Destination Guide
Cairo
Pyramids on the skyline, a museum the size of a district, and a thousand-year-old bazaar a few streets from the metro. Here's how to see it without losing days to traffic.
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Best time to go
October to April
Fly into
Cairo (CAI)
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Suggested stay
4–5 days
Plan This Trip
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Why go
Cairo is where Egypt's story is easiest to follow in a few days: the last wonder of the ancient world, a landmark museum, medieval mosques and street life that runs late into the night. It is loud and busy, and endlessly rewarding if you plan around the heat and the traffic.
Where to Stay in Cairo
Cairo is huge, so choose your base by what you want to be near: the airport side of the city for easy arrivals, or the Nile in Garden City for a central stay.
JW Marriott Hotel Cairo
In Mirage City, New Cairo, about 7 minutes from the airport, with large pools and a resort feel. A calm base between sightseeing days.
Le Méridien Cairo Airport
Linked to Terminal 3 by a pedestrian bridge, with an outdoor pool. The practical pick for late arrivals, early departures or a short stopover.
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
On the Nile in Garden City, close to Downtown, with river views and a pool terrace. The best central base for sightseeing.
Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis
A glass-fronted landmark in Heliopolis on the airport side of the city, with gardens and several restaurants. Quieter than Downtown, with a taxi ride to the main sights.
What to See in Cairo
Do the big sights in this order: Giza and the new museum on one day, Islamic Cairo and the Citadel on another, then Saqqara if you have time.
Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum sits beside the Giza plateau and opened fully in November 2025. The complete Tutankhamun collection is displayed together, and timed tickets must be booked online in advance. Allow three to four hours, then see the pyramids in the late afternoon light.
Citadel and Islamic Cairo — Saladin's hilltop fortress holds the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with views over a skyline of domes and minarets. Dress modestly and go in the morning before the heat.
Saqqara — About 30 km south of the city, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, among the oldest large stone structures in the world. Combine it with a desert drive or a half-day tour.
Eating and Nile Evenings
Egyptian food is generous and made for sharing: grilled meats and seafood, mezze, stuffed vine leaves, rice and fresh bread. An evening on the Nile is the classic way to end a day of sightseeing.
Nile dinner cruises
A dinner cruise lasts about two hours, with a buffet or set menu and views of the city lights. Book through your hotel or a trusted operator and confirm the price, drinks and entertainment before you board.
Getting to Cairo
Cairo International Airport (CAI)
The airport is about 22 km north-east of Downtown, usually 30 to 45 minutes by road. The metro does not reach it, so use Uber or Careem, or agree a taxi fare before you set off.
A Simple 5-Day Route
Day 1
Arrive and Downtown
Settle in, walk along the Nile and have dinner in Garden City or Downtown.
Day 2
Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum
Museum in the morning with a pre-booked slot, pyramids at sunset.
Day 3
Citadel and Islamic Cairo
The Citadel first, then the streets and lantern workshops of Khan el-Khalili in the evening.
Days 4–5
Saqqara and Flex Days
Saqqara, a desert half-day, a Nile dinner cruise, or a slow day by the pool.
Good to Know
Getting around
Uber and Careem are the easiest way to move. The metro is quick for Downtown and Islamic Cairo. Allow 30 to 40 minutes to reach the pyramids from the centre, more at rush hour.
Entry requirements
Most visitors can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival for about US$30 in cash, or apply for an e-visa at the same price. Rules change, so check the official Egyptian portal before you travel.
Costs and etiquette
Carry small Egyptian pound notes for tips and taxis, dress modestly at mosques, and agree prices before any ride, tour or purchase.
Ready to Plan Your Cairo Trip?
Start with flights and hotels, then book museum and pyramid tickets ahead.