Cairo, Egypt: Best Things To Do
Few cities on earth carry the weight of history quite like Cairo. From ancient wonders that have stood for millennia to a street-food scene that never sleeps, Egypt's chaotic, captivating capital rewards every traveller who takes the time to explore it properly. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning visitor, here's everything you need to make the most of your trip.
Overview
Cairo is Africa's largest city, home to over 20 million people and positioned on the banks of the Nile in northern Egypt. It serves as the country's cultural, political, and economic heart, blending ancient pharaonic heritage with Islamic architecture, Coptic Christian history, and a buzzing modern cityscape. The best time to visit is between October and April, when temperatures are comfortable and sit between 60°F and 75°F (15°C–24°C). Summer months can push past 100°F (38°C), making sightseeing genuinely exhausting. The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), and most tourist sites accept cash only, so carry small bills. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and the city is generally safe for travellers who stay aware of their surroundings.
Top 10 Activities
- Visit the Pyramids of Giza: No list starts anywhere else. The last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World sits just 30 minutes from downtown Cairo. Hire a licensed guide at the gate (around $15–$20 USD) for context that transforms the experience. Arrive early to beat the crowds and heat.
- Explore the Egyptian Museum: Located in Tahrir Square, this treasure-filled museum houses over 120,000 artefacts including Tutankhamun's golden death mask. Budget at least three hours. Tickets cost around $14 USD for foreign visitors.
- Walk Through Islamic Cairo (Al-Qahira): The medieval heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with mosques, minarets, and medieval architecture. Start at Bab Zuweila gate and wander south toward the Citadel.
- Haggle at Khan el-Khalili Bazaar: One of the oldest markets in the world, Khan el-Khalili is the place to pick up spices, jewellery, lanterns, and textiles. Grab a mint tea at El Fishawy Café, which has been open continuously for over 200 years.
- Take a Felucca Ride on the Nile: Sailing the Nile at sunset on a traditional wooden felucca is one of Cairo's most peaceful experiences. Boats depart near Maadi and Zamalek; expect to pay around $5–$10 USD per hour after negotiating.
- Visit the Coptic Cairo District: This compact neighbourhood in Old Cairo is home to some of Egypt's oldest Christian churches, including the Hanging Church (Al-Muallaqah), which dates back to the 3rd century. Entry is free and the atmosphere is serene.
- Explore Al-Azhar Park: If you need a break from the sensory overload, this beautifully landscaped park in the Darb al-Ahmar district offers sweeping views of the Islamic skyline. Entry costs roughly $1 USD and it's perfect for a late afternoon stroll.
- Discover the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): The long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza is now open and houses the complete Tutankhamun collection for the first time. It's a world-class facility and one of the most exciting new museum experiences on the planet.
- Eat Your Way Through Downtown: The neighbourhood known as Wust El-Balad is packed with street food stalls and local restaurants. Don't leave without trying koshari (a comforting mix of rice, lentils, and pasta for under $2 USD) and fresh ful medames at breakfast.
- Day Trip to Memphis and Saqqara: Just south of Cairo, the ancient capital of Memphis and the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara are far less crowded than Giza and equally impressive. A private driver for the day costs around $40–$60 USD.
Practical Tips
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques and churches. Shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women.
- Tipping (baksheesh) is a standard part of the culture. Keep small bills (5–10 EGP notes) on hand for attendants, guards, and service staff.
- Use the Cairo Metro for cheap, efficient travel across the city — tickets cost under $0.20 USD. Women should use the designated women-only carriages during rush hour.
- Download the Uber or Careem app for reliable, metered transport. Avoid unmarked taxis unless you're comfortable negotiating the fare upfront.
- Stay in Zamalek (Nile island neighbourhood) or Downtown Cairo for central access to most attractions.
Getting There
Plan your trip to Cairo
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the main gateway, served by major airlines including EgyptAir, Emirates, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines. Direct flights from London take approximately five hours, from New York around eleven hours with a connection, and from Dubai roughly three hours. EgyptAir often offers competitive fares, particularly if you book two to three months ahead. The airport is located about 14 miles (22 km) northeast of the city centre; a taxi or ride-share to Downtown Cairo costs approximately $8–$12 USD.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Cairo City Centre Hostel and similar guesthouses in Downtown offer clean dorms and private rooms from $10–$25 USD per night. The area is well-