Cairo
Visited in 2009 and 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Egypt
- Region
- Cairo Governorate
- Population
- 9.8 million
- Best time to go
- October to April
- Main airport
- Cairo International (CAI)
- Coordinates
- 30.05°N, 31.24°E
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Overview
Cairo is huge, loud and endlessly fascinating: Africa's biggest city, sprawling along the Nile around some of the oldest monuments on Earth. The Pyramids of Giza stand on its western edge.
Give yourself time. Mix the ancient sights with a felucca on the Nile, the medieval streets of Islamic Cairo and the bustle of Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Things to see
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Photo: KennyOMG, CC BY-SA 4.0 Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
The last surviving wonder of the ancient world. Arrive at opening time to beat the heat and the crowds.
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Photo: Ovedc, CC BY-SA 4.0 Grand Egyptian Museum
The vast new museum beside the pyramids, home to Tutankhamun's treasures.
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Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0 Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square
The historic museum in the centre still holds thousands of antiquities.
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Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0 Islamic Cairo
Medieval mosques, madrasas and city gates, including the Al-Azhar and Sultan Hassan mosques.
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Photo: Ahmed Al.Badawy from Cairo, Egypt, CC BY-SA 2.0 Citadel of Saladin
A hilltop fortress with the Muhammad Ali Mosque and views across the city.
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Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0 Coptic Cairo
The old Christian quarter with the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue.
Things to do
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Photo: Heba otefy, CC BY-SA 4.0 Khan el-Khalili bazaar
A centuries-old market for lamps, spices and souvenirs. Stop for mint tea at El Fishawy café.
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Photo: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0 Felucca on the Nile
Sail at sunset on a traditional wooden boat.
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Photo: Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0 Saqqara and Memphis
The Step Pyramid of Djoser and ancient tombs, a short drive south of the city.
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Photo: Waelfouda, CC BY-SA 4.0 Sound and light show
An evening show projected onto the pyramids and Sphinx.
Find tours
Where to stay
Giza
Wake up to pyramid views. Handy for the Grand Egyptian Museum, but far from the rest of the city.
Hotels in GizaZamalek
Calm, leafy island in the Nile with restaurants and embassies.
Hotels in ZamalekDowntown Cairo
Central and close to the Egyptian Museum, with lots of budget and mid-range hotels.
Hotels in Downtown CairoGarden City
Riverside area with big international hotels and Nile views.
Hotels in Garden City
Getting around
Traffic is chaotic, so use ride-hailing apps (they also avoid price haggling) or hire a driver for the day. The Metro is cheap and useful for central areas, with women-only carriages.
Cairo International is about 45 minutes to an hour from the centre by car, longer at rush hour. Book a transfer or use a ride-hailing app.
When to go
October to April is the most comfortable time, with warm days and cool nights. Summer (June to August) is extremely hot. Check the dates of Ramadan, when opening hours change.
Plan your trip to Cairo
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.