Introducing Cairo
Cairo, Egypt's capital, straddling the Nile River, boasts majestic grandeur and spectacular scenery. It serves as the political, economic, and commercial center of the entire Middle East. Comprising the governorates of Cairo, Giza, and Qal'ub, it is collectively known as Greater Cairo. It is the largest city in Egypt and the Arab world, and one of the oldest cities in the world.
Cairo's west side boasts numerous European-style buildings dating back to the early 20th century, while its east side is dominated by ancient Arabic architecture. Minarets are ubiquitous in Cairo. In Arabic, a minaret is called a "mizen," referring to the place where the muezzin stands to call people to prayer. From the 7th century AD, with the widespread spread of Islam in West Asia and Africa, mosque architecture continued to develop, and minarets evolved into various styles, becoming an integral component of mosque architecture and a major attraction in Cairo. Famous Cairo attractions include the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo Tower, the Egyptian National Museum, Saladin Citadel, and the Ali Mosque.
Climate and best time to travel
Best time to visit: October to February, when rainfall is low and the climate is mild, making it a good time to travel. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so prices may rise.
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Pyramids of Giza
There are three large pyramids in Giza: the Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. The most famous of these is the Pyramid of Khufu, sometimes referred to as the Great Pyramid. It is the largest, most architecturally advanced, and best-preserved of the Giza pyramids. It was built around 2570 BC as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu himself.
Sphinx
To the east of the Pyramid of Khufu is the Sphinx, gazing eastward from Egypt, its face gloomy and melancholy, seemingly both asleep and awake, embodying a majestic aura and inspiring mysterious reverie.
Saqqara Pyramids
The Saqqara Pyramids are located 30 kilometers south of Cairo, in the desert on the edge of the oasis in the western valley of the Nile River. They are composed of multiple pyramids. The most famous of them is the Step Pyramid, which is the tomb of King Djoser of the Third Dynasty of Ancient Egypt and was built around 2700 BC. This pyramid is the oldest existing pyramid in Egypt and the earliest stone tomb in the world.
Egyptian Museum
Located in Tahrir Square in the heart of Cairo, the Egyptian Museum, opened in 1902, is the world's most famous and largest museum of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Its collection encompasses over 300,000 items, including statues, paintings, gold and silver vessels, jewelry, artifacts, coffins, stelae, and papyrus documents, spanning prehistoric Egypt to the Greek and Roman periods. Most of the exhibits are over 3,000 years old.
Recommended number of days for visiting: about 3 days
Most Popular FAQs for Cairo
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Cairo is Egypt’s capital and one of the Arab world’s major cultural, historical, and political centers. Its history spans Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic Christian, Islamic, Ottoman, and modern eras. The proximity to the Giza Plateau links Cairo to ancient Egypt’s legacy. Over centuries, Cairo has been a hub of scholarship, architecture, religion, and commerce in the Middle East and Africa.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
Cairo lies in northern Egypt, on the Nile River delta. Visitors usually arrive via Cairo International Airport. In the city, transport includes metro lines, buses, taxis or ride-hailing apps, and walking in local districts (especially downtown, Islamic Cairo, and Coptic Cairo).
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
Most museums and historical monuments open around 9:00 AM and close by 4:00 or 5:00 PM. The Pyramids complex opens ~8:00 AM (seasonally) until late afternoon. The best times to visit are during cooler months (October to April) in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- The Egyptian Museum: For foreign visitors ~ 275 EGP (regular) and higher for special halls, and for Egyptian nationals ~30 EGP.
- The Salah al-Din Citadel / Muhammad Ali Mosque: ~ 60 EGP for foreigners, ~30 EGP for Egyptians.
- Other Islamic, Coptic, and historical monuments (madrasas, mosques, palaces): typically 150 EGP or less depending on site.
- The Pyramids complex: separate tickets for entrance to plateau, pyramid interiors, Solar Boat Museum, etc. (prices vary).
- Tickets are generally bought onsite at ticket offices; some reputable tours or operators may facilitate advance booking for major attractions.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
For the Pyramids (especially interior access) and for guided tours, it's wise to book in advance (days to a couple of weeks). For most museums and standard monuments, same-day tickets are usually fine, but during peak season or holiday periods, advance booking helps reduce waiting.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
To see the major highlights of Cairo, allocate 3 to 4 full days. If you include excursions (Saqqara, Memphis) or a more relaxed pace, 5–6 days is better.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Solar Boat Museum
- Egyptian Museum in Tahrir
- Salah al-Din Citadel & Muhammad Ali Mosque
- Khan el-Khalili bazaar
- Coptic Cairo (Hanging Church, Coptic Museum, ancient churches)
- Al-Azhar Park
- Cairo Tower
- Historic hammams and Islamic architecture in Islamic Cairo
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
Yes. Guided tours in English, French, Spanish, German etc are widely offered for major sites. Some museums provide audio guides. Tours are often arranged via hotels or tour operators.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- From the Marriott Mena House or other pyramid-view hotels overlooking Giza plateau
- Panoramic point above the Pyramids plateau
- Rooftop terraces in Downtown Cairo or Islamic Cairo
- Cairo Tower observation deck
- Al-Azhar Park overlooking old city skyline at dusk
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Day 1: Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Solar Boat Museum
- Day 2: Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, then walk in Downtown and Islamic Cairo in afternoon
- Day 3: Citadel & Muhammad Ali Mosque, then Coptic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili
- Day 4: Al-Azhar Park, Cairo Tower, hammam or evening Nile cruise
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
- Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids in the evening
- Nile dinner cruises at night
- Evening walks in Khan el-Khalili when it’s lit and cooler
- Nighttime performances at Cairo Opera House
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
Cairo is busy year-round. The Pyramids and museums are busiest mid-morning to midday. The least crowded times are early morning at opening, late afternoon, and on weekdays (not weekends). Off-peak season (summer months) sees fewer tourists.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Major attractions have restrooms, visitor centers, cafes or vendors
- Shopping and stalls in Khan el-Khalili and surrounding streets
- Public seating, shade, fountains especially in parks and gardens (e.g. Al-Azhar Park)
- Hotels provide water, dining facilities, guidance
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
- Some sites (museums, newer park areas) have ramps and easier access
- Historic sites, pyramids plateau, narrow alleys may be challenging for mobility-impaired
- Children can enjoy open spaces, museums, Nile cruises, and bazaars with supervision
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
In Cairo many places accept credit/debit cards, especially in hotels, museums, restaurants, and major attractions. But cash (Egyptian Pound) is still essential for street vendors, some smaller shops, local markets, tipping, and transport.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- El-Fishawy Café in Khan el-Khalili (historic café, open 24h)
- Cafés and restaurants along Downtown, Islamic Cairo, Zamalek, and Corniche areas
- Fine dining options at luxury hotels and Nile-view restaurants
- Street food and local eateries in markets and neighborhoods
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
- Egypt’s food culture is largely halal, so meat options follow Islamic dietary laws
- Vegetarian and vegan dishes like falafel, koshari, lentil soups, salads, vegetable stews are widely available
- Many restaurants in tourist areas explicitly list vegetarian/vegan options
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Luxury: Pyramids-view hotels near Giza Plateau, upscale hotels in Zamalek, Downtown Cairo
- Mid-range: hotels near Tahrir Square, Islamic Cairo, near metro lines
- Budget / guesthouses: in Downtown, Islamic Cairo, near public transport
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Saqqara (Step Pyramid), Memphis (ancient capital) — reachable in a day trip
- Dashur pyramids farther south
- The Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza (when fully operational)
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Souvenir shops in Khan el-Khalili and around historic districts
- Typical souvenirs: papyrus art, Egyptian cotton textiles, alabaster carvings, jewelry, scarabs, perfumes, spices
- Leather goods, lanterns, traditional crafts, replica antiquities (within legal limits)
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Domestic flights from Cairo International Airport to other Egyptian destinations (Luxor, Aswan, Sharm etc.)
- Intercity trains or buses to Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, and other cities
- Private car hires or guided road travel
- Using metro, bus, or taxi to reach Cairo’s suburbs or further urban neighborhoods
