Why Visit Cairo?
Cairo overwhelms as the chaotic, sprawling gateway to ancient Egypt's greatest wonders, where the last surviving Ancient Wonder of the World—the Great Pyramid of Giza—rises from desert sands minutes from a megacity of 20+ million souls navigating the Nile's banks with relentless energy. The Giza Plateau's three pyramids built 4,500 years ago still confound engineers, while the Sphinx guards mysteries in its limestone paws—experience them at sunrise when tourist crowds thin and golden light illuminates Khufu's massive monument. The new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the pyramids houses Tutankhamun's treasures including his golden death mask, 5,000+ artifacts displayed in climate-controlled galleries that will eclipse the aging Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square (though its dusty, overwhelming collection retains archaeological romance).
Islamic Cairo's medieval heart preserves the Citadel's Muhammad Ali Mosque commanding hilltop views, Al-Azhar Mosque's thousand-year scholarly tradition, and the labyrinthine Khan el-Khalili bazaar where spice vendors, goldsmiths, and tea shops occupy medieval caravanserais unchanged for centuries. Coptic Cairo reveals Christianity's deep roots at the Hanging Church suspended above Roman fortress gates. The Nile River bisects the city—felucca sailboats offer sunset cruises, while dinner cruises feature belly dancing and arak cocktails.
Cairo's street food scene delivers koshari (lentils, pasta, and chickpeas), ful medames fava beans, and fresh juices for Egyptian pounds. Day trips reach Saqqara's Step Pyramid, Memphis's fallen colossus, and Luxor's Valley of the Kings via overnight trains. Visit October-April for bearable heat.
Cairo delivers pharaonic grandeur, Islamic splendor, and Egyptian chaos in equal measure.
What to Do
Ancient Wonders
Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx
The Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure are the only surviving Ancient Wonder of the World. General entry to the Giza Plateau is currently EGP 700 for foreign adults (students EGP 350—check egymonuments.com for latest fees). Going inside the Great Pyramid costs extra, around EGP 1,500 for foreign adults. Arrive at the 8am opening or go for sunrise at around 6am (requires a special entry ticket) to avoid peak heat and crowds. Camel rides around the site typically cost EGP 200–400—agree on price before mounting and expect aggressive touts. The Sphinx sits near Khafre's pyramid and is included in general admission. Hire an official guide at the entrance (EGP 300–500) to get context and avoid scammers. Allow 3–4 hours minimum.
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
The museum near the pyramids fully opened in November 2025, showcasing over 100,000 artifacts including the complete Tutankhamun collection with his golden death mask, chariots, and tomb treasures. Standard adult tickets for foreign visitors are around EGP 1,700 (students/children about EGP 850—check the official GEM site for up-to-date options and any special gallery tickets). It's the world's largest archaeological museum—plan 4–5 hours minimum. Book timed-entry tickets online through the official website. Combine with a Giza Plateau visit in one day since they're adjacent. Premium packages with additional galleries cost more.
Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square)
The original museum still houses incredible collections despite Tutankhamun's treasures moving to GEM. Entry is currently around EGP 550 for foreign adults (EGP 275 students), with some optional add-ons like audio guides (EGP 75) extra. Check the official site or latest fee list for details. The museum's old-school, dusty layout can be overwhelming but has archaeological charm. Go in the morning (opens 9am) for fewer crowds. Highlights include Royal Mummies, animal mummies, and extensive Pharaonic statues and artifacts. Allow 2–3 hours. Combine with nearby Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Islamic & Coptic Cairo
Citadel & Muhammad Ali Mosque
The medieval Citadel sits on a hill with commanding views over Cairo. The Muhammad Ali Mosque's Ottoman-style domes and minarets dominate the skyline. Entry to the Citadel complex is currently around EGP 550 for foreign adults (check the official egymonuments site for updates) and includes several museums and mosques. The mosque interior is stunning with massive chandeliers and alabaster walls—shoes off, modest dress required. Go in the morning (opens 8am) to avoid midday heat. The citadel also has a police museum and panoramic viewpoints. Allow 2–3 hours.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Cairo's most famous market, dating from the 14th century, is a labyrinth of shops selling spices, perfumes, jewelry, papyrus, textiles, and souvenirs. Free to wander, though vendors can be aggressive—expect to bargain hard (start at 30–40% of asking price). The bazaar is liveliest in the evening (6–10pm) when it's cooler. Sip mint tea at El-Fishawi cafe (open since 1773) or Naguib Mahfouz Café. Watch for pickpockets and keep your money secure. Nearby Al-Azhar Mosque (free entry outside prayer times, modest dress) is worth visiting. Allow 2–3 hours for the bazaar.
Coptic Cairo
Old Cairo's Christian quarter preserves churches dating back to the Roman era. The Hanging Church (suspended above a Roman gatehouse) has beautiful wooden screens and icon paintings. Entry is free but donations appreciated. Ben Ezra Synagogue (where baby Moses was allegedly found) and the Coptic Museum (around EGP 140 entry) showcase Egypt's Christian heritage. The area is much calmer than the rest of Cairo—visit in the morning or late afternoon. Allow 2 hours for the main sites.
Cairo Life & Nile
Nile Felucca Rides
Traditional wooden sailboats offer peaceful sunset cruises on the Nile. Rent a private felucca for 1–2 hours at around EGP 150–300 total—bargain at the docks near the Nile Corniche or ask your hotel to arrange. Best time is late afternoon for golden hour views of the city. Bring water and perhaps some snacks. Alternatively, take a Nile dinner cruise (EGP 600–1,200 per person) with belly dancing, buffet dinner, and live music—touristy but fun. Book through hotels or reputable operators.
Cairo Street Food
Cairo's street food is legendary and incredibly cheap. Try koshari (mixed lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, and spicy tomato sauce) for EGP 30–60 at famous spots like Abou Tarek. Ful medames (mashed fava beans) is the breakfast staple. Fresh juice stands serve mango, guava, and sugarcane juice for EGP 20–40. Grab ta'meya (Egyptian falafel) from carts. For safety, choose busy stalls with high turnover and avoid tap water. Street food is safe if you follow the crowds—eat where locals eat.
Al-Azhar Park
A rare green oasis in Cairo's chaos, this beautifully landscaped park on a reclaimed landfill offers stunning views of the old city's minarets and domes. Entry is around EGP 40 for foreigners. The park has gardens, fountains, playgrounds, and upscale restaurants with terraces. Go in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures and sunset views. It's a 10-minute walk uphill from the Islamic Cairo sights—a peaceful escape after bazaar and mosque visits.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: CAI
Best Time to Visit
October, November, December, January, February, March
Climate: Warm
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C | 9°C | 2 | Excellent (best) |
| February | 21°C | 10°C | 2 | Excellent (best) |
| March | 25°C | 12°C | 4 | Excellent (best) |
| April | 29°C | 15°C | 0 | Good |
| May | 35°C | 19°C | 0 | Good |
| June | 37°C | 21°C | 0 | Good |
| July | 39°C | 23°C | 0 | Good |
| August | 39°C | 24°C | 0 | Good |
| September | 38°C | 24°C | 0 | Good |
| October | 33°C | 21°C | 0 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 25°C | 15°C | 2 | Excellent (best) |
| December | 23°C | 12°C | 0 | Excellent (best) |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Visa required
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): November 2025 is perfect for visiting Cairo!
Practical Information
Getting There
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is 15km northeast. Uber to downtown EGP 150-250/$3–$5 (45-60 min). Airport buses exist (EGP 30) but crowded. Avoid unmarked taxis. Trains arrive at Ramses Station from Alexandria (2h), Luxor/Aswan (overnight sleepers). Buses connect regional cities.
Getting Around
Cairo Metro (3 lines) is cheap—tickets cost EGP 8-20 depending on distance (number of stations), with 8 for short rides and 20 for the longest routes. The metro is efficient and AC-cooled escape from traffic. Uber essential for safety and reasonable fares (EGP 30-80/$1–$2 short trips). Avoid metered taxis (scams common). Walking possible in tourist areas but traffic is chaotic. River buses operate on Nile. No rental cars recommended—traffic is nightmarish.
Money & Payments
Egyptian Pound (EGP, £E). Exchange $1 ≈ EGP $50–$551 ≈ EGP 48-50. Cards at hotels, chains, and tourist sites. Cash essential for markets, street food, and small vendors. ATMs widespread. Bring small bills—change is scarce. Tipping (baksheesh) expected everywhere: EGP 20-50 for guides, restroom attendants, etc.
Language
Arabic is official. English spoken in hotels, tourist sites, and by guides. Less common among vendors and in neighborhoods. Learning Arabic basics (Shukran = thanks, Marhaba = hello, Bkam = how much) helps. Pointing works at markets.
Cultural Tips
Dress modestly—shoulders/knees covered, especially women. Remove shoes at mosques. Friday is holy day—mosques closed to tourists during prayers. Bargain at bazaars (start at 30-50% asking price). Don't photograph people or military without permission. Pyramids: persistent camel/horse touts—agree on price before riding. Tipping culture strong—carry small bills. Ramadan affects hours. Book guides through hotels to avoid scams.
Perfect 3-Day Cairo Itinerary
Day 1: Pyramids & Sphinx
Day 2: Museums & Islamic Cairo
Day 3: Coptic & Local
Where to Stay in Cairo
Downtown/Tahrir
Best for: Egyptian Museum, budget hotels, street life, central, chaotic
Zamalek
Best for: Nile island, expat area, cafés, galleries, quieter, upscale
Islamic Cairo
Best for: Khan el-Khalili, mosques, medieval architecture, bazaars, authentic
Giza
Best for: Near pyramids, hotels with views, tour base, outside city chaos
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