Cairo Travel Guide
Cairo is a roaring, ancient metropolis where the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World sits at the edge of a city of some twenty million people. Between the Pyramids, medieval mosques and the eternal Nile, few places pack in as much history, chaos and hospitality.
Cairo ā Highlights in photos
Top things to do
Pyramids of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Khufu and its two companions have towered over the desert plateau for around 4,500 years. You can enter one of the pyramids for an extra ticket, though the interior is cramped and hot; most travelers are equally awed simply standing at the base and walking the panorama point for the classic three-pyramid photo.
The Great Sphinx
Carved from a single limestone outcrop, the lion-bodied, human-headed Sphinx guards the Giza plateau just below the pyramids. Its scale and enigmatic gaze are best appreciated from the viewing terrace near the Valley Temple.
Grand Egyptian Museum
Overlooking the pyramids, this vast new museum is designed to house the complete Tutankhamun collection and thousands of artifacts. It is a landmark of world museum-building; confirm which galleries and the Tutankhamun halls are open before your visit.
Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square)
The historic pink museum on Tahrir Square still holds a treasure-crammed collection of mummies, sarcophagi and antiquities. Even as exhibits transfer to the Grand Egyptian Museum, it remains a dense, atmospheric introduction to pharaonic Egypt.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
A labyrinth of medieval alleys packed with lantern-makers, spice sellers, jewelry and coppersmiths. Haggling is expected; pause at the centuries-old El Fishawy cafe for mint tea amid the buzz.
Citadel of Saladin & Mosque of Muhammad Ali
This hilltop fortress dominates the skyline, crowned by the alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali with its soaring domes and twin minarets. The ramparts give sweeping views across the city to the distant pyramids on a clear day.
Islamic Cairo & Al-Muizz Street
One of the world's richest concentrations of medieval Islamic architecture, this pedestrian-friendly historic spine is lined with madrasas, mosques and mausoleums that glow beautifully at night.
Nile felucca sail
Escape the traffic by drifting on a traditional wooden felucca sailboat, especially at sunset. It is a serene, breezy contrast to the intensity of the streets and a favorite way to see the city from the water.
Museums & entry info
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
A monumental new institution near Giza built around the full Tutankhamun collection and a grand staircase of statues. Admission is roughly USD 20-30 for foreign adults, with extra fees for special halls. Opening scope has been rolling out in phases, so verify exactly what is accessible on the official site.
Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square
The original antiquities museum with a dense, old-world display of pharaonic treasures. Adult admission is approximately EGP 450-550, with an additional ticket for the Royal Mummies room. Generally open daily; confirm hours and current ticket prices online.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)
Home to the Royal Mummies Hall, tracing Egyptian civilization from prehistory to today. Admission for foreign adults is around EGP 500-600, with a combined ticket for the mummies gallery. Check opening days before visiting.
Coptic Museum
In Old (Coptic) Cairo, this museum holds the world's finest collection of Coptic Christian art, textiles and manuscripts. Admission is roughly EGP 230-300. Verify hours, which can vary around religious holidays.
Gayer-Anderson Museum
Two beautifully restored Ottoman-era houses filled with period furniture and antiquities, adjoining the Ibn Tulun Mosque. Admission is modest, around EGP 100-150. Confirm current timings on arrival.
Signature experiences
Pyramids visit with camel or horse ride
A short camel or horseback ride across the sand delivers the iconic panorama of all three pyramids. Agree the price and duration up front; expect roughly USD 15-40 depending on length and your bargaining, on top of the site entry ticket.
Giza Sound & Light Show
After dark, the pyramids and Sphinx are illuminated in colored light while a narrated history plays. Tickets run approximately USD 25-35; check the schedule for the English-language session.
Sunset felucca on the Nile
Hire a felucca and captain for an hour of gentle sailing, ideally as the sun drops behind the city. Around USD 15-30 per boat for a small group, negotiated before you board.
Dinner cruise on the Nile
Floating restaurants offer buffet dinners with live music and often a whirling tanoura or belly-dance show. Expect roughly USD 30-60 per person depending on the operator and inclusions.
What to eat
Egyptian cooking is hearty, bean-and-bread based and deeply satisfying, with street food that is both cheap and beloved.
October to April offers comfortable, sunny days ideal for sightseeing, while summer heat can be intense. Winter is peak season, so book pyramid-area visits and tours ahead.
Traffic is heavy, so ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are the easiest and most transparent way to get around, complemented by an expanding metro. Most travelers arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI), about an hour from downtown depending on traffic.
Traveler tips
- Carry small cash for tips (baksheesh), entry tickets and taxis; not everywhere accepts cards.
- Dress modestly, especially at mosques, where women should cover hair and everyone removes shoes.
- Agree prices before camel rides, taxis and any 'helpful' guide at the pyramids to avoid surprises.
- Drink bottled water and pace yourself in the heat; midday is best spent in a museum or over a long lunch.