while I didn’t get the feeling that I would be uncomfortable in any situation without him, solo female travelers may attract more attention from men. 

Best Time to Visit Cairo

October until April is generally considered the best time to visit Egypt and Cairo is no exception. The weather is more bearable than in the sweltering summer months. High temperatures in the winter months range from 57-72°F and in summer the highs can reach 104°F. Rainfall is sparse.

During the off-season – May to September – you’ll find that tourist sites are less crowded and prices are generally lower. You’ll likely want to find a pool around mid-day.

TIP:   You’ll find a very different atmosphere if you happen to visit Egypt during the holy month of Ramadan . It takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims must fast from dawn until dusk during that month . Most businesses operate on a reduced schedule because they are only allowed to work six hours/per day.

How Long to Spend in Cairo

We recommend spending 3 days in Cairo – which gives you enough time to explore the Cairo Citadel, the Khan el-Khalili market, Coptic Cairo, the Egyptian Museum, and the Great Pyramids of Giza .

Time not an issue? Consider spending a night in Giza at a hotel with a view of the Pyramids . Waking up to the sun rising over the last ancient wonder of the world is a memory you won’t soon forget.

How to Budget for Your Trip to Cairo

Egypt is probably one of the cheapest countries we’ve visited up to date. The tourism industry collapsed resulting in four years of high inflation after the Egyptian revolution in 2011. You’ll probably spend a lot less than you’re expecting, so keep in mind when it comes to budgeting for Egypt .

Our 45-minute Uber ride from Cairo to Giza cost us less than $3 USD. Our thick American brains cannot figure out how the price of both gas and time could possibly make that trip worth it for the driver!

We ate huge, delicious meals for about the same price as the taxi. It’s worth it to opt for luxury accommodations in Egypt as your money will go a lot further here than you’re probably used to! You can take a luxury cruise down the Nile or stay in an all-inclusive on the Red Sea for a fraction of what a similar experience would cost you in the USA or Europe.

What to Pack for Egypt

Women are expected to cover their knees and shoulders as mentioned earlier, but Egypt can be incredibly hot! We recommend wearing long, comfortable pants, button-down shirts, long dresses, and a scarf to cover your head when you enter mosques.

A few of my favorite Egyptian staples:

• A floor-length, short-sleeved comfy maxi dress
• A lightweight scarf
• Comfortable but cute close-toed walking shoes
• A foldable brimmed hat
• Wide leg wrinkle-free pants

Getting Around Cairo

• The Cairo International Airport (CAI) is a hub to get to/from Cairo and Giza. It’s located about 13 miles Northeast of Old Cairo (where you’ll probably be staying).
• Giza is just a short 30-minute drive from Cairo so it’s easy to do as a day trip if you’re short on time. Although, we would highly recommend spending a few days in each place.
• Uber has made its way to Cairo! Taxis are everywhere but, as with other large cities in the world, taxi drivers prefer to keep rides for tourists off the meter. Getting around Cairo is incredibly inexpensive, regardless of your method of transportation, unless you hire a guide to accompany you.
• Decided to rent a car (or even just end up in a car at night)? You’ll notice that many people drive with just their low beams on. Sometimes with no headlights at all. Some Egyptians believe that headlights make driving more difficult at night and have been known to get irritated with drivers who don’t comply. Also, we would NOT recommend renting a car unless you are well-versed in navigating lawless roadways. We were on a mission to find a dent-free vehicle anywhere in Cairo to no avail.

TIP:  Hiring a driver to take you to the sights around Cairo is fairly common. You can expect the price to vary considerably depending on if you just hire a driver or if you have an English-speaking guide to show you around as well.

We even ran into one couple who had hired a private security guard to accompany them on their tour of Cairo. Of course, a tip will be expected so plan on an extra 50-100 LE depending on the length of time that you spend touring the city.

Where to Stay in Cairo

There are hundreds of places to stay in Cairo. However, there is only one that offers  5-star luxury in a garden oasis on an island right in the middle of this big, bustling metropolis . The Cairo Marriott Hotel sits on six acres of amazing gardens on Gezira Island and provides a tranquil reprise from the city chaos outside of it.

The original building was a palace, constructed in 1869 by the ruler of Egypt, Khedive Ismail. The Marriott gained management of the property in the 1970s. It has done a fantastic job of preserving the history and architecture of the palace while adding modern-day luxuries.

Elaborate restaurants, ballrooms, and lounge areas are filled with ornate gold mirrors, plush carpets, intricate latticework, and beautiful artwork throughout. They create the illusion that you have stepped back in time and gained royal status. Large conferences and lavish weddings are commonplace here and for good reason. The property is absolutely stunning!

Wake up every morning and enjoy a cup of coffee from your spacious balcony overlooking the Nile River. Then, head downstairs to try their lavish breakfast spread. You’ll find everything from traditional Egyptian flavors, made-to-order omelets, a selection of charcuterie, cheeses and loaves of bread, and everything else in-between!

You may never want to venture off the property! It has 14 delicious and diverse restaurants and bars, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an inviting pool, and even an in-house casino. But if you do decide to explore more than just the Cairo Marriott, we’ll tell you everything you need to know in order to see all of the highlights of this sprawling city.

TIP:  Keep small change on you to tip the bellboys, the housekeepers, and any other helpful hotel staff members. 

What to Do in Cairo

The Great Pyramids of Giza – Of course, there’s no way you would come to Cairo and miss visiting the Pyramids. They are bound to be an unforgettable experience!

Citadel of Cairo – the citadel was constructed for protection against the Crusaders between 1176 and 1183 AD. It was the seat of the Egyptian government until the 19th century when Khedive Ismail moved to his brand new palace. The present-day Citadel contains three mosques and three museums. It offers breathtaking views of the city below. Go early as the courtyards offer little shade. ( Open 8 am – 5 pm except on Fridays during prayer. Entrance fee:100 LE/person)

Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan – this mosque was commissioned by Sultan Hassan who ruled over the region twice – once at only 13 years old. Construction began in 1356 AD and was completed three years later “without even a single day of idleness.”

The Egyptian Museum – containing approximately 160,000 items, this museum houses  the world’s most extensive collection of pharaonic antiquities. ( Open 9 am – 5 pm every day. Entrance fees: 120 LE/person for just the museum or 240 LE/person to visit the mummy rooms as well. Thursdays and Sundays the museum is open during the evening from 5:30 pm – 9 pm, but you’ll pay a higher entrance fee. If you want to take photos with a camera you’ll be charged an extra 50 LE for photography and 300 LE for video).

Khan El-Khalili – a large market that offers typical Egyptian souvenirs that tourists will go nuts over. Don’t forget that their first offered price is never their final price!

Coptic Cairo – a unique area within Old Cairo containing six churches that date back to the early Christian Era between the pharaonic religion and the arrival of Islam.

Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque – originally built in 641–642 AD, it is the first mosque built on the African continent.

Where to Eat in Cairo

For an upscale, immaculate 5-star dining experience while being serenaded by soft piano music, Saraya Gallery is a lavish restaurant located inside the Cairo Marriott. Start with the traditional French onion soup, the slightly spicy nicoise salad, and a glass of Egyptian chardonnay. For your main course, either the rack of lamb or the filet of fish in hollandaise sauce is spectacular. And don’t dare leave without sampling their creme brulee trilogy!

The Garden Promenade Café in the Cairo Marriott gardens is a popular spot among Cairo’s elite for a casual lunch or dinner. They offer classic American dishes with stunning views of both the palace and the courtyard.

You can try quite a few Egyptian specialties at Zooba , also located on Gezira Island. Try the Classic Koshari, the Ful, and the Spicy Pepper Taamia – this filling meal will cost you less than a burger at Mcdonald’s!

For a stuffed pigeon right in the heart of the bustling Khan al Khalili market, try Naguib Mahfouz . If you can’t stomach it, you really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.

TIP:  A 10% tip is customary for servers in Cairo although many restaurants add a service charge to your bill. If that is the case you may give a bit extra if your server went above and beyond.

Must-Try Egyptian Foods

Koshari  – you might think that the person who created this dish hadn’t been to the grocery in a while and just threw everything they had left in the cupboard into a pot. Often referred to as a “poor man’s dish”, koshari is made of rice, macaroni, lentils, chickpeas, onion, and tomato sauce and tastes a bit like spaghetti (but better).

Hamam Mahshi – don’t let the fact that this dish is actually a stuffed pigeon turn you off. Sure Americans refer to pigeons as rat birds but we also can’t live without bacon which comes from garbage-eating pigs. You can’t leave Cairo without trying this specialty!

Fiteer Baladi – Egypt’s version of pizza (but a bit less healthy, if that’s even possible) is layers of buttery, delicious filo dough either served plain or stuffed with savory or sweet fillings.

Shawarma – this is a staple all over the Middle East and for good reason – it’s delicious and cheap! But some might argue that the best shawarma can be found in Egypt. Be sure to try some while exploring the city.

Taamia – quite similar to the classic falafel, but made with split fava beans rather than chickpeas.

Ful – a simple dish of cooked fava beans served with oil, cumin, and other spices, and occasionally topped with tahini. Eat it like chili or as a dip for your pita bread!

Where to Drink in Cairo

In Islam, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is generally forbidden in the Qur’an. However, some choose to imbibe depending on personal beliefs. You won’t find as much of a “bar scene” here as in Europe or the US, but there are plenty of restaurants and bars that cater to foreigners. You’re more likely to find Egyptians smoking shisha (flavored tobacco out of a water pipe) than drinking alcohol. We’ve recommended a few good spots to partake in if you so choose.

Billiard Bar is nestled away behind the Saraya Gallery Restaurant on the ground floor of the Cairo Mariott. Due to its hidden location, mood lighting, and lavish decor, it feels a bit like stepping back in time and into a speakeasy.

Cairo Jazz Club is a fun place to catch a live show and rub elbows with the young and hip of Cairo. If you plan to arrive after 10 pm a reservation is recommended.

The Tap Maadi offers a casual atmosphere, good food, and live nightly entertainment.

Sugar & Spice  is nestled in the middle of a trendy shopping area just west of Gezira Island. Fancy coffee drinks, comfortable chairs, and shisha make this a popular spot with the local Egyptian women.

Egyptian Nights  is also located inside the Cairo Marriott and offers authentic Egyptian food, nightly entertainment, and shisha. It’s the perfect late night hangout!

Any other captivating Cairo treasures that we missed? Comment below so we can add them to the list! 

Planning a visit to Egypt? Check out our favorite books and travel guides.

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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10 thoughts on “captivating cairo: all you need to know before you go”.

Loving the pictures and outfits. The hotel looks amazing although I stayed at the Meridian pyramids which as you can imagine, had views of the pyramids so was pretty happy there. The Egyptian Museum is on my list of the top five museums I have ever visited. It is incredible. So much so that I even visited twice and I am not a fan of museums generally.

Did you have a guide for the museum? We didn’t and we were so confused about what was going on! Lol.

I went to Cario, years ago and was blown away by the Pyramids. The Egyptian Museum is fascinating, apart from some of the artifacts are in the British Museum in London, so I had to go there to see the rest! The Marriott Hotel looks beautiful and your photos you took on the grounds are lovely. I wouldn’t mind staying in a palace and I cannot believe Uber is in Cario!

After visiting Marrakech I’d love to explore more of northern Africa . The Cairo Marriott has got to be the most luxurious Marriott I’ve ever seen. This is a great guide for a first time visit to Cairo.

Wow, this is such a detailed and well written post! I was especially interested in the food part and it didn’t dissapoint. I’d love to try the Koshari, especially because “poor peoples” food is often the most authentic and delicious. Thank you for the tip with the mummy room, I have to go and see that massive mummified crocodile! I’ll definitely save this article on Pinterest as well 🙂

This is such a great comprehensive guide to Cairo, and the photos are stunning too! Such a good idea to pack a red dress, makes everything fabulous!

Thanks for such a complete guide! I feel like I am all set and ready to go for a trip after reading this post! Don’t even have to do much extra research! Also, the Cairo Marriott Hotel looks absolutely gorgeous! Would definitely want to stay there if I go!

Cairo has been on my bucket list for quite a while. I was told that it is a lot more expensive than it used to be so thanks for pointing out that the value of the Egyptian pound has dropped.

First of all, what a well made comprehensive guide to Cairo. Bookmarked in case my travels take me there. $3 for a 45 minute Uber ride! That’s crazy! The Cairo Marriott looks pretty fabulous!

Ever since I was a teen I was fascinated by Egyptian culture. Pharaohs, pyramids, the Sphinx, the Nile, and hieroglyphics. I’m glad you touched on safety with regards to the people but I’m concerned about safety with regards to extremists. As Cairo was just recently in the news. When I hear those stories it makes me put the breaks on visiting. I know the news exaggerates stories but how can you be sure. When I do go I will refer to this post as a guide.

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Cairo Travel Guide: Tips for Visiting Egypt’s Capital [2023]

Cairo is one of the craziest on Earth. Home to the oldest Wonder of the World, as well as over 20 million people, this city’s legacy and importance, are tough to match. Cairo was always on my bucket list, but I actually wasn’t sure what to expect.

After visiting, it clicked. All of the good I expected to find in Cairo was indeed there. And the majority of the bad that I expected to find, actually wasn’t there!

Cairo has a reputation for being chaotic. It also has a reputation for being packed with cultural and historical significance. This post will spell out exactly what it’s like to visit Cairo, including everything you need to know before you go.

This post contains affiliate links that may earn a commission on any purchases made at no additional cost to you.

Best Places to Stay in Cairo

Cairo is sprawling and there are many neighborhoods you can stay in. I highly recommend staying in either downtown Cairo, Zamalek, or Garden City. These neighborhoods are all centrally located near the heart of Cairo, making excursions hassle-free.

Steigenberger El Tahrir Hotel

We’ve stayed at two hotels in Cairo – the Steigenberger El Tahrir Hotel in downtown, and the Le Meridien Hotel at the Cairo Airport. The Steigenberger El Tahrir is a great place and is located within walking distance of the Nile. The food here is delicious, the amenities are nice, and the staff is wonderful.

Le Meridien Cairo Airport

The Le Meridien at the Cairo Airport is stunning. This hotel is gorgeous, sparkling clean, and packed with amazing amenities. The restaurants here are incredible, too.

The hotel is linked to Terminal 3 of the airport by a bridge, and there is a free shuttle service to the other terminals. There is no better place to stay near the Cairo Airport. However, if you’re going to be exploring Cairo, this hotel is a bit far from many of the city’s top attractions. 

Marriott Mena House

In Giza, we stayed at the Marriott Mena House and were beyond wowed. While it is pricey, it is worth every penny. Delicious food, stellar service, a stunning property, and the best views of the pyramids. 

This is the best hotel in Egypt, as far as I have heard. It is a bit inconvenient to explore some parts of Cairo, but it is wonderful if you plan on visiting the pyramids, Sphinx, and the new Grand Egyptian Museum.

If you can afford it, I’d recommend staying in a luxury hotel while in Cairo. This is regardless of the neighborhood you decide to stay in. Hotels are very cheap in Cairo compared to many European and American cities, and the comfort of luxury hotels goes a long way after a day in the chaos and heat of Cairo.

How to Get to Cairo

Cairo is the biggest city in Egypt. As such, you can expect its airport to be the best airport to fly into in Egypt! Cairo is served by two airports: one of the past, and one of the future.

Cairo International Airport (CAI)

For now, the best airport to fly into in Cairo is Cairo International Airport (CAI). This airport is located about 30 minutes east of downtown Cairo. It is the biggest hub airport in Egypt, serving thousands of flights to destinations all over the world.

Cairo International Airport is notoriously chaotic. It is inefficiently laid out, riddled with security checkpoints, and also pretty dated. There are three terminals, and one of them (Terminal 1) feels like it hasn’t been updated since the 80s.

While the airport isn’t luxurious, it serves its purpose. Despite what felt like utter chaos, we made it through customs and immigration in under an hour and our bags were delivered in perfect condition. Getting your visa on arrival in Egypt is a bit complex, but all in all this airport isn’t as bad as people say.

From Cairo International Airport, you can get to Old Cairo in 30-40 minutes, the Giza Pyramids in 50-70 minutes, and New Cairo in 15-20 minutes. The best way to get from the airport to anywhere in the city is Uber. I highly advise you to avoid taxi drivers both at the airport and elsewhere in the city.

– R E A D –

Sphinx International Airport (SPX)

Sphinx International Airport is a very new airport designed to take some pressure off of Cairo International Airport. It is located to the northwest of Giza. Because of this, this airport is especially convenient for travelers who are only interested in visiting the attractions in Giza.

Giza is located about 30 minutes west of Cairo, and Cairo International Airport is located about 30 minutes east of Cairo. As a result, anyone solely desiring to visit the pyramids used to need to fly into Cairo and drive over an hour through traffic.

Sphinx International Airport is designed to alleviate this issue. Due to its location, travelers can get to Giza in roughly 30-40 minutes without the need to cross Cairo’s traffic. 

This airport is still new. There aren’t many flights to and from its terminal yet. However, as time goes on and this airport’s operations ramp up, it could be a great option for travelers.

I’ve heard that there are plans for international flights to destinations in Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE, as well as European and Asian countries. There will also be direct flights to destinations all over Egypt.

While you’re likely going to find better flight options using Cairo International Airport for now, I recommend including Sphinx in your search. You never know what you will find, and both airports are within 45 minutes of Cairo’s downtown area.

How to Get Around Cairo

UBER | METRO | BUS | TAXI

Cairo is absolutely massive, and it is one of the least walkable cities we’ve ever visited. It isn’t just the largest city in Egypt, but it’s also the largest city in the entire Middle East. There are two ways I recommend getting around Cairo: the metro and Uber.

Cairo has a passable metro system. It isn’t one of the best metro systems in the world, but it serves its purpose. Traffic in Cairo isn’t terrible, and the metro is a big reason why.

Cairo’s metro system has 3 lines that connect to areas all over the city. All rides cost less than a dollar, with the actual price depending on the number of stops ridden. The metro is open from 5am to 1am every day of the week, and there are cars on every train reserved specifically for women.

Cairo’s metro system is very safe. However, depending on where you stay, you may have no need to use it. There are plans to open a line that connects all the way to Giza, but that has yet to be realized.

Uber is the best way to get around Cairo. Rides are very cheap, traffic really isn’t that bad, and there are plenty of drivers available. We used Uber in areas all over Cairo and never had a bad experience.

While the cars often aren’t as nice as they are in some other places, the rides are still plenty safe and efficient. At a good time, you can Uber one hour all the way from the Pyramids of Giza to Cairo International Airport for just $5. If you are able, I highly recommend tipping your Uber drivers, simply because the cheap rides mean they’re making next to nothing to drive you around.

Normally I love buses and public transport. But in Cairo, they’re not one of the best ways to get around. It isn’t a matter of safety, but more comfort and necessity.

Simply put, you have no need to take a bus in Cairo. Yes they’re cheap, but Uber and the metro are unbelievably cheap, too. The buses in Cairo aren’t the best quality, and nobody wants to sit in a steamy bus for an hour through Cairo when you can just call a ride on the app for $2.

I advise avoiding taxis at all costs, both around the airport and throughout the city. The taxis in Cairo are of terrible quality, and the drivers are known for being a bit scammy. There is simply no reason to take a traditional taxi in Cairo.

Uber is roughly the same price, and the quality and safety of its rides is exponentially better than taxis. If you’re unable to find a ride, the only taxis I’d recommend are ones commissioned directly by nice hotels. We almost had our hotel in Giza call one for us after an Uber driver to the airport canceled, but luckily a second driver came to pick us up.

Is the Traffic Really that Bad in Cairo?

Cairo has a reputation for having terrible traffic. Many travelers talk about wild driving, hectic streets, and terrible traffic jams. Personally, I think those assertions may be overblown, especially outside of the busy season.

Cairo is definitely hectic. There’s no disputing that. But its traffic and business come nowhere close to cities in places like India and Bangladesh.

New Delhi and Chittagong are next-level craziness. I wouldn’t say Cairo’s traffic is any worse than New York City. Yes, it is worse in the busy season than in the low season, but no it isn’t unbearable.

There may be a culture shock for travelers who aren’t used to hectic destinations. But if you’ve visited places like India, Bangladesh, or China, Cairo will feel shockingly not busy.

The piece of Cairo traffic that really shocked us was how difficult it can be to cross the street in the city center. It is not impossible, but crosswalks are few and far between. Traffic can be challenging to cross, and sometimes you just need to piggyback off of what the locals do. 

If anyone offers to help walk you across the street, be ready to tip them. Personally, I just recommend crossing on your own, but if you’re uncomfortable you can ask a local for help. Egyptians are very friendly and aren’t always looking for money, despite the rude things many other people write.

Best Things to Do in Cairo

Cairo is a city with thousands of years of history. Ranging from the building of the pyramids, through the time of Jesus, past the Egyptian revolution, and onward to the present day, Egypt has been at the forefront of human history for millennia. This rich history has endowed Cairo with a wealth of incredible things to see and do.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of things to do in Cairo, but it is more than enough to fill an itinerary. One site I decided not to include on this list was the Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo. Located just off of the famous Tahrir Square, this museum was one of the biggest duds of our trip.

While everyone raves about it, I didn’t like it at all. I found it to be underwhelming, dated, and not nearly as nice as the one in Turin, Italy. It is being replaced by a new Egyptian Museum in Giza, which is a much-needed move.

1. Visit the Pyramids and Sphinx

The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are the top things to do in Cairo. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about that.

The Great Pyramids of Giza aren’t one of the New Wonders of the World like many people think. They are actually the only surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World! In fact, they were the oldest member of that list.

The Giza Plateau is a bucket list destination. From entering the Pyramid of Khufu to taking a camel ride through the desert, visiting the pyramids is a full-day activity. If you visit at the right time, it doesn’t have to be hectic or stressful, either. 

I highly recommend hiring a guide to take you on a private tour. We hired a guide with Viator and were very pleased with the result. There are about one million reasons to hire a guide to take you to the pyramids, and the price for a private tour is minimal.

The oldest pyramid on the plateau was built around 3500 BC. There is no posted information throughout the plateau, so unless you are an Egyptologist, you’ll want a guide. 

A guide with a car is even better, as the plateau spans for miles and is not walkable whatsoever. We didn’t realize this before we visited, but the pyramids, Sphinx, and observation point are not close to each other at all, and the heat makes walking challenging. 

There are carriage drivers looking to sell rides, but a carriage ride is likely to cost almost as much as a full private tour.

On a very cool note, did you know you could enter the Great Pyramid of Giza and crawl into a tomb?!

2. Go On a Private Tour of Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo

To many people, Cairo is synonymous with the pyramids. But there is so much more to do in Cairo than just the Giza Plateau and other pieces of Ancient Egypt! Coptic and Islamic Cairo are two incredible areas to visit that are filled with history and stunning religious sites.

There is so much more to do in Cairo than just the Giza Plateau and other pieces of Ancient Egypt.

We booked an Islamic and Coptic Cairo day tour with Deluxe Travel which took us to several important churches and mosques in Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo. As devout Catholics, we were especially interested in Coptic Cairo. The churches we visited were built over places where the Holy Family stayed during their flight from Herod!

The Hanging Church and Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church are stunning. Equally striking is the Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner, which is carved entirely into a mountain. The stories behind these churches are even more impressive than their designs.

We also really enjoyed visiting some of the most famous mosques in Cairo, like the Al-Azhar Mosque, the Alabaster Mosque, and the Mosque of Sultan Hassan. While the pharaohs are very important, Christians, Jews, and Muslims are a crucial part of Egyptian history, too. These churches and mosques, on their own, are some of the best tourist sites in the city, and their respective neighborhoods are very close to central Cairo.

3. Eat Breakfast with a Pyramid View

The pyramids are striking, and I advise soaking in their glory as much as you can. One great way to do that is by eating a meal with a pyramid view. To do this, we booked a stay at the Marriott Mena House hotel located just off of the Giza Plateau. 

We reserved a room with a direct, uninterrupted view of the Great Pyramid of Giza. While pricey, this was one of the best experiences of our entire trip. We ordered a large breakfast of local foods to our room, and ate as a family looking out at the stunning view of the world-famous Pyramids of Giza.

You don’t have to stay at the Mena House Hotel to do this. There are cheaper options that also offer a great view of the pyramids. However, if you can fit it in the budget and are looking for a truly unforgettable experience, I can’t recommend the Mena House enough.

4. Soak in the Views from the Citadel

The Cairo Citadel is one of the coolest spots in all of Egypt’s capital city. Located just across the street from St. Simon the Tanner Monastery, this area is packed with beautiful structures and surrounded by gorgeous views. This is where the famous Alabaster Mosque is located, and in my opinion, it is the prettiest mosque in all of Cairo.

The Cairo Citadel was used as a palace and royal residence for centuries. Nowadays, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions located just a quick drive from the heart of Cairo. The palace was damaged by an earthquake and is going to take a long time to restore.

5. Head to the Child Museum

The Child Museum is one of the best children’s museums we have ever visited. Tucked away in a park in Heliopolis, this museum is super interactive, very clean, and the perfect place to take your kids.

Entrance to the museum cost us just a few dollars, and it was one of the biggest bargains of our trip. The museum was filled with interactive games, puzzles, and exhibits meant to teach kids about Egyptian history. While our son was a bit young for the museum at just 20 months old, he still had a blast.

I’d recommend the museum for any kids over 18 months. I think 3-year-olds and up would get the most out of it. Outside of the museum, there is a beautiful park filled with statues of animals, playgrounds, and a cafe.

6. Eat Dinner on the Nile

The Nile River is thought of as the life source of Egypt. It has been of the utmost importance to the country for thousands of years. In Cairo, it is a wonderful place to grab dinner!

The Nile River divides Cairo and Giza, with Cairo sitting on the east bank and Giza sitting on the west bank. Along both banks of the river, there are long promenades dotted with restaurants, hotels, cafes, and bars. While this is a lovely way to spend an evening, there’s an even more popular option.

Thousands of tourists flock to boats on the Nile to embark on dinner cruises. A typical dinner cruise on the Nile includes food, views, and live entertainment. These cruises are pretty affordable by Western standards, too, often costing around $50 per person.

7. Visit the New Grand Egyptian Museum

I mentioned earlier that the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is underwhelming and not worth visiting. Egyptian authorities must have realized this, as a brand new Egyptian museum has been built in Giza! This Grand Egyptian Museum is going to be the crown jewel of Egyptian Museums.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is located a short drive from the pyramids. This location was a good idea, as it will encourage more tourists to stay in Giza instead of Cairo, alleviating some of the pressure on Cairo’s infrastructure.

The old Egyptian Museum, sometimes referred to as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, probably won’t close its doors. The plan is to renovate it after the new museum opens and eventually reopen it to the public. It houses an impressive collection but really falls short from an information and facilities standpoint.

8. Venture Out to Saqqara

Saqqara is the site of the oldest pyramid in Egypt. This small step pyramid was the first of many in Egypt, and it is a very popular place to visit. Despite its reputation, it isn’t nearly as busy with tourists as the Pyramids of Giza.

Saqqara is located about 30 minutes south of the Giza Plateau by car. Many private guides include Saqqara in a full-day tour itinerary of the pyramids. We didn’t have the time to visit, but our tour guide of Coptic Cairo was adamant that Saqqara is undeniably one of the top attractions around Cairo.

9. Explore Khan el Khalili

The Khan el Khalili Bazaar, sometimes referred to as the Khan el-Khalili Market, is widely considered one of the best attractions in Cairo. This tightly woven network of streets is filled with vendors looking to peddle their wares. Similar to the Souks of Morocco, this area is the chief place to barter for wares in Cairo.

We initially planned on visiting the Khan el Khalili neighborhood, but we ultimately decided not to. Our tour guide told us that the vast majority of things sold there are actually made in China. 

This unfortunate reality is the case in many popular tourist attractions in the world, and we’d prefer to support true local artisans instead. This personal conviction doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go! If you want to go for the experience, be ready to haggle and pay in cash!

10. Learn about Papyrus Making

One of the most famous inventions of Ancient Egypt is papyrus. This special type of paper is able to last for thousands of years when preserved properly, and this longevity is what taught modern Egyptians and historians so much about Egyptian history.

Papyrus remains an important piece of Egyptian culture, and there are several special places to go to witness the creation of papyrus and learn about its history. One of the most famous places to go is the Three Pyramids Institute.

Best Time to Visit Cairo

I wrote an entire post on the best time to visit Egypt . In that post, I mentioned that the low season is absolutely unbeatable.

If you’re able to put up with the heat, there is no better time to visit Cairo than August or May. 

It will be hot during these summer months. When we visited in August, the average high temperature was somewhere in the 90s to low 100s. However, if you can stomach the heat, you get to experience the capital of Egypt with practically no lines.

During August, the number of tourists in Cairo is minimal compared to the winter. We visited the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx around 9am on a weekday in August, and there were no more than 500 people on the entire Giza plateau. In the winter, there are thousands at any given moment.

We didn’t experience a wait for any single attraction in Cairo. From the Grand Egyptian Museum to the Al-Azhar Mosque, there wasn’t a line at any attraction in Cairo or Giza. In fact, when we visited the Sphinx at noon, there were literally no other tourists there. Zero.

When we visited the Sphinx at noon, there were literally no other tourists there. Zero.

If you can’t take the heat, I recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons around September and April. The weather will be a little more tolerable, but the crowds will also be much larger than in the summer. The winter is the busy season, and while the weather is the most comfortable, the crowds and traffic are known to be absurd.

Is Cairo Worth Visiting?

Cairo is unique. Before visiting, we weren’t sure what to expect. We had heard stories suggesting it was chaotic like New Delhi, but also had seen gorgeous pictures of places like Coptic Cairo and the Marriott Mena House Hotel.

All in all, Cairo is absolutely worth visiting. There is no disputing that. The city is packed with things to see and do, and I’d recommend it to anyone.

Cairo is hectic, and Cairo is dirty. In fact, our first impression of Cairo wasn’t all that great. But the more time we spent in Egypt’s capital city, the more we came to love it.

Places like Coptic Cairo, the Giza Plateau, and the Cairo Citadel are amazing. Other places like the Old Egyptian Museum and the Khan el Khalili are underwhelming. If you pick the right things to do and visit the right neighborhoods, Cairo is truly a special place.

Is Cairo Safe to Visit?

We had heard mixed reviews about safety in Cairo before we visited. Very quickly, we realized that the Egyptian capital city is a very, very safe place. This is for multiple reasons.

The Egyptian capital city is a very, very safe place.

Firstly, Egyptian people are incredibly kind and hospitable! We never once felt at risk when among Egyptian locals. We took basic precautions, but at no point did we feel like we were in any more danger than we would be in Paris or New York.

Secondly, there are security checkpoints everywhere in Egypt. There are so many that it gets annoying, but I’d rather be safe than not. Every major building is equipped with a metal detector, and there is a very high police and security presence in the streets. 

At no point did we feel in danger, even traveling with a toddler. I’ve heard many solo female travelers say they’ve had a similar experience, too. Cairo is just as safe as many of the popular international destinations throughout Europe.

The only safety concerns I’d truly beware of are food precautions and crossing the street. I picked up some sort of stomach bug from something I ate while in Cairo, and it wasn’t a fun day. It’s normally best to beware of street food.

When it comes to crossing the street, crosswalks can be hit or miss. Make sure to be safe when crossing the street, as there are a lot of cars on the road that are happy to zip right by you while you cross.

Best Place to Get Egyptian Pounds in Cairo

Egypt’s currency is the Egyptian pound. As I wrote in my post on getting foreign currency for a trip, most people get ripped off when exchanging money before they travel.

In that post, I spell out why currency exchange booths are the worst place to exchange money. Most banks in the US and Europe don’t carry Egyptian pounds for exchange, either. This leaves ATMs as the best way to get Egyptian pounds. 

In Egypt, many ATMs add a markup to the exchange rate in order to make a profit. This gets really pricey, in addition to ATM fees charged by your bank and the ATM’s bank.

I spent a couple of hours walking around downtown Cairo checking out different ATMs to determine which banks offer the best deals. I found that ABC Bank is undisputably the best bank to use for cash withdrawals. Their ATM gave me the live exchange rate without adding any kind of fee or surcharge! 

When I traveled, this was equal to 30 pounds per dollar. Other ATMs offered me between 19 and 25 pounds per dollar, plus a fee. There are several ABC Bank ATMs in Cairo, including the one I used a couple of blocks from the Steigenberger El Tahrir Hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Palermo

Can you explore cairo on your own.

You can absolutely explore Cairo on your own, but hiring a guide is a good idea. We spent the first couple days of our trip exploring on our own, but we enjoyed the days that we had a guide much more.

How many days do you need in Cairo?

You could spend a full week in Cairo and still need more time. However, since you’ll likely want to visit other places in Cairo, you should allot at least 4 full days to explore Cairo.

Is Cairo a walkable city?

Cairo is one of the least walkable cities we’ve visited. The city is massive and most major attractions are far apart. Additionally, the traffic makes crossing the street at certain places very difficult.

Is it safe to go to Cairo as an American?

It is very safe to go to Cairo as an American. Americans are at no greater risk than any other nationality in Cairo, and the city is generally regarded as very safe. There are security checkpoints all throughout the city, including at the entrances to most major buildings.

That’s all we have for you about Cairo! Hopefully, this post is helpful as you start planning your journey to Egypt’s capital city. I really do think that Cairo is worth visiting, and it shouldn’t be skipped on any itinerary to Egypt.

If you’re planning a trip to Cairo, let us know! We’d love to chat ahead of time and answer any questions you have. Otherwise, have a wonderful day and stay present!

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Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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How to Spend Three Days in Cairo, Egypt 

I’d been dreaming about visiting Cairo for years .

What can I say? I love spending times in bustling cities that are packed to the brim with ancient architecture, numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and vibrant, unfamiliar cultures. I had a feeling that Cairo would check every single one of those boxes.

And did it? Yep!

Cairo is known as the City of a Thousand Minarets and because of this, the streets are always loud and busy, full of movement and colors; just how I like them. Every corner has a mosque around it, and the call to prayer rings out loud and proud, five times a day, continually inviting you to stop and reflect. 

And the sights? I’m sure you can imagine how impressive they are. Getting to see the Pyramids of Giza for the first time was the most breathtaking experience, and who wouldn’t be blown away by the majesty of sailing down the Nile at sunset?

I fell in love with Egypt from the moment I stepped foot on its dusty shores, and subsequently decided to dedicate a significant portion of my travels to exploring it more. As I write this now, I’ve been fortunate to have now spent an incredible six months travelling across the country, with two of those spent basing myself in Cairo.

And so, today, I’m excited to start kicking off my Egypt coverage by sharing how to spend three days in chaotic, charming Cairo.

Why You Should Absolutely Visit Cairo

Before we jump into my itinerary, I want to first share a little more about what makes Cairo so special.

In my opinion, this city is works well for so many types of trips and travelers. For all of my backpackers out there, you can easily experience the city on a shoestring, paying as little as $4 a night for a hotel room, plus mere cents for your meal. But there’s also a wide selection of luxury options dotted across the city — some five-star hotels are as little as $120 a night! — if you want to experience Cairo’s grander side. If you have the budget, it’s well-worth splurging a little in this city.

In terms of neighborhoods, you’ve got a true spectrum of experiences to dive into. From the center of Cairo, which brings the local vibes and is always loud and crowded, to the more affluent neighborhoods, like Zamalek, which offers up hipster cafes, delicious brunches, and a much more tranquil atmosphere. It’s worth hitting up as many of Cairo’s neighborhoods as you can, as they all have something different to offer. Zamalek, though, was an easy favorite for me.

You guys know that I love to explore a city’s streets on my feet, and I found wandering the alleyways of Cairo to be fascinating . It’s true: I’ve done some of my best people-watching while in Cairo. As you meander through the city, you’ll run into a vast array of street vendors around every corner, and you’ll find you can’t venture more than a few feet without coming across the next cafe. I quickly learned that Egyptians absolutely love their tea, or shai , and they’ll sit and sip it from tiny Arabic tea cups, with mounds of sugar, for hours while playing backgammon. 

And speaking of street vendors: to my great delight, I discovered that Cairo is home to some incredible dishes, like the iconic koshari , which attempts to marry as many carbs as possible (rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and fried onions) into one hearty dish. You’re going to love it.

Unsurprisingly, food is super cheap in Egypt, so if you’re eating from small, local restaurants you can easily get a meal for less than a dollar or two. Look for where the locals are eating to ensure you avoid food poisoning.

With all that being said, Cairo is intense. I can’t deny that. I think if I’d rocked up in this city as my very first solo travel destination, I’d have likely panicked, turned around, and hopped on the next flight out of there! The streets are always loud and overcrowded, it’s dirty and dusty, the roads are manic, and you have to haggle for everything . Ten million people call Cairo home, and sometimes it can feel as though they’re all squeezed down the same street that you’re on. And yes, you will experience harassment as a woman.

I don’t recommend that you head to Cairo as your first ever city break, but if you’re brave enough to take it on, I guarantee you’ll leave culturally enriched and in awe of this incredible city. 

How Many Days Should You Spend in Cairo?

I mentioned above that I spent two months living in Cairo, so my love for this city is clear. However, visiting a city as a tourist is different to living there; that’s why I believe three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in town.

With three days, you’ll be able to see the vast majority of the attractions. Day one will be allocated to the city center, day two will be all about the Pyramids and the Nile, and day three will focus on the Islamic side of Cairo.

And beyond that? Even I can hold up my hands and admit that Cairo becomes a bit stressful and overbearing if you stay for much longer, so get your three days under your belt, and then venture off to explore more of wonderful Egypt.

That’s enough of my waffling! Let’s jump into how to spend three days in Cairo.

Day One: Visit Zamalek and the City Center  

I mentioned above that Zamalek was my favorite neighborhood in Cairo, and I recommend basing yourself in this area while you’re in town. I stayed at the gorgeous Houseboat65 Hotel and loved it. It’s a houseboat! On the Nile! How cool is that? There’s nothing quite like sitting beside this mighty river, sipping your morning tea and watching the boats pass by.

If you do decide to stay in Zamalek, your first activity is going to be particularly accessible: exploring, um, Zamalek! Simply step outside your front door with a camera in hand, and get ready to discover one of the city’s coolest areas.

Zamalek is also referred to as Gezira Island, and is one of the most modern, hipster neighborhoods of Cairo. As the name implies, it’s located on an island in the middle of the Nile, just a bridge-crossing away from the rest of the city. As you wander the area, you’ll come across cute cafes selling cappuccinos and iced lattes, and boutique shops with organic skin products and local produce wrapped in fancy boxes. The streets are leafy and peaceful; quiet and orderly — at least by Cairo’s standards!

The main reason why I recommend traveling to Zamalek first is precisely because of all these reasons: Cairo can be a shock to the system, so kicking off your explorations in a laidback area of the city makes a hell of a lot of sense. Think of it as dipping a toe into the waters of Egypt: start peacefully and then work your way up.

So what should you look out for while you’re in Zamalek?

The island isn’t very big, and you could explore most of it by foot on your first morning in town. Make sure you catch a glimpse of the 614-foot tall Cairo TV Tower on the southern part of the island. You can go to the top for a fee too! Aside from that, there are a few museums and culture spots worth visiting, like the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art and Cairo Opera House. 

If there was one neighborhood that I would safely say you can explore alone in Cairo, it’s Zamalek. It’s here where you can confidently get lost in its winding streets, where you’ll discover hidden art galleries, quirky shops, and stunning views of the Nile along the way.

Numerous foreign embassies and consulates are in Zamalek, so don’t be surprised if you walk past grand buildings with guards outside them every once in a while. I always love the architecture of embassies when I travel.

Next, hop in an Uber and get yourself to Downtown Cairo. Be prepared for a total change in atmosphere. Whilst Zamalek is quiet and fairly empty, Downtown Cairo is absolutely wild! It reminded me of the chaos of Old Delhi, India . The streets are always full of crowds and there are cars tooting their horns everywhere — it’s far from tranquil!

But the liveliness of this neighborhood of Cairo is energizing and contagious. 

Start in iconic Tahrir Square, which has been the epicenter of many of the protests and uprisings, like the Egyptian revolution in 2011, when thousands of Egyptians took to the streets to stand against President Hosni Mubarak and his government. 

It was also the site of the 1919 Egyptian Revolution, after which it was given its current name, which translates to Liberation Square, although it wasn’t officially changed till 1952.

The square isn’t the prettiest, and there’s a huge roundabout in the center that is jam-packed with cars at all hours of the day, but you can’t visit Cairo and miss such a historically important spot! 

There’s also a statue of Omar Makram in the square and most importantly the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities that has artifacts spanning over 200,000 years of Egyptian history.

Walk to the end of Talaat Harb Street from Tahrir Square and you’ll find yourself at Talaat Harb Square. The square has a statue of Talaat Harb, an Egyptian entrepreneur, and was once a prominent spot for shopping and entertainment. 

Most of the famous buildings are now in disuse, like the Groppi tearoom and Cafe Riche, but they stand as a testament to Cairo’s colonial past and are prime examples of French neoclassical architecture. 

From here, there are many streets leading off the square that are lined with busy cafes and some of the city’s best restaurants. Stop for a tea before you continue exploring!

After that, I’d recommend allowing a bit of time to stroll around the center and get a bit lost. The city center is safe and always busy, so you don’t need to worry about getting stranded anywhere. 

The truth is that most of Cairo’s best attractions aren’t on the map. They’re hidden down unexpected streets and in unexplored corners of the city. They aren’t the Pyramids (although the Pyramids are amazing, don’t get me wrong), they’re the ancient arches that appear as you turn a corner and seem to be of no relevance, the breathtaking carvings on stone walls, and stunning doorways weathered by time.

Cairo was founded in 2,000 BC and since then it has been reigned by countless monarchs and an array of empires, from the Romans to Sultans. Its long and varied history has left imprints on every corner of this mesmerizing city. To find Cairo’s essence, you’ll need to put your must-see list aside for an hour or two and allow yourself to just explore, with no agenda! 

Another of the most fascinating things about Cairo is the culture. It’s so different from Western culture that everything will seem unfamiliar. At the start, it’s hard to see any order in the chaos that characterizes most of Cairo’s neighborhoods. 

But, if you stop and observe you’ll start to notice that Egyptians are respectful, dignified people who follow strict cultural norms.

Something else you’ll start to realize is that, as a tourist, you’re never getting the local price. Egyptians will start at the highest (almost quite ridiculous) price they think they can get away with, and then it’s totally down to you to haggle your way out of it.

To tell the truth, even after haggling, you’ll probably still be paying at least twice what the locals are, but now you can say you shopped like a local!

If you were raised in the West, you’ve probably never haggled before and it can feel a bit uncomfortable and unfamiliar at the start, but it’s the Egyptian way: challenge yourself and give it a go!

It’s handy to learn some of the arabic numbers and sentences like “ma3andeesh floos” (well-pronounced in this video ), which translates to “I don’t have any money”, before you go. Don’t take yourself too seriously when you haggle and it’ll often turn into a humorous negotiation between you and the vendor.

Before leaving Downtown Cairo, make sure you visit the Abdeen Palace. It’s just a five minute drive away from Tahrir Square! The palace is grand, enormous, and has spectacular ornaments in every corner – history fans will especially love it.

Construction of the Abdeen Palace began in 1863 and continued until 1874. It was built where the ruins of Abdeen Bay’s old house stood. It is now the main office and official residence of the president. There are numerous museums on the bottom floor of the palace that you can venture into, like the Arms Museum. 

Day Two: The Main Attractions

Let’s be honest, no one comes to Cairo without going to the Pyramids. They are the most famous and world-known attraction the city has to offer. You might be surprised to hear that the Pyramids aren’t actually in Cairo, they’re just outside in the nearby city of Giza. Of course, that does explain why they’re called the Pyramids of Giza . 

Still, they’re close-by: it’ll take you about half an hour to an hour to get from central Cairo to the entrance of the pyramids.

I suggest setting off early (around 7 a.m.) for a number of reasons.

Firstly, you’ll miss the crowds that arrive later on in the day in their hundreds, forming long queues at the ticket office and crowding around the Pyramids and Sphinx. The pyramids aren’t quite as majestic when there are groups of shouting friends and herds of tourists with selfie sticks. May I present Exhibit A?

But more than anything, I suggest getting there early because of the sun. There is absolutely no shade at the Pyramids of Giza. You are surrounded by desert sand and not a tree in sight. It gets very hot and after an hour walking around in the afternoon sun you’ll start to feel tired, sunburnt, and frustrated. Do yourself a favor and come early!

Once you’ve got your tickets, step onto the barren trail that winds its way between the three Pyramids (that are surprisingly far apart from one another) and the Sphinx. The sheer size of these incredible structures, built in 2550 BC, will leave your mouth hanging open. It’s amazing to think you could once scramble up the giant rocks and enjoy the views from the top!

Each stone that makes up the pyramids is about the same height as you, and you’ll find yourself scratching your head and doing a lot of unresolved mental mathematics as you try to figure out how they got there.  

The Sphinx is equally as impressive and huge. There’s something captivating about this mythical creature’s poised position and on-guard appearance. You’ll have a great time taking silly pictures of yourself with the sphinx too! 

Needless to say, remember your camara. The pyramids are a haven of picture-perfect views and magnificent travel photo opportunities.

There are a few things you need to be wary of when you visit the Pyramids, and a few things you should know that you likely haven’t been told about. 

My first piece of advice is that you bring water; lots of it. There are no cafes or restaurants super close to the pyramids, and there’s nothing but stone and sand inside, so bring everything you need with you.

If you’re going later in the day, wear a hat and sensible clothing to protect you from the sun, especially if you’re going in spring or summer. 

You can go to the Pyramids independently, but there aren’t any information plaques around the site, so you won’t learn much about the history or importance of the site. I’d suggest going on this guided tour at a price of $35, so you can get all the inside information about this World Wonder from a local and knowledgeable tour guide. 

Now, here are the strange and unexpected things you should be aware of. One, you’re going to be approached by men offering you camel rides all the time. Seriously, all the time. They can be quite insistent, but don’t let it ruin your experience, just walk away. 

Secondly, don’t just hire anyone who calls themself an official guide to show you around. There are lots of cunning fake guides at the Pyramids; make sure you’re actually getting an official guide or go with the tour guide company I recommended .  

All that said, enjoy! This is one of the coolest places on earth, so relish every second of it.

After an exciting day at the Pyramids, go on a cruise down the Nile in the evening! You might not know this, but Egypt is the birthplace of belly dancing. 

Egyptian celebrations are often accompanied by belly dance music and big events, like weddings, often hire a belly dancer to get the crowd dancing! Belly dancers are treated with respect and revered by locals.

River cruises down the Nile come with dinner and a belly dance show, and they’re one of the most iconic experiences the city has to offer. Dine on traditional Egyptian dishes whilst a belly dancer in beautiful attire twirls and shimmies in between the tables. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, and you’ll pay $30 for the best cruise in town .

Day three: Experience Cairo Like a Local

Kick of your third morning in town by hitting up the Cairo Citadel, which is also known as the Citadel of Saladin. The citadel is located in the area of Cairo known as “Islamic Cairo”, which is yet another one of my favorite parts of this wonderful city. You’ll find it atop of Mokattam Hill, where it has towered over the area since the Middle Ages.

The citadel was named after An-Nasir Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, or Saladin for short. He was a famous warlord and strategist who later became the Sultan of Egypt and overthrew the Fatimid Dynasty, establishing the first Ayyubid Dynasty in the country in one fell swoop. 

It was back in 1176 that he ordered the construction of the citadel to protect what is now modern-day Cairo from the Crusaders, and to serve as the heart of the Egyptian government. 

A hell of a lot has happened since then, but the citadel is still one of Cairo’s most important monuments. It’s even a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

The citadel is a complex that comprises four museums and three mosques, so you could easily lose an entire day to wanderings around here. If you only have time for one — or aren’t much of an architecture enthusiast — go for the Mosque of Muhammad Ali (no, it’s not named after the boxer!)

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is the largest in the space, and the most impressive, so it’s definitely the one to prioritise.

Personally, I loved all three mosques and recommend making time to explore all of them. You’ve got the Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque and the Mosque of Sulayman Pasha al-Khadim remaining. The former was the royal mosque for the city, where the sultans of Cairo undertook their Friday prayers, while the latter is It is the first mosque in Egypt that displays an Ottoman architectural style.

There’s three museums within the citadel, too — the National Military Museum, the Al-Gawhara Palace Museum, the National Police Museum, and Royal Carriages Museum. Trust me when I say that none of them are particularly great, so you could easily skip over them all without needing to feel guilty about doing so.

From the top of the hill there are spectacular views of Cairo below, so before you leave the grounds, make sure you take all the beautiful photos.

After visiting the notorious Cairo Citadel, head deep into the heart of Old Cairo to El Moez Street. The street starts at Bab el Fotouh where it has its north entrance, and ends at the south entrance at the Tentmakers’ Market. 

You’ll see this street referred to as many names: Moez Street, El Moez Street, Al Moez Street, Al-Muizz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi Street, Al-Muizz Street… know that they’re all referring to the same place in Cairo.

Prepare to be swept away by crowds of people walking in between stalls and let your senses be overcome by the noises and smells that fill the air.

Moez Street is definitely not one for people who hate crowds and shy away from busy streets, but it is one of the most beautiful and intriguing places in the city. Aside from that, it has an authentic, local feel to it. There are few tourists around, and that’s how you know you’ve come to one of Cairo’s true gems.

The street was named after Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatimi, the fourth Caliph of the Fatimid Dynasty who reigned from 953 to 975. There are numerous historical buildings along the street, and arches and mosque minarets around every bend. 

Stalls line both sides of Moez Street, and little crafts stores are built into the old buildings. Watch craftsmen at work embroidering intricate tapestries, making candles using traditional methods that have been employed for centuries, and shaping leather into stylish bags. It’s the best place to buy souvenirs!

Food stalls waft the smell of falafel into the air, and there is an invigorating buzz about the place. Get lost in this dizzying maze of colorful stalls, stunning archways, and breathtaking historical buildings.

The UN reported that this street has the greatest concentrations of medieval architectural treasures in the world, and when you get there you’ll quickly understand why. Stunning mosques line Moez Street and silence the rush of people every time a call to prayer begins. 

Buildings worth keeping a lookout for, and going into, include the Al Hakim Mosque that was built in 992 AD, the Ottoman-era Sulayman Agha Al-silahdar mosque, and the Beit El Seheimy museum, which perfectly replicates residential Ottoman architecture. 

You could spend days at Moez Street, so you’ll have to be selective about what buildings and mosques you go into. Follow your intuition and decide for yourself which you think are the most impressive! Most are free. Remember to cover up and bring a head scarf if you’re a woman. 

What to Know About Cairo Before You Go: How to Stay Safe

Cairo is pretty safe. In fact, Egypt has a lower crime rate than the United States on a number of crime indexes. They have lower rape statistics, gun crimes, and murder rates than New York for example. 

I never worried about being mugged whilst I was there, unlike my experience in cities like Chicago. Cairo is objectively quite safe. Of course, there is a difference in the experience men and women will have in Cairo, and it’s considerably more polarized than in other cities.

If you’re traveling alone as a woman you won’t necessarily be unsafe, but you will receive a lot of unwanted attention. Out of respect to the country’s culture and religion, I also recommend wearing long trousers and tops. 

Like all cities, Cairo is less safe at night. Stick to busy roads with lots of lighting and try to avoid going out alone at night, especially if you aren’t sure where you are. 

My top three safety tips are:

• Put your passport and money into an anti-theft bag and hide it around your waist, below your clothes.
• Sew a pocket into your waistband that can fit your credit card and a bit of spare cash for emergencies.
• If you’re worried someone is following you, lean against a wall and pretend to be tying your shoes, that way they will walk past you and you can change your route.

Overall, Cairo is safe and you shouldn’t have any problems. Use your logic and follow these tips and you’ll have a safe and fun time on your trip. 

How to Get Around Cairo

Most big cities have great public transport, with easy to navigate timetables and clearly mapped metro lines that get you from A to B quickly and efficiently. Well… Cairo is an exception.

Whilst public transport in Cairo is very cheap, it’s far from easy to navigate. As a general rule, Google maps doesn’t work across Egypt. There were various times where I followed my map to a Movistar or H&M that didn’t exist, and, according to the locals, had never existed, despite the fact that it was very much real on the map. So imagine how unreliable the bus schedules are! 

Cairo also has a metro line, but it gets very cramped and unpleasant, especially on a hot day! I lived in Cairo for three months, but I only took the metro once – telling my local friends (who never use the metro, by the way) that I wanted to experience Cairo like a “local.” They laughed, but finally agreed to come along. 

We jumped on, sweated and struggled for air before hopping off just 15 minutes later, a fair walk from where we wanted to be. I never got the metro again. 

If you’re only in Cairo for three days, don’t bother trying to figure out the public transport unless you’re determined to do so – you will waste hours of your time. 

You’ll be surprised to know that the best way to get around Cairo, and the way that all my Egyptian friends who had lived there their whole lives get around, is by Uber. Yes, Uber! I was shocked too. But the app is fast, super cheap, and reliable. 

In Egypt Uber also has a scooter option, so you can hop on the back of the driver’s motorcycle (they bring a spare helmet, don’t worry) and get to where you want to be in no time. 

I wouldn’t recommend renting a car in Cairo either. The roads are absolutely crazy. There are always long lines of traffic and unexpected road users, like donkeys pulling carts with young children on them. 

Apart from anything else, Egyptians don’t often use the pavement, so there’s always people appearing out of nowhere, crossing the road in a hurry, or just walking along the motorway as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.

Unless you’re a confident driver, or you think that using the local public transport is a must when you travel, then get an Uber. It won’t cost much more, especially if you’re a group, and you’ll save yourself a considerable amount of time and energy.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Cairo 

The best time of year to visit Cairo is from October to April. During these months the city experiences its most mild and pleasant temperatures. Cairo has warm and sunny winters with cool, but far from freezing cold, nights. 

One thing to bear in mind if you come during the winter months is that December and February are very touristy. If you can, come in October or November, or early spring. 

Summer is the worst time to visit the city because it’s scorching hot. That isn’t an exaggeration, temperatures can soar above 102°F, though they tend to stay around 94°F. Once May arrives, all you’ll want to do is stay indoors with the AC on full blast – it’s far too hot to do anything else.

Where to Stay in Cairo

There’s plenty of accommodation options in Cairo, from a $15-a-night guesthouse that overlooks the Pyramids, to internationally renowned hotels. So however you want to travel, whether it be luxury or budget, you’ll find it in Cairo.

But where do I recommend that you stay?

I stayed at Houseboat65 Hotel and loved that it offers something a little different. Imagine waking up along the Nile in a little home that is just for you, yet still a part of a friendly and welcoming hotel! You get the best of both worlds: the privacy and intimacy of an apartment and the perks and great service of a luxury hotel.

I particularly love the views of the Nile from the rooms. You’ll feel like you’re in a dream as you sit on the water’s edge, sipping your morning coffee and watching little boats float by. It’s also the perfect place to escape the noise of the city without compromising on location!

This stunning property gave me the perfect balance between modern and traditional. I relished all the well-thoughtout details around the property and was delighted by the undeniably Egyptian feel of the place. 

The colorful carpets, low-down coffee tables, and stunning decorations made it feel warm, welcoming, and homely. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring Egypt’s most fascinating city. 

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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I am off to Cairo in December and have found your blog invaluable.

One question though – can you speifically recommend the tour guide/company for the pyramids tour – the link goes to a generic Get Your Guide webpage which has many options. Was wondering which guide you went with.

Many thanks and keep up the good work – your website is now firmly on my list of resoures for all our travels! Thanks Fergus

Hi Fergus! Ah, yes, Get Your Guide is so annoying with how it redirects links to a full search page! This should work for you: https://www.getyourguide.com/pyramids-of-giza-l4184/giza-pyramids-and-spinx-half-day-private-tour-t17540/?partner_id=5OA45ES&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle&cmp=cairo-itinerary&mkt_cmp=true — if not, it should be the first result on the GYG link and highlighted in blue, it’s titled Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: Half-Day Private Tour

Hi Lauren, Thank you so much for such a well written blog. I do plan to go end if this month. I guess booking in advance would be wise. You haven’t mentioned much about the museums. I thought that would be a highlight as one would want see the mummies.

Would you recommend exchanging money in Cairo- airport?

Thanks again.

Hello! interesting blog! as an Egyptian – with Turkish roots – living in Cairo for almost my entire life, I think you got a grasp on it.

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Cairo travel blog — the fullest cairo travel guide for first-timers.

Cairo, a destination that must always be on the list of “Must-Visit Places” of any visitor. Cairo has its arrogant Pyramids, defying the test of time, a mysterious Sphinx, Islamic architectural works that are completely different from other places. Cairo is a city full of charm and contrasts. Standing in Cairo, you will feel sorry for the distant past. Sometimes you will lose patience because of the traffic, chaos but Cairo brings you timeless history and breathtaking architecture and delicious food. The beauty of Cairo is difficult to appreciate at first, but if you have more time than spending two short days for the Pyramids and the Sphinx, you will see a historic, different and captivating Cairo.

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Discovering the treasures of the Egyptian Museum, wandering the mysterious market, tasting the legendary koshary or taking a cruise on the Nile River are experiences in Cairo that you will never forget when traveling to Cairo, Egypt.

So, is Cairo worth visiting, how to visit Cairo, what to do in Cairo? Let’s check out our Cairo blog (Cairo travel blog) with the fullest Cairo travel guide (Cairo tourist guide, Cairo guide) from how to get to Cairo, best places to visit as well as top things to do in Cairo to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Down the historic Nile River, ancient Egyptian civilization left humanity with brilliant achievements. But perhaps Cairo is where the most quintessential things are “kept”. A city with the only remaining wonder, buildings tinged with time, hustle and bustle of life… creating an enchanting yet contradictory look.

Cairo is the place where the most quintessential things are “preserved”. It is the wonder of the Pyramid that defies time, the Sphinx is full of unanswered mysteries, unique Islamic architectural works.

Overview of Cairo (#cairo travel blog)

Cairo is a large city located in the Northern region of Egypt and is also the capital of the country of Egypt. Cairo city is located right next to the legendary Nile River. With a population of more than 22 million people, Cairo is currently one of Africa’s largest cities and also the 19th largest city in the world. The city of Cairo has a long history. Ancient Cairo dates back to 641, when the Arab commander Amr Ibn Al-Aas successfully conquered Egypt. The modern city of Cairo was founded in 969, under the Tunisian Fatimid dynasty.

Cairo is closely associated with ancient Egypt, as the famous Giza pyramid complex and the ancient city of Memphis are located within its geographical area.

Situated close to the Nile Delta, Cairo was founded by the Fatimid dynasty in 969, but the land that makes up the city today was home to ancient national capitals whose ruins can still be seen in parts of Old Cairo. Cairo has long been the center of the region’s political and cultural life, and is known as the “city of a thousand minarets” because of its famous Islamic architecture.

Cairo is famous and known all over the world for its rich and fascinating history with many mysterious legends. Egypt has a total of 97 large and small pyramids, but the pyramids near Cairo and Giza are the most famous, pyramids such as Khufu pyramid, Khafre pyramid, Djoser pyramid… are between 4,400 and 4,600 years old. In particular, the Giza and Saqqara pyramids were the first pyramids built by architect Imhotep.

With its northern location in Egypt, on both banks of the Nile River, Cairo has long been a place associated with many brilliant dynasties of the past. And the most prominent is ancient Egypt, with the famous Giza pyramid complex and the ancient city of Memphis that still exists today.

When to visit? (#cairo blog)

November – April: This is the best time to visit Cairo because the weather is cool, not too hot. However, this is peak time so the number of tourists will be very crowded and prices will also increase.

May – August: Summer in Cairo is very hot, however this is the low season so the number of visitors is small and prices are quite cheap. From June to August is the hottest months in northern Egypt, especially the capital Cairo, the temperature can reach more than 40 degrees Celsius. At this time there can also be sandstorms, dust clouding the sky, traffic jams and scarcity of drinking water, so this is not the right time to travel to Egypt.

You can go to Cairo in the months around June or September, when the weather is not too hot or rainy, there are fewer people at tourist attractions and prices are reasonable.

And one point to note, Cairo city has a very large temperature difference between day and night. I went in the winter when it was 9 degrees Celsius at night but during the day it was up to 24 degrees Celsius. Please pay attention to choose appropriate clothing.

How to get to Cairo? (#cairo travel guide)

From Vietnam, there is currently no direct flight to Cairo. You can buy a ticket from Hanoi/Saigon to transit in a third country such as Thailand, Malaysia, Dubai… or the most economical way is to buy a ticket from Vietnam to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur and then fly to Cairo from there. There are many airlines flying to Cairo or Aswan city such as Gulf Air, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airlines, Emirates Airlines… with many reasonable prices and time frames. Check out Google Flights , Skyscanner , Kayak to hunt cheap airfares.

From the airport to downtown Cairo, there are 3 types of means of transportation:

Bus: The cheapest way to get from the airport to central Cairo is to take the airport bus in front of Terminal 1. Every 30 minutes, from 7:50 am to 6:15 pm, the bus will take you to Ramses train station in the city center, from here you can take the metro to other places. Bus price is about 5EGP/person.

Taxi: Taxis will be faster than buses, but be sure to negotiate the price with the driver in advance. The taxi price from the airport to the city center is about 150 EGP.

Rent a shuttle: This is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Cairo airport to the city center for about 20USD. You can refer to and book private transfer services via the link.

Getting around Cairo (#cairo travel blog)

Cairo’s public transportation system is quite developed (including a metro system). If your group has a small number of people, you can absolutely use this system.

Our group has 5 people, so traveling by public transport will not be very optimal. So we rented a 7-seat car and driver to take us around the city (and to the airport).

Actually, this is a very right decision. Because firstly, it is convenient, saving time finding directions and calling a car. Second, our driver was very nice, introducing us to the unique features of the city that only locals know.

Metro: The cheapest and fastest way to get around Cairo is the metro, it only costs you from 7EGP per trip. However, the metro does not reach every location in the city, so if you go somewhere other than the metro line, you will have to combine taxis, walking, etc.

Taxi: Before getting in a taxi, you must ask the driver if the meter works and clearly agree on the price, negotiate the specific destination and price to avoid being scammed. Some examples for your reference: from Tahir square to the old town costs about 13EGP, from the old town to Khan el-Khalili market costs 10EGP, Tahir square to Giza Pyramid costs about 40EGP.

Buy a tour: If you want to go to places far from Cairo such as the Step Pyramid, Red pyramid, Memphis… Buying a tour is the best way. You won’t have to worry about traffic, won’t be afraid of being scammed, and will have a tour guide with you. You can buy tours at hotels or travel companies in Cairo.

Self-driving cars: I honestly don’t recommend driving yourself in Cairo because of the extremely heavy traffic and frequent traffic jams.

Where to go and what to do in Cairo?

The Egyptian capital is a fascinating metropolis with lots of interesting aspects to explore. On the one hand, it is rich in history with foundations dating back to the 10th century, with the ancient sites of Giza and Saqqara that every tourist wishes to visit. On the other hand, it’s a cosmopolitan destination with a diverse culinary scene, world-class art galleries, epic concert venues and swanky shopping malls. Mosques cover some areas of the city, while others are dominated by synagogues or Coptic churches. Whatever your interests, one thing is for sure: Cairo has something for you.

When Egypt flourished, peaked more than 4,000 years ago and then declined in the early years of the common era, civilization in other places was just beginning.

Great Pyramid of Giza (#cairo travel blog)

The Great Pyramid of Giza includes three pyramids with different names: Khufu, Menkaure and Khafre. Many theories believe that this great work was built in about 20 years from 2560 BC, this is the only ancient world wonder remaining today. Khufu is the largest pyramid with a height of 146m (equivalent to a 40-storey building). According to scientists’ calculations, building the Khufu pyramid required 5.9 million tons of stone and 20,000 craftsmen for 20 years. Today, Giza still has many unexplained mysteries such as Giza being built exactly on the median line dividing the world, the 3 peaks of the Giza pyramid align exactly with the 3 main stars in the constellation of Orion?

Egypt’s most recognizable landmark, the Pyramids of Giza, are located on the outskirts of Cairo. Here you will find three separate pyramid complexes including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that still stands today. The Giza Pyramids, dating back some 4,500 years to the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt’s Old Kingdom, are a monumental testament to the incredible skill of ancient architects.

Sphinx (#cairo blog)

The Sphinx statue is located in front of Giza. There are many theories that the Sphinx was carved as a god to guard and protect the Great Pyramids. The statue has the body of a lion, and the head of a man with a Royal style headgear.

The statue is made of limestone in the shape of a lion’s head and body, placed in front of the Khafre pyramid in a prostrate position overlooking the Sahara desert as a deity guarding the Pharaoh’s eternal sleep.

Usually gods in Egyptian religion are depicted with animal heads and human bodies, but the Great Sphinx is the opposite. The head wears a Nemes scarf – an outfit reserved only for Pharaohs, showing wisdom and control while the lion’s body symbolizes strength, this means that strength is under control, it represents strength, demonstrate the supreme authority of the Pharaohs.

Step Pyramid of Djoser

Built at Saqqara about 4,700 years ago, the Djoser step pyramid (Step Pyramid) was the first Egyptian pyramid with 6 stepped floors, 62 m high covered with limestone. This is also the largest and oldest stone construction, just after the stone city in Peru. This first pyramid was built as a burial place for Pharaoh Djoser’s body. Prime Minister Imhotep was assigned by Pharaoh Djoser to do this task.

Later, Imhotep was deified because of his incredible achievements for Egypt. The Pyramid of Djoser was originally built as a mastaba – that is, a mausoleum with a rectangular shape, a flat roof and sloping sides. After many expansions, the tomb structure has become a 62 m high pyramid with 6 floors built on top of each other.

Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid

Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid were built by Pharaoh Sneferu. The bend pyramid is a 101 m high structure, with a base of nearly 188 m, with not only two inclined angles but also two entrances. This is the most unusual pyramid compared to the others as the first 49 m largely retains the smooth outer limestone shell and is built at a steep angle of 54 degrees, then tapers towards the top.

The Red Pyramid was built entirely of red sandstone, with a height of 104m, ranking fourth among the tallest pyramids built in Egypt. This is humanity’s first success in building a pyramid with a steep surface. The path down to the crypt is quite steep and very low, you will have to bend down close to the ground to be able to crawl down. There are handrails on both sides and the ramp has wooden edges to prevent slipping. At the end of the steep ladder is a small tunnel with an almost vertical V-shaped dome, and continue climbing another wooden ladder to get to the bottom of the pyramid.

Islamic Cairo (Medieval Cairo)

Muslims conquered Egypt in 641, then subsequent dynasties continuously built cities and magnificent architectural works. During the Mamluk period (from 1250 to 1517) was the peak period of Islam with countless mosques and mausoleums being built. Most mosques are free and allow non-Muslims to visit.

Cairo Citadel

• Address: 27H6+G27, Privet Entrance Bel Kalaa, Al Abageyah, El Khalifa, Cairo Governorate 4252360, Egypt
• Tel: (+20) 0-19654
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00
• Web: [email protected]
• Ticket price: 300 EGP – Adults | 150 EGP – Children – Buy tickets in advance here

Cairo Citadel is a Muslim fortress built in the Middle Ages in the capital Cairo, with the purpose of protecting the city of Cairo and Fustat from attacks by the Crusaders. Today, Cairo Citadel is one of the most famous attractions in Cairo.

The Citadel was the home of Egypt’s rulers for nearly 700 years, built in 1176 by the famous Muslim commander Salah ad-Din (also known as Saladin) to protect the capital Cairo from foray. Citadel today is one of the attractive tourist place in Cairo.

Muhammad Ali Mosque

Citadel is famous because it has the Muhammad Ali Mosque with bold Ottoman architecture (Turkey), built by Sultan Muhammad Ali’s first son, Tusun Pasha, to commemorate him.

The mosque is very prominent with two soaring minaret towers and silver domes, this work was built under the direction of Greek architect Yusuf Bushnak from Istanbul and the prototype of this mosque is the mosque Yeni Islam in the capital of Turkey. The main part of the mosque is built on a square surface with an area of 41x 41m. The main dome is 21m in diameter, 52m high, gilded and elaborately carved. In addition to the main dome, there are four side domes and four secondary domes. These domes make the space inside much larger than it actually is. The inside of the church is especially majestic with a blue dome and gorgeous crystal lights.

City of the Dead

City of the Dead in Cairo is the largest cemetery in the world. Despite this, the area is still home to more than half a million people.

In the past, this area was the burial place of the rich and aristocratic class (some tombs were even very large in scale). But due to war and urbanization, poor and homeless people have moved here to take refuge.

Then gradually these homeless people became grave caretakers for these graves. And of course they are allowed by the homeowner to live in this land. From there was born the “City of the Dead” area.

Maybe this area will not be on the top list of must-visit areas when coming to Egypt. But for me, “City of the Dead” is what is most characteristic of this city and the whole country of Egypt, where “the dead is the source of the living”.

Cairo Old Town

Cairo’s Old Town is the area with the largest concentration of Islamic buildings in the world, with a full range of architectural schools built from the 10th to 17th centuries. This entire area was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1979.

The most prominent of these are works such as the Hanging Church. This is one of the oldest churches in Egypt, dating back about 1800 years. This church is located at a height of 6m above the ground and the distance from the ground to the main building is 29 steps, so it is also called “Staircase Church”. The Hanging Church has very delicate and sharp carvings on the wooden doors. It was once the headquarters of the Coptic Pope from the 7th to the 13th century.

The Hanging Church is also known as the Church of the Virgin Mary. The Coptic Hanging Church in Cairo got its name because it was partially suspended above the Babylon Fortress. The current building dates back to the 7th century, and was preceded by another church built on the same site four centuries earlier. Therefore, it is believed to be one of Egypt’s oldest places of Christian worship.

Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hasan and Islamic Academy

Address: 27J4+WF7, El-Darb El-Ahmar, El Khalifa, Cairo Governorate 4292008, Egypt

Built in the mid-14th century, the mosque and islamic school is one of the largest mosques in the world and it is an impressive architectural achievement of its time. Sultan Hassan Mosque is 150m long, the tallest tower is 68m high, the walls are 36m high and is a combination of many different decorative styles expressing strength and splendor, luxury and great beauty.

Sophisticated and extremely majestic in design, the mosque’s facade is decorated with stone and marble. In the middle of the mosque’s courtyard is a domed fountain, surrounded by four soaring domed halls are four Islamic academies of four schools of Sunni Muslim thought: Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanafi and Hanbali.

Admission to Sultan Hassan Mosque includes admission to the neighboring Al Rifa’i Mosque. Although Al Rifa’I Mosque was built more than 400 years after Sultan Hassan, you will see many similarities between these two structures.

Ibn Tulun Mosque

• Address: Ahmed Ibn Tolon Sq., Tolon, El Sayeda Zeinab, Cairo Governorate 4261342, Egypt

Ibn Tulun is the oldest mosque in Cairo, built in 876 and made entirely of fired bricks. Ibn Tulun’s architecture is square, with an area of about 26,318m² including a central courtyard of about 92m². In the middle of the courtyard is a domed fountain, originally the dome was gilded but it collapsed in 968, the current dome was built in the 13th century. Ibl Tulun also has a Ziggurat minaret tower inspired by the architecture of the Great Mosque of Samarra in Iraq, you can climb to the top of the minaret and see the view of Cairo from above.

• Ticket price: 60 EGP – Adults | 30 EGP – Children – Buy tickets in advance here

Abdeen Palace Museum

Abdeen Palace is the most famous royal palace in Cairo. Once the place where the government apparatus was located from 1874 to 1952, then converted into the presidential palace, Abdeen Palace is a historical witness to many important events of Egypt.

• Address: 26VW+7VP, El-Gomhoreya Square, Rahbet Abdin, Abdeen, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 15:00
• Ticket price: 60 EGP – Adults | 30 EGP – Children
• Note: You will have to send the camera outside

Coptic Cairo

The Christian community in Cairo makes up about 10% of Egypt’s population (i.e. more than 8 million people) and is the largest Christian community in the Middle East and North Africa. Egyptian Christianity belongs to a separate branch called Coptic. Some studies suggest that Christianity began to spread in Egypt about 30 years after Jesus’ death and that by about 300 AD, Alexandria had become one of the largest Christian centers along the Mediterranean coast.

Khan El Khalili Market

Mentioning the countries of the Middle East and North Africa means mentioning mysterious bazaar markets, where exquisite handicrafts, elaborate silverware, or rows of aromatic scents are sold. And Khan El Khalili market is a tourist destination in Cairo, Egypt, where you must definitely visit when traveling to this city.

This market was established in 1382 with the original purpose of serving as a warehouse for merchants coming to Cairo to exchange goods. Later, as commercial activities became more and more vibrant, Khan-El-Khalili Bazzar gradually developed into a large and bustling commercial area like today.

The market includes many shops filled with unique items. From traditional handicrafts such as wool carpets, leather goods, jewelry, lamps or perfumes and spices to high-end items such as gold, jade, jewelry…

St George’s Church

Once inside, you’ll immediately notice the vaulted wooden ceiling, marble pulpit, and an astonishing collection of religious icons. The church is where the apparition of the Virgin Mary was once witnessed (the name for events where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared at a certain location), open every day from 9am to 4pm.

St George’s Greek Orthodox Church and Monastery is a beautiful complex. It was rebuilt in 1904 after the original building was destroyed by a fire.

Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church

This is perhaps the most unique and historically fascinating church in Cairo. Not only is it the oldest church in Coptic Cairo, but it is also built over a cave. This is where Jesus, Saint Mary and Saint Joseph stayed during their trip to Egypt.

Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo can be considered one of the largest and greatest museums in the world. In addition to storing more than 120,000 artifacts, the museum is also famous for preserving the victory stele of Pharaoh Narmer and the massive treasure found in King Tutankkhamun’s tomb.

There are so many antiques and mummies related to the history and culture of the great civilization that when entering the museum you will be overwhelmed. Egypt has many Pharaoh tombs, but almost all of them have been completely looted after thousands of years, only Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb was still quite intact when discovered in 1923. Tutankhamun’s tomb is considered the The tomb is the smallest in the Valley of the Kings, but the amount of wealth found there is still staggering. The mummy was placed in 5 gilded coffins, the mask covering the mummy weighed 11kg in gold, extremely delicately carved.

Located in Downtown Cairo – the heart of the Egyptian capital, the Egyptian Museum is the first Cairo experience for any traveler interested in the country’s ancient history. Since 1902, it has been a repository for artifacts unearthed at legendary archaeological sites such as the Valley of the Kings and Luxor.

Today, the museum is somewhat overloaded with more than 120,000 items crammed into a 15-hectare space. Everything displayed here is of great value, including the treasures of Tutankhamun and the mummies of famous pharaohs (ancient Egyptian kings).

The Egyptian Museum is open from 9am every day and costs 120 EGP/adult.

Address: El-Tahrir Square, Ismailia, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate 4272083, Egypt Hours: 9 AM–5 PM

See the city with a “bird’s eye” view from Cairo Tower

Cairo Tower was completed in 1962, using funds donated by the US government to Egyptian President Nasser for political purposes. In order to protest this “bribery”, Nasser decided to use the money to build a tall tower as a symbol of resistance. The tower is located on Gezira Island today and is the tallest building in North Africa (187m).

Once you reach the tower, you can admire the mosaics in the lobby, depicting landmarks of the now-defunct United Arab Republic. At the top of the tower there is an observation deck and a revolving restaurant where you can get a 360-degree view of Egyptian Cairo city from above and from every angle. Therefore, people often compare this to a “bird’s eye” sightseeing experience. Entrance tickets cost 60 EGP.

Explore the trendy Zamalek district on Gezira island

Cairo is famous for its historic neighborhoods like Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo, but those looking for a bit of modern Egyptian culture should head to Zamalek. Located on the northern half of Gezira island, this is a trendy area filled with foreign embassies, upscale restaurants, art galleries and fashion boutiques.

SafarKhan Art Gallery is a bastion of contemporary Egyptian art, while the eclectic El Sawy Culture Wheel regularly hosts concerts, festivals, plays and engaging lectures.

A must-have evening experience in Cairo is Le Pacha 1901, a floating venue with breathtaking views of the Nile, where you can enjoy dining at one of nine award-winning restaurants.

Go up Bab Zuweila – experience Cairo at a cheap price

One of three remaining gates in the city walls of Cairo’s Citadel, Bab Zuweila has stood there since the 11th century. Its twin towers served as a vantage point from which to observe approaching enemies, and during Mamluk era, the gate was known as an execution site.

Today, Bab Zuweila is a historical relic where you can climb two minarets for breathtaking views stretching all the way to Cairo’s Citadel. Entrance fee is 15 EGP.

Enjoy the evening at the Cairo Opera House

When traveling to Cairo, you will come across a lot of impressive architecture. One of them is the Cairo Opera House located near the southern end of Gezira Island, the most highly regarded performing arts venue in the city. In addition to foreign music performances, the Theater also organizes traditional music nights with the participation of artists from the Cairo Opera Company, Cairo Symphony Orchestra and Cairo Opera Ballet Company.

There are 7 performance spaces in total, from the Main Hall with more than 1,200 seats to the airy outdoor stage. Remember to check information on the theater website to update the latest performance schedule.

Extend your trip with a cruise on the Nile River

The longest river in the world, the Nile has been the lifeblood of every Egyptian civilization since ancient times. To feel its timeless majesty, book a cruise on this bustling body of water.

Options are endless, including a romantic traditional wooden boat (felucca) cruise at sunset, or a multi-day trip to Luxor, stopping at famous attractions along the way such as the Valley kings, Karnak and Dendara. You can also take a boat to explore Cairo by destination within the city, admiring the beauty of Egypt’s past and present from a very different perspective.

What to eat?

Ful medames.

Ful medames is one of the top famous Egyptian dishes consisting of fava beans cooked with spices and olive oil. Dried beans are often cooked until soft and served in the morning with eggs and pita bread. This rustic dish is often eaten for breakfast, you can buy it anytime during the day at street shops or restaurants serving local and middle eastern dishes.

Koshari (Koshary)

Many of Cairo’s restaurants are eclectic, serving dishes from around the world. However, when you come here, don’t forget to enjoy typical Egyptian delicacies. Top-rated local restaurants include Abou Tarek in Downtown Cairo and Zööba in Zamalek. Among them, Abou Tarek is a famous place that appeared on CNN with only one dish on the menu: Koshary. Although koshary is simple, it encapsulates the essence of Egyptian cuisine.

Coming to the Egyptian capital Cairo, try a fast food dish called Koshari, a perfect combination of pasta, rice, lentils, green beans and caramelized onions covered with a layer of tomato sauce with garlic. According to local people, Koshari is very good for sleep. Koshari is a famous dish with a delicious and attractive flavor.

Hamam Mahshi (Stuffed Pigeon)

Pigeon is stuffed with rice or “Green Wheat” and then fried. When enjoying this dish, you should pay attention to the small bones in the bird meat. This is one of the most loved dishes in Egypt. You will easily find this dish at the entrance to Khan El Khalili market in Cairo and at high-end restaurants.

Karkade – Hibiscus tea

The tea is purple in color, created from the red color of dried hibiscus flowers, boiled, cooled, then added a little sugar to dissolve. The water has a taste between sour and sweet, this is considered a drink with quite a great taste. With this type of tea you can also enjoy it hot like herbal tea and it gives you a lot of minerals to prevent high blood pressure.

Where to stay?

You should book a room in the central Cairo (near the Egyptian Museum) for convenience in going out and traveling.

However, the city center area is far from the Pyramid area. For convenience, before visiting the Pyramids, you can change hotels to the Giza area. Hotels around this Giza area have a direct view of the Pyramids, but are very dirty (when you open the window you can smell the smell of animal dung).

Almost all hotels in Egypt are family-run and managed. There is no doubt about the quality: firstly, the rooms are very old, amenities are minimal, and secondly, the service is poor.

We were “sold” on our first night in Cairo. Yes, sold, you heard right, sold publicly right in the middle of the capital. The story is that we booked a hotel on booking.com, but when we arrived, we received a phone call from the hotel owner (we booked the hotel’s airport shuttle) that we were overbooked today. room already. We will transfer you to a nearby hotel of similar quality.

But no, the hotel they “sold” us was old and terribly bad (rooms were old, furniture was broken) and generally too bad. But because we only stay for one night, and we had just taken a long flight, we had no choice.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo ( Agoda , Booking )
• Fairmont Nile City ( Agoda , Booking )
• Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino – Cairo ( Agoda , Booking )
• Grand Nile Tower ( Agoda , Booking )
• Pyramisa Suites Hotel Cairo ( Agoda , Booking )
• Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo ( Agoda , Booking )
• Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino ( Agoda , Booking )
• Le Meridien Cairo Airport ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out top and best hotels in Cairo on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Cairo itinerary 3 days

You should spend at least 3 days to explore Cairo. Because firstly, you will need time to rest after a day of flying, secondly, Cairo has many areas to visit and they are far apart (like the Giza Pyramid complex 20km from Cairo city center).

On the first day of arrival, you should rest, then 1 day go to places in the city center, 1 day go to the Pyramid area.

You can refer to our Cairo travel itinerary below:

• Day 0: Fly to Cairo
• Day 1: Cairo Citadel – Abdeen Palace Museum – Mosque of Ibn Tulun – City of the Dead – Khan el-Khalili Market
• Day 2: Visit the Giza Pyramid complex
• Day 3: Egyptian Museum

In addition, from Cairo you can go out to Alexandria city for the same day. For convenience, you can buy a tour. There are many units offering this tour but the prices are quite varied. You can go to the following page to see the listed tour prices.

A few small notes when traveling to Cairo

• Eat oranges, eat lots of oranges, not because they are nutritious or vitamin C, simply because they are so delicious.
• Sit and drink tea at the bazaar market, immersing yourself in the local culture.
• Bargain a lot, even in convenience stores, always finalize the price before any activity.
• Drink non-alcoholic beer
• Don’t wear white clothes, the reason is simple because it will get dirty very quickly and when washed here the color of your shirt will no longer be white.
• Tourist manipulation is quite common in Cairo, as well as throughout Egypt. If in Vietnam, just tell the seller not to buy and he will leave. But in Egypt it’s not the case. Maybe it’s still there and they’re pulling it even harder.
• Tips are quite common in Egypt, and many people take it for granted (even if the service they provide to customers is not good, they still ask for it).
• Always bargain when buying goods (even in stores with listed prices) because Egyptians are always to charge high prices.
• Buy a SIM card right at the airport. When leaving the baggage claim area, you will see counters selling sim cards from Vodafone, Orange… Choosing a sim will depend on your wallet as well as your usage needs. I bought Orange’s sim package because its price was the most reasonable.
• Bring a mask because Cairo city, firstly, is very polluted, secondly, the smell of dung is everywhere.

Today, Egypt, with its series of ancient structures and unanswered mysteries, is considered one of the most attractive destinations in the world, attracting tens of millions of tourists each year.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Cairo you can refer to

• 2 Days Private Guided Tour around Cairo and Giza
• Cairo Private Day tour to historical Pyramids
• Private Transfer From Cairo Airport to Giza and Cairo
• Cairo Private Day Tour to Egyptian Museum, Cairo Citadel & Bazaar
• 5-Star Luxury Nile Maxim Dinner Cruise in Cairo
• Alexandria Private Cultural Day Trip from Cairo
• Private Full day tour to Islamic and Christian Cairo
• Cairo Dinner Cruise with entertainment

Read more Egypt guide here .

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Cairo, Egypt: The Ultimate Guide

Cairo is a unique blend of ancient history and modern culture, with iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza and the Nile River just moments away from the vibrant energy of the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our ultimate Cairo guide will help you explore Cairo’s treasures. Join us as we delve into the heart of this vibrant and unforgettable destination and discover all that Cairo has to offer.

Best Known For: the Pyramids of Giza

When you think of Cairo, you think of the Pyramids of Giza . The Pyramids of Giza are undoubtedly one of the world’s most iconic and recognizable landmarks. These incredible structures have stood for over 4,500 years and continue to amaze people with their sheer size and impressive engineering.

The Pyramids of Giza were built as tombs for the pharaohs and their consorts and are surrounded by other smaller tombs and temples. One of the best ways to explore the pyramids is on our Best of Ancient Cairo Tour, where a knowledgeable local guide will show you the sights of the Ancient Egyptian world and have the chance to look inside one of the pyramids. Alternatively, take a look at the different ways to get to the pyramids from Cairo , and the different touring options to see the pyramids .

Cairo: Essential Travel Information

Interactive map of cairo.

More Things to See in Cairo

With so many amazing things to do in Cairo , narrowing down your choices for your time there can be challenging. Here are some of our favorite places and things to do in Cairo.

Visit the Egyptian Museum : The Egyptian Museum is a must-visit destination when in Cairo. The museum boasts the world’s most extensive collection of Egyptology artifacts, making it a haven of archaeological treasures. The museum is teeming with exhibits, including the famed golden death mask and personal belongings of Tutankhamun, as well as dozens of mummies and artifacts from Pharaohs and ancient dynasties.

Downtown Cairo : Downtown Cairo lets visitors get lost in the bustling city and explore the creative and artistic scene. You can shop, eat delectable food, or peruse local art galleries.

Best of Cairo Tour : Our Best of Cairo Tour will allow you to explore the beauty of Cairo and experience the perfect blend of ancient and modern. Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza and ride a camel, visit temples and tombs and witness the Giza Pyramid Sound and Light show. You will visit the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel of Saladin, and Coptic Cairo and take a trip to the Khan el Khalili Market, where you can shop or enjoy local tea or freshly squeezed juice, immersing yourself in Cairo’s unique culture.

Where to Stay in Cairo

When thinking about Where to Stay in Cairo , it is easy to feel spoiled by choice. The Egyptian capital is a bustling, thrilling, and colorful place with awe-inspiring views and stunning hotels .

Downtown Cairo : Downtown is the urban center of the city, rich in history and busy with traffic. French architects designed the district, giving Paris a run for its money. A stunning area to stay; your eyes will be drawn to contemporary European architecture as you walk through the streets.

Giza : The neighborhood of Giza is located near the Pharaonic Village, Cairo University, and Orman Botanical Garden on the left bank of the River Nile. Spend your days leisurely strolling along the riverside, exploring verdant gardens, or enjoying a scenic felucca ride along the Nile.

See all Cairo Hotels

Cairo’s Restaurants & Markets

Cairo is a food lover’s paradise, with countless dining options and markets to explore. Street food is a staple of the city, with vendors selling everything from falafel and shawarma to koshari, a famous Egyptian dish made with lentils, rice, and pasta. In addition to street food, many restaurants serve traditional Egyptian cuisines, such as ful medames, a breakfast dish made with fava beans, and molokhia, a stew made with leafy green vegetables. 

Egypt’s capital is also home to the famous Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where you can find everything from spices and teas to jewelry and textiles. For a taste of local life, head to one of the many open-air markets, such as the Friday Market or the Street of the Tentmakers, to experience the hustle and bustle of Cairo’s market culture or go on a taste adventure on one of our many food tours.

Our Recommendation: Things to Book Ahead 

When traveling anywhere, there is always a list of things you should book beforehand. We recommend ensuring that your accommodation is arranged before you arrive in Cairo. When visiting Cairo, visits to popular attractions like the pyramids have minimal availability. To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking one of our array of pyramids tours so you can see everything Cairo has to offer. 

See all Pyramids Tours

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The 13 Best Things to do in Cairo, Egypt

Looking for the best things to do in Cairo?

Cairo is one of the great cities of the ancient world. Home to some of the oldest pyramids and artifacts found anywhere on earth, this 10 million strong megacity is also Egypt’s largest city as well as its capital.

As a popular tourist destination for centuries, the city’s infamous pollution, noise and crime haven’t detracted from its continued place along the tourist trail.

15 Best Things to do in Cairo Egypt

Modern Cairo is full of life and vigor, and while most visitors simultaneously love and hate the city for varying reasons, there’s no doubt that vibrant Cairo must be experienced at least once in your life.

Getting to Cairo by air is relatively easy. Whether you’re flying from London or New York, or have Sharjah to Cairo tickets, with the most affordable airfares in the low season of November to March (excluding Christmas).

Here’s the best way to get around Egypt by bus or train .

See the Pyramids of Giza (Giza Necropolis)

When people think of Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza are at the top of the list.

The largest pyramid on the Giza Plateau, as well as all of Egypt, is the Great Pyramid. Known locally as the Pyramid of Khufu (for the pharaoh it was originally built for in the early 26th century BC), its narrow passages can be explored. However, the huge exterior is what people generally marvel at.

Farther south along the plateau is the Pyramid of Khefre (also known as the Pyramid of Chephren). It includes an internal tunnel that can be explored. The smaller Pyramid of Mycerinus (also known as the Pyramid of Menkaure) stands right next to it.

This area on the edge of Cairo makes a great half day visit. You can get here by metro, taxi or by joining a tour. If you want to get the most out of it, a tour is strongly recommended.

Guess the riddle of The Great Sphinx

Also located at the Giza Necropolis at the entry to the Giza Plateau, stands the Great Sphinx of Giza. Seemingly guarding the giant pyramids, the lion-bodied and pharaoh-faced Sphinx is as iconic with ancient Egypt as the pyramids themselves.

Built around 2500 BC for the pharaoh Khafre (the builder of the Second Pyramid at Giza), the Sphinx is a large monolith carved from the bedrock of the plateau that served as the quarry for the pyramids and other monuments in the area. It’s thought by a few that the head of the Sphinx may have been carved first out of a natural bedrock that was previously sculpted by the wind to give it shape. The area around it was excavated afterwards to provide blocks for the pyramids.

Float along the Nile River

Cairo is a great jumping off point for a Nile River cruise. The northward flowing Nile is the longest river in Africa and is generally believed to be the longest river in the world. It meanders through 11 African countries and splits in two just north of Cairo to empty into the Mediterranean Sea.

The Nile fuels hydro dams and provides irrigation all along its route. However, Cairo has a gorgeous unspoiled river front that is perfect for a water cruise. You can choose between party boats, historical boats and overnight and all-inclusive options. Some packages also include guided tours to the Pyramids and other landlocked sites.

Get lost at the Egyptian Museum

Also known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities or the Cairo Museum, the Egyptian Museum is one of the largest museums in the region, as well as one of the oldest archaeological museums in the Middle East.

It houses over 120,000 Egyptian artifacts, many of them pharaonic in nature. Often portrayed in books and movies, the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo is a great place to get lost in the past.

Featuring everything from mummies and beautifully intricate gold masks, to pottery, papyri, sarcophagi and jewelry, the museum houses some of Egypt’s most prized collections. The museum was founded in 1901.

The museum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Entrance tickets cost 200 EGP for adults and 100 EGP for students.

Wander through the National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations (NMEC)

The first of its kind in Egypt, the NMEC displays the history of Egypt from prehistoric times all the way to today. It’s a large museum with well over 50,000 artifacts, including the wooden Coffin of King Ramses II and the gold foiled leaf cartonage (ancient Egyptian blend consisting of linen or papyrus held together with glue) coffin of Nejim Ankh.

Collecting artifacts from all the major museums in the region and opened in 2017, its collection of Pharaoh mummies is quite extensive as well as its collection of Greco-Roman, Medieval, Islamic and contemporary.

Split into two permanent collections, you can explore both the chronological side and the thematic side.

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

Entrance tickets cost 200 EGP for adults and 100 EGP for students.

Admire the Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo

The Hanging Church, more formally known as the Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. The first iteration of the church likely dates to the third century, and is also called the Suspended Church or Al-Moallaqa. It was built by edict of the Roman emperor Diocletian.

The Hanging Church isn’t actually hanging. Instead, the hanging name came about because it’s built on top of, or hanging over, the gates of an old Roman fortress.

It’s a unique structure, with a roof shaped in the supposed structure of Noah’s Ark. The altar is especially beautiful, with lotus-shaped inlaid wooden panels decorating the wall above the altar.

Entrance to the Hanging Church is free, but donations are accepted.

The Coptic Museum is located by the Hanging Church. It houses the largest collection of Coptic artifacts in the world. The entrance fee for foreigners to the Coptic Museum is 40 EGP (Egyptian Pounds).

Enjoy the view from the Cairo Citadel

The Cairo Citadel is also known as the Citadel of Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (Saladin), or the Citadel of Saladin.

It’s a formidable and impressive defensive fortress, due to its strategic location on the Muqattam Hills.

It’s also one of the best locations to enjoy an unrestricted panoramic view of Cairo.

There’s a lot to see here, including the Muhammad Ali Mosque, built by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1848 AD, and the Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque, which was the royal mosque during the Mamluk period. The site also contains the National Police Museum, and the National Military Museum.

Daytime foreigner entrance fee, adult: EGP 200, night visiting foreigner entrance fee, adult: EGP 160.

Relax in the green oasis of Al Azhar Park

Al Azhar Park is a lovely, restful break from the noise and busyness of Cairo.

There’s plenty of greenery, including palm trees, with children’s play areas, fountains, a lake, and restaurants. There are even trips by golf cart inside the park.

Located by the Old City of Cairo, Al Azhar Park is an expansive 30 hectares (74 acres). The park was originally a 500-year-old dumping ground, which was transformed into a green oasis with waterfalls, citrus trees, and gardens. It opened in 2005, and cost in excess of 30 million USD.

While you’re at the park, visit nearby Al-Azhar Mosque, which is Cairo’s first mosque, commissioned in 970. Admission to the mosque is free.

Admission to Al Azhar Par is not free. Foreigner tickets are EGP 30, and EGP 35 on Sunday.

There’s so much to do and see in historic Cairo that we couldn’t stop at just the typical top 10 Cairo attractions. If you’re looking for some more bucket list items for sightseeing in Cairo, here are five more ideas.

Explore the Cave Church

Visiting the Cave Church is one of the most unique things to do in Cairo.

The Cave Church, or Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner, is located in the Mokattam mountain in southeastern Cairo. To get to the Cave Church, you’ll need to go through Garbage City.

Garbage City is a poor settlement at the base of Mokattam Hill on the outskirts of Cairo. It has Cairo’s largest concentration of Zabbaleen garbage collectors, with an economy which revolves around collecting and recycling the city’s garbage.

Rubbish from greater Cairo gets collected by the Zabbaleen and taken to the Garbage City settlement. Residents then separate the garbage from the recycling. There’s garbage everywhere – the roofs, streets, and so on.

The Cave Church is hand carved out of the mountain. The Cave Church itself is tranquil, peaceful, and clean inside.

With a seating capacity of 20,000 it’s the largest church in the Middle East .

The Cave Church is free to visit.

Bring your bargaining skills to the Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar

In the heart of Islamic Cairo, the Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar is a busy and colorful open-air bazaar. You’ll find everything from spices to perfumes to souvenirs to jewelry to hanging lamps.

There’s a lot to see here, including Cairo street shops filled with haggling shopkeepers, narrow alleyways, buskers, bars and restaurants.

Credit cards are not accepted in the majority of the shops at Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, but USD and Euros are often accepted.

There’s no fee to enter the bazaar.

Shop until you drop at the Cairo Festival City Mall

This modern mall has all the requisite features you’d expect in a mall, including international chain stores, a cinema, restaurants and a food court. It also connects to IKEA.

There’s even a dancing fountain attraction.

It’s a huge, modern place, with free Wi-Fi, shopping cart rentals, and valet parking. You can even rent a power bank for your phone.

If you have kids, you’ll love the stroller rental, mommy’s room, and child identification bracelets. There’s also Magic Planet, with rides, games, and fun for the kids (and adults).

There’s no cost to visit the mall.

Walk Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street

Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street (known locally as Al-Muizz) is a major street in the walled city of Historic Cairo.

One of Cairo’s oldest streets, it dates back to the foundation of the original walled city in the 10th century.

Running north-to-south, the street grew in fame in part to its proximity to the popular markets in the area, like the Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar, as well as the large and beautiful buildings built along it, especially towards the northern section with its finely restored Mamluk buildings.

At just one kilometer in length within the walled city, running from gate to gate, traversing its length is an easy walk for most people.

Some of the highlights along Al-Muizz include the Madrassa of as-Salih Ayyub, built in 1247 and a fine example of Islamic architecture. Directly across from the madrassa is the beautiful Madrassa of Qalaun, considered by many as one of the Mamluk period’s greatest architectural triumphs.

Completed in 1293 by Qalaun’s son, Muhammad al-Nasir next to it has an interior filled with fine marble, mother-of-pearl mosaics, intricate tile work, and stained-glass windows. Farther north is the younger Madrassa of an-Nasr Mohammed (built in 1309) with tons of ornate detailing.

Next, you have the Egyptian Textile Museum with a wide collection that spans the Pharaonic era right up to the Islamic period. as well as the large and impressive Sultan Hassan Mosque (Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan).

Enjoy the views at the Cairo Tower

Situated on the Nile Island of Gezira is the Cairo Tower. Standing at 187m or 614ft, it is the tallest structure in Egypt and the tallest in North Africa. This free standing tower of concrete is second only to the Pyramids of Giza in popularity, and its circular observation deck and revolving restaurant at the top have some of the best views in Cairo.

Home to the district of Zamalek and the majority of Cairo’s arty boutiques and hipster restaurants, the Nile Island of Gezira that the Cairo Tower sits on is also a great place to hang out with friends and explore.

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Do you have any favorite attractions in Cairo? Let us know!

Great post! Cairo is one of the most busiest and interesting cities I’ve ever visited!

There are many places to visit in Egypt, but the place that interests me the most is the cemeteries of ancient kings.

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39 Things to Do in Cairo Egypt

Posted on Last updated: June 9, 2022

Although there are obviously TONS of things to do in Cairo Egypt , it’s a bit of a tough city to crack.

With a massive city of 20 MILLION people, it’s tough to know where to begin in ticking off Cairo bucket list attractions and moving on to more hidden gems. This city is kind of like drinking from a fire hose – it stimulates ALL senses at the same time, at all times. But in that way, it is also incredible.

We spent a week in Cairo at first – then came back for a few days, then came back for 2 weeks, then came back again for another week or so. We used it as our home base for all our Egypt adventures and did the absolute MOST we could to discover the authentic heart of this bustling city.

Below I’ve outlined all of our discoveries for you and more. This is a Cairo travel guide of sorts, a things to do in Cairo post, a list of the most obvious must-sees and a flair of many of our personal favorites. 

@kimmconn Hey guys you should read my blog😁 #travelguide #cairo #egypt #tiktoktravel #fyp #travelblogger #foryou #traveldiaries ♬ original sound – Kimmie Conner

Getting Around Cairo

The best way to get around Cairo is, hands-down, uber. There are tons of taxis but they WILL rip you off as much as they possibly can. Uber sets a low and fair price and allows you to pay with cash so you don’t have to fumble around with cash and change. If you decide to take a taxi, use the uber price to haggle.

Cairo does have a metro, but we didn’t take it. I believe it’s quite convenient, but can get packed and stuffy in rush hour and wouldn’t be that much cheaper than a shared uber.

Where to Stay in Cairo

Cairo is so MASSIVE that it took me weeks to decide just WHERE I would recommend for visitors to stay. Islamic Cairo surely has the most Cairo attractions around it, but it’s busier and older. Giza has the pyramids – but not much else.

Maadi is the most beautiful, quiet and green suburb, but it’s 30 minutes away from the center. Same goes for Heliopolis – it’s more modern and clean. Downtown truly is central, but it mostly only has restaurants and shops. Garden City is close to everything AND the Nile, so might be a good option but can be pricey.

Now that I have listed the pros and cons of each place, here are a few varied options depending on what YOU like!

Nile-View Splurge: Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City

If you are only spending a few days in Cairo or are willing to splurge a bit on a nicer, more hotel-y hotel RIGHT on the Nile with a rooftop pool, in-room baths with sunset/Nile views, and cute rooms with old-fashioned touches, check out the Kempinski.

Cozy Green Suburb Boutique Hotel – Villa Belle Epoque – Maadi

If you are willing to sacrifice being in a central location (and let’s face it, it takes a while to get from anywhere to anywhere in Cairo so you won’t be missing much), you should stay in Maadi. Maadi feels the most like a cute neighborhood in Cairo – with leafy streets, amazing food, and lovely estates – one of which is this boutique hotel.

Villa Belle Epoque is one of the most beautiful places to hang out in Maadi, and surely the best hotel. With a renovated 1920’s-meets-today vibe and a lovely restaurant and garden, you can’t go wrong. Check out more things to doin Maadi here – it’s my favorite suburb.

Central Budget Option with Rooftop: Dahab Hostel

If you want something cheap + right in the thick of it, stay at Dahab Hostel in Cairo’s downtown. This hostel is super social, colorful, and spacious despite its very central location. They set you up on tours for great prices, and have a pretty epic rooftop as well.

You can book a dorm bed here for VERY cheap, or they have single, double, and triple private rooms if you’d prefer some privacy for a great price point.

Affordable and EPIC Pyramid View: Jacuzzi By the Pyramids

If you are just SO intrigued by the pyramids and would like to spend more time around them than just a day tour or two, stay here!!! We came back to Giza and stayed at this exact apartment a few weeks after visiting the pyramids and it was incredible. The view is unbelievable! And yes, it’s a spa!

Top Things to Do in Cairo

Here are some must-do’s, coolest things to do, and tours. These are great to consider especially if you don’t have much time in Cairo. Not including the pyramids… keep reading for those.

Felucca Boat on the Nile

This is kind of a must. Felucca boats are the traditional Egyptian boats that sail on the Nile and have a huge sail that they can put up. It’s a classic Cairo activity to jump on one of these boats on the Nile and enjoy Cairo’s bustle from the calm water.

Felucca boats can also turn into a bit of a party with a good group and a boat with speakers after dark. Doing this. forsunset is the best option!

Dinner Cruise on the Nile

If you want to get a full dose of Cairo in a few short hours, a Nile dinner cruise might be for you. This fun experience includes a buffet dinner while cruising the Nile, and some fascinating Arabic performances like belly dancing and tanoora dance.

This is a great way to be introduced to Egyptian culture, eat tons of food, and see the city/Nile for one low price.

Cairo Food Tour

If you want to understand and experience traditional Egyptian food in one afternoon, check out a Cairo food tour! You can try all different types of Egyptian food from the national dish koshary to their classic meal of fool (beans), taameya (falafel) and sharawma. You will also sample some classic drinks and tea in the heart of Cairo.

Things to Do in Cairo Downtown Area

To be honest, it’s hard to tell where is the ‘center’ of Cairo as there are so many different areas. The downtown area is centered around Tahrir square and the Egyptian Museum, and most things to do in Cairo are within close reach of here.

Explore Downtown 

Downtown Cairo is packed full of shops, local restaurants, and a few more well-known chain restaurants too. You can get a real feel for the city by walking around these busystreets, checking out some restaurants, and wandering through some shops or street markets.

Try Egyptian Food Downtown

While you are exploring downtown, stop at some authentic Egyptian restaurants in the area to get a taste of the local food.

For cheap and fast food, check out Kazaz . For a popular Egyptian restaurant with a great atmosphere, go to Felfela . To try the national dish Koshary (the best in the city) go to Abou Tarek . For a cute sit-down Egyptian meal, check out Fasahet Somaya . For a local coffee shop with wifi and an artsy atmosphere, check out Kunst Gallery and Cafe . And for amazing desserts and pastry, go to El Abd.

Want something familiar? Downtown also has Starbucks, KFC, Cinnabon, Costa Coffee, and more…

Visit the Egyptian Museum 

If there’s one museum you visit in Egypt, it has to be this one! The Egyptian Museum contains THOUSANDS of artifacts from all kingdoms, dynasties, and different rule periods of Egypt, from the beginning of the Old Kingdom up to Roman Rule.

You absolutely mustn’t miss the King Tut exhibition, which contains all the artifacts from King Tut’s tomb which was discovered in perfect condition in the 1920’s. You can learn about the culture, under

rstand some different hieroglyphs, marvel at some of the most ancient findings in the world, and more.

You can walk the museum in order through time from the old Kingdom (start on the left) or you can explore freestyle. There aren’t signboards describing each and every object, but you can still learn quite a lot exploring by yourself. If you want to know more, you can hire a guide for only a few dollars more than the museum ticket:

Tahrir Square

This is the main square outside the Egyptian Museum. It’s sort of a big flat open park surrounded by hotels and important buildings. Many tours pick up here and you might hear it referred to a lot in Cairo.

Enjoy a Drink Along the Nile

There are a few cool bars and restaurants on the Nile where you can relax with a drink and take in the views of the longest and most famous river in the world. I loved Bellaila , which is a cute open-air and flower-covered cafe with Nile views. The El Sawy Culture Wheel on Zamalek is also really cool.

Visit Islamic Cairo

Islamic Cairo is pretty much self-explanatory… it’s the Islamic center of the city. All the sites in this section are quite close and technically doable in one day, although you’ll be exhausted!

How to Visit Islamic Cairo

You can visit Islamic Cairo pretty well by yourself by using uber. Start by taking an uber to the citadel and continue from there to the city. It’s a LOT to visit in one day so you might want to consider staying around here to spend a few days ticking off these sights, or taking a day tour that organizes the best of Cairo for you so you don’t have to plan.

This tour below will take you to Coptic Cairo, the Citadel, 4-5 mosques and areas of Islamic Cairo, and then the Khan El Khalili bazaar in one day if you are short on time! It will definitely be rushed (I have no idea how they squeeze so much in one day for cheap), but it’s better to see all of this in one day than to not see it.

Marvel at City Views at the Citadel 

The Citadel of Salah Al-Din Al-Ayoubi (known as the citadel of Saladin ) is one of the MUST-SEE things to do in Cairo. Put this one at the top of your list! This citadel was built in the 1100’s and functioned as a fortified medieval rulers’ housing for 700 years.

The citadel is home to a LOT of other points of interest, including 3+ museums, 2 mosques, and the BEST VIEWS of Cairo that you can find. There are some open areas at the top of the citadel where you can relax and enjoy views of the Cairo skyline. You can even see the pyramids from up here!

You can visit the police museum and also the massive Military museum, and learn tons about Egypt while exploring what the Citadel has to offer. The cost of entry to the Citadel is 180EGP.

Mosque of Muhammad Ali

The mosque of Muhammad Ali is the focal point of the Cairo Citadel and even defines Cairo’s skyline from anywhere else in the city. This landmark was only added to the citadel in the 1800’s when Muhammad Ali took over.

You can explore the incredible courtyard of this mosque, constructed with limestone adorned with different materials. The inside is extraordinary, with ornate ceilings and chandeliers hanging all over.

Park Al Azhar

Park Al Azhar might be the greenest space in Cairo! It’s a huge park on a hill with grassy areas, a lake, gardens, and more.

It’s a lovely place to come to relax, walk, picnic, and watch the sunset. It can get very crowded though – it’s another local favorite spot and you will likely find even a dozen brides taking photos there on the weekends.

The park costs 25EGP to get into, but the crazy part is that they won’t let you bring your camera in unless you pay 300EGP for a camera apass. You might have to leave it at the gate!

Al Azhar Mosque

Close by Park Al Azhar is another incredible mosque of the same name. The Al Azhar Mosque will impress you with its intricate details and interior. You don’t have to spend too much time in here, but you can easily stop by between the park and the bazaar.

Visit the Museum of Islamic Art

The museum of Islamic art is also in this area. Here you can see tons of historic Islamic artifacts from through the ages. Islam arrived in Egypt around the 6th century, so there’s a lot of time to unpack different forms of art through 1400 years of history.

Climb Zuwayla Gate

Zuwayla Gate is the last remaining gate of old Cairo, characterized by two minaret-style towers above a gate. It’s one of the quick ad cheap things to do in Cairo to climb up here and see a view over Islamic Cairo.

Khan el Khalili Bazaar

The Khan el Khalili Bazaar is the BIGGEST Bazaar in Cairo… and I mean HUGE. You most likely won’t be able to walk all of it… and you won’t want to after dealing with the people in it after some time!

This place is the Wild West of Egyptian salespeople trying to hassle you to buy their things. It toes the line between extremely stressful and hilariously fun, but just try to remember to thing of everything as lighthearted and funny and not let anyone get to you.

Khan el Khalili would be the perfect place to buy any souvenirs, but just make SURE you aren’t paying triple or quadruple for it. People will hike up prices like crazy – maybe even 5x pr more – to start haggling. I recommend checking prices at multiple places before buying (so you can compare) and buying from the back streets where they don’t try to scam you as much.

Walk around Al-Muizz li-Din Allah past the Sabil-Kuttab and Visit Mosques and More

If you have time, this historic street known as ‘Al-Muizz street’ is incredible. Founded in the 900’s AD, it’s now a UNESCO-protected site with dozens of monuments lining it from the 900’s to 1800’s. It can even be considered an open-air museum of sorts – there are that many historic things to see.

A nilometer used to be how the ancient cultures could measure the water level of the Nile. There’s only one remaining Nilometer in Cairo , located on Rhoda island. You can see this long, deep, well-like tunnel and think that it used to determine the level of taxes that citizens would pay on their farms depending upon how much water they could get to it.

Explore Coptic Cairo, or Old Cairo

Coptic Cairo is the oldest part of Cairo, dating back to the arrival of Christianity in the first few hundred years AD. This is the Christian center of Cairo. It’s actually a walled area that closes at 5pm each day, so make sure to arrive early!

You can feel the age of this area as you walk around the thin and crumbling streets that dart around as if they hadn’t been planned with any rhyme or reason. You’ll find some vendors, but the main thing to visit in here are the churches. There are 6-8 churches inside that date back to the first 6 or 7 centuries. They’re still in use today!

@kimmconn Found Babylon guys #cairo #storytime #traveldiaries #tiktoktravel #egypt #historytiktok #fyp #travel ♬ original sound – Kimmie Conner

How to Visit Coptic Cairo

You can visit Coptic Cairo on your own or with a tour. We visited on our own by taking an uber there. But to be honest, to make the most of this place I would recommend a tour so you can truly comprehend the gravity of these ancient churches. There are some explanations to read at the Hanging Church and in the museum but that’s about it.

The most jam-packed and affordable tour to Islamic and Coptic Cairo is below if you are short on time.

Coptic Museum

Outside the walls you will find a lovely and ornate Coptic Museum that can teach you all about Egypt’s Christian history from its arrival to the arrival of Islam to now. It’s pretty fascinating to learn about one of the first places Christianity arrived to. They say that Jesus actually visited this area once!

Hanging Church

Also outside the walls, you. can visit the fortress of Babylon and the Hanging Church. It’s called that because it was literally built on top of the fortress, hanging over the walls and alleys.

You can enter this incredible ancient church and look down at least 10m from the windows and floor! The inside has been preserved very well and is worth a visit.

Visit ALL The Pyramids Outside Cairo

That’s right, there’s more than just Giza! Trust me, it’s worth making time to visit ALL the pyramids. I recommend visiting the pyramids of Dahshur, Saqqara, and Memphis (the capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt) on the first day, and then leaving a whole day for Giza.

Most tours do it all in one day and I think that’s too much. We got a private guide for 2 days to do this. His name is Rashid and his TripAdvisor is below if you would like to book him too!

Saqqara Step Pyramid and Necropolis

Saqqara is the step-pyramid; it’s the pyramid that has step sides rather than straight sides. It’s believed to date back to the 2600’s BC. The belief in Egyptology today is that Saqqara is the OLDEST pyramid built for the Pharoah Djoser… they even say it’s the oldest stone building in the world (although I’m not sure how they define ‘building.’

This pyramid is surrounded by a rectangular necropolis and temple that you can also explore.This one is commonly referred to as the first real ‘try’ at building pyramids – Djoser’s son, grandson, great grandson, and great great grandson built the next 2 pyramids at Dahshur as 3 at Giza (or should I say, had it built for them)!

The cost for entrance here is 180 Egyptian pounds (and it is not possible to go inside). There is however also a museum dedicated to the architect, Imhotep. Check out my video of visiting these pyramids that went viral on tiktok.

@kimmconn Visiting the oldest #pyramids built before Giza! #tiktoktravel #travel #egypt #history #fyp #foryoupage #travelbucketlist ♬ original sound – Kimmie Conner

Explore + Go Inside the Pyramids of Dahshur – Red, White, and Black

The red and white pyramids of Dahshur date bar to the generation after Djoser, in the time of his son King Sneferu. It’s believed that the white pyramid (also known as the bent pyramid) was built first, and the angle of the sides was miscalculated, leading them to change halfway through making the sides bent. 

The Red Pyramid was built at a more suitable angle the whole way. You can go inside both of these pyramids with your entrance fee of only 60 EGP. But don’t go if you are claustrophobic! Both have a quite narrow pathway down with steps along a slanted walkway that opens up into a central chamber in both pyramids. The bent pyramid seems a bit more random, and the Red Pyramid is more symmetrical, airtight, and organized (in my opinion). It seems that they really learned from one to the next! 

The Black Pyramid is kind of like the ugly stepsister of the other two. It’s over a thousand years YOUNGER than the other two (from the Middle Kingdom) but is in much worse condition. They made pyramids from mud-brick in these times and it didn’t stand the test of time. 

Visit Memphis, the Capital of the Old Kingdom

After checking out the pyramids, top off your first pyramid day by visiting the UNESCO site of Memphis, the capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt. This site costs 80LE to go into and is essentially a collection of artifacts, statues, sarcophaguses, and hieroglyphics that were found in the area.

You can go around and read descriptions about lots of ancient, 4000-5000+ year old items that have interesting stories.

Spend a Day Inside the Pyramids of Giza 

It goes without saying that one of the most important things to do in Cairo – perhaps THE most important thing to do in Cairo – is visiting the Pyramids of Giza.

The last remaining ancient wonder of the world stands just outside the city, and is an absolute marvel to witness. Entrance is 200EGP, and if you want to go inside the great pyramids, it’s an extra 400. 

It’s nice to go with a guide so you can get explanations for what Egyptologists currently think about the mysteries of the pyramids. All you need is a half-day tour and then the guide can go home and you can spend the rest of the day exploring on your own (and uber home).

Renting a camel is also a good idea to get around and have the true Egyptian experience, but just make sure not to get scammed – the official price is 350LE for an hour.

Get some Amazing Views of the Pyramids

Make sure to walk around all the pyramids for great views, and visit the panoramic viewpoints in the desert surrounding them. There are also some restaurants and hotels with great views too. Check out my article for the best views and photo spots of the pyramids.

Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum

This one just opened and I haven’t had a chance to go, but this museum that just opened near the pyramids of Giza is apparently one of the biggest in the WORLD. Don’t miss checking out this new archaeological wonder and amazing museum.

Zamalek Island

Zamalek island is widely regarded as one of the more affluent parts of Cairo. It’s a big island in the middle of the Nile, right next to downtown Cairo. Here you can find a lot of foreign embassies, parks, restaurants, and bars that are high quality.  We loved going to Zamalek for dinner or for some cafe time.

Climb the Cairo Tower

One of the best things to do in Cairo (or any city) is to make your way to the best viewpoint right when you arrive so that you can get a feel for the city. The best place to do this in Cairo is from the Cairo tower!

THere’s actually a revolving restaurant at the top if you want a really unique and luxe experience, but you can also pay $$$ to go up for the view. They handle bookings on their facebook page.

Cairo’s Trash City 

For a bit of a dystopian-tourism activity that is actually incredible inspiring, you can visit Cairo’s Mokattan community, better known as Garbage City. This is the home of people known as the Zabbaleen, and these people recycle the garbage of Cairo BY HAND. 

Garbage City is a 90% Christian community near the Mokattam mountain, which has all the aspects of a functioning city but most people are employed sorting garbage. They sort it into different materials and a lot of is is recycled and repurposed on the spot Check out my article for more information!

Mokattam Cave Church

Next to garbage city, you’ll find some incredible cave churches carved into caves in the cliffs of Mokattam mountain. Legend has it that St Simon moved this mountain to its current position when there was threat of a Muslim attack.

You can enter at least 4-5 cave churches here and marvel at the architecture and carvings in these spacious places of worship – actually the largest in the middle east! Learn more here .

Check Out the Green Leafy Suburb of Maadi

Maadi is my favorite suburb of Cairo. It’s about 20 minutes south of the center, perfectly removed from too much Cairo craziness. This is one of the most concentrated areas of Cairo for expats.

It’s an amazingly green neighborhood that FEELS like a cute neighborhood. It’s got homes with gardens, parks in the middle of the streets, apartment buildings, happy dogs and cats, and more that you would expect from a suburb. The Main Street is full of  cute coffee shops and restaurants with terraces.

Wadi Degla 

Wadi Degla is an incredible protectorate just outside of Maadi. It’s a massive desert canyon with rocks dating back 34 million years to when the area was an ocean . You can still find remains of shells as you explore!

When you are inside, it’s hard to believe you have only driven 10 minutes from Maadi.  From the canter, you can’t even see a speck of the city anymore and feel you’re in a remote desert! It would be best to have a car to explore Wadi Degla properly.

Things to Do in Cairo Egypt at Night

Cairo’s nightlife scene is pretty epic. From huge dj shows to tiny dingy nightclubs, you can definitely find something to do in Cairo when the sun goes down. Remember- the weekends here tend to be Thursday and Friday night!

Cairo Jazz Club

One of the most popular clubs in Cairo is called Cairo Jazz Club , which contrary to its name, plays much more than jazz. The inaugural edition of this nightclub has a nondescript little entrance on a side street in Agouza – across the bridge from Zamalek.

They actually play different types of music on different nights, from live music to jazz to latin to electronic. We visited for a melodic house/techno night on a Thursday, and it was a great time.

There’s a bigger Cairo jazz club in the suburb of 6th of October that hosts bigger shows. Check out events at both clubs on their site .

Bar Hopping in Cairo

Yes, it’s actually possible to go bar hopping in Cairo! If you know the right spots, downtown can be a fun place for a Cairo night out. Explore shisha patios and dive bars in the authentic grungy downtown area.

You can even take a pub crawl in Cairo that will show you the best bars and places to get alcohol in Cairo (as not everywhere sells it). Check it out below.

Maadi Corniche

The Maadi corniche, or the boardwalk/area along the Nile, gets pretty bumping on a weekend night. There are some open-air restaurants along the water and also big riverboats that turn into clubs on the weekend and host music and shows.

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The Perfect 1 Day Cairo Itinerary (A Local’s Guide!)

Cairo is an underrated city full of hidden gems. Here’s my local’s guide to the perfect Cairo one day itinerary. 

After years of living in Cairo, I’m still exploring the city and discovering something new . And it’s a shame that many tourists often rush through here.

If you only have one day in Cairo – spend it wisely. Avoid the tourist traps and the overrated attractions. Focus on the experiences that are truly special and spend some time exploring them.

Cairo is a huge city with lots of traffic jams. A lot of online one-day itineraries don’t take this reality into account.

You’re not going to pack in a half dozen attractions across the city – that will only leave you exhausted.

But with a streamlined itinerary and some good planning, you can experience the best of Cairo in a single day.

Here’s my perfect one-day itinerary on how to spend 24 hours in Cairo wisely. I’m a longtime expat living in Cairo and this is the advice I wish I knew when I first visited!

Table of Contents

Cairo one day itinerary:

1. giza and the pyramids.

The pyramids are very touristy – but also very much worth seeing.

The Giza pyramid complex should be your first stop on the ideal one-day Cairo itinerary. The pyramids are genuinely breathtaking when you see them for the first time.

And they still impress me after all these years, when I’m on my way to dinner and catch a glimpse of their dusty peeks through the taxi window.

But these ancient wonders are not surrounded by desert, as they’re often shown in photos.

They’re in the middle of Giza, a densely packed city that’s one of the largest in Egypt. And Giza is technically just outside of Cairo – which means at least an hour in a taxi.

The Giza pyramids are also notorious for aggressive vendors, persistent guides that offer you their “bargain” services, and determined camel and horse riders.

It’s not surprising that many tourists (and Egyptians) remember their visit to the pyramids as stressful and hectic at best.

Here’s my advice to avoid the hassle

• Head out early in the morning to avoid traffic: The pyramids open at 8 am so arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds and get your tickets. If you’re visiting in the summer, get to the plateau as early as possible to avoid the day’s heat.
• Take a taxi:  The city’s white taxis are notorious for overcharging tourists, rigging their meters and taking you in circles through the suburbs. And while most of them are honest, it’s better not to take chances. Use Uber or Careem for all of your rides.
• Hire a tour guide: I love solo travel, but I wouldn’t recommend it in Giza. Hire a local Egyptian tour guide and you’ll get a lot more from your visit. A guide will save you time at the plateau and take you to hidden gems you’d otherwise miss. The aggressive vendors will also leave you alone if you don’t appear lost and alone.
• Skip the souvenirs: They’re overpriced and include more bickering and bartering than they’re worth. Focus on the history and majesty of the pyramids and leave the shopping for later.
• Eat well:  It’s tempting to grab lunch from the local falafel (aka taamiya ) stand, but don’t take chances with your gut this early in the day. Head to Pizza Hut (yes, really) right across from the Sphinx for what’s probably the world’s best fast-food restaurant view. For a more leisurely lunch, head to 9 Pyramids Lounge (reservations recommended,) which is Giza’s first restaurant right on the plateau. Right across the street, the Marriott Mena House has some incredible restaurants that are pricier but worth it for the ambiance.

Giza plateau guide:

Allow 2 or 3 hours for visiting the plateau, and dress comfortably in the summer. Thin and loose linen works best, while jeans or a tight t-shirt are nightmares in the humidity.

There are two entrances to the plateau. One is directly in front of the Sphinx, and the other is on a hill near the Great Pyramid. I would recommend entering at the second entrance and then making your way down towards the Sphinx.

The complex includes Khufu’s Pyramid , known as the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is the biggest and oldest of the three pyramids. It’s the only site of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that’s still intact. There are two smaller pyramids called Khafre and Menkaure , and three even smaller pyramids containing Khufu’s wives and sisters.

The Sphinx is the other famous landmark of the Giza plateau: an enormous limestone statue with the body of a lion and a human’s head.

Read 5 Essential Tips To Visiting The Pyramids Of Giza  for more tips on experiencing the pyramids without the hassle!

2. Khan el Khalili

After a morning at the pyramids and lunch with a view, take an Uber to Khan el Khalili – Cairo’s famous medieval souq. Its dense, vibrant alleys are packed with historic mosques, Ottoman-era mansions and plenty of shopping.

Islamic Cairo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 14th century. And it’s lined with masterpieces of medieval Islamic architecture and some of Egypt’s most beautiful mosques.

Split your time at Khan el Khalili into two parts. First: take a guided walking tour so you don’t miss any of the incredible mosques and historical sites. Second: take a few hours to wander, shop for souvenirs and explore the small alleys full of scarves, perfumes and spices.

Khan el Khalili walking tour

If you want to tackle Khan el Khalili on your own, take an Uber to Azhar Mosque and start your walk from there. This street map is a great start to plan your tour. It features all the main attractions you’ll find along Moez Street – the main pathway through the souq.

Al Azhar Mosque is a gorgeous, recently renovated masterpiece. Founded in 970, it’s now regarded as the highest authority in the Islamic world for the study of Sunni theology. It boasts an open-air courtyard paved in white marble and surrounded by Mamluk-era minarets.

Cross Azhar Street and have a tea with mint at El-Fishawi cafe , one of the city’s oldest cafes and the famed hangout of Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz. It’s an old cafe in a narrow alley that’s always lively with musicians and groups of friends smoking shisha.

And don’t miss Bab al-Ghuri , a gate filled with shops selling colorful lamps. At night the lights illuminate the historic walls and the picture-perfect arches.

Islamic Cairo landmarks you shouldn’t miss:

• The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Barquq: One of the city’s greatest architectural feats from the Mamluk era, this religious complex has a stunning courtyard with a richly decorated interior.
• Bayt Al-Suhaymi: This historic Ottoman house is an example of how a wealthy merchant lived in medieval Cairo. The house was built in 1648 with fine mashrabiya windows, marble floors and wood furniture. It’s on a narrow lane just off Moez Street and you’ll need a ticket to enter.
• Al-Hakim Mosque: This unique mosque is named after a Fatimid caliph infamous for his bizarre laws. The mosque was used throughout its long history as a prison, a fortress for Napoleon and a school.

Read 11 Must-See Hidden Gems in Islamic Cairo for a deeper look at this gorgeous neighborhood.

Shopping in Khan el Khalili:

Leave time to wander and browse for souvenirs during your Cairo one-day itinerary.

Souvenirs in Cairo range from the kitsch and plastic to the handmade. You’ll find anything from spices and alabaster figurines to pottery, lamps and applique wall hangings.

Don’t miss 26 Amazing Souvenirs to buy in Egypt for a complete guide to Cairo shopping.

3) Felucca ride and downtown Cairo

Wind down in the evening and give your feet a rest. Head to downtown Cairo and hire a traditional felucca sailboat for a trip down the Nile River. If you walk around the Qasr el Nil bridge towards the Four Seasons Nile Plaza, you can find a line of boats and negotiate a price.

For a quieter experience, head to the nearby leafy suburb of Maadi near the TGI Fridays. Get a felucca from there for a quieter and greener river sail.

Planning a Cairo one day itinerary can feel overwhelming. It’s a huge and bustling city, and there’s a lot to experience.

But with some wise planning – and a good guide – you can get a great taste of this vibrant city.

Dee Nowak is the founder of Vanilla Papers. She keeps a daily journal and takes long walks on weekends. After a decade of slow living in Cairo, she's on a mission to help travelers navigate Egypt and the Middle East like a local. She loves simple living, journaling and local cultures.

The Ultimate Two Week Egypt Itinerary You Should Steal!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: August 19, 2023

Categories EGYPT

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Are you ready for the wildest adventure you’ve had yet? This two-week Egypt itinerary is not for the faint-hearted.

But, it will guarantee to be a journey you won’t forget in a hurry. Ancient temples, baron and mysterious desert, thriving cities, and tropical palm trees swaying by the crystal clear Red Sea. Egypt really has something for everyone. 

Personally, I travelled through Egypt for nigh on five weeks by myself. I like slow travel but, on reflection, I could have cut down my time to 14 days in Egypt. 

As well as how to spend your time with the best cities and places to visit in Egypt. I will be taking you through some top tips about transport options for travelling around, how to book hotels, safety in Egypt, and scams to watch out for.

Now, without further ado, let’s begin!

Things you need to prepare before you visit Egypt

• You will need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. These cost $25USD and you can buy these at the immigration border. I personally would recommend ordering in advance of travel. I have written a whole guide here about how to acquire one for UK citizens which applies to most countries
• Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s super easy to get sick in Egypt. World Nomad’s offers competitive rates and their policies cover lots of activities (sailing, camel riding etc).
• Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP) and 1 British Pound = roughly 22 Egyptian pounds. 
• You will need to dress conservatively in Egypt to respect the local culture. I’ve written the ultimate women’s packing list for outfit inspirations and things you shouldn’t travel to Egypt without. 
• Hello = Samal alikum 
• Thank you = Shukran 
• How much? = Kam Althaman

Is Egypt safe to travel to? Is Solo female travel in Egypt safe?

I always think that the word ‘safe’ means different things to different people. But, I certainly found Egypt to be safe.

There is a lot of security around major tourist attractions and security checkpoints on the highways. So, anyone that shouldn’t be there, won’t be. Public transport was also safe, trains have policemen on board. 

The most common complaints are pickpocketing, scams, and catcalling. Although I didn’t get any of my things stolen, I definitely was victim to a few scams while I was in Egypt (including buying gold) and being verbally harassed on a daily basis. 

As a woman travelling alone for five weeks, I felt for the most part safe. Having been to conservative countries in the past, I knew the drill.

Egypt is a patriarchal society so I’m used to men seeing me as subordinate and I just remember to bite my tongue. Or, I let the wave of anger pass over my head when men patronise me. 

I also dressed conservatively to draw less attention to myself. But, no woman in Egypt is immune to marriage proposals and shameless catcalling so rise above it and ignore it!

Never, allow any man to touch or treat you any more than what you’re comfortable with. If you feel under threat or if someone does offend you, make sure to call it out. I always find going a little crazy and making a scene does the trick. 

Transport options for Egypt

There are many public transport options to travel around Egypt for all types of budgets;

• Egypt by Plane – Egyptair has the biggest fleet of planes that run all over Egypt and the Middle East. They also have a generous check-in allowance (23KG) on all flights and provide meals and drinks for even the shortest of flights. I always use Skycanner to book flights.
• Egypt by Train – Trains run to most of the tourist attractions and cities in Egypt. For more information see the Man in Seat 61 , the guru of all things train travel. 
• Egypt by Bus – I used GoBus for many journeys in Egypt. This is the cheapest way to travel around. They have an app to book on the go. I used them many times! Some of the buses have leather reclining seats, touch screen TV and coffee/snacks. You can see my full review here .
• Egypt by Cruise – If you’re planning to do a Nile Cruise , these only run from Luxor to Aswan (only one goes further down to Abu Simbel). Cruises from Cairo haven’t sailed for years.  
• Should I rent a car in Egypt? I wouldn’t advise it. I didn’t see a car without a dent and the driving is manic putting it lightly. Leave driving to the locals.

How to get around cities in Egypt

Cities like Cairo and Alexandria have Uber to get around the cities. I would always recommend Uber in Cairo as the taxi drivers are just out for your money there. I have a whole post around safety with using it here .

Local taxis are good for shorter journeys, especially when the meter is turned on.

In Luxor and Aswan, It would be worth getting a private car to take you around the sites as some can be many kilometres apart. I paid £550 (approx. £22) for a half-day tour in Luxor. There are also rickshaws and horses and carriages to take you places. 

There isn’t really a thing of local buses for tourists. Most are minibusses that follow a strict local route and may not even go near the tourist sites. So, unless you’re fluent in Arabic and you’re prepared to take a gamble to reach your destination, I would grab cabs.  

Although transport is cheap, my biggest tip would be to haggle and agree a price before you take off. Many drivers agree a price and then ‘forget’ at the end. Always honour your end of the bargain as agreed and don’t be fooled. They will take a chance!

Booking hotels in Egypt 

I would recommend booking hotels in Egypt in advance if you want to stay in high-standard accommodation, especially in peak seasons.

Sometimes you may get lucky, but it’s not worth taking the risk. There are many hotel options from 5* luxury to hostels and budget guesthouses.

I always used booking.com to book my hotels throughout Egypt. These do come with a tax levy of around 20% so be prepared to pay more than the initial booking price. 

Tipping in Egypt or ‘Baksheesh’

A word you will hear many times in Egypt is Baksheesh which means tip. Tips are expected throughout Egypt.

From paying the toilet cleaner, taxi drivers, hotel staff, waiters, photo takers, guides, and cruise ship staff. Sometimes I paid tips to people and I didn’t even know why, ha! 

But, when budgeting for Egypt, I would factor in tips. Keep your small notes spare and be prepared for these to eventually add up. 

The ultimate two week Egypt Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: explore the great pyramids of giza & cairo.

Welcome to Cairo, the crazy capital of Egypt! Whether you get a culture shock, breathe in the thick air or love the chaos on the roads, you’re sure to be bedazzled by this city. 

No visit to Egypt is complete without a trip to the Pyramids of Giza and I would actually recommend staying in Giza itself.

The view of the Pyramids from your room each morning cannot be beaten! There are lots of budget hotels in the area with a Pyramid view so it’s worth looking around. 

Start off your first day with a tour of the Pyramids, a wonder of the world, first thing in the morning.

I would recommend hiring a guide, you can observe the Sphinx, the Great Pyramid (the last surviving ancient wonder of the world), and some epic viewpoints! You don’t necessarily need a camel on your tour but it helps to get around. 

Once you’re finished grab an Uber and head out to the city for some sightseeing!

Here you can check out the Citadel of Seladin or get lost in the massive Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. The next day you can visit the Egyptian Museum, visit the garbage city and find the oasis gardens in the city. 

For more information on Cairo – check out my articles below;

A survival guide for the Pyramids of Giza

9 places you must not miss in Cairo

Why you must visit Naguib Mahfouz Cafe in Cairo

Where to stay in Giza

On my first night in Egypt, I wanted to wake up to the Pyramids in style. So, I chose to stay at the iconic Marriott Mena House Hotel where famous celebrities and royalty like Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie had stayed before me. For my full review see here.

Then, on my second visit, I stayed in the fabulously hospitable Panorama Pyramids Inn . It’s bang slap opposite the Pyramids and they provide complimentary breakfast, drinks and a dinner fit for a king included in your price. You can even watch the sound and light show for free from their balcony. 

There’s also the Pyramid Villages Inn which is a brand new hotel in Giza. It has single rooms and suites overlooking the Pyramids and the staff will treat you like family. 

Day 3 Head to Alexandria and explore 

If you hadn’t considered visiting Alexandria in Egypt, I would highly recommend you reconsider. At only a 2 hour drive from Cairo, it’s a fabulous day out or weekend getaway.

Although today it isn’t the powerhouse of learning, philosophy, and kings it once was, you can still chase ghosts in the legacies that were left behind all those centuries ago. 

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great and was once the location of the Great Library of Alexandria.

This wasn’t just a library, it was an innovative centre of learning about worldly culture, arts, and the human mind. But, unfortunately, it was destroyed by a fire and numerous battles for power in the city. 

It also used to boast an ancient wonder of the world, the lighthouse of Alexandria.

But now, the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay is in its place. You can also visit a medieval wonder of the world, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and the royal palaces and gardens of Montaza.

Don’t miss out a walk along the Corniche by the Mediterranean ocean or a dip into the amazing café culture here!

To read more on Alexandria you can read my articles here;

15 reasons you shouldn’t miss Alexandria in Egypt

11 Incredible Instagram locations in Alexandria

Where to stay in Alexandria?

I checked into the iconic Cecil hotel while I was staying in Alexandria. It is’ landmark where famous figures like Winston Churchill and Omar Sherif (a famous Egyptian movie star) have slept. In fact, I was a resident of his suite while I was here.

Most rooms have a dramatic sweeping view of the ocean and the Citadel of Qaitbay from the balconies. It’s the perfect place to relax with a coffee as you watch the sunset over the horizon.

For dates and rates available at the Cecil, see here.

Day 4 Head back to Cairo and then into the West Desert of Egypt

The West Desert is certainly one of the best places I had the pleasure of visiting in Egypt.

You’ll question whether you’re on Earth or another planet more than once here. The landscapes are like nothing I had ever seen before.

You’ll wander through a black desert, white desert, the waves of a small sand sea, a magic spring, meet fennec foxes and climb a crystal mountain! If you’re thinking this sounds like a fantasy, I’m living proof that this really does exist. 

As you moved through all this baron and mysterious land, I felt so at peace than I did in the rest of Egypt. It really gave me a chance to reflect and disconnect for a few days. 

I booked my tour with Western Desert Tours. There are no permanent camps in the desert here, so your lodgings will be set up around you each evening.

You can sleep under the stars and contemplate how small we are in this big world of ours and all your food is prepared fresh over the campfire. It’s a real (but safe) off-the-beaten-track adventure in the wilderness!

To see more about my White Desert adventure and why you shouldn’t miss it, see my Western Desert Egypt post here.

Day 5 spend the day exploring and back to Cairo for the overnight train/flight to Aswan

If you only choose to spend one night here, the morning will start out in the White Desert. I would highly recommend getting up at sunrise to start the day. It’s an incredible view from here all over and the sky, if you’re lucky, it’s a pale shade of pink.

You can then have breakfast and go sightseeing for some iconic formations in the rock. Observe the sphinx, the fishtail, cobra, and the iconic chicken and the mushroom. 

Then, you’ll head back to the safe house in Baharayia and you’ll be happy for a shower and food before your journey back to Cairo. 

You can get the overnight from Giza or fly to Aswan for the next part of your journey. 

Where to stay in Aswan?

The Old Cataract in Aswan is a landmark that was built by Thomas Cook in 1902.

It’s the most famous hotel in the area and was where Agatha Christie chose as her muse to write her famous novel ‘Death on the Nile’.

She checked in for almost a year in 1937 and today you can still see her writing desk in the lobby. 

Today it’s a Sofitel Old Legend status property and a 5* resort of pure luxury. It’s had a redesign but what I loved is that most of the original fixtures are still there. 

If you do decide to become a resident of the Old Cataract don’t miss out on their walking tour where you can explore both Agatha Christie’s and Winston Churchill’s suites which cost up to around £10k a night. The views are to die for and you can only imagine being able to afford to stay there.

You can also dine in their fabulous signature 1902 restaurant, the Moorish architecture was to die for!

If you want to read more, you can see my whole review and all the secrets I unveiled about the Old Cataract here.  For dates and rates available at the Cataract see here.

Day 6 Spend the day exploring the sights of Aswan

Aswan is the start of your ancient temple hopping and there is so much history to explore. 

Start off the day at the romantic Philae Temple, also known as the Temple of Love. It’s in the middle of the Aswan low dam, so you’ll need to ride a boat over here, adding to the mystery of the place.

You can see facades of the temple of Isis and Hathor and the last hieroglyphics ever carved here.

Don’t miss learning about the controversial Aswan High Dam where they made efforts to stop the annual Nile floods or a visit to the colourful Nubian villages. 

If you’re looking for some inspiration for a visit to Aswan, see my post of all the places to visit in Aswan here.

I would also highly recommend a visit to Abu Simbel if you have more time. Some say that if you miss a trip to Abu Simbel while you’re in Egypt, your visit is incomplete.

Here you can explore the Great temple of Ramses II and the Nefertari temple, in honour of the wife he loved the most.

It’s around a 4 hours drive from Aswan by desert road and I’ve put together a whole post about how to reach Abu Simbel here and without all the crowds too. 

Day 7 Check into your Nile cruise in Aswan and Sail overnight to Kom Ombo

A Nile Cruise is such an iconic way to go sightseeing on your Egyptian adventure. There’s nothing like cruising down the River Nile and sunbathing while sightseeing from the roof of your ship!

It had always been a dream of mine to cruise down the Nile and I ended up having a blast, even though I was on my own.

It can be difficult to choose a Nile Cruise provider. They’re hit and miss on quality and you really do get what you pay for! I found it was more beneficial to book in with a tour company so my cabin and sightseeing attractions were included in my fee. 

Most cruises provide full board and you want to make sure that it’s a hygienic choice, it’s no fun having food poisoning while you’re here with the heat! I decided to book in with Memphis Tours who were amazing.  

The MS Mayfair is the one I would recommend if you want a luxury cruise at an affordable price. The fresh cabins and interiors, the spectacular service and the tasty food all made for such a memorable trip. 

If you’d like to read more about how to book and a review of my experience, see my MS Mayfair Nile Cruise here.

Day 8 Explore Kom Ombo, Edfu and sail overnight to Luxor

We sailed overnight from Aswan to Kom Ombo. I was so happy to wake up and have a coffee to the view of the temple from my cabin. It was like a movie set! We had breakfast and then disembarked to explore the temple with our guide. 

Kom Ombo used to be a temple dedicated to Sobek, a crocodile God. Research has led scholars to believe that they harboured crocodiles in the temple as a religious way to keep crocodiles from attacking locals in the Nile.

So, you’ll see many hieroglyphics explaining that in the temple. Also, you can visit the Crocodile Museum, where you will see them mummified as part of your ticket. 

Then you will sail to Edfu temple. It’s a few kilometres from the Nile dock so you’ll get a horse and carriage over the ancient site. Edfu is one of the most preserved temples in Egypt and it’s gigantic inside!

Most of the antechambers are still fully in tact and you can even climb up the ancient stairways.

This temple was dedicated to Horus and was home to the ancient cult that worshipped him. Inside you can still see hieroglyphics that translate to how to make perfumes and honey for offerings.

Day 9 Arrive in Luxor and Explore the West Bank

The last stop on the Nile Cruise will be Luxor. The ancient city of Thebes and capital of the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. 

The West Bank of Luxor is popular with tourists as here you can enter the Valley of the Kings. This was made famous by Howard Carter on the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun and the mysterious curse of King Tut.

You’ll need a bit of preparation for visiting as you can only enter three tombs, I’ve written a whole post to guide you through a visit to VOK here.

After that you can visit the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut who was the longest reigning pharaoh of Egypt.

Her legacy is one of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian architecture due to the alignment of her temple with the sun and moon. 

You can also make a stop at Howard Carter’s house, The valley of the Queens, the Colossi of Memnon and the temple of Madinet Habu.

If you’ve seen enough on the ground an alternative way to see these sights is from the sky. Every morning air balloons fly over the West Bank and you can seem magical views for miles. I’ll warn you now that these don’t have the best reputation,  

If you’re not exploring with a tour group on a bus, you can hire a private taxi to take you around. I paid £550EGP (approx. £22GBP) for half a days tour. 

For my top Luxor Air Balloon safety tips see here. 

Day 10 Explore the East bank of Luxor

The next day, you’ll be explore the East Bank of Luxor which is in and around the main part of the city.

Here you can start your day at sunrise in Karnak Temple. Karnak is almost like an ancient citadel with lots of places to explore so allow a few hours.

After you’ve passed the iconic Ram Road you can enter inside to explore the iconic pillars, temples, facades and the lakeside. 

After Karnak, you can visit the smaller, but no less impressive, Luxor temple.

Centuries ago both Karnak and Luxor were connected by the Ram Road. Here you can see the statues of Ramses III and even Roman wall paintings at the back from the occupation. 

Aside from this, there is Luxor Museum to explore, felucca rides to be had and you can shop ’til you drop!

In the evening, the sun kissed temples of the day light up against the night sky. Don’t miss out on exploring Luxor temple at night or the light and sound show in Karnak.

To read more about Luxor, you can see my articles here;

The ultimate Luxor itinerary

Top activities in Luxor at night

Where to stay in Luxor?

In keeping with my historic hotel binge, I decided to stay at the iconic Winter Palace . Built by Thomas Cook at the beginning of the 20th century, it’s now a 5* Sofitel resort that stands proud on the East Bank of the Nile.

In 1922, Lord Carnarvon, Howard Carters Patron, announced the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb from its very steps!

You can stay in their Nile view rooms which are fabulous paired with a balcony view at sunset or cool off from temple hopping in their oasis-like pool!

Even, if you’re not a resident, it’s worth checking out the hotel and dining with them in their many restaurants. Or, have a nightcap at their Royal Bar in the evening before you turn in. 

To read a review about my whole experience and why it’s perfect for history lovers, see my Winter Palace Review here.

Day 11 – 14  Head to Hurghada and relax at the beach!

After all that adventure, I’m sure your body is crying to unwind so why not head over to the Red Sea?!

Hurghada is only four hours away from Luxor so it’s the perfect place to get some rest and recuperation. 

If you’re not the type to laze away your days under a palm tree with a cocktail in hand, you can always go diving.

There are plenty of tour companies in the area that offers scuba diving, snorkelling, or glass-bottom boat trips so you can see the colourful corals!

The Red Sea here is crystal clear so it’s perfect for spotting schools of fish, turtles, and octopi.

Where to stay in Hurghada?

I would highly recommend booking in an all-inclusive resort. There are plenty at an affordable rate and it’s better value for money this way.

Food and drinks are notoriously expensive if not included in your rate in this area. But, saying this, I would make sure you book in with a good one!

Again, like the cruise, you don’t want to get food poisoning. I would check reviews fiercely and make sure that you don’t read “I got very sick”, “the hotel staff tried to hard sell me tours and massages”, “bad animations team” and even worse “boring or plain food”.

I stayed in Meraki Resort , which was an adults-only all-inclusive. A variety of tasty food was plentiful and I always had a cocktail in hand here. It doesn’t just have to be a boring buffet either.

Most hotels provide a range of a la carte restaurants and even snack bars with a variety of amazing meals. You have to think some people hideaway for two weeks in these places at a time and it would an outrage with the same meals every day!

I wouldn’t miss out on a visit to the Red Sea in Egypt. If you have more time, you could head to Dahab or Sharm El Sheikh on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. It’s home to The Ras Muhammad National Park which has epic diving locations.

If you’re bored of the beach, you can climb Mount Sinai and visit the Al Sahaba Mosque too!

Some ways to shorten this Itinerary if you have less time

Of course, you could cut this itinerary down to a week if you wanted to. A ‘classic Egyptian route of Cairo, Luxor and Aswan would only need  7 days. But, here’s a few ways to get more economic with your time if its limited;

• Only spend one day in Cairo and skip out Alexandria or the West Desert
• You don’t have to get a cruise for sightseeing around the Nile. You can get between Luxor and Aswan by Train in four hours! The train also has stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo temples on the way.
• You could explore all the temples of Luxor in the West/East bank in one day as opposed to two 
• Skip out a trip to Abu Simbel, it’s a long journey and takes up a whole day to visit
• Skip the Red Sea and relaxing at the end (although I would definitely recommend not skipping this)!

Tourist scams in Egypt you need to watch out for

The most common complaints from tourists in Egypt are food poisoning, cat calling and scams. If there is money to be made from you, it will be, even if it wasn’t honest. So these are scams to watch out for in Egypt;

• Taxi Scams in Egypt – Cairo airport and the taxi drivers in Cairo will demand a ridiculous price for journeys, refusing to turn on the meter. Or, agree a price and then not honour it at the end. To avoid this, I would get Uber taxis in Cairo/Alexandria and organise a private car in Luxor/Aswan. 
• Tipping Scams in Egypt – not always a scam as tips are expected for most things, but you may find that they ask for more of a tip than what is given in good faith.
• Shopping scams in Egypt – watch out when buying items of value. Egyptian alabaster is famous in these parts but you could be buying a Chinese version which is fake. Also papyrus scrolls are a neat souvenir, but some retailers are actually selling you banana leaf not genuine papyrus. I was scammed out of $300 dollars for a Gold Necklace in Egypt. To avoid it happening to others I’ve put a whole post together with tips for buying it in Egypt.  
• Tour Guide scams in Egypt -watch out for anyone trying to offer you their services in the street and ‘show you around’ for free. Always organise an official guide with your hotel or tour company.

Don’t miss out on an incredible adventure through Egypt

Egypt was a spectacular destination for many reasons; travelling through time in ancient temples, feeling like I was on another planet in the West Desert, and swimming in the crystal waters of the Red Sea.

It all made for a wild and unforgettable adventure I will treasure for a lifetime.

If you’re contemplating whether you book a visit due to safety reasons, I would urge you to go ahead and book.

Egypt is very safe for tourists and you won’t find any trouble due to the intense security designed to keep you from harm. It would be a shame to miss out as it’s a journey of epic proportions.

I could have wandered around Egypt for more than five weeks! There is so much to explore that hasn’t made it to onto this list. Book a ticket and take the ride, you won’t regret a thing!

Read more of my Egypt articles

My top travel tips for Egypt

The perfect Egypt packing list

The most Instagrammable places in Egypt

My guide to the Valley of the Kings

Things to do in Luxor

The ultimate 4-day Nile Cruise

Things to do in Aswan

Top places to visit in Luxor at night

The perfect guide for Abu Simbel

My survival guide for the pyramids

Top things to do in Cairo

Why you NEED to visit Alexandria

Top tips for riding a hot air balloon in Luxor

Save this Two Week Egypt Itinerary for later!

Monday 26th of June 2023

A very nice article, thank you. Your pictures are so beautiful they almost don’t look real! A correction though—Hatshepsut is not the longest reigning pharaoh. There are many who ruled far longer; she’s just the most powerful female pharaoh.

And the Tombs of Nefertari and Seti are not to be missed!

Sophie Pearce

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

Hi Victor, thanks so much for your kind words about my photos and for reading my blog. Oops, I'll have a look at that fact then. I must of misread :) I definitely wanted to visit those tombs but had it on the list for next time. Some of the tickets were expensive when I went but have now been reduced down :) Sophie x

Monday 29th of May 2023

Absolutely loved everything about this post! Your itinerary, your gorgeous pictures, and your clear descriptions/tips. Thanks! We came to Cairo for 4 days only last time, and I've been wanting to do a more in-depth tour ever since. If we end up going this year, I'm 100% following your plan.

Wednesday 14th of June 2023

Hi Danielle, thanks so much for reading and your kind words. Egypt is honestly a dream and I'm so excited you're heading back. Have an awesome time. Sophie x

Saturday 6th of May 2023

Hi Sophie, what great information you provide! Marvelous!! We’re planning a trip in March 2024 to include a 3 or 4 nite Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor. We want to also make it to the Red Sea for some scuba and snorkeling. I have concerns about safety on the long drive from Luxor to Hurghada. We will be in a hired private car with driver. I’ve read about poor drivers and no rules for the road, many accidents and checkpoints. Should we be worried about this and rethink getting there by car? Thanks in advance for your feedback. Regards, Christine

Hi Christine, I've heard that hiring cars in Egypt can be very dangerous as the driving there is chaotic and you'll most likely get your rental car damaged. I think you've made the right choice in hiring a driver who is used to driving in the country. Drivers also will want a tip so they wouldn't do anything to jeopardise your experience. Most drivers I had in Egypt were fabulous and drove with the upmost care as I was a tourist. If you're concerned about speed or anything whilst in the car raise it with your driver at the time. Or, if you're really worried I would go with GoBus. I used them from Luxor and Hurghada and it was a very smooth ride. Hope this helps! Sophie x

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

Do you think it is necessary to use one of the big tour companies to get in to attractions and around the country or can you DIY it safely? I have been looking at various tours with the big companies and they vary in range, price, length of stay, sites visited, quality of accommodations, etc. There are so many it can be overwhelming. Plus, you are on their schedule. I have heard of people who tried to DIY it and ended up having trouble in the airport and at various tourist sites like the pyramids because they did not have some kind of tour guide to help them. What is your recommendation? Thank you!

Thursday 16th of February 2023

Hi Rich, I did my tour completely self-guided and had no issues with transport. I booked flights with Skyscanner and hotels on Booking.com. When I reached the tourist attractions, I would usually hire a guide on the day to show me around or I would ask my hotel to arrange a driver/tour guide. Most of the official tour guides will have a license (usually around their neck). The only time that I did an organised tour was with my Nile Cruise on Memphis Tours. So, we'd sail on the cruise and then our tour guide would take us around the sites once we disembarked on the boat for the day. Personally, I preferred going self-guided as it gives you way more freedom. There is Uber in Cairo and local taxi services in Luxor/Aswan to get around the sites. Hope this helps! Sophie x

Friday 3rd of February 2023

Hi Sophie. Thanks for writing the blogs. I'm planning a last minute trip to Cairo in couple of weeks and was quite nervous about travelling around as a solo female (and petit Asian woman). Is there anything other tips for what I should do/don't to avoid the harassment and pickpocketing? Could you get around fine as a woman without knowing the language? Many thanks!

Sunday 5th of February 2023

Hi Annie! Thanks for reading my blog posts. I found it perfectly fine to get around Cairo as a solo female traveller! I would rise above/ignore cat calling, if you're nervous hire a tour guide at attractions. Also, have valuables zipped up and not on display. It's very easy to get around without knowing the language most people speak English, I used Uber and trains to travel around. Uber is the best for Cairo. Hope this helps and have an amazing time! Sophie x

15 insider tips and things you should know before going to Cairo

Jan 11, 2024 • 7 min read

These tips on health, safety and etiquette can help you make the most out of your visit to Cairo © Eric Valenne geostory / Shutterstock

I spent the first 30 years of my life in a small town in the Nile Delta, three hours away from  Cairo .

Later, I moved to the capital and married an Englishman. All of a sudden, I was weighed down with the responsibility of being a fountain of knowledge about my adopted city for my new spouse. It’s rare to find an Egyptian who admits their ignorance, so I had to educate myself, which I did by pounding the streets .

One evening, I was walking in Old Cairo with a friend when he stopped abruptly by a nondescript wooden door. “This is where Napoleon lived,” he said, gesturing to a small metal star halfway up the door. “That’s his sign. Napoleon chose this spot so he could be in the middle of the bustle but remain incognito.” It sounds like every independent traveler’s dream.

Brushing the oppressive weight of colonial history aside for a second, if Napoleon could do it, so can you. And here’s how.

1. Download these apps to ease your travels in Cairo

Uber, Careem and Didi are all ride-sharing apps and using these will help you avoid arguing over fares with taxi drivers (especially at the airport). Alternatively, the metro is quick and cheap (and clean – here's looking at you, Line 3). You can buy a multitrip card from any station.

2. Get used to time the Egyptian way  

Time is a famously flexible concept in Cairo. Be ready for things to be delayed or changed at the last minute, or for a surprise wedding to cause a sudden postponement. Keep in mind that your plans might need to be more fluid than you had thought. 

3. The true, unhurried Egyptian orders their fuul by the plate, not the sandwich

Join the locals on the table or bench at the fuul (fava bean paste)   cart and order plates, not sandwiches, and you'll get more bang for your buck. Say “etwassa!” ("be generous") when you place your order and you’ll get an extra spoonful.

4. Just like the Pyramids, the best Turkish coffee is built on sand

You’ll find Paris-style kiosks serving coffee on every street corner. Ask if they have a rammala – a gadget that uses hot sand to brew Turkish coffee to perfection. Your cardamom-spiced coffee will arrive in a paper cup adorned with a wonky yet inspirational quote to set you up for the day.

5. Egyptians always have time for a swift drink

Dehydration is not likely to be an issue for you in Cairo because you can't move for the amount of fresh juice shops. Try any of the energizing cocktails on offer, or go full Egyptian and down an ice-cold pint of sugarcane juice, a common local pastime. Insist that your juice comes with no ice, as it is likely to have been made with tap water, and “no (extra) sugar” depending on your preference for sweetness.

6. You can kiss the Sphinx but not your partner

Romantic travelers  can display affection towards their partners, but doing so in public is essentially prohibited in Egypt by the “Public Morality” law, and is not recommended. You could expect to receive anything from cheers to scorn and even intervention by a concerned citizen or officials, with the potential to end in jail (the response to LGBTIQ+ people is likely to be harsher).

Unlike real kisses, virtual ones are positively encouraged, so make sure you have a picture of yourself kissing the Sphinx .

7. Egypt is not a gay-friendly destination

Being an open member of the LGBTIQ+ community is effectively illegal in Egypt and not accepted by the vast majority of Egyptians. I wouldn’t suggest broaching the topic of gay rights with the locals at one of Cairo's  ahwa (street coffee shop) as it will likely lead to a heated discussion.

8. Haggling over prices is part of the local experience

The top things to remember when shopping in Cairo:

• Never buy from the first shop.
• Ask the first three sellers about the price of the item you have your eyes on. Each one will teach you something that will help you discern high from low quality. Plus, you’ll get an idea of the average price. 
• If an item/price grabs your attention, it's essential to keep your face completely neutral and don’t let out an excited shriek. Instead, ask the seller what town they are from. You will use this intelligence later on to seal the deal.
• When you are satisfied you have found the best price, ask whether it’s final. If the sellers isn't budging, tell them you found it cheaper elsewhere but that you “insist on buying it here because you, dear seller, are from *insert name of their city*!” 
• If that doesn’t lower the price, change tack and ask what gift they would consider popping in at no extra cost. Say: “ Khalas (alright), I will take it at this price, but how about I also take this mummified cat’s paw/amulet too?” 

9. Show respect to those around you

Say “asslamu alayku” (peace upon you) before talking to someone. Don't cross your legs when sitting in front of people, especially if they are older. If you do cross your legs, make sure the soles of your feet are turned away. Wearing loose-fitting clothes that do not display much flesh will reduce unwanted attention and keep you cool.

10. Avoid the scammers around the Pyramids

No visit to Cairo is complete without a trip to the Pyramids of Giza . The horse/camel guides who offer tours there know this and they may well try to trick you into paying more, leaving you out of pocket. Ask around for an idea of the average price, agree with the rider who puts you most at ease, and don’t pay until the ride has finished. Alternatively, take a sun hat and plenty of water and explore the site on foot.

11. Cheap street food comes with a side of poor hygiene

The low prices of some Egyptian street food may have you paying in other ways – such as sickness bugs and tummy upsets – as the standards of hygiene can be low due to unclean hands/surfaces and poor storage of ingredients. Try to evaluate the places most revered on Facebook, like in the (much-used-by-Egyptians) Traveller Experience  or Travel Secrets groups. Keep your wits about you; there are always options to find the same local food at higher standards (and prices).

12. When in Cairo, drink in the Nile

Tap water isn’t (exactly) 100% recommended for drinking. Instead, buy a 9–19L water bottle for your accommodation and refill a smaller bottle to take with you while you're on the go. That said, don’t leave without taking a sip from the river because, as the proverb goes, whoever drinks from the Nile is fated to return. Mentioning this will endear you to any Egyptian, whether you go ahead to drink from the river or not. A walk on Qasr el Nil bridge at sunset and a brief talk with a fisherman led to my husband being offered a tipple of Nile water.

13. Your safety is only partially in your hands

Most Egyptians believe their destiny is in God’s hands, not theirs. You will rarely find seat belts in cars and pedestrians are just another road vehicle. Bring a cross-body bag or fanny pack to ensure that the safety of your valuables is entirely (and literally) in your hands, especially in crowded spots like Khan Al Khalili .

14. Pharmacists can help with many ailments

You’d think Egyptians are raving hypochondriacs with the sheer abundance of pharmacies. True or not, Egyptians trust their local pharmacist, which is a good thing to know if you’re feeling under the weather and unsure whether to see a doctor. Pharmacists generally have a good level of English and can diagnose basic conditions as well as provide painkillers and other treatments.

Pharmacies are usually indicated by the word “Pharmacy” in English along with a cross symbol, a crescent moon symbol, a cup with a snake coiled around it, or a mix of all three.

15. If you really want to get to know Cairo, you'll need to stay a while

One or two days are enough to “do” Cairo. But if you really want to know the place, you need to live there for at least a few weeks, establish routines and become adopted as a local. Some people liken Cairo to an open-air museum. For me, it's an open-air library full of stories waiting to be told. Apply these top tips and learn more of your own as you hunt for those stories.

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Destination Practicalities

Mar 12, 2024 • 4 min read

With tombs, pyramids and towering temples, Egypt brings out the explorer in all of us. This handy month-by-month guide shows the best time to visit Egypt.

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Slow Travel Guide to Cairo, Egypt – Insider Tips to Discovering City

Written By: Dee Nowak

Updated On: April 18, 2021

Cairo based travel blogger Dee Nowak, shares her insider tips on how to travel to Cairo, Egypt slowly.

This slow travel guide takes you away from the chaos and usual whirlwind tours taken by tourists. 

Table of Contents

Introducing Cairo, Egypt

We had been given strict instructions before getting off the tour bus: “M eet back in the parking lot entrance if we get lost, and drink plenty of water. Don’t make deals with the camel handlers – they will literally take you for a longer ride than you’ve bargained for. Better not even make eye contact .”

Our tour group filed off the bus and we spent the next few hours on a whirlwind tour of the Giza pyramid complex, with an Egyptian guide bravely enduring the heat and shouting out bits of ancient history.

I even got some photos with only a few people in the background to photoshop out.

It was 2009 and the tourist crowds were thick.

That night, after collapsing in my hotel room for a brief nap, we toured the old souk of Khan el-Khalili.

That was my first trip to Egypt.

It wasn’t until a few years later, after I’d been living in Cairo for a while as an expat, that I realized I had hardly experienced the pyramids at all on that day.

This epiphany came over cold beers at the Marriott Mena House lounge bar.

A view of the pyramids was right in my face, just like it had been for the entire day I’d spent gazing out at them from my hotel balcony.

I was awe-struck at their sheer size and power, and then more complicated questions came.

How lonely and terrifying did the deserts seem to ancient Egyptians whose line of vision was constantly broken up by these royal tombs?

Were the pyramids meant as a constant reminder of the kings’ might?

There hadn’t been time for much thought on my first visit when I was mostly occupied with dodging souvenir vendors.

And though I can’t say I regret that first trip (it gave me that first taste of Egypt – and it was cheap), I am very glad my travels in the country didn’t end there.

The Slow Guide to Cairo

Now imagine this: Egypt is on your bucket list like it is for thousands of people, and you’ve been saving and planning to take that once-in-a-lifetime trip.

You’ve researched the monuments and battled with worries about whether Egypt is safe.

Now you’re likely tempted to pack as much into your itinerary as possible.

But if you really want a once-in-a-lifetime experience while doing justice to the incredible sights you’ll see, then put quality time over quantity and an exhausting must-see list.

You may not cross off all the city’s religious sites, mosques, and monuments during your stay, but the places you will see are going to offer richer and more memorable experiences.

So where do you start in a city this overwhelming?

A city notorious for traffic jams, with a population of at least 9 million, filled with honking cars, tuk-tuks and shouting street vendors?

If you only have a few days in Cairo, I’d recommend at least a day at the pyramids, and another day for the old souk of Khan el Khalili and a felucca sail down the Nile River in downtown.

This will give you a good perspective of the city and its history, without leaving you exhausted.

The Giza Pyramid Complex

It’s autumn, there’s a chill in the air, and the tourist crowds are growing but still thin enough.

It’s the perfect time to visit Cairo, and the pyramids should be at the top of your itinerary.

However touristy they may get with the dressed-up camels and plastic souvenirs, they are still well worth a day trip into Giza.

Avoid Taxis take an Uber or Careem

Get an Uber or Careem to avoid the common tourist’s tale of heated haggling with a taxi driver over price fare.

And make sure to get a tour guide who won’t just rush you from point A to B (I’d recommend: Asmaa from Walk Like An Egyptian , who really understands slow travel).

Stay the Night

The pyramids are gorgeous when they’re lit up at night, and I’d recommend staying for dinner in Giza or spending the night at a  gorgeous hotel with a view .

Plenty of Airbnbs have also cropped up nearby offering lower price options and vantage points to take in those magnificent views over an Egyptian breakfast of fava beans and falafel.

And while it may be tempting to pick up a few souvenirs from the vendors inside the complex, I’d recommend shopping at the stores in the surrounding streets where shopkeepers tend to be more laid back and where most things are labeled with price tags.

Expert Shopping Tips:

Cheap, made in China souvenirs have infiltrated all major tourist points in the country, but it’s still possible to find vintage postcards, pyramids made locally from alabaster and dense perfume oils at the local shops.

Grocery stores are also underrated, hidden treasures if you’re looking to try out some local foods, or load up on spices, halva, hibiscus or sweets to take back home.

Khan el Khalili

Cairo’s famous souk is an intricate web of winding alleys and backstreets filled with shops, centuries-old mosques, and workshops where artisans still practice traditional crafts.

And while some tour groups tend to descend on this iconic bazaar district at night, when the traditional metal lanterns are lit up and when the historic Moez Street is illuminated in colorful lights, I love visiting during the day and wandering down the side streets to explore.

Get there early

When I visited Khan el Khalili last month with a friend, we headed out at 6 am just as the first vendors were setting up.

I loved the few hours of quiet when we had the streets nearly to ourselves.

Get an early start and you can marvel at the Islamic architecture and go exploring down side streets without having to fight your way through crowds.

I love starting off with strong coffee at El Fishawy, a gorgeous cafe nestled in a tight alley that legendary Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz reportedly frequented.

If you’re a bookworm, then reading a Mahfouz novel like Midaq Alley (set in Khan el Khalili) will give you a taste of the souk’s daily life and atmosphere.

There are dozens of mosques, madrasas, sabils, and gates you’ll find in this part of the city and I definitely recommend a tour guide for getting around.

Though you definitely shouldn’t miss Al-Azhar Mosque – a vast, open-roofed structure established in 972 whose minarets have recently been restored.

Nearby is the Abdel Zaher Bookshop, a favorite haunt of mine where you can pick up gorgeous leather notebooks and have them engraved with your name or any special message in English or Arabic.

Moez Street

Moez Street is the gem of this neighborhood: a kilometre-long street closed off to cars that’s packed with architectural treasures and often called an open-air museum.

At least a few hours should be set aside to explore the treasures along this route.

My favorite is Bayt Al-Suhaymi, an old Ottoman-era house museum where you can see stunning wooden furniture and marble work, and catch a glimpse of the daily life of centuries past.

I also love Al-Hakim Mosque, built by the controversial figure its named after who’s been called either a divine ruler or an insane tyrant, depending on the source.

The interior courtyard is surrounded by striking tall arches framed with flowing curtains, while the structure is topped with some very unique minarets.

If you have time, the nearby Azhar Park is a great place to sit in the grass and rest your feet while being surrounded by views of the old city and its minarets.

While tall, modern apartment houses threaten to overtake these views, it is still a peaceful spot to watch the sunset.

A Felucca Sail in Downtown

There’s more to Cairo than its ancient Egyptian and medieval past.

It’s a multilayered city of contrasts where you can both smoke shisha in a traditional ahwa or sip a latte at Starbucks, sometimes on the very same street.

To get a well-rounded idea of the city, you shouldn’t miss its downtown.

A sail in a felucca, a traditional wooden sailboat, is a perfect way to end the day.

You can hire a boat for an hour or two from the few stands set up near Qasr El Nil Bridge (heading in the direction of Garden City), and you can bring food onboard for a meal as you take in views of the hotels and skyscrapers along the corniche.

It’s always a few degrees cooler on the water, and the noise of the traffic quickly disappears as you sail down the Nile River.

For all its hectic pace, Cairo is often best enjoyed at a slower pace.

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Did you enjoy this slow to guide Cairo, Egypt? If you’ve been to the city, leave some tips in the comments below and share your best advice for visiting Cairo.

Read More about Egypt:

• 10 Reasons Why El Gouna, Egypt is the Perfect Beach Holiday
• Amazing Places to Visit in Egypt
• 10 Amazing Temples of Egypt – That We’ve Seen
• Egypt Photos – A Journey Through Time

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Dee Nowak

Dee is a Cairo-based travel blogger who loves slow travel and exploring local cultures. Born in Poland, she grew up in Arizona and has traveled widely across Europe, the U.S., and Egypt. Dee loves exploring lesser-known destinations and getting off the beaten path. Follow Dee at VanillaPapers / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter

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10 thoughts on “Slow Travel Guide to Cairo, Egypt – Insider Tips to Discovering City”

Well done my friend!! Keep doing this great job! Am getting ready to book a tour of Cairo after the covid19 situation is over & your blog is quite useful.

Excellent info on Cairo. After reading this post, now I love to visit Cairo City in this summer season. Thanks.

Thanks for your valuable sharing. I mean a lot. It gave clarity about what are the things we have to do in Egypt.

Hi, where can I get Indian Food in Cairo? I am always amazed by its beauty but skeptic to go there because of food concerns.

Cairo is an international city and definitely has a lot of choices for Cuisine. Enjoy!

Wow!!Nice post.Lovely

You give a clear instruction to visit Cairo. However, I have a question. Is this city is safe for traveling now? Is there any threaten thing for visitors.

I have always wanted to visit Egypt cos Im inlove with their culture but i never did cos I have heard it is very unsafe for women. Donno if that is just some stupid stereotype or truth but I hope I’ll go there one day.

Great information! Never knew spending the night was an option, that sounds like what I want to do. Seeing the Pyramids at night would be amazing.

I enjoy experiencing the history of every place I visit, but I make sure to investigate all the modern parts of the town, because it gives me a chance to connect with people, and experience the culture as it is, atm.

Egypt Bucket List: Your Expert Guide to Cairo & The Nile

Table of contents, why egypt should be on your bucket list, egypt bucket list #1-journey to cairo, egypt, egypt bucket list #2-exploring the nile river cruise, best time to visit egypt, planning your trip: visa requirements and travel costs , unique egyptian adventures to experience, is egypt safe to visit , what are the best ways to get around egypt, do you need to book tours in advance, or can you explore on your own, what should you wear when visiting ancient sites and mosques in egypt , are there any health concerns or vaccinations required for traveling to egypt, do you need a visa to visit egypt, your egypt bucket list adventure awaits.

Your Egypt bucket list adventure starts here! Egypt , a land steeped in ancient history and rich culture, is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list . From the iconic monuments of Cairo to the winding Nile River, this captivating country offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring sights and immersive cultural experiences.

Having personally experienced the magic of Cairo and a mesmerizing Nile river cruise, here’s my expert guide, insider tips, and recommendations to help you plan an unforgettable Egypt vacation to this bucket list-worthy destination.

There are many reasons to visit Egypt and why it should be on your bucket list. Imagine standing in the shadow of the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, or gazing upon the enigmatic Sphinx, a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Beyond these iconic landmarks, Egypt offers a diverse array of experiences, from exploring bustling cities like Cairo to cruising along the mighty Nile River, witnessing remnants of ancient temples and tombs.

Egypt is also known for its welcoming people, delicious cuisine, and vibrant markets, making it an immersive cultural journey unlike any other.

Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of ancient wonders, Egypt has something to offer every traveler on an Egypt tour or Egypt vacation.

As the vibrant capital of Egypt, Cairo is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends ancient wonders with modern life. Here, you’ll find some of the country’s most iconic attractions, along with a lively cultural scene and a rich culinary heritage.

No visit to Cairo is complete without witnessing the awe-inspiring Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx . These ancient marvels, dating back over 4,500 years, are a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the ancient Egyptians.

For a unique experience , consider booking a camel ride to explore the Giza plateau and capture stunning views of the pyramids .

Beyond the pyramids, Cairo offers a wealth of cultural experiences. The Egyptian Museum is a must-visit, housing an unparalleled collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb .

For a taste of local culture, head to the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar , where you can haggle for souvenirs, sample delicious street food, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.

For a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Cairo, check out our article on things to do in Cairo Egypt .

Want to see more of Cairo? Get a glimpse of the beauty of Cairo in this video:

The mighty Nile River played a crucial role in the development of ancient Egyptian civilization, and today, it offers a unique way to explore the country’s rich history. A Nile River cruise is an unforgettable experience , providing a luxurious and convenient way to witness some of Egypt’s most remarkable ancient sites.

As you glide along the Nile, you’ll have the opportunity to visit iconic temples and tombs that have stood the test of time.

From the awe-inspiring Philae Temple Complex to the intricate carvings of Edfu Temple , each site offers a glimpse into the grandeur and sophistication of ancient Egyptian architecture.

One of the highlights of a Nile cruise is the chance to explore Luxor , known as the “world’s greatest open-air museum.” Here, you can delve into the Valley of the Kings, where ancient pharaohs were laid to rest, and marvel at the stunning Temple of Queen Hatshepsut , a stunning example of ancient engineering carved into the cliffs.

Throughout your journey, you’ll be treated to the comfort and luxury of a modern riverboat, complete with amenities such as spacious cabins, fine dining, and entertainment. It’s a truly immersive way to experience the wonders of ancient Egypt.

Egypt’s ancient history is also brought to life through captivating performances, such as the whirling dervish dance, a mesmerizing spiritual ritual that dates back centuries. Consider attending a show to witness this captivating display of music, movement, and devotion.

See these ancient wonders come alive in this video:

When planning your trip to Egypt, timing is crucial. The best time to visit Egypt is during the cooler months, from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Here are some key factors to consider:

• The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Peak season brings more tourists, but if that’s your only option, be prepared for the crowds.
• Summer months in Egypt can be scorching hot, so consider that if you’re particularly heat sensitive.

When planning your trip to Egypt, consider attending major festivals like Ramadan or national holidays, which can impact opening hours and crowd levels at popular attractions.

To help you, I’ve created a guide covering everything you need to know while Visiting Egypt During Ramadan: Insider Guide to Celebration .

Before embarking on your Egyptian adventure, it’s essential to understand the visa requirements and travel costs. Check the visa requirements for your nationality well in advance. Many countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports, but it’s best to confirm and be prepared. The visa fee is generally around $25 USD.

As for the trip to Egypt cost is relatively affordable compared to other popular destinations. You can expect to spend around $50-$100 per day for a mid-range traveler, including accommodation, food, transportation, and entry fees to major attractions. Here’s a rough estimate of some common expenses:

• Airfare: $500-$1,000 roundtrip from major U.S. cities
• Mid-range hotel: $50-$100 per night
• Budget hotel: $20-$50 per night
• Meals: $10-$25 per day (street food and casual restaurants)
• Transportation: $5-$10 per day (for taxis and public transport)
• Entrance fees: $10-$25 per site (e.g., pyramids, temples, museums)

To save money, consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations. A wide range of options exist, from budget hostels to luxurious hotels. Eating at local street food stalls and local eateries is incredibly affordable, and you’ll find delicious meals for just a few dollars. When exploring attractions, transportation like local buses and taxis is budget-friendly. Consider a Nile Cruise package for an all-inclusive experience.

Here are some unique adventures that you must experience when traveling to Egypt.

• Soar over Luxor in a hot air balloon for breathtaking views of temples and the Valley of the Kings at sunrise-a true bucket list moment!
• Camel rides near the Pyramids are a popular choice, but it’s important to be aware of the ethical concerns. To learn more, check out this article, Why A Camel Ride in Egypt Commands a Conflicting Ethical Decision delves into this complex topic.
• Immerse yourself in Islamic Cairo. Discover its rich history and architectural beauty at the magnificent Al-Azhar Mosque.
• No trip to Egypt is complete without sampling the delicious local cuisine! Try  koshari  (a hearty mix of rice, lentils, and pasta),  falafel  (chickpea fritters), and don’t forget stuffed pigeon – an Egyptian delicacy.

Planning a trip to Egypt can raise a lot of questions, so we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your journey.

Egypt is generally safe for tourists, especially when traveling with a reputable tour company or guide. However, it’s always important to exercise caution, be aware of your surroundings, and follow the advice of local authorities.

For long-distance travel, consider taking domestic flights or booking a Nile River cruise. Within cities, taxis and public transportation are affordable and convenient options. Hiring a private driver or tour guide can also make navigating Egypt more comfortable.

While it’s possible to explore some sites independently, booking guided tours in advance can provide invaluable insights and ensure a smoother experience. Guided tours are highly recommended for complex sites like the pyramids, Valley of the Kings, and ancient temples.

It’s important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or Islamic mosques. Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Women may also want to carry a scarf to cover their heads when entering mosques.

No specific vaccinations are required for most travelers, but it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before your trip. Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date, and consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Bringing insect repellent and staying hydrated are also recommended.

Yes, most nationalities require a visa to visit Egypt. However, the process is relatively straightforward, and there are a couple of ways to obtain one:

Visa on Arrival: Citizens of many countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Egypt’s international airports. The process involves filling out a form, paying a fee (typically around $25 USD, payable in cash), and having a passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

E-Visa: For added convenience, many nationalities can apply for an e-Visa in advance through the official Egyptian government portal ([invalid URL removed]). The process is entirely online and typically takes a few days for approval.

Important Notes:

Specific Requirements:  Always double-check the visa requirements for your specific nationality, as there may be variations. Some countries may have additional requirements or longer processing times.

Visa Validity:  The most common tourist visa for Egypt is valid for 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, consider applying for a multiple-entry visa or inquire about visa extensions upon arrival.

Resources:  For official visa information and updates, visit the Egyptian government website or consult your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.

By following this expert Egypt travel guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and insider tips to plan an extraordinary journey through Cairo and the heart of ancient Egyptian civilization, Nile.

Egypt promises to leave a lasting impression and will surely capture your heart. So, pack your sense of adventure, embrace the rich culture, and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to this bucket list-worthy destination.

The post Egypt Bucket List: Your Expert Guide to Cairo & The Nile appeared first on The Design Tourist .

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Moving to Egypt Transformed My Travel Wardrobe — Here Are 13 Comfy Essentials I Now Swear by, From $26

From white linen pants to breezy maxi dresses, these are the versatile clothes I wear on repeat in Cairo.

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Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

I recently moved to Cairo, Egypt’s capital and a desert city that experiences a range of temperatures in a single day. I learned quickly that I’d need looks that would keep me cool in the sun yet warm on chilly nights and be modest enough to fit right in. So I added a few key items to my travel wardrobe, from white linen pants to apparel with built-in UPF sun protection to a light denim jacket I can layer on top at night.   

If you’re packing for your own Egypt trip, maybe you can benefit from a few key things I’ve learned along the way. First, classic, elegant silhouettes on the more modest side go far; generally speaking, covering from your shoulders to your knees is acceptable here. You don’t want to attract unwanted attention when you’re sightseeing. And second, whether you’re headed to the pyramids, climbing Mount Sinai, or taking the metro to avoid Cairo traffic, comfortable, close-toed shoes are also essential.

Since it’s the desert, sand and dust are all around, but you shouldn’t let this stop you from wearing white. Just keep a reliable stain remover in your suitcase. Depending on your style, you can stick to bold prints or minimalist neutrals that hide anything that gets on your outfit. All in all, you can’t go wrong with stylish and functional staples, so scroll on for my ultimate guide to what to wear to Egypt .

Quince White Linen Pants

It’s no secret that linen is the way to go in any warm weather climate, but sometimes the fabric can get quite expensive. I’ve turned to Quince’s deals and sales for my linen sets complete with pants, a matching tank , and a short or long-sleeve shirt . I recommend buying all the various lengths because I tend to switch between the three of them throughout the day. 

Plus, a coordinated look is an excellent hack to looking put together in a flash. Given the packed itinerary you’ll likely have in Egypt, nothing beats a quick and simple ensemble. Quince has linen in all kinds of colors and pinstripe, too, so do yourself a favor and stock up.

Rothy’s The Casual Clog

Rothy's

Clogs are my go-to in Cairo as the open back keeps my feet cool while a closed toe keeps them from getting dusty. And these Rothy’s in particular are a winning travel shoe because you never have to worry about getting them dirty — they’re machine washable . Any time I get a stain on them, I simply pop the shoes into the washing machine. 

It’s a low-maintenance setup, and the plush footbed with arch support makes them a joy to walk around in. The only thing to remember is that Rothy’s can’t take excessive heat from a dryer, so you always have to let them air dry. Looking for this style for less? This similar Amazon pair is only $39 (though not as conveniently machine washable).

Nordstrom Long Sleeve Shirt Dress

Similar to my linen sets, I have a rack of maxi shirt dresses ready to go for any occasion. They’re stylish yet conservative enough, appropriate for being out about about, and will keep you cool. 

As someone who’s petite, I opt for vertical stripes to flatter and elongate my figure, and I find the pattern a fun way to show off my style personality. Did I mention this style has pockets? I may not put valuables in them to deter pickpockets, but it’s great for having items like lip gloss with SPF handy. 

Khaki Baseball Cap

Even with slightly cooler temperatures during the earlier months of the year, the sun is still strong in the desert. In addition to a pair of sunglasses , I rock a baseball cap anywhere I go. 

It’s a practical accessory that will protect you from the sun, and it makes a subtle style statement. I keep it right by the door, so I can finish any outfit with it on my way out, especially when I want to cover up a bad hair day. Again, to match the desert, I have a khaki color that pairs well with anything. 

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

A small, on-the-go bag that can fit your hotel key, credit cards, cash, and phone is a must-have. Lululemon’s belt bag is an affordable solution that has gotten me through many days and nights out in Cairo along with other trips beyond the city. 

I prefer to clip it over my chest for a more fashion-forward style and the bonus of easier access to my essentials. And unlike most fanny packs, there’s a separate interior pocket that will help keep all your stuff organized. 

Madewell The Jean Jacket

Like New York, Cairo is another city that never sleeps, so you’ll need some form of outerwear for the colder nights in the desert. You’ll find the streets filled with people at all hours of the night. 

Whether I’m going to a late dinner or a nightcap at a coffee shop, my denim jacket always comes with me. Not only does it keep me cozy, but I can also wear it with everything from a dressier slip dress to denim jeans or long skirts in similar washes. 

Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress

Hill House Home

If you ask me, Hill House’s popular Nap Dress isn’t for snoozing. In fact, it’s what I like to wear on activity, photo-filled days. Similar to my cropped pants, it looks good on anyone and the site offers a range of colors, prints, and sizes. 

It’s casual enough that it works for a laid-back lunch or food tour. Then again, I’ve thrown it on with heels before for a fancy night out. I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to have versatile pieces when traveling, and this one fits the bill as it covers the knees and shoulders. 

Everlane The Day Mary Jane

I’m a fan of athleisure, but I don’t like my closet to be lined with sneakers or uncomfortable sandals. I chose these durable Mary Janes from Everlane made out of soft leather in the Blush Tan because they fit perfectly and match the sand on the roads so I don’t have to worry about cleaning them. 

What makes them even better for travel? The shoes can be effortlessly dressed up or down. I’ve worn them to an elegant Iftar meal at the historic Qubba Palace or on a stroll in Old Cairo’s pottery village where I buy affordable handmade goods and take classes. 

Lululemon Softstreme High-Rise Midi Skirt

An underrated, modest article of clothing is a midi skirt. Lululemon has a quality, super soft option that’s attainable quiet luxury at its finest. I like to pair it with a relaxed tee to balance out the skirt’s structure. Recently, I dressed up a midi with a tank and a blazer (so that it wasn’t too revealing) for a Suhoor — the second pre-fasting meal during Ramadan — at the Abdeen Palace. 

Akk Memory Foam Lightweight Tennis Shoes

Comfy, tan sneakers were a priority on my Egypt packing list. I got a couple of inexpensive pairs at Amazon because I wanted to be able to get rid of them if they got too worn down. I’ve been here since February and my initial pair is still going strong. 

Of course, beige was the clear color of choice and I often wear them with matching socks to combat the dusty terrain. I also love that they’re lightweight and a breeze to walk in.  

Viodia Women's UPF 50+ Golf Shirt

There’s so much to do in Cairo, and I’ve been picking up tons of new hobbies, including golf. This is because many of the luxury hotels and resorts have golf courses . 

I have a drawer full of polo shirts with both long and short sleeves that I wear with longer-length matching golf skorts . To mix things up, I also have a few golf dresses . (At the courses and resorts, in general, I’ve found that it’s more acceptable to wear shorter bottoms.) This shirt is great whether on the course or not as it has UPF 50+ sun protection built in, a necessity in these parts.

Banana Republic Ultra High-Rise Wide-Leg Crop Jean

Banana Republic

Wide-legged crops or culottes are my preferred pants. They’re flattering, breathable, and add shape to any look. If you’re coming to the desert, I say leave your skinnies at home. 

I take things to another level with ultra-high rises. This silhouette, courtesy of Banana Republic, has a relaxed fit that complements any figure. Thankfully, the brand has a petite section , so I didn’t have to worry about hemming or getting the jeans tailored. 

Blundstone High-Top Boots

Even though this is the desert, there are hiking trails in Cairo, and since the paths are filled with sand, you should wear high-top boots. I’ve been all about my pair of sturdy, shock-absorbing Blundstone boots.

Moreover, the boots look even better if they’re down making them ideal for walking around or strolling from one pyramid to another. It’s clear that when it comes to footwear, the less hassle, the better. They come in black and several shades of brown giving you plenty of options, too. 

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Israel’s war on Gaza live news: Hamas officials to visit Cairo for talks

Hamas official told Reuters the delegation will discuss a ceasefire proposal handed by the group to mediators from Qatar and Egypt.

• At least 27 Palestinians have been killed, including many children and women, in overnight Israeli attacks on Rafah and Gaza City.
• Hamas officials are set to travel to Egypt’s capital on Monday for fresh round of ceasefire talks.
• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Riyadh as part of Middle East trip aimed at securing ceasefire and increasing humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
• Israeli military’s chief of staff approves plans for the “continuation of war” as hardline ministers warn Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu his government will collapse if a truce is agreed.
• At least 34,454 Palestinians have been killed and 77,575 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. The revised death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7 attacks stands at 1,139, with dozens of people still held captive in Gaza.

Egypt ‘hopeful’ of new Israel-Hamas truce

Egypt’s foreign minister said he was “hopeful” about a new proposal for a Gaza truce as a Hamas delegation was due in Cairo for talks on Monday.

“We are hopeful,” Sameh Shoukry said in Riyadh at the World Economic Forum, adding that “the proposal has taken into account the positions of both sides and has tried to extract moderation”.

Saudi foreign minister says agreements with US ‘very, very close’

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister says agreements between the kingdom and the US are “very very close”.

“Most of the work has already been done. We have the broad outlines of what we think needs to happen on the Palestinian front,” Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum’s special meeting in Riyadh.

Blinken, who was on the same panel, added that an agreement “is potentially very close to completion”.

Istanbul’s mayor says Hamas should be considered a ‘terrorist group’

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu says Hamas should be considered a “terrorist group” due to its attacks on Israel on October 7, a sharp contrast to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“Of course, Hamas carried out an attack in Israel that we deeply regret,” Imamoglu told CNN.

“In our eyes, any organisation that carries out these terrorist acts and kills people en masse is a terrorist organisation.”

Erdogan’s recent stance has linked Hamas with the Turkish revolutionary forces in the 1920s.

Erdogan also hosted Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh this month and reiterated Turkey’s support for Palestine and sanctions on Israel.

Blinken says US has ‘not yet seen’ Rafah invasion plan that protects civilians

The top US diplomat has renewed Washington’s opposition to an Israeli offensive on Gaza’s southernmost city ahead of his trip to Israel.

“We have not yet seen a plan that gives us confidence that civilians can be effectively protected,” Blinken said at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh.

Qatar’s PM says region must be spared from war

Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has called for a major push to stop any further military escalation by Israel during his address at the World Economic Forum meeting in Riyadh.

Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the foreign minister, stressed the need to resolve all conflicts peacefully and spare the region from the dangers of war.

Red Cross has no mandate to replace UNRWA in Gaza, ICRC chief says

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) does not have a mandate to replace the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza, its director general says.

“We have completely different mandates,” ICRC Director-General Pierre Krahenbuhl told the Swiss daily Le Temps in an interview.

UNRWA was swept into controversy in January when Israel accused 12 of its 30,000 employees of being involved in the October 7 Hamas attacks, which led to the deaths of 1,139 people, mostly civilians.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed nearly 35,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Strip’s Health Ministry.

The UN immediately fired the implicated staff members and launched an internal investigation to assess the agency’s neutrality.

Last week, an independent review for the UN led by a former French foreign minister said Israel has given no evidence UNRWA staff were linked to “terrorism”.

The claims against the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees led to a massive funding deficit as donor countries announced funding suspensions.

Blinken on Israel-Saudi normalisation

The US secretary of state also has spoken about the US-brokered normalisation process between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

He stressed that American and Saudi officials have done “intense work in the past months” on the matter.

Blinken speaks at World Economic Forum

Here are some key takeaways from Blinken’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh:

• There must be a postwar plan for Gaza which looks at security, governance and humanitarian reconstructions.
• Without a real political horizon for Palestinians, it is “going to be harder, if not impossible”, to have a coherent plan for Gaza.
• The region has two paths forward, one where it is integrated, where ties between Israel and its neighbouring countries are normalised and Palestinians have their own state or a second one marred by endless violence and destruction.
• The biggest rebuke to both Hamas and Iran would be Israel having normal ties with countries in the region and the realisation of a Palestinian state.

Pro-Palestinian protests not a ‘threat’ to Jewish students: Australian Jewish Council

The Australian Jewish Council has rejected claims that pro-Palestinian student protests in the country are a “threat” to Jewish students and staff.

“Attempting to silence or censor these protests by deceitfully accusing them of antisemitism is a dangerous overreach that if acted upon, risks stifling free speech on campuses. Universities must be places where diverse perspectives can be voiced and debated openly,” the council said in a statement on Monday.

“We should be proud of all of the students, many of whom are Jewish, who are speaking out against this unfolding genocide,” Elizabeth Strakosch, executive officer of the Jewish Council of Australia, said.

“The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic freedom that universities should uphold and defend. The student protests against the unfolding genocide in Gaza are legitimate expressions of political speech and human rights advocacy.”

Students from universities in Australia have joined their global peers in organising on-campus protests in solidarity with Palestine.

MEDIA RELEASE: The Jewish Council of Australia strongly rejects claims that student protests on university campuses in solidarity with Palestinians are a threat to Jewish students and staff. "We should be proud of all of the students, many of whom are Jewish, who are speaking… — Jewish Council of Australia (@jewishcouncilAU) April 29, 2024

Will diplomatic efforts stop Israel’s planned offensive in Rafah?

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz says his government may “suspend” its looming Rafah offensive if an agreement is reached with Hamas as talks between the parties take place in Cairo.

“If there will be a deal, we will suspend the operation,” Katz said on Saturday.

But there are divisions within the Israeli government. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he is opposed to any deal that would stop a military operation in Rafah.

The looming offensive has been widely condemned by the international community, including some of Israel’s allies, like the US. Its secretary of state reaffirmed on Monday that Washington opposes the planned offensive on Rafah.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has warned against a “catastrophic” offensive in Rafah.

“We call on the United States of America to ask Israel to not carry out the Rafah attack. America is the only country able to prevent Israel from committing this crime,” Abbas said at a special meeting of the World Economic Forum in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk previously warned: “Any assault by Israeli forces on the densely populated city of Rafah, where 1.5 million have sought shelter following mass displacement, will hugely increase the risk of atrocity crimes.”

UK maritime body receives report of incident near Yemen’s Mokha

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency says it has received a report of an incident 54 nautical miles (100km) northwest of Yemen’s Red Sea port of Mokha.

It said authorities are investigating and vessels are advised to transit cautiously and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

UKMTO WARNING INCIDENT 069 ATTACK https://t.co/fX3hWupi7g #MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/PvZhXhFaFf — United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) April 29, 2024

Gaza death toll climbs to 34,488 Palestinians killed

At least 34,488 Palestinians have been killed and 77,643 injured in Israel’s war on Gaza since October 7, according to a statement by Gaza’s Health Ministry.

At least 34 people were killed and another 68 injured in the latest 24-hour reporting period, the statement added.

Equity firms pause funding after boycott campaigns over Gaza war

The Financial Times reports that equity firms General Atlantic and CVC are pausing a multimillion-dollar stake in sales in US fast food brands in Indonesia and Malaysia due to boycotts over Israel’s war on Gaza.

In Muslim-majority Indonesia and Malaysia, consumers have boycotted US brands, including Starbucks, KFC and Pizza Hut, over Washington’s support for Israel and as part of a wider campaign of boycotts over brands that support Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

In December, General Atlantic, a US equity investor, paused the sale of its 20 percent stake in Starbucks operator Map Boga Adiperkasa, according to two people familiar with the situation.

According to two other people with knowledge of the decision, CVC Capital Partners, one of Europe’s biggest private equity firms, also cancelled the sale of its 21 percent stake in Malaysia’s QSR Brands, the operator of KFC and Pizza Hut, due to the boycotts.

US official mediating Israel-Hezbollah tensions

Reporting from Marjayoun, southern Lebanon

The latest salvo of rockets to be fired into Israel from Lebanon are claimed to have been launched by the Lebanon wing of Hamas.

Hezbollah has repeatedly said it would halt the fighting once there is a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Israel has said it will not stop the fighting until Hezbollah withdraws from its border with Lebanon.

And that is why US special envoy Amos Hochstein, who has been mediating in this conflict, is now in Israel. Every time there is some sort of progress in Gaza talks, he is in Israel … so that he can travel to Lebanon to try to broker a cessation of hostilities if and when a ceasefire is agreed in Gaza.

Western nations are talking about the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701, which was passed in 2006 after the last war between Hezbollah and Israel. That resolution calls for a zone close to the border, free of arms and fighters outside the state’s control as well as Lebanon’s army, which operates alongside UN peacekeepers, to ensure some sort of demilitarised zone.

Now what will Hezbollah agree? It is still unclear. It repeatedly has said it understands UN Resolution 1701 to mean that no arms and fighters will be visible along the border – so tough negotiations ahead.

But it is clear that the US has been trying to prevent this from escalating into a full-blown conflict.

What are US student protesters demanding?

• The protesters are calling for universities to divest from corporations that profit from Israel’s war on Gaza.
• They are also demanding that universities severe academic ties and collaborations with Israeli universities and programmes.
• Demonstrators want an end to US military aid to Israel. Washington provides more than $3bn annually in military aid to Israel.
• They are calling for more financial transparency about university investments.
• The groups are also calling for a complete ceasefire in Gaza. More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed and vast swathes of Gaza flattened by Israel in nearly seven months of war.
• The student organisers are seeking the release of students arrested during protests. At least 900 students have been arrested nationwide so far.

More on Blinken from Gulf Cooperation Council meeting

As we have reported earlier, the US secretary of state is in the Saudi capital to discuss Gaza.

He urged Israel to do more in terms of allowing more humanitarian aid into the Strip while noting some progress.

Blinken also told Gulf Arab allies that Iran’s confrontation with Israel showed the need for greater defence integration.

“This attack highlights the acute and growing threat from Iran but also the imperative that we work together on integrated defence,” he said.

Blinken says Israel has made ‘measurable progress’ on Gaza humanitarian situation

But the US secretary of state also has urged Israel to do more.

Speaking in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, at the opening of a US-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting, Blinken said the most effective way to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the Strip was to achieve a ceasefire.

While Israel has allowed more aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip amid great international pressure, the deliveries still fall far short of what the UN says is the minimum required to address the dire situation  in the besieged territory.

Hamas armed wing says it fires rockets from southern Lebanon

The Qassam Brigades says it has targeted an Israeli military position with a salvo of missiles from southern Lebanon, according to a post on its Telegram channel.

Here’s what we know about antiwar protests at US university campuses

Students across universities in the US have been protesting against Israel’s war on Gaza for days. Here’s a quick round-up:

• Nearly 900 people have been arrested on US campuses since April 18, when New York police forcefully removed a pro-Palestinian protest camp at Columbia University, the AP reported.
• Since then, students at dozens of universities have set up encampments, calling for an end to the war and for their universities to cut ties with companies selling weapons to Israel.
• On Saturday alone, about 275 people were arrested from protests at Northeastern University in Boston, Arizona State University in Phoenix, Indiana University Bloomington, and Washington University in St Louis.
• Those arrested included the Green Party’s presidential candidate Jill Stein. She was briefly detained at a student-led protest at Washington University in Missouri.
• On Sunday, students pitched a new encampment on Yale University’s campus in the northeastern state of Connecticut, a week after Yale police broke up a protest camp at the university and arrested 44 students for trespassing.
• An encampment calling for an end to Israel’s war on Gaza was also established over the weekend at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), where there have been days of protests.

What’s the focus of today’s truce talks?

Reporting from Occupied East Jerusalem

An Israeli delegation may join the Hamas representatives in Cairo, although there won’t be a face-to-face meeting.

The Egyptians are keen to get this moving. They have a vested interest because of the geographic position of Rafah on their border. So they are also putting pressure on Hamas, along with the Qataris, to get some form of deal.

What we understand is on the table at the moment is that Hamas would release 33 captives. These fall under the humanitarian branch. So you have women, the sick, the elderly and those over 50.

Israel would release Palestinian prisoners, some of those, according to the Israeli media, “with blood on their hands”. So you are talking about senior Palestinian prisoners.

Also, there is some movement of Palestinians in Gaza to the north and a gradual, small withdrawal of Israeli troops from certain positions inside Gaza.

And then, after all that happens, you are going to have ongoing negotiations about a full cessation of hostilities, an end to the war, which is something that Israel says it is not going to do until its objectives have been achieved.

Antiwar student activists arrested across the US

Difficult night for civilians in rafah.

Reporting from Rafah, southern Gaza

It was an extremely difficult night for civilians in Rafah, where the Israeli military targeted multiple areas with air strikes. At least 20 Palestinians were killed, including five children, after Israel bombed three separate houses in Rafah.

Hospitals in densely populated areas were flooded with people and bodies piled up in morgues before being taken for burial.

We have also been hearing about artillery attacks on other areas in the territory, including in the Bureij refugee camp.

Battles were also raging overnight between Hamas fighters and Israeli soldiers close to Nuseirat junction in central Gaza, where, according to Israeli media reports, at least two Israeli soldiers were killed while eight others were wounded. They were evacuated by Israeli helicopters for medical treatment.

The Israeli army also fired artillery shells on border towns, including Beit Hanoon and Beit Lahiya in the north, which suffered widespread destruction during the earlier phase of the war. Israeli forces also targeted houses in Gaza City, where people are still stuck under the rubble.

French top diplomat says Gaza ceasefire talks progressing

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne told Reuters that negotiations on a ceasefire are progressing, but he urged caution.

“Things are moving forward but you always have to be careful in these discussions and negotiations,” Sejourne said after arriving in Riyadh from Lebanon, where he held talks on Sunday amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic and we need a ceasefire,” he added.

Gaza diplomacy

Diplomatic efforts are under way in the Middle East as ceasefire talks gain momentum. Here’s a quick recap of the latest:

• The White House said President Biden made his position clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu on a planned Israeli ground offensive in Rafah.
• The US is opposed to an invasion on humanitarian grounds.
• US Secretary of State Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia to discuss with Arab partners a post-war plan for Gaza.
• Blinken is also expected to travel to Israel and Egypt.
• A Hamas delegation is expected in Cairo to discuss a ceasefire proposal drafted by mediators from Qatar and Egypt.

UN agency estimates 37 million tonnes of debris in Gaza

The UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) estimates that 37 million tonnes of debris litter the streets of Gaza, which will take more than a decade to clear up.

The debris includes up to 10,000 unexploded ammunition, according to Federico Dessi, Humanity and Inclusion’s Middle East director.

Dessi said the NGO works on the assumption that there have been something between 50,000 and 100,000 bombs dropped on Gaza in the past six months.

“From 9 to 14 percent of these bombs did not go off – so potentially we are talking about up to 10,000 or a bit more of unexploded bombs, shells and mortars in Gaza,” Dessi told Al Jazeera.