Cairo, Egypt: The ultimate first-timer’s Travel Guide

Cairo, Egypt, is the largest city in Africa and the Arab world, and one of the most overwhelming, fascinating, and unforgettable cities on the planet. The ‘City of a Thousand Minarets’ sits where ancient and modern Egypt collide: within the city limits lie the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and now the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Those were the reasons we were attracted and decided to organize our first trip outside Europe, aiming for a special experience in Cairo. Our full travel guide below will provide you with everything you need to know and do on your first visit to Cairo.

For more information, read our ultimate travel guide for Egypt

Transportation

From the airport

VIP Cars: At the exits, you will find 7-seat minivans that will take you to your accommodation for a predetermined price.

Taxi: You can get black-and-white taxis at a fixed fare of 50-80 EGP, or newer white taxis equipped with a taximeter. However, certain drivers might set a starting price above 100 EGP because they know some tourists negotiate.

Check prices on Welcome Pickups

Uber: The well-known app will free you from haggling; you will already know the price of the ride and feel more secure, as you can track your journey’s route.

Bus: Bus 356 connects Terminal 1 (international flights) to the city center. However, it is not preferred as the timetables are not respected, and there are delays.

It is a 45-minute distance depending on the traffic. To secure your journey from the airport, we suggest booking a hotel that includes airport transportation as part of its services. In any other occasion, the experience of finding and negotiating a price with one of the many drivers would feel chaotic and frustrating.

Transportation within the city

Underground Metro: 3 lines covering the city. The oldest metro in Africa (opened 1987), ranking among the 15 busiest globally. Fares: EGP 5–10 depending on distance (~$0.30). Cheap and efficient for the main city areas.

To get to the Pyramids from downtown: Take Metro Line 2 to Giza station (6 stops from Tahrir, ~EGP 6), then take a shared microbus or taxi for the final stretch.

Tok Tok: You will have to negotiate and price as there is no meter on the tricycle, but you will experience its vibrant adventure.

Taxi: We do not recommend using a taxi within the city. You will find it challenging to communicate with the drivers, as most speak little to no English. The times we took the taxi in Cairo, we showed the address to the driver, and he detoured, forcing the price of the meter to go up (whereas some were not even using the meter), and at the end, they asked for double the meter price, providing us with less change at the end.

Uber is the safest and most transparent taxi option in Cairo, with prices set in advance and routes tracked. Avoid street taxis, which often overcharge tourists. A 30-minute journey from Downtown to Khan el-Khalili costs approximately EGP 100–150 by Uber.

VIP Transport: Private transport with a driver or tourist guide, depending on the package. Many hotels offer organized tours with a driver or tourist guide. However, some hotels act as intermediaries with local drivers and take a commission. For this reason, make sure to research the prices of the tours you desire.

Best things to do in Cairo

Egyptian Museum

It is considered one of the richest museums in terms of the number of its exhibits, which are among the greatest of pharaonic Egypt. It has 120,000 exhibits, including papyri, jewelry, coins, statues, and personal items of pharaohs discovered during burial excavations. The most important excavation in global history was the excavation of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Among the findings, an 11-kilo mask stands out and is one of the most important exhibits in the museum. The mummies of the kings impress you (e.g. Ramses III, Amenhotep III, Sneferu, Nefertiti), which are found in very good condition. Be aware that photography is not allowed for some exhibits, and you might be fined if you do so. Also, in 2020, the Grand Egyptian Museum opened, housing around 50,000 exhibits. Some of which moved from the Egyptian Museum.

Giza Necropolis

The pyramids are among the most famous tourist sights in the world. Thousands of tourists flock to Egypt every year, specifically to this region. Even though it is widely cited as a tourist site in Cairo, it is in the Giza region, which is very close.

Payment at the Giza complex is by card only; cash is no longer accepted. Buy tickets in advance online at egymonuments.com or book a guided tour.

Current entry fees (foreigners):

• Giza Plateau (general admission): EGP 240 (~$12.50)
• Inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu: EGP 700+ additional
• Inside Pyramid of Menkaure: EGP 100 additional

Read more on the necropolis and the pyramids

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — The World’s Largest Museum

Since its official opening in November 2023, the Grand Egyptian Museum has become the unmissable attraction in Cairo, and arguably all of Egypt. Located just 2km from the Giza Pyramids, the GEM is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization, housing over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun displayed together for the first time in history.

Key facts:

• Location: Giza, next to the Ring Road — ~15 minutes from downtown Cairo
• Highlights: Tutankhamun galleries (5,000+ artifacts), 11-meter statue of Ramses II, Solar Boat of Khufu, Grand Staircase with views of the Pyramids
• Tickets: Foreign adults EGP 1,450 (~$29); students/children EGP 730. Must be booked online only at visit-gem.com
• Hours: 8:30 am–10:00 pm daily
• Tip: Book tickets well in advance; the GEM sells out regularly. Also, browse GEM guided tours on GetYourGuide for skip-the-line options with an Egyptologist.

Coptic Cairo

Part of Old Cairo, which witnessed the early stages of Christianity in Egypt, includes the Babylonian Fortress, the Coptic Museum, the Hanging Church, the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, and several other Coptic Churches and historic sites. In Coptic Cairo, it is believed that the Holy Family visited the area and stayed at the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga) to hide during Herod’s invasion. The cobbled alleys and fortress walls add a picturesque touch to your tour.

Cairo Citadel

Otherwise, the Acropolis of Cairo was built between 1176 and 1183 AD to prevent the Crusaders. It is known for its three mosques (Muhammed Ali, Al-Nasir, Muhammad, and Sulayman Pasha), which you will admire for their imposing Islamic architecture.

Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque

This is the first mosque built in Egypt and throughout Africa. It is currently the fourth-largest mosque in the Islamic world. You will be asked, as in all mosques, to remove your shoes before entering, and women are given cloaks to wear over their clothes to cover their bodies.

Al-Khalil Bazaar

It is the largest, most famous, and oldest bazaar in Cairo. You can find everything from souvenirs, jewelry, and herbs to handmade clothes and rugs, literally. It was our choice to buy some souvenirs for our home and acquaintances, since we had heard there were great bargains on prices, something you should not be ashamed to do.

Walk with a felucca

A felucca was a type of small wooden boat used in the Eastern Mediterranean. The ideal time for your walk on the Nile with this floating vehicle is mainly in the afternoon, when the sun has set, making the landscape idyllic for unforgettable photos.

Cruise and dinner on the Nile

Delightful dinner along the Nile accompanied by music and oriental dances. The lights from the cruise ships and the feluccas that take a walk reflect on the Nile, creating a romantic atmosphere. There is usually a large buffet with a variety of local Egyptian dishes. The shows usually include belly dances by both men and women, along with other acts that even the guests can participate in. Based on our experience, the cruise lasts about 4 hours and costs 40 € per couple. Our hotelier had asked for double the commission. We recommend that you use an application, such as Getyourguide. The reason is to avoid the commissions charged by travel agencies and hoteliers after first reading reviews of available tours.

Al-Azhar Park

The large park looks like an oasis of greenery in the city. Wander through its gardens and alleys, enjoy the fountains, and take a breath of fresh air away from the noise of the city. There is a mandatory entrance, and inside you will find cafes and restaurants. We preferred to eat at the Misr studio in the center of the park, where, in addition to the wonderful traditional food, we were impressed by the building’s architecture and the view of the Citadelle.

Excursion to Alexandria

The city of Alexandria is less than 3 hours away. Alexandria is the second-largest city and the main port of Egypt. Known for its ancient lighthouse, library, and many more points of interest.

Bus routes from Cairo to Alexandria can be found on Bookaway

Cairo Opera House

The Cairo Opera House is a cultural landmark and performing arts center located in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. The opera house was inaugurated in 1988 and serves as the city’s main venue for the performing arts, hosting a wide range of events, including operas, ballets, concerts, and theatrical performances.

The opera house complex features several performance spaces, including the Main Hall, which seats up to 1,200 people and hosts large-scale productions such as operas and ballets. There is also the Small Hall, which seats up to 500 people and is used for smaller productions, such as chamber music concerts and theatrical performances.

In addition to the performance spaces, the Cairo Opera House also houses several other facilities, including rehearsal rooms, a music library, and an art gallery. The gallery displays a rotating collection of artwork from local and international artists. The architecture of the Cairo Opera House is stunning, with a modern design that incorporates traditional Egyptian motifs. The exterior of the building is adorned with sculptures and carvings that depict ancient Egyptian gods and symbols.

Cairo Tower

At 187 meters, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the city. A tower whose shape symbolizes the flower of the Pharaohs, the Lotus. At the top, you will find the revolving platform with the restaurant, which offers a unique view of the pyramids, the Nile, and the whole city. Each rotation lasts 70 minutes.

Arabic coffee (or tea) and hookah

Fans of coffee should try the Arabic coffee in a kettle with spices at a store you will find on your way. In these cafes (ahwa), they offer hookahs with special flavors such as apple smoke, and their local tea is just as wonderful. We recommend the Fishawy Coffee Café, the oldest coffee shop, named after the large mirrors and large wooden frames that decorate it.

Where to eat in Cairo

Sequoia: Large armchairs and hanging lanterns offer views of the illuminated buildings along the Nile. Sequoia Restaurant will offer you high-quality Mediterranean cuisine.

Felfella: In the city center, you will find our favorite Felfella restaurant, where you can taste traditional Egyptian food. The decoration with live quails and pigeons in cages (which we later saw on the list as stuffed or fried), the low lighting with oriental lanterns, and the service, in addition to their delicious food, won us over.

O ’Pasta: For something different from the local flavors, O’ Pasta offers Italian cuisine with reasonable prices and amazing service.

Abou Tarek: A good solution for fast, filling food in Cairo, Abou Tarek has served only Koshary since 1950.

In addition to traditional cuisine, you can eat at well-known international restaurant chains such as McDonald’s, KFC, and Pizza Hut.

When to go

The best time to visit Cairo is during the winter or early spring. During this period, the temperatures ​​are comfortable enough to move around the city without the hot sun spoiling your plans. We personally made our trip to Cairo in December. The weather was great, with temperatures up to 22 degrees at noon and a slight chill at night. However, the weather is not always stable; there are several changes during the day and large deviations from morning to night.

The summer months are almost forbidden for a trip to Cairo. The hot desert sun will keep you from enjoying your activities, and the high humidity is annoying. Rainfall is rare in winter and summer, so it’s hard for any rain to spoil your designs.

Useful Sites & Apps

In the last few years, we have been traveling and have singled out some applications we use on every trip. We have chosen them over others for their validity, ease of use, and the variety of options they offer. Below, we describe in detail what these are and their characteristics.

Booking.com

Booking.com is a popular online booking platform for accommodations worldwide. With a vast selection of hotels, apartments, villas, and more, Booking.com offers travelers the convenience of finding and booking their ideal stay in just a few clicks. The site’s user-friendly interface and extensive filtering options make it easy to narrow down search results based on specific preferences such as price, location, amenities, and more. As a result, Booking.com has become a go-to destination for travelers looking for hassle-free booking options. With competitive pricing and a loyalty program that rewards repeat bookings, Booking.com is a top choice for travelers seeking great deals and a seamless booking experience. For available rooms and prices, look at Booking.com.

Welcome Pickups

One of the best, most trustworthy, and most convenient 5-star airport taxi companies for your airport transfer based on user reviews across various platforms such as Google, Tripadvisor, and Trustpilot. Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travelers. Local English-speaking drivers, flat, pre-paid fee, flight monitoring for delays, 24/7 Customer support + free cancellation. Check your options at Welcome Pickups.

Air Bnb

With more than 1 million properties worldwide, the options never end, ideal for low-budget opportunities even in expensive destinations. In addition, because it features homes and villas on its website, it helps you feel more familiar with each destination.

Hotels.com

Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodation worldwide, offering booking services through its own network of localized websites. Once you reach 10 nights, you’ll have a free night, which you can apply at checkout. You can earn multiple free nights by continuing to book with Hotels.com, though. The platform gives travelers one of the widest selections of accommodation on the net, including both independent and major chain hotels as well as self-catering in over hundreds of thousands of properties worldwide. The company offers a one-stop shopping source for hotel pricing, amenities, and availability. Find the best deals on Hotels.com.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants, and discover great places nearby. Find available offers and book your accommodation on TripAdvisor.

Omio.com

Omio is a leading travel platform that helps you easily plan and book your trips. With a comprehensive network of trains, buses, and flights across Europe and beyond, Omio allows you to compare and choose the best travel options for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or an extended vacation, Omio’s user-friendly interface and competitive prices make it easy to create unforgettable travel experiences. Check available routes on Omio.com.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a leading global travel search engine, helping millions of travelers find the best flights, hotels, and car rentals. With a user-friendly interface and powerful search technology, Skyscanner makes it easy to compare prices and options across hundreds of travel providers, giving you the best deals for your trip. From budget to luxury, domestic to international, Skyscanner has everything you need to plan your next adventure. So whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, start your journey with Skyscanner and discover the world like never before. Available flights and prices can be found on Skyscanner.

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is an online marketplace for booking travel activities and experiences. With a wide variety of tours, activities, and attractions available in destinations around the world, GetYourGuide makes it easy to find and book unique experiences for your next trip. From city sightseeing tours and food and wine tastings to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, GetYourGuide has something for every type of traveler. With a user-friendly website and mobile app, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, GetYourGuide is a top choice for travelers seeking memorable and authentic experiences. For available activities and tours, check on GetYourGuide.

Discover cars

DiscoverCars.com offers a hassle-free car rental booking experience, with a wide range of rental car options available worldwide. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates, 24/7 customer support, and flexible cancellation policies. With no hidden fees and a user-friendly interface, booking your rental car has never been easier. Choose from a variety of car rental options, including economy, luxury, and family-friendly vehicles, and enjoy the freedom of the open road on your next adventure. Book with DiscoverCars.com today and start exploring the world on your own terms!

Hotel Tonight

Here you will find last-minute discounts on vacancies from hotels. This is an amazingly simple app, and it doesn’t take long to book a room. You may search in each town for sights and maps. Furthermore, you can check the reviews and photos of other travelers to be sure about the reliability of each hotel. It also has a 24/7 customer service. If you’re stuck somewhere and you need a room desperately, this is the perfect app for you.

City Maps 2Go

Maps for traveling, hiking, mountain cycling, and many other activities. A necessary app for every adventure, activity, or touring abroad. You may only download one map per country, whereas it was possible to download two in the past. For an additional map, you need to pay. Alternatively, as soon as you have looked at the information on a map, you can delete it and then download a new one. 

You can mark all the places of interest on the map you have downloaded. Whether they are sights, shops, or restaurants, you can use the directions guide to get there. The great advantage of this app is that you don’t need to have an internet connection, although it might get stuck a few times. Nevertheless, it is quite a reliable and useful app.

EXTRA TIP

Once you have marked all the places you want to visit before your trip, you can also book your accommodation accordingly. This way, you can be sure you’ll be staying somewhere close to all places of interest.

iVisa.com

iVisa.com is an online platform that helps travelers obtain electronic visas, eVisas, and other travel documents quickly and easily. With an extensive database of travel requirements for over 200 countries and a user-friendly application process, iVisa.com makes it simple for travelers to apply for and obtain the necessary documents for their trips. Whether you’re planning a vacation, business trip, or other travel experience, iVisa.com can help you navigate the complexities of travel documentation with ease. More information for the necessary travel documents, depending on your nationality and destination, can be found on iVisa.com.

Cairo, Egypt FAQ — Everything you need to know