Cairo Travel Guide: Everything to Know Before You Go

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the main entry point for travelers, located about 22 kilometers northeast of downtown. The airport is well connected with flights from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Once you arrive, taxis and rideshare apps like Uber and Careem are the most convenient ways to reach your accommodation. Agree on a fare beforehand if using street taxis since meters are not always used reliably.

Within Cairo, traffic can be heavy and chaotic, especially during rush hours between 7-9 AM and 5-8 PM. The Cairo Metro is a practical option to avoid road congestion. It consists of three lines, with Line 1 running from Helwan to El Marg, covering major spots like Tahrir Square and downtown. A single ride costs between 3-7 Egyptian pounds depending on distance, and trains run approximately every 5-10 minutes from 5 AM to midnight. Metro stations can be crowded, so be prepared for tight spaces during peak times.

If you prefer street-level travel, microbuses and minibuses are common but might be confusing for newcomers due to irregular stops and variable routes. For short distances, tuk-tuks provide a quick and inexpensive way to navigate narrow streets but always insist on a price before boarding.

Cairo’s accommodation options range from international hotels to budget hostels and guesthouses. Downtown Cairo is the heart of the city, close to major landmarks like the Egyptian Museum and Tahrir Square. Staying here puts you within walking distance of many attractions, though the area can be noisy and crowded.

Zamalek, an island in the Nile, has a quieter atmosphere with leafy streets and upscale cafes. It’s popular among expats and has several boutique hotels and serviced apartments. The district is ideal if you want a break from the city’s hustle but still want easy access to central Cairo.

For those interested in history, Giza is the area to stay near the pyramids. Many hotels here provide views of the Great Pyramid and offer guided tours. Expect a more tourist-focused environment with multiple souvenir shops and restaurants.

When booking, check if your accommodation provides air conditioning, as Cairo’s climate can be hot and dry from April through October, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F).

Cairo’s historical sites are some of the most significant in the world. The Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square houses over 120,000 artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, with an entrance fee of around 200 EGP (about $6 USD). Photography is usually permitted but without flash.

No visit to Cairo is complete without seeing the Pyramids of Giza, located about 20 kilometers from the city center. The complex includes the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with the Sphinx. Entry costs 200 EGP for the general area, with additional fees for entering the pyramids themselves. The site opens at 8 AM and closes at sunset. To avoid the midday heat and crowds, arrive early or late afternoon.

Within Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo), you can visit the Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, showcasing the city’s religious diversity through the centuries. These sites are small but full of history, located on Mar Girgis Street.

Cairo’s food scene reflects traditional Egyptian cuisine. Koshari, a dish of rice, lentils, pasta, topped with spicy tomato sauce and fried onions, serves as a common street food. Vendors selling koshari appear throughout the city, including Koshary Abou Tarek near downtown.

Shawarma and falafel sandwiches appear frequently for meat lovers. A taameya (Egyptian falafel made from fava beans) sandwich with tahini sauce has a authentic flavor. Local bakeries produce fresh baladi bread, thicker and coarser than pita, which pairs well with dips such as baba ganoush or ful medames (stewed fava beans). Meals often include fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes, accompanied by mint tea.

Restaurants in Zamalek and Garden City present a range of cuisines, from traditional Egyptian to Lebanese and Mediterranean. Al Fishawy Cafe in Khan El Khalili market stands as a historic spot with outdoor seating, where patrons sip strong black tea amid the sounds of street musicians and vendors.

Cairo is a conservative city, so dressing modestly is advised, particularly for women. Shoulder and knee coverage is generally expected, especially when visiting religious sites like mosques and churches. Remove your shoes before entering these places.

Public displays of affection are uncommon and may attract unwanted attention. It is polite to greet with a handshake or by placing your hand on your heart. When offered tea or food, it is courteous to accept at least a small amount.

Haggling is standard practice in markets and bazaars such as Khan El Khalili. Start by offering about half the asking price and negotiate from there. Always carry small bills and avoid flashing large amounts of cash in public.

Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled water is widely available and inexpensive.

The most comfortable months to visit Cairo are from October to April, when temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). Summers (May to September) can be extremely hot, with daytime highs often above 35°C (95°F), which can make outdoor sightseeing tiring.

Rainfall is rare but most likely between December and February. Even then, showers are brief and infrequent. Carrying sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat is recommended year-round due to the strong sun. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to sightsee during warmer months.

Khan El Khalili Bazaar is Cairo’s main market for souvenirs. Here, you can find brass lamps, hand-blown glass, spices, papyrus paintings, and traditional textiles. The market is located in Islamic Cairo and remains open until late evening, making it lively after dark.

Look for shops selling handmade perfumes and essential oils, often packaged in small colorful bottles. Carpets and embroidered clothing are also common items, though these are pricier and best purchased after careful inspection.

When shopping, be prepared to haggle; vendors expect it. It’s wise to familiarize yourself with typical prices beforehand to avoid overpaying. Carry small denominations of Egyptian pounds for easier transactions.

Cairo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places like markets and metro stations. Keep your belongings secure and avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuable items.

Street food is popular but choose stalls with high turnover and clean preparation areas to reduce the risk of stomach upset. Drink bottled water and avoid ice unless you know it’s from purified sources.

Emergency numbers: Police – 122, Ambulance – 123. Many hotels have staff who speak English and can assist if needed.

Cairo hosts several annual events that can enrich your visit. The Cairo International Film Festival, held usually in November, attracts filmmakers and audiences from around the world. The city also celebrates Ramadan, during which fasting occurs from dawn to sunset, and the evenings come alive with street food stalls and social gatherings.

The Cairo Opera House regularly schedules concerts and performances ranging from classical music to traditional Egyptian dance. Checking the schedule in advance can help you catch a show.

Public holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are marked with festivities, but some businesses may close or have altered hours, so plan accordingly.