Egypt

Cairo

Cairo: where ancient wonders meet chaotic, vibrant streets.

Local time
UTC+3
Population
22.1M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Affordable
  • Food$$$$$About $20 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $40 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $1.3 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇪🇬 EGP =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

CAICairo International AirportMain hub, about 18 km northeast of the centre.
HowCostTime
Public busDowntown / Midan TahrirEGP10-2060-90 min
Cheapest but slow and crowded; check the route with the driver.
Airport shuttle busVarious hotels and squaresEGP50-10045-75 min
Runs to main areas; confirm the stop before boarding.
TaxiCity centreEGP200-35030-60 min
Agree the price first or insist on the meter.
Uber / CareemCity centreEGP150-25030-60 min
Pick-up point is signed in the arrivals area.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Cairo

Getting around

Metro for cheap cross-city trips; Uber or Careem for everything else.

  • Metro ★Three lines, clean and cheap; tickets EGP 8–20 by distance.
  • BusRed-white-blue city buses EGP 4–6; air-conditioned EGP 7–12; minibuses EGP 5–15.
  • Taxi / ride apps ★White cabs often skip the meter, so agree the fare or pay the fair sum on exit. Uber and Careem work well and are often easier.
  • Rental carNot advised for visitors; traffic is heavy and rules are loose.
  • WalkingFine in some districts, but crossings and pavements are poor; little cycling.
Recommended stay★ 3 nights (4 days)

Three nights covers the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum and a full day in Islamic Cairo without rushing in the heat.

Best for
  • HistoryPyramids, the Egyptian Museum and Islamic Cairo.
  • CultureMosques, bazaars and the Nile at sunset.
  • FoodKoshari, grilled meats and street snacks.

Weather by month

19°9°Jan🌧 1d
21°9°Feb🌧 2d
25°12°Mar🌧 1d
30°15°Apr🌧 1d
34°19°May
37°22°Jun
38°23°Jul
38°24°Aug
36°22°Sep
32°19°Oct
27°15°Nov🌧 1d
22°11°Dec🌧 1d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Hot desert climate: sunny most days, almost no rain, and a very hot summer from June to September.

  • Best time: November to MarchDays around 19–27°C and cool nights. Ideal for the Pyramids and long walks.
  • Summer is extreme (June to September)Highs of 36–38°C. Do outdoor sights at sunrise; stay indoors at midday.
  • Almost no rainOnly about 1–2 rain days a month in winter. No umbrella needed most of the year.
  • Dust and hazeSpring can bring dusty winds that blur the skyline. Check the air before desert trips.
  • Cool evenings in winterNights drop near 9–11°C from December to February. A jacket helps after dark.
  • What to packLight clothes, a hat and sunscreen; a warm layer for winter nights; modest dress for mosques.

Landmarks 45

Must-see · 6

  1. 1

    Pyramids of Giza

    The last surviving wonder of the ancient world and the reason many people come to Egypt. Go early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds, and wear comfortable shoes for the sand and stone.

  2. 2

    Great Sphinx of Giza

    The iconic limestone statue with a human head and lion body, guarding the Giza plateau. It is included with the Giza site ticket; visit at opening time for the best light and fewer people.

  3. 3

    Egyptian Museum

    Home to a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including royal mummies and treasures. Allow at least two hours; tickets are sold at the entrance and photography may require an extra fee.

  4. 4

    Cairo Citadel

    A medieval Islamic fortification offering panoramic views over Cairo. Wear modest clothing as it contains active mosques, and go in the late afternoon for cooler weather.

  5. 5

    Mosque of Muhammad Ali

    The striking alabaster mosque inside the Citadel, a symbol of Ottoman Cairo. Remove your shoes before entering and dress conservatively; it is busiest around midday prayer.

  6. 6

    Khan el-Khalili

    A historic bazaar full of shops, cafés and narrow alleys, perfect for souvenirs and people-watching. Visit in the evening when it is liveliest, and be ready to bargain.

1Pyramids of Giza2Great Sphinx of Giza3Egyptian Museum4Cairo Citadel5Mosque of Muhammad Ali6Khan el-Khalili

Cultural

Ancient Site 6

Palace 3

Islamic 5

Gate 1

Castle 1

Tower 1

Christian 3

Tomb 1

Museum 7

Old Town 1

Statue 1

Market 1

Historical Square 1

Natural

River 1

Activities

Football Stadium 1

Amusement Park 8

Theater 1

Food 1

Cruise Tour 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Cairo

    Alexandria · 3 h 00 by bus

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 220 km from Cairo

    Best way: The bus takes about 3 hours and drops you at Moharam Bek in the city centre, which is faster than the 3h 50m train.

    Take a direct train from Cairo Ramses station to Alexandria (Misr) station, about 2 to 2.5 hours, then use a taxi or the tram to reach the sights.

    • Train3 h 50 · from $1-$35
    • Bus ★3 h 00 · from $4-$7
    • Car2 h 24 · taxi ≈ 2,230 EGP

    What to see

    • Qaitbay Citadel
    • Bibliotheca Alexandrina
    • Corniche waterfront
    • Kom El Shoqafa catacombs
    • Montaza Palace gardens

    7 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Alexandria is a seaside city on the Mediterranean, so plan time for the waterfront and the Qaitbay Citadel.
    • Once in the city, a taxi or the tram can take you between the main sights.

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Cairo rewards visitors with pyramids, mosques, markets and Nile views. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    3 nights · History ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want the big sights: Giza, the Egyptian Museum and the old city, at a calm pace.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ EGP 2,590
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ EGP 569
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Day 1

    Arrive and ease into Downtown

    Tickets ≈ EGP 700 pp · taxis ≈ EGP 96
    123
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      14:00–16:00 · ≈ EGP 450 foreign adult — check on the day

      Egyptian Museum Landmark quest

      Indoor and cool. Allow time at the ticket window; check on the day for closing time.

      Open Daily roughly 09:00–17:00 · Source

    2. Taxi · 1288 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EGP 43
    3. 2

      17:00–18:00 · ≈ EGP 250 — check on the day

      Cairo Tower Landmark quest

      Short taxi to Zamalek. Go up near sunset for the river view.

      Open Daily roughly 09:00–midnight

    4. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ EGP 53
    5. 3

      18:30–20:00 · Free

      Zamalek neighbourhood walk

      Dinner and a stroll. Cafés stay open into the evening.

      Open Any time; cafés and shops daytime to evening

    Day 2

    Giza plateau, early start

    Tickets ≈ EGP 740 pp · taxis ≈ EGP 300
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      08:00–11:00 · ≈ EGP 540 general site ticket; Great Pyramid interior extra — check on the day

      Pyramids of Giza Landmark quest

      Go at opening to beat heat and crowds. Bring water and sun cover.

      Open Daily roughly 08:00–17:00 (shorter in winter) · Source

    2. Taxi · 761 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EGP 38
    3. 2

      11:15–11:45 · Included in the Giza plateau ticket

      Great Sphinx of Giza Landmark quest

      On the plateau, a short walk or drive from the pyramids.

      Open Same as the Giza plateau, roughly 08:00–17:00 · Source

    4. Taxi · 20 km · ≈ 1 h 11 min · ≈ EGP 229
    5. 3

      13:30–15:30 · ≈ EGP 150–300 for koshari, taameya and juice

      Old Cairo street food walk

      Lunch back in the city. Ask your guide for a clean, busy spot.

      Open Late morning to evening

    6. Taxi · 306 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EGP 33
    7. 4

      16:30–18:30 · Free to wander; pay for what you buy

      Khan el-Khalili Landmark quest

      Late afternoon into evening. Many shops close Friday morning.

      Open Shops roughly 10:00–late evening; many closed on Friday morning

    Day 3

    Islamic and Coptic Cairo

    Tickets ≈ EGP 1,150 pp · taxis ≈ EGP 173
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      08:30–10:30 · ≈ EGP 450 site ticket — check on the day

      Cairo Citadel Landmark quest

      Morning is cooler and quieter. Wear shoes you can slip off.

      Open Daily roughly 08:00–17:00 · Source

    2. Taxi · 266 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EGP 33
    3. 2

      10:45–11:30 · Included in the Citadel ticket

      Mosque of Muhammad Ali Landmark quest

      Inside the Citadel. Closed to tourists at prayer times.

      Open Daily roughly 08:00–17:00, closed to tourists at prayer times · Source

    4. Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ EGP 64
    5. 3

      13:30–16:00 · ≈ EGP 400–800 per person with a guide — check on the day

      Al-Muizz Street guided walk

      Guided walk through the old streets. Evening tours are lit up.

      Open Morning or evening tours

    6. Taxi · 756 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EGP 38
    7. 4

      16:15–16:45 · Free

      Al-Azhar Mosque Landmark quest

      Open outside prayer times. Dress modestly.

      Open Open daily outside prayer times

    8. Taxi · 863 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EGP 39
    9. 5

      17:00–17:45 · ≈ EGP 100 to climb the towers — check on the day

      Bab Zuweila Landmark quest

      Climb the tower for rooftop views if it is open.

      Open Daily roughly 09:00–16:00

    Swap in instead

    • Add a day for Islamic Cairo: the Citadel, Sultan Hassan Mosque and Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
    • Swap a city day for Saqqara and Dahshur to see older pyramids with fewer crowds.
    • Take a short Nile dinner cruise or a felucca ride at sunset instead of an evening indoors.

    Getting around

    • Metro: three lines, clean and cheap; tickets EGP8-20 by distance.
    • Buses: red-white-blue city buses EGP4-6; air-conditioned EGP7-12; minibuses EGP5-15.
    • Taxis: white cabs; meters often unused, agree or pay the fair sum on exit.
    • Ride apps: Uber and Careem work well in Cairo; often easier than street taxis.
    • Driving: not advised for visitors; traffic is heavy and rules are loose.
    • Walking: fine in some districts but crossings and pavements are poor; little cycling.

    Where to stay

    • Downtown · ≈ EGP 900–3,500 a night
      Central for the Egyptian Museum, metro and cheap eats. Lively and noisy; good value.
    • Zamalek · ≈ EGP 2,000–7,000 a night
      Quiet island district with cafés and embassies. Calmer evenings, easy taxis to most sights.
    • Giza · ≈ EGP 1,200–6,000 a night
      Closest to the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Far from Downtown sights.
    • Heliopolis · ≈ EGP 1,000–4,000 a night
      Near the airport and quiet streets. Best for early flights or a last night.

    Food & drink

    • Try koshari: rice, lentils and pasta with tomato sauce. Cheap and filling, often under EGP 100.
    • Street snacks: ta'ameya (herb falafel), ful medames and fresh baladi bread. Look for busy stalls.
    • Grilled meats and pigeon are Cairo classics. Ask for the price before ordering at tourist-area restaurants.
    • Sweet tooth? Try basbousa and kunafa from a local sweet shop, sold by weight.
    • Tap water is not for visitors; drink bottled water and be careful with raw salads at cheap places.

    Tips

    1. Uber or Careem are highly recommended over hailing street taxis to avoid haggling
    2. Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques and older neighborhoods
    3. Crossing the street is an art; walk at a steady pace and let cars flow around you
    4. Haggling in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar is expected and part of the cultural experience
    5. Avoid the extreme summer heat by scheduling outdoor sightseeing for early mornings
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

    Pyramids of Giza
    Great Sphinx of Giza
    • See the Pyramids and Sphinx up close
    • Enjoy a camel ride in the desert
    • 8,029 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Camel ridePrivate tour

    Pyramids & Great Sphinx Private Tour with Camel Ride

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (8,029)

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Grand Egyptian Museum
    Pyramids of Giza
    Great Sphinx of Giza
    • Visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum
    • Explore the Giza pyramids and Sphinx
    • 5,103 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Lunch includedEntry included

    Grand Egyptian Museum, Pyramids, Sphinx Tour & Lunch

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (5,103)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Khan el-Khalili
    • Discover Old Cairo's history and culture
    • Taste local street bites
    • 1,537 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Street foodGuided walk

    Old Cairo Guided Walk Tour: History, Culture & Street Bites

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (1,537)

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Cairo Citadel
    Mosque of Muhammad Ali
    Khan el-Khalili
    • Visit the Citadel and Muhammad Ali Mosque
    • Shop in Khan el-Khalili
    • 1,329 reviews · 4.6 rating
    Private tourHotel pickup

    Citadel, Old Cairo and Khan El Khalili Private Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (1,329)

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Nile River
    • Sail on a traditional felucca
    • See Cairo from the Nile
    • 944 reviews · 4.4 rating
    Private rideSunset option

    Private Felucca Ride on the Nile River

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.4 (944)

    Souvenirs

    Egyptian cotton scarf

    EGP 400–12001 piece · estimate

    A scarf woven by hand from Egyptian textiles. Egypt is known for its fine cotton, so it makes a practical gift from Cairo.

    Where: Fair Trade Egypt, Zamalek
    Check the country of origin and the cotton content on the label before you buy.

    Cartouche pendant

    EGP 700–20001 small piece · estimate

    A small pendant shaped like an ancient Egyptian cartouche, the oval frame that holds a royal name in hieroglyphs. It links the city to its pharaonic past.

    Where: Reputable silver workshops in Khan el-Khalili
    Ask about the silver content and whether a name engraving costs extra.

    Papyrus painting

    EGP 300–15001 sheet · estimate

    A painting on papyrus, the paper-like material made from the papyrus plant that ancient Egyptians used for writing. It is a classic Cairo souvenir.

    Where: Dr. Ragab's Papyrus Institute, Khan el-Khalili
    Banana leaf paper is often sold as papyrus, so learn to tell them apart. Bargaining is expected in the market.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

    Search all Cairo hotelsHotels.com

    Popular hotels

    eSIM

    Get an eSIM for CairoStay connected in Egypt from day one · Airalo
    Compare all 5 plans · choose data and duration

    Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

    Luggage storage

    Store your bags in CairoDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce