Cairo

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Egyptian Tourist Authority
Photo provided by Egyptian Tourist Authority
Photo provided by Egyptian Tourist Authority
Photo provided by Egyptian Tourist Authority
Photo provided by Egyptian Tourist Authority

Discover one of the world’s greatest ancient civilisations in the museums and nearby pyramids of Egypt’s dynamic and surprisingly modern capital. 

Cairo is a cultural delight. Discover glittering ancient treasures in the Egyptian Museum, explore the breathtaking architecture and streetscapes of Islamic Cairo and immerse yourself in the contemporary arts on the island of Gezira. Just 30 minutes’ drive from downtown Cairo at the Giza Plateau, enter the tombs of the pharaohs at the Great Pyramids and marvel at the Great Sphinx.

Start your adventure into the history of the city by exploring Old Cairo, an area surrounded by the walls of Babylon Fortress, dated at nearly 2,000 years old. In the area around the fortress, known as Coptic Cairo, you will find the Coptic Museum, home to artifacts of early Christian history, art and culture. Don’t miss the Hanging Church, which has religious paintings from the 8th to the 18th centuries. Next door, at the Ben Ezra Synagogue, visit the place baby Moses is said to have been found.

For a taste of contemporary Egyptian culture, head across one of the many bridges to Gezira Island, located in the centre of the Nile. Experience Egypt’s incredibly rich music scene at the Cairo Opera House or at the Egyptian Centre for Culture and Art (Makan). Then dine by the Nile’s ancient waters or join a dinner cruise to take in the lights of Cairo at night.

If you’re keen to take some of Cairo home with you, go shopping at the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Here, you can sample street food and wander the labyrinth of stalls selling jewellery, perfume, spices, hand-painted pots and brass lanterns. After the bustle of the bazaar, take a break in one of Cairo’s green spots. Picnic in Al-Azhar Park’s shady, landscaped gardens or enjoy the views over the city from one of the restaurants that ring the park.

Cairo is easy to navigate via subway and bus services, but for trips to Giza and the Old City it’s best to go with a guided group so you don’t miss anything!

Where to stay in Cairo

Cairo showing tropical scenes

Downtown Cairo

4/5(69 area reviews)

Known for its interesting museums and stunning river views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Cairo. Top attractions like Talaat Harb Street and Midan Talaat Harb are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Orabi Station or Nasser Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Cairo
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Nasr City

4/5(9 area reviews)

Nasr City is well liked for its parks and casinos. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, City Center Shopping Mall and Citystars Heliopolis are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Stadium Station or Fair Zone Station to get around.

Nasr City
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Zamalek

4/5(6 area reviews)

Cafes, museums and historical sites are just a few things travellers like about Zamalek. Sights like Zamalek Art Gallery and El Sawy Culture Wheel are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Cairo area at Safaa Hegazy Station.

Zamalek
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Heliopolis

3.5/5(33 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Tivoli Dome and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Heliopolis. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at El Nozha Station or Alf Maskan Station.

Heliopolis
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Al Haram

3.5/5(50 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Al Haram, Giza Pyramid Complex and Grand Egyptian Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Al Haram
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Maadi

4/5(3 area reviews)

Appreciated for its live music and riverfront, you might consider exploring Maadi. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Mostafa Kamel Museum, and jump on the metro at Maadi Station or Maadi Gardens Station to get around the city.

Maadi

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Reviews of Cairo

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
24
5 - Excellent 37%
4 - Good
24
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
13
3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 6%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

This was our fourth visit to Cairo. We have therefore been to many historical and archaeological sites before. On this visit we went to the Gayer-Anderson museum which gave a very good insight into 17c domestic architecture, and the collections.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lots of memories. Even more crowded than last time; pictures of Sisi everywhere; very friendly people, especially if you try a few words of Arabic. Uber is cheap so tip well.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We loved it! Its a fascinating place and the people are friendly and respectful and love to chat. Those that seemed insistent on taking you off to sell you things, understood to give up after a friendly, polite but firm 'no' with no hard feelings.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

مدينة رائعة تستحق الزيارة مرة اخرى

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

It was an experience!!

4/5 - Good

Sib

People are mostly friendly however watch out for the rip off taxi drivers who changed 3 times more than what is a normal fair !!!!