Cairo

Travel Guide
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 theEgyptian Museum, explore the breathtaking architecture and streetscapes ofIslamic Cairoand immerse yourself in the contemporary arts on the island of Gezira. Just 30 minutes’ drive from downtown Cairo at theGizaPlateau, enter the tombs of the pharaohs at theGreat Pyramidsand marvel at theGreat Sphinx.

Start your adventure into the history of the city by exploringOld Cairo, an area surrounded by the walls ofBabylon Fortress, dated at nearly 2,000 years old. In the area around the fortress, known asCoptic Cairo, you will find theCoptic Museum, home to artefacts of early Christian history, art and culture. Don’t miss theHanging 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 Center 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 which includes tropical scenes

Downtown Cairo

4/5(557 area reviews)

The interesting museums and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Cairo. A stop by Talaat Harb Street or Midan Talaat Harb might round out your trip.

Downtown Cairo
#History 
Designed by Italian architect with a beautiful, classic European style, the palace was built in 1907 by the Nile River in Zamalek for Princess Aisha Fahmy. It was fully restored and opened to the public two years ago.

Zamalek

4/5(93 area reviews)

Cafes, museums, and historic sites are some highlights of Zamalek. Make a stop by Zamalek Art Gallery or Aquarium Grotto Garden while you're exploring.

Zamalek
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Nasr City

3.5/5(72 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the parks and casinos in Nasr City. You might want to make time for a stop at City Center Shopping Mall or City Stars.

Nasr City
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Heliopolis

3.5/5(330 area reviews)

Travelers come to Heliopolis for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Baron Empain Palace and Tivoli Dome while you're in town.

Heliopolis
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Maadi

4/5(17 area reviews)

Travelers enjoy Maadi for its live music and riverfront. Consider checking out Mostafa Kamel Museum while you're in the area.

Maadi
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Al Haram

3.5/5(265 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
Pyramids View inn Bed & Breakfast
Pyramids View inn Bed & Breakfast
3 out of 5
10 Sphinx Street Nazlet Samman, Sound&Light Square Front of Sphinx gate, Giza
The price is ¥5,508 per night from Jun 1 to Jun 2
¥5,508
per night
Jun 1 - Jun 2
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly B&B in Giza. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free valet parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9/10 Wonderful! (995 reviews)
The hotel was amazing, but the tours weren’t
"Pros: Excellent location, the entrance to Giza pyramids is just across the road. Amazing view from balcony and rooftop terrace, we could see the pyramids and sphinx from the hotel. Average: Friendly staff, although they were a bit pushy. The lady asked us daily to give this hotel a good review. Air ..."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Pyramids View inn Bed & Breakfast
Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino
Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino
5 out of 5
16 Saray El Gezira, Zamalek, Downtown, Cairo
The price is ¥26,256 per night from Jun 3 to Jun 4
¥26,256
per night
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairo. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 14 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Extraordinary hospitality
"I'm so glad to book again in Marriott cairo This visit was much better than the previous stays The suite was amazing, Hospitality was perfect and the service was more than excellent Thank you so much Ms NADIA SHOUSHA for the extraordinary hospitality as well as Amr and all staff members Ms Nadia ..."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino
Le Méridien Cairo Airport
Le Méridien Cairo Airport
5 out of 5
Cairo Airport , Terminal 3, Cairo
The price is ¥17,829 per night from May 17 to May 18
¥17,829
per night
May 17 - May 18
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairo. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice and easy"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Le Méridien Cairo Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Afnan Cairo Airort
Afnan Cairo Airort
3 out of 5
2h Taha Hussain Road New Nozha, information technology institute, Cairo, Cairo
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cairo. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions City Stars and City Centre Almaza ...
7.2/10 Good! (5 reviews)
A budget friendly must stay
"Friendly staff and incredibly clean facility. 10/10 - Better than spaces that cost 6 times the daily rate. Bathroom not attached, but two available and VERY clean with amenities. Was very happy with this stay."

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2024

Afnan Cairo Airort
Parkside Boutique Furnished Apartments
Parkside Boutique Furnished Apartments
5 out of 5
17 Rafik Salah Al Din, Cairo, Cairo Governorate
Stay at this 5-star luxury apartment in Cairo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions City Stars and Khan el-Khalili are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (35 reviews)
Awesome
"It was wonderful"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Parkside Boutique Furnished Apartments
Prime Residence New Cairo
Prime Residence New Cairo
2.5 out of 5
New Cairo 1, New Cairo, Cairo Governorate
Stay at this aparthotel in New Cairo. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Point 90 Mall and Maxim ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"We enjoyed our time here - it was clean and felt safe, with 24hr security onsite. There is a roof terrace for all to use (although this could do with a little TLC). The front desk attendants were friendly and very helpful - they helped us a great deal with translation when trying to arrange delivery ..."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Prime Residence New Cairo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Cairo

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
256
" "5 - Excellent 35.45706371191136%
4 - Good
269
" "4 - Good 37.257617728531855%
3 - Okay
142
" "3 - Okay 19.667590027700832%
2 - Disappointing
34
" "2 - Disappointing 4.7091412742382275%
1 - Terrible
21
" "1 - Terrible 2.9085872576177287%

5/5 - Excellent

Essam
Mar 20, 2020

The best people ever

4/5 - Good

Patricia
Mar 19, 2020

Unfortunate circumstances of corona virus and massive rain storms. Cairo is massive with a huge population to contend with. Historically fabulous of course which was our main interest

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 17, 2020

I love Cairo. I used to live there and find the life and people so energetic and kind. It is not an easy place to visit for Westerners. Finding a safe and comfortable hotel is important for single travelers.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Mar 13, 2020

People are very cunning,cheat a lot,lie a lot,take advantage. Language is a huge issue. Do not take local taxis. Use Uber. Anyone who comes and starts talking with you or tries to suggest anything DECLINE or u will end up cheated

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 5, 2020

Interesting city, very noisy and polluted however, would not stay more than a few days to visit specific nearby attractions.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Feb 28, 2020

We’ve travelled the world. We didn’t enjoy Cairo. It was very dirty & noisy. There is NOT a pleasant place to stroll along the Nile. We didn’t feel unsafe but kept our guard up, constantly approached By scammers under the pretense to help us

Cities near Cairo