Patriotically known as the ‘Triumphant City’, the sprawling, bustling capital of Egypt is the largest city in Africa and home to one of the greatest ancient civilizations of humanity. More than 17 million people pack themselves into the hot, dusty neighborhoods of Cairo, creating a truly fascinating though reliably chaotic tourist destination.
What it is: The capital and largest city of Egypt, a sprawling metropolis along the Nile known for ancient pyramids, Islamic architecture, and nonstop urban energy.
Affordability: Budget-friendly, with cheap food, transport, and accommodations, luxury options are available but not essential.
Safety: Generally safe for tourists, though traffic, scams, and harassment can be issues; political protests should be avoided.
Popularity: One of the most visited cities in the Arab world, thanks to its proximity to the pyramids and wealth of ancient history.
Tourist Infrastructure: Well-developed in major areas like Giza and central Cairo, with guided tours, ride apps, and plenty of hotels.
Accommodation Options: Budget hostels, mid-range guesthouses, river-view hotels, and luxury Nile-side resorts.
Dining Scene: Classic Egyptian staples like koshari, falafel, grilled meats, and sweets, plus street snacks and high-end Middle Eastern cuisine.
Nightlife: Modest but lively, with rooftop cafés, Nile cruise dinners, shisha lounges, and a few bars and clubs in wealthier districts.
Weather: Hot and dry for most of the year, with scorching summers and mild winters; little rainfall.
Best Time to Go: October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing.
Known For: Pyramids, pharaohs, Nile River, Islamic Cairo, street food, ancient ruins, chaotic traffic, layered history.
Top Attractions: Pyramids of Giza • Egyptian Museum • Khan el-Khalili • Citadel of Saladin • Al-Azhar Mosque • Coptic Cairo • Nile River Cruises • Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
- Population: Approximately 10 million in the city; around 22 million in the greater metropolitan area.
- Emergency Numbers: 122 for police, 123 for medical emergencies, and 180 for fire.
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC +2 (no daylight saving time).
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (ج.م EGP); ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in many places.
- Language: Arabic is the official language; English and French are commonly spoken in tourist areas.
- Electricity: Standard voltage is 220V; plugs are type C and F (European two-pin plugs).
- Internet: Widely available; free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, and public areas.
- Convenience stores: Found throughout the city, Seoudi, Metro Market, and local kiosks are common.
- Nearest International Airport: Cairo International Airport (about 14 miles / 22 km northeast of the city center).
- Trivia: Cairo is home to the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza.
- Iconic Local Foods: Must-try dishes include koshari, ful medames, taameya (Egyptian falafel), and molokhia.
- Fun Fact: Cairo’s nickname, “The City of a Thousand Minarets,” reflects its rich Islamic architecture and historic mosques.
Cairo, Egypt’s sprawling capital, is one of the world’s most iconic cities, blending ancient wonders with modern urban life. Most tourists come to see the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, explore the vast Egyptian Museum, and wander the bustling streets of Islamic Cairo. Beyond the major sights, Cairo offers vibrant markets, historic mosques, and Nile cruises that bring the city’s magic to life.
What makes Cairo truly unique is its direct connection to ancient civilization, you can stand in front of monuments built over 4,500 years ago while hearing the call to prayer echo through a dense, lively metropolis of over 20 million people.
Top attractions include the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the Citadel and Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and Coptic Cairo’s churches. A Nile dinner cruise or a visit to Al-Azhar Park offers a different side of the city.
Cairo spreads itself out like a labyrinth on both sides of the Nile River, with the Islamic and Christian Coptic districts on the eastern bank and the ancient city of Giza (Memphis) with its timeless pyramids on the west. Crowded central Cairo is the young and modern hub of the city, full of museums, art galleries, shops and restaurants. Old Cairo, or Coptic Cairo, is a district with historic links to the Pharonic, Islamic and Roman periods.
The Islamic district, to the east of central Cairo, is the cultural and historic center of the city as it exists today. The Citadel and many beautiful mosques are found here. Outside of this concentrated collection of distinct districts are the newer, less alluring areas of Cairo. Modern shopping malls, residential neighborhoods and the like make up the fabric of these peripheral districts which are not particularly interesting for tourists.
For lodging, Giza is ideal for pyramid views, Downtown Cairo offers budget and mid-range options close to key sights, and Zamalek is a leafy, upscale district on the Nile favored by expats and travelers seeking comfort. Accommodation options range from historic hotels to modern chains and budget-friendly stays.
Getting around can be hectic; the metro is cheap and efficient, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are widely used, and guided tours can ease navigation for first-time visitors. Traffic is heavy, and walking is best within defined neighborhoods.
Dining spans everything from street falafel and koshari to fine dining along the Nile. Nightlife is varied, with cafés, rooftop lounges, and live music venues, though more subdued than in some other major cities. Shopping ranges from market stalls at Khan El Khalili to modern malls and artisan shops.
Cairo is generally safe in tourist areas, though pickpocketing and scams are common, staying alert is key. The climate is hot and dry, especially from May to September, with mild winters.
Why Go to Cairo?
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Ancient Wonders: Stand before the Pyramids and Sphinx, the last of the ancient Seven Wonders.
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Rich History: Explore millennia of Egyptian heritage at museums and historic sites.
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Bustling Markets: Haggle for spices, jewelry, and souvenirs in colorful bazaars.
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Nile River Views: Relax with cruises, cafés, and riverside walks.
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Cultural Fusion: Experience Islamic, Christian, and ancient influences side by side.
Who Might Not Enjoy Cairo?
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Travelers Sensitive to Heat & Dust: The city’s climate is dry and often very hot.
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Those Avoiding Urban Chaos: Cairo’s traffic, noise, and crowds can be overwhelming.
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Visitors Wanting a Beach Holiday: Cairo is inland, head to the Red Sea coast for beaches and diving.
What’s Cool
Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili bazaar, Islamic Cairo’s mosques and citadels, Nile River cruises, Coptic Cairo churches, vibrant street food (koshari, falafel), historic cafés, film spots (Death on the Nile), day trips to Saqqara and Memphis, rich ancient history everywhere.
What’s Not
Heavy traffic and congestion, air pollution, aggressive touts and street vendors, language barriers (Arabic), hot and dusty summers, security checks at major sites, crowded tourist spots, uneven sidewalks, dual pricing for tourists, occasional protests or unrest, noise and chaotic streets.
Cairo is located in northern Egypt, on the banks of the Nile River, about 165 km (103 miles) south of the Mediterranean coast. It’s the capital and largest city of Egypt, famous for its ancient monuments, vibrant bazaars, and rich history. Cairo International Airport is the main gateway, and the city is navigable by metro, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps.
Covering around 3,085 km² (1,191 mi²), Cairo is a sprawling metropolis divided into historic and modern districts. Major areas include Downtown Cairo, Zamalek, Islamic Cairo, Garden City, and Giza.
Most tourists stay in Downtown, Zamalek, or Giza for convenient access to major attractions and services.
Downtown Cairo
Downtown is the commercial and cultural center of Cairo, featuring colonial-era architecture, squares, and government buildings.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Hotels and serviced apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Egyptian Museum • Tahrir Square • Qasr El Nil Bridge
- Dining: (Local) – Egyptian eateries and fast food.
- Nightlife: (Moderate) – Bars, cafés, and live music.
- Shopping: (Good) – Malls and local markets.
Zamalek
Zamalek is an upscale island district on the Nile, known for its embassies, green spaces, and art galleries, offering a quieter and more refined stay.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Boutique hotels and international chains.
- Nearby Attractions: Cairo Opera House • Gezira Sporting Club
- Dining: (Upscale) – International and gourmet cuisine.
- Nightlife: (Chic) – Wine bars, lounges, and live music.
- Shopping: (Boutique) – Artisan shops and designer stores.
Giza
Giza, west of the Nile, is home to Egypt’s most famous landmarks, including the pyramids, attracting tourists focused on ancient history.
- Accommodations: (Budget to High-End) – Hotels and resorts with pyramid views.
- Nearby Attractions: Giza Pyramids • Great Sphinx • Solar Boat Museum
- Dining: (Tourist-Focused) – International restaurants and local grills.
- Nightlife: (Low-Key) – Hotel lounges and cafés.
- Shopping: (Tourist-Centric) – Souvenir shops and markets.
Islamic Cairo
Islamic Cairo is the historic core, packed with mosques, madrassas, and bustling markets, ideal for those interested in cultural heritage.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Guesthouses and small hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Khan El Khalili • Al-Azhar Mosque • Citadel of Saladin
- Dining: (Traditional) – Middle Eastern food and cafés.
- Nightlife: (Minimal) – Quiet after dark.
- Shopping: (Bustling) – Markets and handicrafts.
Garden City
Garden City is a leafy residential and diplomatic district near Downtown, offering a peaceful atmosphere with embassies and historic mansions.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range) – Boutique hotels and business stays.
- Nearby Attractions: Corniche El Nil • American University in Cairo
- Dining: (Classic) – Egyptian and international options.
- Nightlife: (Quiet) – Hotel bars and cafés.
- Shopping: (Limited) – Convenience stores and small shops.
Heliopolis
Heliopolis is a suburban district northeast of central Cairo, known for its wide boulevards and mix of historic and modern architecture.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Chain hotels and resorts.
- Nearby Attractions: Baron Empain Palace • City Stars Mall
- Dining: (Family-Friendly) – International chains and local spots.
- Nightlife: (Casual) – Bars and lounges.
- Shopping: (Excellent) – Malls and retail complexes.