Cairo

Travel Guide
Cairo showing a coastal town, a pool and modern architecture
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 the Egyptian Museum, explore the breathtaking architecture and streetscapes of Islamic Cairo and immerse yourself in the contemporary arts on the island of Gezira. Just 30 minutes’ drive from downtown Cairo at the Giza Plateau, enter the tombs of the pharaohs at the Great Pyramids and marvel at the Great Sphinx.

Start your adventure into the history of the city by exploring Old Cairo, an area surrounded by the walls of Babylon Fortress, dated at nearly 2,000 years old. In the area around the fortress, known as Coptic Cairo, you will find the Coptic Museum, home to artefacts of early Christian history, art and culture. Don’t miss the Hanging 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Turquoise Pyramids View Hotel
Turquoise Pyramids View Hotel
2.5 out of 5
In front of Pyramids Gates, 7 Cairo - Alexandria Road, Giza, Giza Governorate
The price is NT$624 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
NT$624
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Giza. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (130 reviews)
"Overall our stay was average. The location to the Pyramids are amazing. The look of the area outside was dirty. Inside the property the pictures are misleading placed on the website and does not live up the the pictures. The rooms are very average and run down. The window in my room was broken and ..."

Reviewed on 2024/1/29

Turquoise Pyramids View Hotel
Le Méridien Cairo Airport
Le Méridien Cairo Airport
5 out of 5
Cairo Airport , Terminal 3, Cairo
The price is NT$3,130 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
NT$3,130
per night
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairo. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Very nice helped us check in early."

Reviewed on 2024/3/20

Le Méridien Cairo Airport
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 NT$1,135 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
NT$1,135
per night
Apr 11 - Apr 12
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! (955 reviews)
"a perfect place for you and enjoying the Pyramids of Giza really really a recommend it for you en your next vacations."

Reviewed on 2024/3/23

Pyramids View inn Bed & Breakfast
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.
pyramids tower view inn
pyramids tower view inn
5 out of 5
asran st from zaghlol st, 1, Giza, giza
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Giza. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Giza Pyramid Complex and Dr. Ragab's ...
pyramids tower view inn
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 St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church ...
8/10 Very Good! (22 reviews)
"Will book again 🔥❤️"

Reviewed on 2024/3/13

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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (21 reviews)
"The property was in a great location and staff are all friendly and accommodating. You get a full suite with all the things you need your stay. A great option for those who need to stay close to the university. Thanks again."

Reviewed on 2024/3/8

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

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