Travel guide

Cairo

Cairo10/10

Top Things to Do in Cairo

The Great Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx – Walk among the legendary pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and marvel at the Sphinx—a must-see UNESCO site just outside central Cairo
The Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square) – Home to over 120,000 artifacts including Tutankhamun’s mask; located right in downtown Cairo
Khan el‑Khalili Bazaar – A vibrant maze of alleys filled with spices, lamps, jewelry, and traditional cafés like El‑Fishawy (est. 1773) .
Cairo Citadel & Mosque of Muhammad Ali – Historic hilltop fortress built by Saladin, housing the stunning Alabaster Mosque with sweeping city views
Al-Azhar Park – A beautifully landscaped escape offering panoramic views of Old Cairo and tranquil gardens for walking or dining
Sunset at Cairo Tower – At 187 m tall, it’s a prime vantage point over the city, especially magical in the evening .
Felucca Ride on the Nile & Dinner Cruises – Experience the city reflected on the river at dusk with traditional sailboats or dinner cruises featuring live performances
Coptic and Islamic Cairo – Explore historic streets in Old Cairo, including the Hanging Church, Ibn Tulun Mosque, and centuries of Islamic architecture around Al-Muizz Street
Pharaonic Village (Giza) – A living museum featuring reenactments of ancient Egyptian daily life, a replica Tutankhamun tomb, and interactive experiences

Khufu’s at Giza – A high-end dining spot offering reimagined Egyptian dishes with direct views of the Great Pyramid. Named a “one to watch” on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list .
Local Cafés & Street Food – Try koshari, ful medames, falafel, and Egyptian flatbreads in Islamic Cairo and nearby bazaars.
Zamalek District – Riverside cafés and rooftop restaurants in Cairo’s leafy arts and culture quarter
Grand Egyptian Museum (when open) – Planned dining facilities offering modern cuisine amidst recently excavated antiquities at Giza .

When to Go: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild weather.
Language & Currency: Arabic is the official language; English is commonly spoken in tourist areas. Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP).
Getting Around: Use metro, Careem/Uber, or taxis; beware of street vendors at major attractions—polite but firm “la shukran” (no thank you) works well .
Cultural Norms: Dress modestly, especially inside mosques. Women should have shoulders and knees covered, and men should avoid shorts in religious sites.
Entrance Fees: Entry to the Egyptian Museum is around 200 EGP; the Citadel and Museum complex costs approximately 200 EGP
Photography: Allowed in many places for a fee; some museum sections restrict cameras (e.g. Tutankhamun mask & mummy halls) .

Luxury: Four Seasons Nile Plaza in Zamalek or Kempinski Nile Hotel—riverfront, elegant, proximity to attractions.
Heritage: Marriott Mena House near Giza for views of pyramids, or Cecil Hotel near Tahrir.
Mid‑Range: Stay around Zamalek or Downtown (Mohandiseen, Garden City) for cafés, museums, and easy metro access.
Budget: Guesthouses and boutique hotels in Islamic Cairo around Al-Muizz area offer authenticity and convenience.