🇪🇬 Mother of the World

Discover
Cairo

Cairo is the largest city in Africa and the Arab world — an overwhelming, chaotic, magnificent metropolis where 4,500 years of civilisation stare down from the plateau at Giza and where the Islamic architecture of the old city is second to none.

4,500Years of History
3Wonders of the World
10mCairo Population
30+Pyramids Nearby

Cairo demands patience and rewards it enormously. The Egyptian Museum contains the world's greatest collection of antiquities, the Pyramids of Giza are genuinely more astonishing in person than in any photograph, and the medieval Islamic city of Khan el-Khalili is endlessly fascinating.

Top Attractions in Cairo

The landmarks, museums and experiences that define Cairo.

Cairo's Best Neighbourhoods

Every district of Cairo has its own personality.

Cairo's Food Scene

Where and what to eat in Cairo.

Transport in Cairo

Everything you need to get around Cairo like a local.

🚇
Cairo Metro
3 lines. El Sadat station for downtown and Tahrir. Very cheap (EGP 8–10).
💡 Metro Line 1 connects Helwan to Marg — useful for Giza and Maadi
🚖
Uber / Careem
The only reliable taxi option for tourists. Significantly cheaper than London/NY equivalents.
💡 Always use the app — never negotiate fares with unmarked street taxis
🚌
CTA Buses
Extremely cheap but complicated for tourists. Use only with a confident Arabic speaker.
💡 Stick to Uber/Careem for tourist use — buses lack English signage
✈️
Cairo International Airport
Uber or Careem from airport to city — EGP 150–300 depending on traffic.
💡 Traffic to/from airport can be severe — allow 90 minutes during rush hour

Day Trips from Cairo

Cairo is the perfect base for exploring further afield.

Essential Cairo Tips

01
Bargain everywhere
Fixed prices exist only in malls. Markets, taxis and souvenirs all require negotiation.
02
Dress conservatively
Cover shoulders and knees in the old city and near mosques.
03
Pyramid scams
Never accept "help" near the Pyramids without agreeing a price first. Camel rides require firm negotiation.
04
Drink only bottled water
Tap water is not safe. Bottled water is cheap everywhere.
05
Traffic is chaos
Cairo has some of the world's worst traffic. Budget double the map time for journeys.
06
Ramadan changes everything
During Ramadan, restaurants close during daylight hours. The city becomes atmospheric after dark.

Cairo Weather Guide

What to expect season by season.

🌸
Spring (Mar–Apr)
20–28°C
Pleasant, with occasional khamsin sandstorms in March–April.
☀️
Summer (May–Sep)
35–42°C
Extremely hot. Monuments at 7am only. Nile breeze helps somewhat.
🍂
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
22–30°C
Excellent — cooler, clearer and far fewer tourists.
❄️
Winter (Dec–Feb)
14–22°C
The best time — cool, sunny and comfortable for monument-visiting.

Tours & Activities in Cairo

Skip-the-line access, expert guides and unique local experiences — click any card to book directly.

🍽️
Popular
Food & Drink
Cairo Street Food & Market Tour
Taste the flavours that define Cairo — local specialities, hidden eateries and the stories behind the food.
⏱ 2.5 hrs👥 Small group📍 Markets
🚌
New
Day Trip
Best Day Trip from Cairo
A handpicked excursion to the most spectacular destination within reach of Cairo — transport and guide included.
⏱ Full day👥 Group📍 Nearby

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The Cairo Blog

Itineraries, insider tips, seasonal guides and neighbourhood deep-dives — everything you need to plan the perfect Cairo trip.

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