Cairo Travel Guide
A comprehensive guide to Cairo including the best places to visit, things to do, food scene, local customs, safety, and how to get around.
- Introduction to Cairo
- List of Places to Visit in Cairo
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Cairo
- Best Things to Do in Cairo: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Cairo
- Food and Drink Scene of Cairo
- Where to Stay in Cairo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Luxury Hotels
- Budget Accommodation
- What to Buy in Cairo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Perfumes and Oils
- Handicrafts
- Local Culture and Customs of Cairo
- Best Time to Visit Cairo
- Do’s and Don’ts of Cairo
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Cairo: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Cairo
- Where to Go Next from Cairo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Cairo
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a city of contrasts. With a history dating back to ancient times, Cairo offers a treasure trove of cultural and historical sites, as well as modern metropolitan amenities. The city’s bustling streets are lined with bazaars, and the call to prayer echoes across the cityscape. Cairo is a fascinating blend of old and new, and visitors will not be disappointed by all that the city has to offer.
List of Places to Visit in Cairo
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Cairo has a rich cultural history, and there are many museums and historical sites to visit. These attractions offer a glimpse into Egypt’s past and the daily life of its people.
Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is the largest museum of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world. It houses over 120,000 items, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Visitors can spend hours exploring the collections, which cover everything from jewelry and clothing to mummies and sculptures.
Salah El Din Citadel
The Salah El Din Citadel is a medieval Islamic fortress and palace that was built in the 12th century. It is located on a hill overlooking the city and offers fantastic views of Cairo. Visitors can explore the grounds, which include several museums, mosques, and towers.
The Pyramids of Giza
No trip to Cairo is complete without a visit to the Pyramids of Giza. These impressive structures, built over 4,500 years ago, are the only remaining ancient wonder of the world. Visitors can explore the tombs of the pharaohs, take camel rides in the desert, and watch the famous light and sound shows.
Natural Attractions of Cairo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
While Cairo is known for its bustling streets and ancient sites, there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and take in stunning views of the city.
Cairo Tower
The Cairo Tower is the tallest structure in Cairo, standing at over 180 meters tall. It offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Al-Azhar Park
Al-Azhar Park is a beautiful public park located in the heart of Cairo. It offers stunning views of the city and is a great place to relax and escape the chaos of the city. The park is also home to several restaurants and cafes.
The Nile River
The Nile River is the lifeblood of Egypt, and it is a must-see attraction for visitors to Cairo. Visitors can take boat tours or sunset cruises, dine on floating restaurants, and enjoy fireworks shows on special occasions.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Cairo
Cairo may not be known for its outdoor activities, but there are several hiking and biking routes that offer a unique perspective on the city.
Wadi Degla
Wadi Degla is a desert valley located on the outskirts of Cairo. It offers several hiking and biking trails that are suitable for beginners and experienced adventurers alike. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the desert and the city from the top of the valley.
Gezira Island
Gezira Island is a small island in the middle of the Nile River. It is known for its many parks and gardens, and there are several biking and jogging trails along the river.
Best Things to Do in Cairo: Activities and Tours
In addition to its many cultural and historical attractions, Cairo also offers plenty of activities and tours for visitors.
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
The Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is one of the oldest and most famous bazaars in Cairo. It offers a wide range of souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry, and visitors can enjoy bargaining with the shopkeepers.
Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids
The Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids is a popular attraction for visitors. It combines the history of ancient Egypt with a light show and music to create a memorable experience.
Camel Rides in the Desert
Camel rides in the desert are a must-do activity for visitors to Cairo. They offer a unique perspective on the Pyramids and the surrounding desert landscape.
Week-Long Itinerary for Cairo
For visitors who want to see all that Cairo has to offer, a week-long itinerary is recommended.
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, and the Cairo Tower |
| 2 | Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, Sound and Light Show |
| 3 | Islamic Cairo: Salah El Din Citadel, Sultan Hassan Mosque, Al-Azhar Mosque |
| 4 | Coptic Cairo: Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue |
| 5 | Memphis and Saqqara Day Trip |
| 6 | Old Cairo: Ibn Tulun Mosque, Khan El-Khalili Bazaar |
| 7 | Nile River Dinner Cruise |
Food and Drink Scene of Cairo
Egyptian cuisine is a combination of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, and Cairo has many restaurants that offer delicious local dishes.
Must-Try Dishes
Koshari
Koshari is a popular Egyptian dish that consists of rice, lentils, macaroni, and chickpeas, topped with a tomato sauce and crispy onions. It is a popular street food and can be found throughout Cairo.
Ful Medames
Ful medames is a dish made from fava beans, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It is often served for breakfast in Cairo.
Local Beverages
Tea
Egyptians love their tea, and it is a popular drink in Cairo. It is often served with mint and sugar.
Coffee
Egyptian coffee is strong and often served with a side of sugar. It is a popular drink in Cairo and can be found at cafes throughout the city.
Where to Stay in Cairo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Cairo has a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, budget hostels, and traditional guesthouses.
Luxury Hotels
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
The Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Cairo. It offers stunning views of the Nile River and is close to many of the city’s attractions.
Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
The Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah is a 5-star hotel located on Gezira Island in the Nile River. It offers breathtaking views of the river and the city and is a great choice for visitors who want to stay in a more secluded location.
Budget Accommodation
Freedom Hostel
The Freedom Hostel is a budget option located in Downtown Cairo. It offers shared and private rooms and is close to many of the city’s attractions.
Family Palace Hotel
The Family Palace Hotel is a small guesthouse located in the heart of the city. It offers a homey, welcoming atmosphere and is a great choice for travelers who want to experience local culture.
What to Buy in Cairo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Cairo is known for its handicrafts and souvenirs, and there are many shops and bazaars throughout the city where visitors can find unique gifts.
Perfumes and Oils
Egypt is famous for its essential oils and perfumes, and visitors can find many shops in Cairo that offer traditional aromatic products.
Handicrafts
Cairo is also known for its handicrafts, including pottery, embroidered textiles, and hand-carved wooden items. These make great souvenirs and gifts to bring home.
Local Culture and Customs of Cairo
Egypt has a rich cultural history, and Cairo is the perfect place to experience it. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, including dress codes and religious practices.
Best Time to Visit Cairo
The best time to visit Cairo is between October and April when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be incredibly hot and humid, and many of the city’s attractions are closed during Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cairo
Do:
- Dress conservatively, especially when visiting mosques and other religious sites
- Learn a few basic Arabic phrases, such as “hello” and “thank you”
- Bargain at markets and bazaars
Don’t:
- Take photographs of people without permission
- Drink tap water
- Touch or remove artifacts from historical sites
Safety and Health
Safety in Cairo
Cairo is generally a safe city, but visitors should be aware of pickpocketing and scams. It is also best to avoid political demonstrations and large crowds.
Health in Cairo
Visitors should be aware of the hot and dry climate, as well as the pollution in the city. It is best to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
Getting to Cairo: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Cairo
Cairo International Airport is the main airport serving Cairo. It is located approximately 22 km northeast of the city and offers domestic and international flights.
Bus Stations Near Cairo
Cairo has several bus stations that serve different parts of the city and the country. The largest bus station is the Turgoman Bus Station.
Other Options
Visitors can also travel to Cairo by train, which is a popular and affordable option. Trains depart from Alexandria and other cities in Egypt.
How to Get Around in Cairo
Cairo has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, metro, and taxis. Visitors can also rent cars or hire private drivers.
Where to Go Next from Cairo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Cairo is a great starting point for exploring other parts of Egypt. Popular nearby destinations include:
- Alexandria
- Luxor
- Aswan
- Dahab
- Sharm El Sheikh
Conclusion
Cairo is a fascinating city that offers a unique blend of cultural and historical attractions, outdoor adventures, delicious cuisine, and local customs. Visitors can easily explore the city and its surroundings for weeks and never run out of things to do and see. With a little planning and preparation, a trip to Cairo can be the experience of a lifetime.
Cairo Image Gallery
Cairo metro system
The Cairo/Giza - Great Pyramids of Giza
Mosque Amr ibn Al-As Entrance in the UNESCO-listed Old Cairo
Midan Talaat Harb
''feTīr'' is a pie, shown here with honey. It can be eaten as a meal or snack, with sweet ingredients like jam or honey, or salty toppings like cheese, meat, and vegetables which make it more like a pizza.
Meat market in central Cairo