Cairo Travel Guide — Everything You Need to Know

Cairo is overwhelming in the best way. The Pyramids sit at the edge of a city of 20 million people. Medieval mosques neighbor Coptic churches. The Nile slides through it all. Here's everything you need to know.

Quick Facts

📍 Northern Egypt, on the Nile
🌡 Best months: October – April
⏱ Recommended time: 3-4 days minimum
💰 Budget: $100-200/day mid-range

Top Experiences

The Pyramids of Giza

The only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Whatever you're imagining, standing before the Great Pyramid exceeds it.

Tips:

Visit early morning (7-8am) or late afternoon for best light
The Pyramids are at the city edge, not isolated desert
Buy tickets for inside the Great Pyramid if you want that experience
The Sphinx is right there—don't skip it

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

The massive new museum near Giza with Tutankhamun's complete tomb contents. Budget 4+ hours.

Saqqara & Dahshur

South of Giza, these sites offer the Step Pyramid and Red Pyramid with far fewer crowds. Essential for understanding pyramid evolution.

Islamic Cairo

The medieval heart of the city. Explore:

The Citadel — Fortress overlooking the city
Muhammad Ali Mosque — The iconic alabaster mosque
Khan el-Khalili — Ancient bazaar, perfect for wandering
Al-Azhar Mosque — One of the world's oldest universities

Coptic Cairo

Ancient Christian Cairo with the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and Roman fortress walls.

The Nile

A felucca sail at sunset, or dinner on a river cruise. Cairo from the water is a different city.

When to Visit

| Season | Weather | Notes | |--------|---------|-------| | Oct-Apr | 15-28°C | Ideal | | May-Sep | 27-38°C | Hot but manageable |

Cairo is more tolerable in summer than Upper Egypt, but October-April is still best.

Where to Stay

Giza Area

Best for: Pyramid views, first-time visitors

Downtown Cairo

Best for: Central location, budget options, authentic city experience

Zamalek

Best for: Quieter island neighborhood, good restaurants, slightly upscale

Getting Around

Private driver/guide: Strongly recommended for Cairo
Uber: Works well, affordable
Metro: Clean, efficient, but limited routes
Don't drive yourself: Seriously. Don't.

Survival Tips

Embrace the chaos — Cairo rewards those who go with it
Use a guide — At least for the first day
Drink water constantly — Even in "cool" months
Bargain everywhere — Except restaurants with printed menus
Allow extra time — Traffic is legendary

Common Mistakes

Spending only one day — Cairo needs 3-4 days minimum
Skipping Saqqara — It's as impressive as Giza, less crowded
Not exploring Islamic Cairo — It's spectacular
Fighting the traffic — Accept it, plan around it